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Home , Frozen Ever After, Sarasota Jungle Gardens, ZooTampa at Lowry Park

FOR THE KIDS EAT THIS NO. 2 MANY TRAVELLERS 1. ZOOTAMPATHE AVERAGE AT LOWRY AGE IN PARK THIS GULF COAST4. CUBAN CITY IS CUISINE DISMISS TAMPA, BUT Home to more34 YEARSthan 1,300 OLD animals, MAKING this zooMILLENNIALS also The famous AND Cuban sandwich was reportedly THE AVERAGE AGE runs theYOUNG country’s FAMILIES only non-profit FEEL hospitalRIGHT ATand HOME invented HERE. in Tampa in the 1880s to feed hungry IN THIS GULF COAST rehabilitation centre for injured West Indian cigar factory workers. Urban legend says that CITY IS 34 YEARS OLD, —also known as sea cows. Kids will love the sandwich was a result of immigrants from MAKING MILLENNIALS the Australia-themed water park, the new Roaring different countries coming together in Tampa’s AND YOUNG FAMILIES Springs water ride and the African area, where old district: The Spanish brought the FEEL RIGHT AT they can feed lettuce leaves to hungry giraffes. fine ham; the Sicilians, the Genoa salami; the HOME HERE. Cubans, the mojo-marinated roast pork; the 2. AQUARIUM Germans and Jews, the Swiss cheese, pickles Tampa’s historic yellow streetcars—a free and fun and mustard. Get a delicious one at Columbia, ride—take you straight to the , the oldest restaurant in the state. For a sugar fix, which has more than 7,000 aquatic plants and pastelitos de guayaba, or pastries filled with animals. Meet the resident penguins in the lobby sweet guava paste, can be found at La Segunda (their schedule varies), check out the adorable river Bakery and Café, which is considered the world’s otters and ring-tailed lemurs and watch the lovely most popular producer of authentically made egrets and white ibises flying around the stunning Cuban bread outside of Cuba—similar to the indoor mangrove . 4-D movie screenings, baguette but softer, and fluffier inside, with a which combine 3-D movies with extra sensory lighter papery crust on the outside. effects like bubbles, mist and seat vibrations, should not be missed. 5. HEIGHTS PUBLIC MARKET AT ARMATURE WORKS 3. HISTORY CENTER This new project is about to blow the lid off Tampa’s Twelve thousand years of local history is housed secret yet outstanding food scene. Latin American CLAIRE SIBONNEY CLAIRE in this museum on the Riverwalk, including a food and local beer (it’s the hub of craft brewing TEXT: cute replica of a Florida Cracker house, where in Florida) come together in a curated waterfront your kids can play make-believe. Start with the food hall. Housed in a restored trolley barn in Each year, more than three million Canadians make the trek to Florida in Tocobaga First Nation, who first called the waters historic Tampa Heights, the 22,000-square-foot search of sun, surf and, well, Disney. But there’s a lot more to the Sunshine State than of Tampa Bay home. Next, head to Treasure industrial market features a beautifully designed Mickey Mouse. Here’s our family-friendly guide to what to see and do in Florida. Seekers, an immersive pirate experience that open floor plan with communal seating and VISITTAMPABAY.COM VISITTAMPABAY.COM explores Florida’s history of pirates, conquistadors restaurants showcasing the top chefs and

HEIGHTS PUBLIC MARKET AT and shipwrecks with actual Spanish treasure restaurateurs from the area. A cool workshop space

PRODUCED BY SIMONE OLIVERO ILLUSTRATIONS BY JACQUI OAKLEY ART DIRECTION BY ROSE PEREIRA PHOTOS: ARMATURE WORKS recovered from a sunken ship. hosts events such as Tots in the Kitchen.

56 SEPTEMBER+OCTOBER 2019 SEPTEMBER+OCTOBER 2019 57 9 WAYS TO SAVE AT DISNEY CHOOSE THE RIGHT PARK WITH FOUR MAJOR THEME PARKS BEFORE YOU’RE BLINDED BY DOLLAR SIGNS, AT RESORT, 7. CRAYOLA EXPERIENCE READ THESE HELPFUL MONEY-SAVING TIPS. BE SURE TO PICK THE ONE THAT BEST With more than 25 hands-on attractions, kids can watch a live show SUITS YOUR FAMILY. HERE’S A QUICK to learn how crayons are made, name and wrap their own crayon, 1. BUY TICKETS IN ADVANCE 6. SPLURGE ON TREATS OVERVIEW OF EACH PARK. stomp around on an interactive floor and create a melted-wax paint- THE MOST MAGICAL A Park Hopper pass is your A ice cream bar shaped PLACE ON EARTH… ing. Big kids will love the large indoor playground, while smaller best bet for visiting more like Mickey Mouse or dining AND MORE! ones should head to Toddler Town for a climbing structure made than one Disney park. Slightly at one of Disney’s fabulous with little ones in mind. TOP ATTRACTIONS discounted tickets are sold at restaurants, such as the iconic authorized resellers, such as Visit Brown Derby at Hollywood 1. WALT DISNEY WORLD 8. ICON ORLANDO Orlando, Undercover Tourist Studios, is worth the money. This fall, : Galaxy’s Edge opens with Millennium Falcon: Take a 25-minute spin on the ICON Orlando (formerly known as and Kissimmee Guest Services— 1 Smugglers Run, a ride that puts kids inside the cockpit of “the fast- the Orlando Eye), which is the tallest observation wheel on North they’ll even price match. 7. KNOW YOUR SOUVENIRS est hunk of junk in the galaxy.” In December, Star Wars: Rise of the America’s east coast. The air-conditioned capsules are fully enclosed, Buy something special that you This is the original theme park, where the Resistance will take tiny recruits on a secret mission, where they’ll so they’re super safe, even for crawlers, and offer some pretty spec- 2. AVOID UNAUTHORIZED can’t get outside the park, such magic all began, complete with Snow White, encounter Kylo Ren, Rey, Finn, Poe Dameron and BB-8. tacular views of the city. TICKET SELLERS as a limited-edition piece of Dumbo and Winnie the Pooh. It’s the perfect Websites like Craigslist and Disney artwork, or look for one choice for families with younger kids. 2. SEAWORLD ORLANDO 9. RESORT eBay often sell fake or partially of the machines that allows you Amidst the animal shows and interactive experiences, the park’s This massive outdoor , featuring Lego-themed used tickets (for example, to “press” a penny into a special newest attraction is Sesame Street, where kids (and nostalgic adults) rides, attractions and character meet-and-greets, was created for a three-day ticket that has been keepsake imprinted with a will enjoy wandering through the iconic neighbourhood, includ- the littles (teens might be a bit bored). In 2018, it launched Lego used for one day). This breaks Disney-themed design. ing Abby Cadabby’s Garden, Big Bird’s Nest, Mr. Hooper’s Store and Ninjago World, a training ground for future ninjas. park rules and could result in the famous 123 Stoop. the tickets being confiscated. 8. GET A PHOTO TAKEN Disney photographers stationed 2 3. RESORT 3. BRING YOUR ESSENTIALS throughout the park are happy Harry Potter fans will love exploring Hogsmeade, with three Potter- Avoid hefty markups and to snap a few pics of your family themed rides and Ollivanders, the famous wand shop. (An interac- pack anything you’ll need, with your own camera at no cost! Most rides are in the front of the park, with a tive wand will set you back around $52 US.) The Hogwarts Express including sunscreen, pain-relief couple more sprinkled throughout the World takes you to King’s Cross Station, where you can wander through medication, diapers, baby wipes, 9. ENJOY DISNEY FROM Showcase section, such as Frozen Ever After Diagon Alley, check out the Knight Bus and the Leaky Cauldron. tissues, hats and sunglasses—it’s THE OUTSIDE in Norway.If you love exploring the food, entertainmentand traditions of different cultures— Smaller kids will love Seuss Landing, Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone worth the extra baggage. Grab an ice cream cone in or you’vegot older kids—you’ll enjoy Epcot. area and the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride. Disney’s Boardwalk area and 4. AVOID PARKING FEES watch the Epcot fireworks from 4. ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER Daily parking fees start at $22 US, the wooden bridge—without Head to KidsTown, a miniature city geared to the preschool set, and so take advantage of hotels that paying theme park admission. NatureWorks, an interactive area that introduces kids to the diverse offer free shuttle services. Ride the monorail between ecosystems of Central Florida, including live shows with alligators Magic Kingdom and Epcot for and turtles. There’s also a three-level play structure, which gives 5. PACK YOUR LUNCH free, and visit Disney Springs, 3 kids a chance to climb their sillies out. Stash snacks and lunch in an with shopping, dining and must- insulated bag—coolers are see attractions, like the Void’s ANIMAL KINGDOM 5. THE EVERGLADES prohibited— and bring reusable Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire Head to this park for creatures from around the water bottles to fill at fountains. virtual-reality experience. No trip to Central Florida would be complete without a swamp tour. world, animal-themed shows and the amazing KIMSHIFFMAN Nearby Kissimmee is called the “Gateway to the Everglades,” which + Kilimanjaro Safari, which makes you feel like you makes it the perfect place to ride an airboat and play spot the gator. stepped into the African Savanna. This park also appeals to Avatar fans and roller-coaster buffs. 6. THE DISNEY TOWN OF CELEBRATION

Active families can rent bikes to explore the 15-plus kilometres of OLIVERO SIMONE boardwalk trails that snake through the picture-perfect streets. Don’t miss the chance to wander down Wisteria Lane (rumoured INSIDE MILLENNIUM FALCON: to be the street Desperate Housewives was based on). SMUGGLERS RUN. LISABEACH TEXT (ORLANDO): (ORLANDO): TEXT TEXT: 4 FLORIDA: WHEN TO GO HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS This park features movie-themed shows and attractions (like Voyage of the Little Mermaid) and a few thrill rides (such as the Twilight Zone HURRICANE BUSIEST RAINS HIGH CHEAPEST HOT HEAT BEACHES DISNEY Tower of Terror). Little ones will love Toy Story

SEASON MONTHS SEASON ($) MONTH RESORT WORLD DISNEY WALT Land, while Star Wars fans will make a beeline AUGUST TO MAY TO MAY TO NOVEMBER DISNEY WALT WORLD RESORT JUNE TO FEBRUARY OCTOBER MAY AND SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER TO MAY to the newly opened attraction, Millennium

NOVEMBER AND MARCH JUNE PHOTOS: PHOTO: Falcon: Smugglers Run.

58 SEPTEMBER+OCTOBER 2019 SEPTEMBER+OCTOBER 2019 59 WHEN OUR DEEP WINTER FREEZE SETS IN, THE LARGEST CITY IN SOUTH FLORIDA HAS YOUR FAMILY (ABOVE) LITTLE HAVANA. (RIGHT) COVERED, WITH COLOURFUL AZUCAR ICE MURALS, KITEBOARDING AND CREAM COMPANY. KITSCHY ATTRACTIONS THE SURROUNDED BY UNDERWATER LIFE KIDS WILL LOVE. AT THE .

THE GREAT OUTDOORS playground, petting and 5. VENETIAN POOL ing a table shaped like the State good food choices, test their spective with Miami Culinary the best artisanal ice cream 1. THE BEACHES little water park with inflatable When you’re ready to chill, of Florida). It’s an intriguing reflexes and relax through music. Tours, which offers five different (order the Abuela Maria—made Every beach in Miami has its slides—all great places to burn nearby Coral Gables is the place museum-like oddity worth mak- In the 250-seat planetarium, little guided walking tours. The Little with guava, cream cheese and own personality, and some are off energy. to go for a splash at Venetian ing time for, particularly when ones can go to the far reaches of Havana Food Tour is a great pick Maria crackers). more family-friendly than oth- Pool, the largest freshwater pool you need a day away from the our universe or take in a capti- for small children, thanks to ers. At Crandon Park you’ll find 3. WYNWOOD WALLS in the United States. The pool beach (seriously, it happens). vating twice-monthly laser show sugary-sweet stops across Miami’s SHOP

three kilometres of white sand Vibrant street art and graffiti- wows with lush foliage, crystal- KEVINJOHN SIAZON set to ear-popping music. celebrated Cuban neighbour- 12. LINCOLN ROAD SURF’S UP! ISTOCK PHOTO with plenty of towering palm style murals cover more than clear waterfalls and ivy-covered 7. MIAMI SEAQUARIUM hood, like Yisell Bakery, for guava This pedestrian-friendly shop- A quick jaunt from Miami, the trees for shade on sunny days. 80,000 square feet of wall space loggias. The shallow water and Make a quick trip across the 9. MIAMI CHILDREN’S pastelitos (puff pastries). ping promenade in South Beach town of Surfside is home to Catch a few waves and then walk in this former warehouse district. refreshingly cool grotto area Rickenbacker Causway to Key MUSEUM is free of cars, making it easy to the historic Surf Club, which

the nature trails or get your kids Explore the very ’gram-worthy make this pool perfect for young Biscayne, and you’ll arrive at the TEXT (SURF’S UP): Interactive and STEM-savvy 11. LITTLE HAVANA explore the area safely. Pop in opened in 1930 and has been up on a kiteboard. Matheson works of art with your budding children. As a bonus, an on-site Miami Seaquarium. Start at the exhibits accompany the classic This is one of Miami’s most and out of boutiques, listen to frequented by the likes of Frank Hammock Park sits along a man- young artists and if you’re lucky, café keeps kiddos fuelled up touch pools, where kids can touch kid-sized supermarket, animal vibrant neighbourhoods and live music and make a stop for a Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor and

made atoll, so there are no waves, you may even spy an artist throughout the day. slippery bamboo sharks and (AZUCAR ICECREAM):PHOTO clinic, and firefighter and police the heart of the city’s vast Cuban scoop at one of the many ice Winston Churchill . Now part making the beach ideal for tod- creating a new mural. bluespotted rays. Snap a few zones. The virtual aquarium population. Taqueria El Carnal cream shops along the way. Books of the Four Seasons Hotel, it’s

FOR THE KIDS CLAIRE SIBONNEY dlers to splash and play. photos with the free-roaming + animates kids’ drawings to is a famous hole-in-the-wall & Books, a lively independent the perfect spot to relax over 4. THE EVERGLADES 6. CORAL CASTLE flamingos before making your become part of an undersea known for its tongue tacos, but bookstore, has a fantastic selec- dinner and soak in the history. 2. Bump along on an exhilarating Coral Castle is easily one of the way inside for the stunt-filled environment, while a musical it also serves more kid-friendly tion of kids’ titles, while Dylan’s And if you’re hoping to catch

This lush eco-adventure park airboat ride through the man- funkiest attractions in South dolphin show. Manatees, sea lions VISITFLORIDA.ORG staircase—where every step plays choices like chicken and steak. Candy Bar, a whimsical candy some waves, you’ll be steps ERINGIFFORD wows with parrots, flamingos, groves with an outfitter like Florida, just right for fun-loving and penguins are also on display a different tune—leads to the At family-owned La Colada store, is every child’s sweet dream. away from the beach! lemurs, red kangaroos and Captain Jack’s Airboat Tours. kids eager to traipse across a for kids to interact with. gigantic cruise ship on the second Gourmet, parents can indulge orangutans. Book a two- to The ride concludes with a live wacky sculpture garden made floor, which kids can explore. in a perfect cortadito (shot of 12-minute experience with alligator show, during which entirely of coral rock. To this day, 8. FROST SCIENCE TEXT (MIAMI): espresso topped with a bit of SuperFlight, an outdoor skydiv- your kids can hold and pose no one knows for sure how the At this state-of-the-art attraction, EAT THIS steamed milk). Head to the main ing simulator and then solve with a baby alligator. A swamp owner single-handedly carved kids use all their senses in the 10. MIAMI strip, Calle Ocho, for live salsa puzzles to escape the Cabin in buggy ride offers an elevated more than two million pounds MelaB, engaging in hands-on CULINARY TOURS on the street, intense domino ISTOCK PHOTO the Jungle at the Asylum. Small view of the Everglades, high of coral rock into towers, foun- experiments and puzzles that Let your little foodies-in-training matches and Azucar Ice Cream

children will be all smiles at the above the gators. tains, sundials and tables (includ- show them how to get fit, make PHOTO: HAVANA): (SEAQUARIUM, LITTLE PHOTOS explore Miami from a tasty per- Company, which has some of

60 SEPTEMBER+OCTOBER 2019 SEPTEMBER+OCTOBER 2019 61 COLLECT SHELLS Sanibel is known as the

BLAST OFF! A ROCKET “Shelling Capital of the World.” IS LAUNCHED FROM The beaches on this barrier CAPE CANAVERAL. island are covered in beautiful shells of varying shapes, sizes and colours. Bonus: Shelling is free. At the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, book a guided beach walk, where a seasoned naturalist will teach you how to find the very best specimens.

EAT THIS THE GREAT OUTDOORS YOUR FAMILY VACATION LIVE YOUR BEST 5. THE MANGROVES WILL EMBARK IN FIVE, ISLAND LIFE 2. EAT CAKE 4. VISIT THE LOCALS They’re home to a wide range of FOUR, THREE, TWO… SURROUNDED Key lime pie is everywhere, but The J. N. “Ding” Darling National Floridian wildlife (get little ones BY MANGROVES, the cake at the Bubble Room Wildlife Refuge takes up almost to spot mangrove crabs scuttling CRABS AND SHELLS! on Captiva island is next-level. half of the island and is where between branches). Take a guided The local favourite is the Or- brown and white pelicans, ibises, kayak tour through the mangrove FOR THE KIDS ange Crunch. cormorants and spoonbills tunnels, where the trees naturally 1. BIKE RIDE congregate during low tide. The form a canopy to create a passage Sanibel is best experienced by 3. CRAB RACES refuge offers tram rides hosted over the waterway. bike. With about 35 kilometres Select a hermit crab from a bowl, by a naturalist. At the Clinic for of paved bike trails, many hotels name it and then cheer it on as the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, 6. ISLAND HOP will loan bikes, or head to Billy’s it races to the finish line at Crow’s kids can visit animals at the Book a ride with Captiva Cruises, Bike Rentals, where you can also Nest restaurant. Part sporting animal hospital and attempt to which stops at Cabbage Key, home borrow scooters, trikes and four- event, part comedy show, “it’s rehabilitate stuffed versions of to burrowing gopher turtles. person surreys. Make sure to bike the stupidest thing you’ve ever their favourite critters. From the water, your family may CLAIRE SIBONNEY CLAIRE to the east end of the island to see seen!” —but kids will love it. spot dolphins and manatees. FOR THE KIDS offers private and group instruc- Experience, which simulates the pre–World War One to modern the Sanibel Island Lighthouse. Races take place twice a week. 1. tion for kids as young as six. eight-and-a-half-minute ascent day. Explore the hangars on a

Feed giraffes, lorikeets and into orbit! tour run by ex-US service mem- STEVENSON ROBIN cockatiels while listening to 3. SEA TURTLE WALK bers and see an F-14 Tomcat (like (SARASOTA): TEXT keeper talks or purchase an Nature-loving families take note: 5. NIGHT LIGHTS the jets flown in Top Gun), or let admission combo for an aerial The Space Coast beaches are the Keep the kids up past their bed- the kids take turns sitting in treetop-trek adventure to view best places in North America to times to see the phenomenon the cockpit of a Boeing B-52 the zoo from above. Little view sea turtles. Nesting season known as bioluminescence. Stratofortress bomber. COAST): (SPACE TEXT Trekkers, a scaled-down ver- runs from May through October. Between June and October, KEVINJOHN SIAZON sion, is geared for kids four to Book a night walk (not recom- Banana River lights up with tiny 7. WITNESS A LAUNCH eight. End with a splash at the mended for children under dinoflagellates. Any movement, A new era of space discovery is Paws on Water play area. seven) at either the Archie Carr from the swirl of a paddle to a happening right now, making TEXT (SANIBEL): TEXT National Wildlife Refuge or swimming fish, excites the organ- this the best time to catch a rocket THE GREAT OUTDOORS Canaveral National Seashore. isms and causes them to emit launch from Cape Canaveral. 2. RON JON SURF SCHOOL light, which gives the water a Commercial space operations THE GREAT OUTDOORS Learn how to hang 10 on the 4. KENNEDY SPACE glowing blue-green hue. Several such as Elon Musk’s SpaceX and 3. THE BEACHES same stretch of beach where CENTER outfitters offer tours, but at A Day United Launch Alliance are Siesta Key boasts 99 percent pure white-quartz crystal sand and 11-time world champion surfer Plan to spend a half-day here Away Kayak Tours, based out of keeping the skies busy with astoundingly clear and warm water. It also has a sleek pedestrian Kelly Slater took up the sport as learning about the space pro- Merritt Island National Refuge launches every few weeks. FLORIDA’S SPACE COAST OFFICE OF TOURISM SPARKLING WHITE-QUARTZ SAND esplanade and new beach-themed playground, making it a family a grommet (that’s surfer slang gram, from early days through near Titusville, you can book a BEACHES, PINK FLAMINGOS AND HOME favourite. Venice, known as the “Shark’s Tooth Capital of the World,” COURTESY OF VISITFLORIDA.ORG VISITFLORIDA.ORG OF COURTESY for “kid”). The Ron Jon Surf School to future piloted missions to clear-bottom kayak for a truly FOOD AND DRINK TO THE RINGLING CIRCUS FAMILY. is where kids can scour the beach for megalodon shark teeth.

Mars. The Beyond the Gates bus unique perspective. 8. COCOA VILLAGE PHOTO (SURF): tour gets you close to the Cape Historic Cocoa Village offer a FOR THE KIDS 4. Canaveral launch site and ends ADVENTURE CALLS shady respite from the sun and 1. THE RINGLING Here, children can hand-feed flamingos or pet baby alligators and

at Race to the Moon, where kids 6. VALIANT AIR sand. Grab a pastry or homemade PHOTOS (SANIBEL): The Museum of Art, the Circus Museum, a theatre, an art library, porcupines, if they dare! The sanctuary is also home to deer, prai- can stand under the Saturn V, COMMAND ice cream at Ossorio Bakery & gardens and a mansion are all part of the former home of the Ringling rie dogs and lemurs—most of them rescues. the largest rocket ever flown. Before rockets, there were air- Café then visit the pirate-themed Bros. travelling circus and the Greatest Show on Earth. At the Grandparents can relive the planes, and the Valiant Air Antilles Trading Company, with Summer Circus Spectacular, witness death-defying balancing acts. 5. MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS ISTOCK PHOTO

events that surrounded the moon Command Warbird Museum’s costumes and sea-related trea- KENNEDYSPACECENTER.COM Best known for its living collection of more than 6,000 orchids, landing on July 20, 1969. Don’t impressive collection is worth sures. At the Magic Dove Magic 2. SARASOTA CHILDREN’S GARDEN the children’s rainforest garden has a 100-year-old banyan tree, miss the actual space shuttle a visit, especially with older kids. Shop, staff are happy to help Borrow a costume from the collection of fairy, princess, hobbit and spectacular waterfall, a tropical glass house conservatory and Atlantis before strapping the kids See restored military aircraft, aspiring prestidigitators learn pirate clothes and accessories, then let your little ones frolic around 15 acres of lush grounds with two historic homes, including the PHOTO (ROCKET): in for liftoff at the Shuttle Launch artifacts and memorabilia from their first trick. PHOTO (SARASOTA): the enchanting gardens and grounds with a pirate ship and maze. Museum of Botany & the Arts.

62 SEPTEMBER+OCTOBER 2019 SEPTEMBER+OCTOBER 2019 63