Hi! We're planning a weeks vacation in St. Pete. We've never been to the area and are a bit turned off by Busch Gardens prices. What other activities, besides the obvious sand and swim, would you reccomend? Thanks

We spent last Feb. in St. Petes and had a great time. I have twin 5 year old boys and a 2 year old girl. We had so much fun. Depending on the time of year you are going I have some recommendations. If you are there in the winter, definately get to a spring training camp. The Yankees in Tampa Bay were the best. Go downtown St. petersburg to the pier and baywalk. We also went to the Jungle gardens in Sarasota (about 35 minutes south)- a small zoo that is very kid friendly and interactive. We spent many evenings at the sunsets at the pier at clearwater beach - its great for kids your age with street performers and a nice playground. I'll keep racking my brain for more ideas because we did so much and had so much fun.

There is also Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa if you don't want to go to Busch Gardens but do want to see animals. Lowry Park is nice too because most of it is shaded. There is also the Florida Aquarium near Downtown in the Channelside District. Have fun!

I spent a month last summer in North Redington Beach, which is a little north of St. Pete.
I have 2 kids as well. I would go to breakfast at a little restaurant called the Frog Pond. It will be about a 15-20 minute drive up the coast, but it is well worth it. They have the biggest and best breakfasts I have ever had.
Also, even though this is a drive, go to Clearwater Beach. They have a Pirate Ship cruise daily. It includes free drinks, last about 2 hours. They play games with the kids, face paint, dance, etc. My kids absolutely loved it.
Also, every night in the summer, Clearwater has a sunset celebration. After sunset, there is a live band, various booths to buy cheap gifts, hairbraiding, etc. It is free and right on the beach. There is a nice playground area right there my 4 yr old loved. They also have free entertainment, like clowns with balloon animals, and magicians that walk around.
You could go to the latest Pirate cruise, eat dinner somewhere and then go to the celebration, if you do not want to make the drive twice. It would be about 30 minutes from St. Pete.
For a reasonable kid friendly restaurant, eat at Crabby Bill's.
Any other questions, let me know.

We were just to the area for spring break. We really liked the restaurant P.J.s in Indian Shores area north of St. Pete. Great food. Fast service. Lots of miniature golf in the area.

Be sure to visit Johns Pass Village and Boardwalk on Madeira Beach. It's great to shop around and eat. I think the kids will enjoy it too. It's not too far from St. Pete Beach;just a few miles. We also visited Fort DeSoto Park. We loved the area and are going back again this October.

While there, take advantage of the wonderful sea food. Grouper sandwiches are great. The Hurricane Resturant just south of St Pete Beach has great sea food. If in town (St Pete) for a day, be sure to tour The Pier and have a Grouper sandwich at Harvey's 4th Street Grill (4th St North and 31st Ave).