Things to do Tampa Bay | Manatee Viewing Center

The last few days have been ridiculously cold here in Florida leaving us a little stir crazy.  Yesterday, a friend and I decided to brave the cold and head North to the Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach.  I had no idea that it even existed! It is such a neat place that I highly recommend putting on your list of things to do before your Winter vacation is over.  It is very kid friendly and it's free.  Win-win!

Located at the Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach, it's just a short drive away.  They are open from November through April 15th, but I would get there sooner than later as the manatees seem to really shine there during the colder months.  My girls loved watching the manatees come up for air and move their tails around.  My youngest was hoping to see a shark, which could be possible on another trip!  

There is an observation tower that allows you to see the wildlife and the estuary, which I can't wait to go back and do!  Unfortunately, we didn't make it up there this time and only stayed a few hours because that's all we could handle.  My little Floridians would rather be in swimsuits at the beach than bundled up with scarves and hoodies in the cold!

There is no question that we will definitely go back as the Manatee Viewing Center is a great educational opportunity for my girls (and myself) and let's be honest...it gets us out of the house.  We ended our visit with a little picnic and it was the perfect morning out.  You can click here for more information on manatees and the viewing center.

My friend and fellow blogger, Janie (She Just Glows), with her sweet boys (and baby girl on the way).