Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

With more than 1,000 animals set among nearly 60 acres of lush habitats designed to resemble their natural environments, Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo is one of the marquee attractions on Florida's Gulf Coast. Voted the "No. 1 Zoo in the USA for Kids" by both Parents and Child magazines in recent years, the zoo attracts more than 1 million visitors annually and is home to species such as alligators, cheetahs, elephants, leopards, tigers, white rhinos and zebras. The zoo also has rides, water playgrounds and educational shows.Best and worst time to go to Lowry Park ZooOpen from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, the zoo is closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas days. The weather from late fall to early spring (October to early April) is typically the most pleasant, with cooler temperatures and less rainfall than the rest of the year. Avoid afternoons from June to September, when Florida's infamous humidity and afternoon thunderstorms are prevalent. In addition, the animals may be less active as they try to stay cool.Must see/do at Lowry Park ZooBe sure to visit Safari Africa, where you'll get up-close views of elephants, zebras, white rhinos, pygmy hippos and even African penguins. At the Safari Africa feeding plateau, you can purchase lettuce for a face-to-face giraffe meeting. Take a stroll on the Florida Boardwalk, where you can glimpse native wildlife such as alligators, crocodiles, bald eagles, black bears, flamingos, Key deer, several varieties of stingrays and the rare Florida panther. If you're with the kids, don't miss Wallaroo Station, an interactive area with Australian animals such as koalas, kookaburras, flying fox bats and wallabies. Children can ride a horse, pet pygmy goats, splash in The Billabong water playground and ride the Tasmanian Tiger family roller coaster.Admission to Lowry Park ZooTickets are $28 to $30 for adults, with slight discounts for senior citizens and children ages 3-11, and include rides such as the Overland Express train, the guided safari tour, an animal-themed carousel and bumper boats. Children under 3 are admitted free. Annual zoo memberships provide discounted year-round admission for individuals or families at a discounted rate ($70 to $75 for individuals, $105 to $110 for two adults and $170 to $175 for a family of two adults and up to four children). Members also receive gift shop discounts and free or discounted admission to more than 150 zoos and aquariums throughout North America.Parking at Lowry Park ZooThe zoo has plenty of on-site free parking a short walk from the zoo entrance.Public Transportation to Lowry Park ZooThe Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART), Tampa's public transportation system, has two daily routes that service the zoo -- 41 (Sligh Avenue) and 45 (UATC/Rome Avenue/Westshore Plaza). Visit HART's website to view connecting routes and times from various sections of the city.Food at Lowry Park ZooReilly's Reserve -- which overlooks the elephant, giraffe and zebra habitats -- has a variety of seasonal dishes that include fresh salads and panini sandwiches. Boomer's Cafe in Wallaroo Station offers quick fare such as salads, burgers, hot dogs, fries and pizza. The menu at the Safari Lodge includes pizza, a taco station and other children's favorites, while the colorful Garden Grille – just inside the zoo entrance – serves up gourmet sandwiches and salads, wraps, burgers and chicken tenders. In addition to the four restaurants, several other stops offer ice cream, sweets and other snacks such as popcorn, cotton candy, nachos and pretzels.Insider tip for visitors to Lowry Park ZooThe zoo's Manatee and Aquatic Center cares for injured, sick and orphaned manatees and is the world's only non-profit care facility dedicated specifically to these gentle creatures. Observe staff members care for manatees rescued from the wild and also get an up-close, underwater view of this uniquely Florida animal in the observation pools.Author's bio: Kevin Adams, a freelance writer who has lived in Florida for more than a decade, has had travel articles appear on USAToday.com and in Golfweek magazine.