LOWRY PARK. Little ones will revel in all the activities available at this educational museum. Exhibits change frequently and, since the majority of them are hands-on, kids get the opportunity to explore and learn as they play. In "Safety Village," they're able to test-drive diminutive cars and try on adult careers, such as fireman or bank teller. Displays are located outdoors as well as indoors, so you can even throw a little sunshine and fresh air into the beneficial mix of learning and laughter.

HYDE PARK. Housed in the former Tampa Bay Hotel, a Victorian-era extravaganza inspired by the Alhambra, this museum documents Tampa's history and development. Special exhibits showcase the city's role in the Spanish-American War and chart its progression from resort town to modern-day metropolis. The museum also features European and Asian artwork as well as period furnishings from the hotel's heyday. During the Christmas season, visitors can stroll through the historic museum accompanied by candlelight. NB Admission is cash only.

NORTH TAMPA. If you're a science nut, or even if you just like to know why things happen the way they do, this museum is a great diversion. With more than 450 hands-on exhibits, visitors become part of the action and can experience hurricane-force winds, zero-gravity and the effects of simulated flight. Displays on anatomy and ecology provide insight into the natural world, while the butterfly garden, nature trail and planetarium offer total immersion programs that further explore the physical environment. An IMAX theater awes guests with spectacle and is just one more reason that MOSI is the Southeast's largest science center and a perennial favorite of tourists and residents alike.

DOWNTOWN. This is the type of museum that communities treasure and visitors find eminently fascinating. Exhibits proudly celebrate local heritage and highlight artifacts collected and excavated from the area. Among the items displayed are relics from the American Indians who originally inhabited the area and objects that reflect the city's ties to both the ocean and the military. A library of historical books and papers can also be found on the premises.

DOWNTOWN. This striking, riverside museum boasts an amazing collection of classical Greek and Roman artwork ­ one of the country's best. It also prides itself on 20th-century American acquisitions including photographs, works on paper and sculpture. Aside from these permanent collections, the museum displays rotating and traveling exhibits throughout the year. There's even a gallery that highlights Florida's most well-received artists. Regular public workshops make art accessible to children and adults, and a gift shop offers distinctive merchandise. Outside, a park and sculpture garden take advantage of the waterside location.