Saddlebrook Resort - TAMPA FL

[Teens&Tots]

OK - dh got a week at this resort at an auction - don't ask how much - yikes - and has now decided we HAVE to go before school starts b/c maybe our 2nd grade dd and K ds won't graduate if we take them out of school (I guess another topic:|)

Soooo, we are headed August 1 - 8 to SUNNY Tampa for the week - problem being is that it will be HOT HOT HOT - the teens are not going - so just the 4 of us ....

WHAT CAN WE DO??? There is a great pool at the facility, but I know my dh and he will NEED to go out and do things almost every day...

Any ideas on cheap, cool things to to do in the area - I think we will be getting a rental car as the resort is a little isolated (I think???)

If anyone has any input to the area - I WILL NOT DO THEME PARKS during this time - too hot ...

Also, if there is any shopping highlights (YUP my vacation too;)) lmk - I'm planning to hit the nearest publix for the wees shopping and take advantage of the latest GC deal (we will be back for springbreak so will use the gift cards eventually)

Thanks a million - really appreciate everyone on this site!!!!!

[jolly321]

You about an hour away from Orlando, which has some great malls. Tons of outlets too.

The beach is always nice.

If you watch baseball there is the Tampa Bay devil Rays and there stadium is indoors.

Hope these help.

[qponqueen]

Busch Gardens isn't really all that hot because there is so much shade, and lots of water rides to get drenched on. Adventure Island is a theme park that is part of Busch Gardens. You can get a pass for both. Yes it is hot, but plenty of water to cool off with. But also nearby is the M.O.S.I. Science museum. All indoors and very large. Lots of cool exhibits with hands-on stuff for the kids. There is a dome theater there too. These can both be a bit pricey though. Beach is free, but HOT HOT HOT. The Florida aquarium is also a possibility. Centered in the old nostalgic area of Ybor. Lowry Park Zoo is nice. But I haven't been there is years, so I can't say a whole lot about it.

[Teens&Tots]

Thank you both - I WOULD LOVE TO THE HIT THE OUTLET MALLS - but that is NOT on my dh list EVER AT ALL!!!!! And I hate to leave them all (sort of - tee hee) I love the science museum idea - I just googled that....any other different things to do - that locals do???? Or places to eat or see??? thx again!