A question about Ruskin! (Tampa, Orlando: condo, purchase, movie theaters)

[jerseyj]

I hope I am posting in the correct forum!

Our family is travelling to Ruskin next week for a Memorial Service for my FIL (AF-pilot RET). His wish is that his ashes be spread in Tampa Bay (his old sailing venue). We are staying at the Resort at Little Harbor-http://staylittleharbor-px.trvlclick.com/index.asp

This is a done deal as we can dock our boat there, so if you know the facility and it is really awful be gentle, it sure looks good on line!

My real question...... we will have several Grandkids in attendance and would love some suggestions for activities for them while we are doing Memorial preparation.
The Grands range in age from late teens to late 20's and will have access to cars. Are there so fun things for them to do?
Thanks for any responses!

[BucFan]

Condolensces to family.

Lil Harbor is a good place - I once sailed out into the bay from that dock (uncle's sailboat).

I'd recommend taking the children to Busch Gardens - about 20-30 min drive up the interstate. Might be pricey, so visit their site for possible discounts. USF has a science museum/IMAX also.

Good luck w/ the services.

[wiltznucs]

There is a small albeit not very nice beach located at Little Harbor. If your looking for a nicer beach have the the grandkids go South to Siesta Key. Its about a half hour away and is fantastic. So far as other close by entertainment is concerned, there is a drive-in movie theatre in Ruskin. A lot of people get a kick out of the nostalgia and its a cheap night out. Outside of that theres nothing going on in Ruskin, but if you shoot North on 41 into Riverview and Big Bend Rd there is a number of popular eateries and a bowling alley.

[jerseyj]

BucFan- That is a great suggestion! They have never been to Busch Gardens! Always done the Orlando attractions!

wiltznucs- Siesta Key will be popular for the "I NEED a tan" crowd! And I love the drive-in suggestion, they probably don't even know what a drive-in is! That will be a great night time activity!

Thank you both so much. You have just saved us from the "We're soooo BORED" chant!

[It's Cin!]

You mentioned the grand kids had never been to Busch Gardens, if your MIL or another member of the family still have military ID cards, then they can purchase discount tickets through the military ticketing center on Macdill AFB in South Tampa. They are probably open M-F though so you might want to check ahead. They should also be able to get military discount tickets to the Water park right next to Busch gardens since it is owned by the same company. Adventure Island I think is the name of it. In addition, there should probably be a lot of military discount tickets available to other area attractions such as the Aquariums, zoo, movie theaters and science museum.

Just thought it might be something to check into if anyone in the family still has a Military ID card.

[jerseyj]

Wonderful suggestion It's Cin!

In fact one BIL is active Air Force! And two of the Grands are his! We are coming from 8 different States so I will get him to look into that!
Thank you

[BucFan]

The Tampa Aquarium is easy to find (Channelside)/Downtown. I found it expensive, but I'm cheap.

Another quick thing to do is go see the Manatees up the road a little at that TECO viewing area north of Apollo Beach.

[It's Cin!]

If the Grandkids are into the beach and finding some seashells then have them check out Fort Desoto state park. The North Beach. My kids loved it there. My 17 yr old daughter loved finding the sand dollars, scallop shells, small conch, and other shells that I have no idea what they were. It is such a beautiful beach area.

And if they aren't aware of it, the Hooter's Restaurant chain started in Clearwater. Might be a novel idea to them to get some wings and a Tshirt from the place where it all started.

[ferret111]

I live in Tampa and I've always wanted to go to the Ruskin Drive-in. I've only ever been to Fun-Lan in Tampa.

[jerseyj]

OK, you guys, the e mails and text messaging have been flying around the country! The Grands are making their plans (with your helpful suggestions!)

BucFan- I've been to the Teco viewing area when my In-Laws lived in Apollo Beach, I had forgotten all about that! Thanks!

They also loved the idea of a Drive-Thru movie! A very COOL thing apparently.
The beaches, Busch Gardens and the aquarium are all on their list.
Might have to extend the stay!

You guys are the best!