Fodor's Expert Review Gulf World Marine Park

This park is a winner with kids thanks to things like alligator and otter exhibits; educational chats and shows featuring dolphins, sharks, and birds; and a tropical garden. The stingray-petting pool and the shark-feeding and scuba demonstrations are big crowd pleasers, and the old favorites—performing sea lions, otters, and bottlenose dolphins—still hold their own. For an additional fee, you can participate in the interactiveTrainer for a Day program or one of the swim-with-the-dolphins experiences. Gulf World is also home to the Gulf World Marine Institute, dedicated to sea turtle and marine mammal rescue, rehabilitation, and release.