BUSCH GARDENS , TAMPA BAY
Can ’ t decide whether you feel like visiting the zoo or an amusement park ? Knock both items off your list at Busch Gardens , which not only boasts eight roller coasters but houses lush , sprawling habitats for tigers , lions , zebras , elephants , rhinos and more . Busch ’ s newest coaster , Cheetah Hunt , mimics the feel of a cheetah sprinting over the Serengeti plains as it launches guests down into subterranean trenches , around a canyon gushing with whitewater rapids and through a heart-pounding roll inversion at speeds up to 60 miles per hour . Also part of the new mega-attraction is Cheetah Run , an 11,000 square foot habitat for 14 cheetahs . Daily sprinting exercises allow guests to witness the fastest land animals on earth do what they are so famous for--run . www . seaworldparks . com / en / buschgardens-tampa
ADVENTURE ISLAND , TAMPA BAY
When the pavement is burning , it ’ s time to get drenched . The 30-acre park ’ s newest ride , Riptide , is a four-lane matt slide that lets you race against your friends as you twist through a hairpin turn and then drop into a splash pool . Or try Key West Rapids , which plunges riders down six stories of twisting slide . Spend some time frolicking amongst the five-foot waves in the wave pool , chill out on the mile Rambling Bayou lazy river or spike it out on the sand volleyball courts . The little ones can climb and splash to their heart ’ s content on the water jungle gym at Fabian ’ s Fun Port . Don ’ t miss Island Nights every Thursday through Saturday night June 9th through August 15th . From 5-9 p . m ., the park transforms into a Caribbean island , complete with live bands , tropical treats , and Polynesian dancers . www . adventureisland . com / Ai / Default . aspx
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS AND ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE , ORLANDO
Spend a day or two exploring the sister parks . Both parks combine movies , TV shows , and pop culture with thrilling rides and coasters . You can soar above skyscrapers with Spiderman , battle aliens with the Men in Black or whirl through the pages of The Cat in the Hat . Islands of Adventure ’ s newest attraction , The Wizarding World of Harry Potter , creates a fully immersive experience in the wonder and magic of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade . Make it a minivacation with a night or two at the Royal Pacific Resort , which transports guests to the South Seas with lush , tropical surroundings and a luau featuring hula and fire dancers . www . universalorlando . com .