HAVING FUN AT LION COUNTRY SAFARI

I received compensation in the form of free tickets for writing this review. Although this post is sponsored, all opinions are my own


Hello all,

If you are looking for a great place to take the kiddos I have just the place for you. I have recently had the privilege of heading towards Loxahatchee in Florida this past weekend to visit the one and only Lion Country Safari . Let me tell you, this place is amazingly awesome!

It is Florida's only drive thru safari and walk thru amusement park that features over 1000 animals. It offers animal displays, feedings encounters and shows! It also has 5 rides, a water sprayground and of course its amazing drive thru safari. It literally has something for everyone!

HAVING FUN AT LION COUNTRY SAFARI

HAVING FUN AT LION COUNTRY SAFARI

HAVING FUN AT LION COUNTRY SAFARI

The drive thru safari takes about 1/2 hours to drive thru. You need to drive slowly so as not to startle the animals. You also need to keep your windows rolled up for safety. As you begin to enter they give you a CD to listen as you drive thru that narrates the tour which is sectioned off by different names that represent different areas. We saw so many animals. They were all out and very active. It is so awesome to see animals such as the large rhinos, or water buffalo casually walking up to your car and glimpsing in. We saw ostriches, gazelles, zebras, alpacas, rhinos, wildebeests, chimpanzees and so many more. I was in awe. My granddaughter was beside herself in excitement as she snapped away pictures on her camera. My son couldn't believe it when a rhino walked up alongside our car. Most were out walking about except the lions. Those were behind fences for safety reasons. My favorite were the giraffes. They were so beautiful! One came up and bit on our car antenna and peered in our car windows. It was so much fun to experience this! Check out the video:

HAVING FUN AT LION COUNTRY SAFARI

HAVING FUN AT LION COUNTRY SAFARI

HAVING FUN AT LION COUNTRY SAFARI

HAVING FUN AT LION COUNTRY SAFARI

HAVING FUN AT LION COUNTRY SAFARI

After the drive thru safari we decided to check out the rest of the park. My granddaughter rode some of the amusement park rides they had. She had a great time! Then we were off to the paddle boats which are always fun. Feeding  animals was next with feeding baby goats, loris, budgies and of course our faves the giraffes. After that, we saw the rest of the animals such as the alligator, tortoises, skinks, iguanas, parrots and other birds. They also offered a mini golf course, a train ride, a water splash park, a water slide, a large fun slide, water wars for water balloon fights, and much more! You definitely get your money's worth here! It was an amazing awesome place to visit, and we will be coming back again soon. This is a must see if you have kids, I highly recommend it, a great place to take the family!

HAVING FUN AT LION COUNTRY SAFARI

HAVING FUN AT LION COUNTRY SAFARI

Lion Country Safari is open every day of the year from 9:30-4:430. Admission is adults-$35, kids-$26, toddlers 2 and under are free. Their number is 561-793-1084 and they are located at 2003 Lion Country Safari Rd.,  Loxahatchee, Fl 33470.

BEST FLORIDA BEACHES TO GO TO ON MEMORIAL DAY

Hello all,

Memorial Day equals time at the local beaches and picnics. With me being here in Florida I know a thing or two about beaches. Hopefully the rain will clear away so we can have some fun in the sun. Clearwater made the list last year for number #1 beach in the country. Here are the best beaches to visit on Memorial Day, enjoy:


1. Caladesi Island State Park - This is one of a few completely natural island on Florida's coast. It's beautiful white sand beaches got it ranked America's best beach in 2008. you can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, camping, and hiking on it's trail. It also has a marina with electric and water hookups and a concession stand. It is located 1 mile off west of Dunedin off the Gulf Coast  and only accessible by boat or ferry.

BEST FLORIDA BEACHES TO GO TO ON MEMORIAL DAY - CALADESI ISLAND

2. Egmont Key -  In 1974, this 392 acre refuge was created to established to protect the keys natural, cultural and historical resources. The 280 care island is home to Fort Dade, a 100 year old lighthouse, and a nesting habitat for sea turtles, gopher tortoises, and 30,00 birds and other wildlife. It's a great place for swimming, fishing, and wildlife viewing, and collecting shells and shark's teeth.  It is located at 1 1/2 miles offshore from Fort DeSoto Park just outside St.Pete.

BEST FLORIDA BEACHES TO GO TO ON MEMORIAL DAY - EGMONT KEY

3. Anna Maria Island -  It is a 7 mile strip of white sand beaches that line the barrier island of Anna Maria Island . It's a wonderful place for swimming and kayaking.  It is located off the coast of manatee County just 20 minutes from Bradenton.

 BEST FLORIDA BEACHES TO GO TO ON MEMORIAL DAY - ANNA MARIA ISLAND

4. Siesta Key - This is an 8 mile long  barrier island in the Gulf off the coast of Sarasota. It is known for its beautiful beaches, shops and cafes. It's Siesta Public Beach is one of the best in the country, rated #1 in 2011. It boast volleyball, picnic tables, restrooms, tennis courts and a playground. The public beach access is located at 458 Beach Rd., Siesta Key.

BEST FLORIDA BEACHES TO GO TO ON MEMORIAL DAY - SIESTA KEY

5. Clearwater beach - This beach was voted #1 beach in the country last year. It has white sand beaches, a fishing pier where they have nightly activities, restrooms and a concession stand. This is one of my favorite beaches. But parking here is hard to do, so leave early. The marina is located at 25 causeway Blvd. the beach is 419 E.Shore Dr., Clearwater.

 BEST FLORIDA BEACHES TO GO TO ON  MEMORIAL DAY - CLEARWATER BEACH

6. Fort DeSoto Beach -  This beach is ranked one of the best in the nation. It boasts kayaking, camping, biking, swimming and fishing. It also has a fishing pier and a bait shop.  It features 3 miles of white sand beaches and is made up of five islands totaling 1100 acres. It is located on the southern tip of pinellas county at the entrance of Tampa Bay in St. Pete. It's located at 3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde.

BEST FLORIDA BEACHES TO GO TO ON MEMORIAL DAY - FORT DESOTO BEACH

VISIT THESE BEST FLORIDA ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS FOR SUMMER FUN

Hello all,

Summer break will be here before you know it. I know we all will be searching for something new to do to keep the kids entertained. I have compiled a list of some of the best zoos and aquariums in Florida for you to explore on your summer break. Take a look!

1. Discovery Cove (Orlando)- At this place you can swim with the dolphins, feed tropical birds, and snorkel through a saltwater reef. This place is pricey. Admission- $269-399 depending on if you want to swim with the dolphins.  It is located at 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando. 407-513-4600.

FLORIDA'S BEST ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS - DISCOVERY COVE

2. Busch Gardens (Tampa)- This place is a lot of fun. Besides having many fun rides, they also have a lot of shows and animals. My favorites are Curiosity Caverns, Myombe Reserve, and Edge of Africa. Admission $89.00 for kids, Adults $104.99. The park is located on the corner of Busch Blvd. and 40th St.   813-884-4386.

FLORIDA'S BEST ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS - BUSCH GARDENS

3. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium (Sarasota)- They have many close-up hands-on animal exhibits here. You can touch rays at their ray animal exhibit, and sea otters, sea turtle and manatees. They also have a shark encounter where you can prepare and feed sharks brunch with staff during a training session. There is a separate $45 fee for this. Admission- Adults (13 and older) $22.00. Kids (4-12) $16.00. It is located at 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy.  941-388-4441.

FLORIDA'S BEST ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS - MOTE MARINE

4. Big Cat Rescue (Tampa)- This is one of the largest sanctuaries in the world for abused or abandoned big cats. They have 80+ lions, tigers, bobcats, cougars and others. You'll need to schedule a tour for here. Admission Adults $37.00, Kids (10 and under) $27.00. It is located at 12802 Easy St.  813-920-4130.

FLORIDA'S BEST ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS - BIG CAT RESCUE

5. Florida Aquarium (Tampa)- They have many animal exhibits here where you can view snakes, 30 species of free flying birds, a Goliath Grouper, eels, stingrays and sea horses. For and extra fee you can go on a dolphin cruise, swim or scuba dive with their fish, or a behind the scenes tour or penguin pass. Admission- Adults $28.95,  Kids(3-11) $23.95. It is located at 701 Channelside Dr. 813-273-4000.

FLORIDA'S BEST ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS - FLORIDA AQUARIUM

6. Clearwater Marine Aquarium (Clearwater)- This marine life rescue center is home to Winter the Dolphin from the movies Dolphin Tale 1 and 2. Both movies were filmed here. Here you can see marine animals and sea turtle exhibits. You can feed their stingrays and sharks. You can take a boat tour of the waterways or a trolley to Winters Dolphin Tale Adventure where you can see a museum of props and sets from the movies. Admission-Adults $22.95, Kids $17.95. It is located at 249 Windward Passage. 727-441-1790.

FLORIDA'S BEST ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS - CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM

7. Sarasota Jungle Gardens (Sarasota)- They have over 200 animals including parrots, macaws, primates, amphibians, tortoises, reptiles and small animals. About 95% of the animals here are rescues. They have animals here you can touch like flamingos, skunks and snakes. Admission- Adults $17.99, Kids $12.99. It is located at 3701 Bayshore Rd.  941-355-1112.

FLORIDA'S BEST ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS - SARASOTA JUNGLE GARDENS

8. Monkey Jungle (Miami)- Here you can view wildlife like they would be in their natural habitats. Here you can experience unique up close encounter in this 30 acre park. you can see the Java monkey troop that numbers 90 monkeys. They dive into a monkey swimming pools collecting crabs and shellfish. You can also see orangutans and gorillas and take a rain forest adventure tour. . Admission-
$29.95, Kids(3-9) $23.95. It is located at 14805 SW 216th St.  305-235-1611.

FLORIDA'S BEST ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS - MONKEY JUNGLE

So go take a walk on the wild side and enjoy!

LOOKING FOR CHEAP CAMPING? WHY NOT GIVE THESE A TRY

Hello all,

Who wants to go camping?! Now that the weather and humidity are cooler, there is no better time than the present to go camping before the heat of summer sneaks up on us.  Who doesn't love being one with nature and enjoying the outdoors? But camping can get downright expensive. I found some awesome  cheap or free campsites in Florida that won't break your budget. Enjoy:



1. FLYING A MYAKKA SF -  A  $10.00 pass or permit is all that's required to camp here. There are 16-29 campsites available. There is wildlife viewing, picnic tables, restrooms, a fire ring, and a grill. These are primitive campsites and water is not provided. You can get a permit at the ranger station or at campsite #6. It is located at 2000 S. River Rd. , North Port. Fla 34223.  (941)460-1333.

13 AWESOME  FLORIDA CAMPGROUNDS THAT WON'T BREAK YOUR BUDGET- FLYING A MYAKKA SF

2. WOOD LAKE HUNT CAMP -  This is a free, first come first served campground.  You can stay up to 14 days here, except during gun season when it's used as a hunting camp. It is primitive camping with restrooms, picnic tables, and a boat ramp. It sits on the Ochlockonee River. It's located in Sopchoppy, Fla., (850) 643-2282.

13 AWESOME  FLORIDA CAMPGROUNDS THAT WON'T BREAK YOUR BUDGET - WOOD LAKE HUNT CAMP

3. BABCOCK WEBB WMA - The camping is free here but there is $3 cost for a day use permit. Camping is only permitted on the weekends and in the designated camping areas. They have a boat ramp, a fire ring, and picnic tables. This one is near water. The address is 29201 Green Gulf Blvd., Punta Gorda, Fla. 850-4884676.

13 AWESOME  FLORIDA CAMPGROUNDS THAT WON'T BREAK YOUR BUDGET - BABCOCK WEBB WMA

4. FORE LAKE CAMPGROUND - This is a pay campground at $12 a night. It has 30 campsites and each has a picnic table, grill, and lantern pole. It has a shower house and restrooms. It boasts a beautiful beach for swimming and has a fishing pier. There is a camp host on site and gates are open till 8 pm. If you get here after late, you can call (352)652-6312 for a gate code. It is located on SR 314, Silver Springs, Fla. (352)236-0288.

13 AWESOME FLORIDA CAMPGROUNDS THAT WON'T BREAK YOUR BUDGET - FORE LAKE CAMPGROUND

5. MATANZAS STATE FOREST PRIMITIVE CAMPp - This is a pay campground at $10 a night. It is open year round, but only has 5 campsites available. It has a grill, picnic tables, a fire ring, bathrooms and is near the water. You need to contact the Florida Forest Service at 386-585-6150 before 7 pm for the combination for the gate lock and a permit. The address is Double Gate Rd. at US 1 South,  St. Augustine, Fla. (386)446-6786.

13 AWESOME  FLORIDA CAMPGROUNDS THAT WON'T BREAK YOUR BUDGET - MATANZAS STATE FOREST

6. JB STARKEY WILDERNESS PARK - There are 16 tent camping sites. They have restrooms with showers and a small shelter, a fire ring, grills and drinking water.  Primitive camping is $5.00, regular tent camping is $10 nightly. Reservations are required. There are about 15 tent campsites. It is located at 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd. , New Port Richey, Fla. (727)834-3247.

13 AWESOME  FLORIDA CAMPGROUNDS THAT WON'T BREAK YOUR BUDGET - JB STARKEY PARK

Now these next few campgrounds  cost a bit more. But they are considered well worth the money. Take a look:

7. FORT WILDERNESS CAMPGROUND - 4510 Fort Wilderness Trail, Orlando. I am dying to go to this one! It has dinner shows, character sing-a-longs, movies, hayrides, carriage rides, horseback riding, and fireworks on 750 acres of pine and cypress forests. It has exactly what you'd expect from a Disney campground, including the high price. prices start at $53/night.

13 AWESOME  FLORIDA CAMPGROUNDS THAT WON'T BREAK YOUR BUDGET-  FORT WILDERNESS

8. FLORIDA STATE CAVERNS PARK -3345 Caverns Road, Marianna. This park is home to the only open air caves in Florida. It costs $5 per vehicle, and only $20 for overnight camping. It also has hiking, biking, boating and fishing. Cave tours are extra. It also features a nine hole golf course.

13 AWESOME  FLORIDA CAMPGROUNDS THAT WON'T BREAK YOUR BUDGET- FLORIDA CAVERNS

9. SILVER SPRINGS STATE PARK - 1425 NE 58th Avenue, Ocala. This park is the home of the glass bottomed boat tours. If you camp on the weekends, you can also enjoy their pioneer cracker village, and their Silver River Museum. It's crystal clear water is great for canoeing. It has a full facility campground and 10 luxury cabins. Camping is $24.00 a night.

13 AWESOME FLORIDA CAMPGROUNDS THAT WON'T BREAK YOUR BUDGET- SILVER RIVER STATE PARK

10. BAHIA HONDA STATE PARK - 36850 Overseas Hwy., Big Pine Key. This state park is known for its beaches, sunsets and snorkeling. you can also swim, fish, kayak, and boat. It also has a nature center and a full facility campground and cabins. Campsites are $36.00, cabins are $120-160.

13 AWESOME FLORIDA CAMPGROUNDS THAT WON'T BREAK YOUR BUDGET-  BAHIA HONDA STATE PARK

11. FORT CLINCH STATE PARK - 2601 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach. This park sits on 1400 acres on Amelia Island. It has a fishing pier, swimming. Shelling and shark tooth hunting are popular. You can also visit the historic Fort Clinch where they have re-enactments from the Civil War. The fort is open everyday, and costs $2.00. The park has 69 campsites at $26.00 a night.

13 AWESOME FLORIDA CAMPGROUNDS THAT WON'T BREAK YOUR BUDGET - FORT CLINCH STATE PARK

12. FORT DESOTO STATE PARK - 3500 pinellas Bayway, S. Tierra Verde. This park has a 238 site full service campground . The campground has grills, electricity, washer and dryers, restrooms, showers,play area and a camp store. The park has a 7 mile waterfront that has fishing piers, hiking trails, canoe trails and swimming. Camping starts at $30.00.

13 AWESOME FLORIDA CAMPGROUNDS THAT WON'T BREAK YOUR BUDGET - FORT DESOTO STATE PARK

13. MYAKKA RIVER STATE PARK - 13208 State rd. 72, Sarasota. This park has a natural wetlands area, a canopy walkway, and a tram safari. It sits on 58 acres and features swimming, fishing, canoeing and boating. The park has 82 campsites for tents that start at $26.00. Cabins start at $70.00

13 AWESOME FLORIDA CAMPGROUNDS THAT WON'T BREAK YOUR BUDGET- MYAKKA RIVER STATE PARK

IMPORTANT HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS TIPS

Hello all,

For us Floridians hurricane season will soon be upon us. It runs from June 1st to November 30th. The peak period is from August to October. It's never been more evident than  now with the storms that had happened in Florida last year to be prepared. With that said, I thought it would be a good idea to post important preparation ideas and tips for the storm season:

1. Check your insurance coverage and make sure its up to date and consider adding flood insurance or other insurance in case your house is uninhabitable after a storm.

2. Make copies of proof of ownership documents like your home, cars, etc. Its better to be safe than sorry. You should also have some type of documents of the contents of your home via either a video or manifest. In case you need to file a claim, it makes things easier. You should store these items in a safe or a hurricane proof  kit.

3. Protect your home and property by having either having hurricane shutters installed or you can fix 3/4 inch plywood panels to cover your windows. You can also use hurricane straps or clips to help hold your roof down. You should  also stow away lawn furniture or any other debris on your lawn that can do damage to your home in high winds.

4. Have an emergency kit ready. This should include items such as a 2 week supply of water and non perishable food for every person and pet. It should also include items such as a manual can opener, first aid kit, important medications, eye glasses, battery powered flashlight with extra batteries, personal hygiene items, change of clothing, sleeping bags, a cooler for ice, and plastic tarps and tools. You should buy some items such as bottled water well in advance. I cant tell you how many times we've waited for the last minute to buy items to find the grocery store shelves emptied of all bottled water and batteries.

5. Have an evacuation plan. The main reason people are evacuated is because of a storm surge. Be aware if you live in a hurricane evacuation area, and what shelters are available in your area. Be forewarned, only a few evacuation shelters take pets, so make sure you have plans for them. Most people living in mobile homes or high rises still may have to evacuate even if they don't live in an evacuation area.

6. One thing often overlooked is your electronics. It is strongly encouraged to back up your electronics and if able data should be stored at an off site location so it can be recovered if your computer is damaged.

7. Lastly, make sure you have your important information with you like your ID's, SS cards and health insurance cards. Make sure you have cash on hand, and make sure you fill your car up with gas. You never know if gas stations will be open or not.

Hopefully with these tips we can all stay safe and prepared during this hurricane season.

7 IMPORTANT TIPS FOR HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

6 DANGERS LURKING IN FLORIDA WILDLIFE

Hello all,

Florida is one of the hottest spots when it comes to vacation destinations. There is just so much to do here. But amidst all of that fun, we come into contact with wildlife we don't usually have encounters with. Here is a guide to some of those creatures.

1. In Florida, the Bobcat appears statewide. It makes its home in swamps and forests. It can be recognized by its triangular pointed  shaped ears and bobbed tail. They are much bigger than the ordinary house cat,(twice the size) but much smaller , for instance, than a panther. It feeds on small animals and birds. They usually hunt at night, and don't sleep much , about 2-3 hours a day. We saw  a mother and its cub running near us at a local park, and it was very scary how the mother kept her eyes on us. We left quickly. I have also saw a few lurking in my neighborhood. Though they're not known to attack people, still keep your eyes open when out in nature, they are very stealthy.

WHAT ARE 6  DANGERS LURKING IN FLORIDA WILDLIFE- THE BOBCAT

2. If you go out to enjoy nature, also be on the lookout for fire ants. They are small red ants that have a very painful bite that causes itching and swelling. The fire ant mound looks just like small piles of white sand. Sometimes they are so small you're not even aware you stepped in one till you feel the bites. If you do get bit, washing the affected area then applying ice helps. Beware, these things are everywhere. A fire ant mound is pictured below.

WHAT ARE 6  DANGERS LURKING IN FLORIDA WILDLIFE - FIRE ANTS

3. If going to the beach is on you're agenda, then I should mention stingrays and jellyfish. Stingrays have flat brown bodies, a long tail that has a spine, venom and a barbed end.  They can grow up to 7 feet in length. Stingray season runs from April to October. This is when they come into to warmer waters and bury themselves in the bottom sand to hide from predators. They are usually present 3-10 yards from shore.  So what do Floridians do to avoid getting stung? We do the stingray shuffle, of course. Instead of just running and sloshing through the water, shuffle your feet instead.  It sends vibrations through the sand that scares away the rays. If you do get stung go to the hospital immediately.  Its venom can cause a drop in blood pressure, increased heart rate, dizziness and shock.  Do not remove the barb yourself, let a doctor do that!

WHAT ARE 6  DANGERS LURKING IN FLORIDA WILDLIFE - STINGRAYS

WHAT ARE 6  DANGERS LURKING IN FLORIDA WILDLIFE - JELLYFISH

4. Jellyfish are in all  Florida marine waters. They are usually more on the Atlantic side and in the Panhandle.  They can be up to 2 feet in diameter.  they have a mushroom shaped cream colored or translucent bell with long thin tentacles.  Florida has several species that do sting.  The stings leave red streaky welts that last for up to 2 weeks and causes severe  pain, nausea and headache. If stung    remove the tentacle by scraping with a credit card. rinse with vinegar or apply a baking soda  and saltwater paste. Then go home and take a hot shower then apply an ice pack  If an allergic reaction happens, go to the hospital immediately. Oh, there is an old wives tale that says you should urinate on it. Don't do it! That makes matters worse.




5. Finally, we should discuss alligators and crocodiles.  We've all read about recent attacks involving these animals They  mostly live in freshwater environments and brackish waters, but have been found in marine waters. Their mating season is from  April to May. Never feed them or swim near them, especially at dusk since that's their feeding time. When you feed them they become more aggressive because they no longer fear us. It is illegal to feed them in Florida. They can run fast, up to 9 mph,  but not very far. The running zigzag myth is just that, a myth. They are also good at climbing and can climb a chain link fence. They can grow to be very large, 10-12 feet in length.Their choice for prey is usually based on size, so please keep children and pets away from waters edge.

WHAT ARE 6  DANGERS LURKING IN FLORIDA WILLIFE - ALLIGATORS

6. Crocodiles are usually found in the north end of south Florida. They live in saltwater and brackish areas, but have been sighted in freshwater areas also. They can grow up to 18 feet long. Their snout is more narrow than the alligators. They will eat anything that moves. There are a lot more alligators than crocodiles, and crocodiles are considered endangered. Conflicts between them and humans rarely occur because they are shy creatures. Recently we have run across Nile crocodiles which are not native to this country and are much more aggressive.

WHAT ARE 6  DANGERS LURKING IN FLORIDA WILDLIFE - CROCODILES

So please  be aware when you're out and about, and use caution. Enjoy the outdoors and all that Florida has to offer.

7 AWESOMELY FUN CHEAP THINGS TO DO IN FLORIDA

Hello all,

There are so many things to do here in Florida. But many are so expensive. If you're on a budget like me, you are always looking for free or cheap fun things to do. I found 7 local places that your family will love! A few I have been to already and are well worth the trip. Enjoy:




1. FLORIDA BOTANICAL GARDENS - The Gardens showcases and educates by showing flowers and fauna in motivational surroundings. It has 12 gardens in all and even has a butterfly garden. It is open most every day of the year and admission is free. It is located at 12520 Ulmerton Rd., Largo. (727)582-2100.

7 INCREDIBLY CHEAP AND FUN THINGS TO DO IN FLORIDA - FLORIDA BOTANICAL GARDENS

2. HERITAGE VILLAGE - This is a 21 acre open air living history museum. It has 31 historic structures to explore, some dating back to the 19th century. Admission is free. It is open Wed.-Sat. 10-4 pm, and on Sunday 1-4. It is located at 11909 125th St. N., Largo. (727)582-2123.

7 INCREDIBLY CHEAP AND FUN THINGS TO DO IN FLORIDA - HERITAGE VILLAGE

3. LEEPA RATTNER MUSEUM OF ART - This small museum has 8 galleries featuring art from Rattner, Leepa, and Ester Gentle. Admission is $7. They are open Tues-Sat from 10am to between 4-8 pm. Sunday it is open 1-5 pm. It is located at 600 Klosterman Rd., Tarpon Springs. (727)712-5762.

7 INCREDIBLY CHEAP AND  FUN THINGS TO DO IN FLORIDA - LEEPA RATTNER MUSEUM OF ART

4. AMERICAN VICTORY SHIP MUSEUM - You can come aboard and explore the entire ship with its 3 cargo holds, radio and gyro rooms, bridge, crew cabins, mess hall, wheelhouse, captain's quarters, and all of the other rooms you expect to see on a battleship. They even have rare artifacts, photos, and exhibits to see. This is one of my family's favorite places to watch fireworks from on the 4th of July during their Family Fest. Admission is $10 adults, $5 for children. It's open Sun-Mon- noon to 5pm. Tues-Sat from 10 am to 5 pm. It is located 705 Channelside Dr., Tampa. (813)228-8766.

I INCREDIBLY CHEAP AND FUN THINGS TO DO IN FLORIDA - AMERICAN VICTORY SHIP MUSEUM

5. WILDLIFE SURVIVAL SANCTUARY - I have been here many times. This place provides sanctuary to many exotic animals. They have tigers, leopards, cougars, deers. emus. ostriches, a pot bellied pig, and lemurs. They take donations for their tours that you have to call and set up in advance. All of the donations are used for the care of their animals. A great place to go with the kids! You need to call (352)797-4785 to schedule a tour. They are located at 18212 Booming Rd., Spring Hill.

7 INCREDIBLY CHEAP AND  FUN THINGS TO DO IN FLORIDA - WILDLIFE SURVIVAL SANCTUARY

6. TAMPA'S ELECTRIC MANATEE VIEWING CENTER - Many manatees seek out this area to stay warm in its discharge canal waters. Big Bends discharge canal is a federally designated manatee sanctuary.  They are open Nov.1st - April 15th. They have a rays touch tank, an observation tower, a boardwalk, and a habitat trail along with its viewing center. Admission is free and are open 10 am-5 pm daily. They are located at 6990 Dickman Rd., Apollo Beach. (813)228-4289.

7 INCREDIBLY CHEAP AND  FUN THINGS TO DO IN FLORIDA - TAMPA'S ELECTRIC MANATEE VIEWING CENTER

7. SUNCOAST PRIMATE SANCTUARY - This is a non profit sanctuary to housing over 100 animals including primates, reptiles, birds and more. It is a place where these animals can live out the rest of their lives, and it is run by volunteers. It has been in business for 50 years. Come take a tour and see all of their residents. They even have meet and greets with some of the animals. Admission is adults $10, $5 for kids. They are located at 4600 Alt Hwy 19, Palm Harbor.

7 INCREDIBLY CHEAP AND FUN THINGS TO DO IN FLORIDA - SUNCOAST PRIMATE SANCTUARY