Disney World, Busch Gardens, and Sea World all have their highlights, but Florida has a lot of other attractions to offer to the visitor or snowbird — and not just those stretches of white sand! Here are six alternative attractions for the whole family.

Florida Aquarium

Located in downtown Tampa, about 90 minutes from Orlando, this facility has hosted millions of visitors since opening in 1995.

One thing to keep in mind about the Florida Aquarium: it’s not about the dolphins and seals. For those you’ll have to take the Eco-Tour out in the bay for an additional charge. But that doesn’t mean that the Florida Aquarium is lacking — far from it. Rather than shows and tricks, the facility emphasizes a calmer exploration of nature in its diversity and complex interdependence. There’s plenty to explore: a shark tank and large shark collection, the relaxing and informative virtual tour of a coral reef, and the Wetlands Dome area are just some of the highlights. Highlights also include the recently acquired African Black-Footed penguins, and an exhibition of Australian sea life including sea dragons.

For more information, visit www.flaquarium.org.

Lowry Park Zoo

With more than 1800 animals housed in rich environments, the Lowry Park Zoo is another way to explore wildlife while enjoying the Florida sun. The Lowry Zoo is aware that it’s completing with attractions like Disneyworld and so has developed a number of interesting and interactive exhibits. The Treetop Skyfari ride gives a bird’s eye view of, well, birds as well as other animals at the zoo while the rock climbing wall gives kids and adults a chance to burn off some excess energy — helpful to grandparents wrangling grandkids.

For more details, see www.lowryparkzoo.com/.

Museum of Arts and Sciences

Located in Daytona Beach, across the state (the short way) from Orlando, the Museum of Arts and Sciences provides a more adult-focused collection of arts and artifacts. Until March 11, 2007 visitors can also enjoy the “Objects of Desire” collection from the Smithsonian — rare and dazzling oddities from around the world. Permanent collections include Cuba: A History in Art, and an outstanding fossil collection including the 13 foot — yes foot — high skeleton of the Giant Ground Sloth. Admission also includes shows at the Museum’s planetarium. Bring your own lunch as there is no cafeteria.

For more information, visit www.moas.org/

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