Tampa, Florida's Two Great Themeparks

Many cities can boast one famous theme park; Tampa, Florida can boast that it has two: Adventure Island and Busch Gardens. Adventure Island is a water park while Busch Gardens contains rides and 3,000 African animals. Since the two theme parks are across the street from each other, they offer a special 2-day discount pass for $93 so that one can enjoy Adventure Island and Busch Gardens.

Adventure Island contains a variety of water thrills for all guests. One of the most popular attractions is the Riptide, where you and three friends race each other down water slides on mats. The theme park is also a place for locals to hang out during the weekdays because of the special weekday pass that allows unlimited visits during the summer. Instead of going to my apartment pool, I walk over to Adventure Island and play volleyball with my friends or slide down one of the water slides. Adventure Island also allows small coolers so my friends and I can bring our own food for a picnic. The lockers located at the entrance of the park allow guests to leave all valuables in a dry environment. At the end of the day, one can lie in a tube and drift slowly down the Rambling Bayou, or as the locals say, the Lazy River.

Hours: seasonal; hours vary.
Ticket Prices: $39-$43
Website: Adventure Island

Busch Gardens allows one to go to a zoo and on a roller-coaster at the same place. My favorite ride is Sheikra, a roller coaster with a 90° at 200 feet, making it possible to see the city of Tampa miles away. Busch Gardens is always designing new rides; in fact a new roller coaster called the Cheetah Hunt opens this May. The Cheetah Hunt is painted green and gold, the colors of the University of South Florida, which is located down the street. This close distance allows my friends and I to walk to the park, ride a roller coaster, and head back to class in an hour. Busch Gardens allows its guests to get close to the animals, even playing tug-of-war with a tiger. There is also a Sesame playground for children, several restaurants offering a variety of food, and shows starring humans or animals.

Hours: Hours extend during summer
Ticket Prices: $70-$78
Website: Busch Gardens