What to do in Tampa area besides the usual
 

We'll be in Tampa for a few days for a graduation and had planned on boating. Boat is now in for repairs. There are 6 of us and we've already been to Ybor, Busch Gardens, the Aquarium and Siesta Key Beach. We're looking for fun outdoor activities within an hour or so of Tampa. We've done Orlando before.. 4 college age students and a husband that's not into shopping too much...

Lowery Park Zoo in Tampa is becoming widely recognized. They have a neat pontoon boat trip on the river. The park at Homosassa with all the manatees is really fun. Both parks have web pages.

How about this for boating: Canoe Escapes...canoes on the Hillsborough River. http://www.canoeescape.com/

I haven't done it, but my husband took his managing committee for an outing and all loved the adventure! LOL, and none are exactly the canoing "type"--managing committee at Grand Hyatt Tampa!

The Mote Marine Aquarium on Longboat Key offers a great boat trip through the mangroves seeing fish, birds, etc. and it's really quite interesting. Also Myakka State Park has airboat rides with a park person visiting and viewing lots of gators. Kids loved it. Finally the Ringling Museum in Sarasota is free on Mondays and a good place to go as there's a miniature circus on display there too. The estate, Ca'D zan is not free though there's a fee to it.

I live in Tampa.
I know it is indoors, but...The Dali museum in St. Pete. And maybe check out the St. Pete Pier. Rent a boat?
Remember Adventure Island water park is open now. And have you ridden Sheikra at Busch?
There is a cool airplane museum on I-4, called Fantasy of Flight, partway to Orlando.
In the evening how about a concert (Florida Orchestra is great) or a play in Tampa's Performing Arts Center.
ORr try Tarpon Springs for Greek culture, cuisine, spongediving, etc.
Every beach offers a different experience, maybe take a Screamer boat for a ride down the coast.
Orlando--Have you been to Sea World or Discovery Cove--you can swim with the dolphins!
Have fun, -hope you enjoy your stay...