~ Kacey & Aaron ~
Things To Do
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
We have enjoyed many dates together at this local theme park. While it has many rollercoasters, it also has multiple kid-friendly zones and rides. It also has many animals located throughout the park and during the Summer, it is open later than normal!
SeaWorld Orlando
If you love the ocean as much as me, SeaWorld is the place to be! Located about an hour from our wedding venue, this theme park not only offers up-close encounters with the ocean's amazing creatures but also has many animal/light shows that can be enjoyed by the entire family. While rollercoasters and kid-friendly rides are also available, there are only a few compared to other local theme parks so I recommend this park for those ocean/science lovers!
Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park
This family-fun waterpark has been my family's favorite since I was little. Perfect for kids of all ages, this park includes many open and closed water slides, an amazing lazy river, and a fun family raft ride that requires a ski-lift to reach. Multiple kid zones are available, as well as steep slides for older kids/adults. Perfect for a summer day!
Magic Kingdom Park
While Disney has multiple parks, this is my favorite as it is based on many of the classic Disney films and includes all types of rides that can be enjoyed by the whole family. I recommend staying through the evening, as there is a light show that takes place on the castle each night and fireworks!
St. Armands Circle
This is a perfect place to have dinner, shop, or walk around! Located right next to Lido beach (also recommended), this little spot is amazing at night with string lights hung all around and many dessert options available.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
If you want to see some manatees, this state park is the perfect place to kayak and swim in crystal blue water! Rope swings are located throughout the park and a mermaid show/water slide is available at the front of the park.
The Beach
If you are looking to enjoy time near the water, we have some of the best beaches available in Florida! My personal favorite includes Longboat Key, as it is usually quieter than the other options. However, Anna Maria, Lido Key, and Siesta Key are all beautiful and free spots to enjoy the beach. If you are interested in going, here are a few tips: ~Summer is the prime time to visit the beach but it also means more people. Plan to leave in the morning if you want more ease finding parking and fighting less bridge traffic. ~Make sure you bring sunglasses and an umbrella (it gets very bright out there) ~The best places to find shells are on sandbars (depends on the tide but most beaches will have one; looks like a light patch in the water and you usually see people walking and looking for shells)
Clearwater Beach
Fun fact: This is where we got engaged! Clearwater not only has an expansive beach with beautiful sunsets (perfect for proposals), it also has many restaurants on the beach to choose from and many shops. Also located on this beach is an extensive pier that has perfect photo opportunities and the chance to see more of the ocean. While it is beautiful, I will say parking is more difficult here (and costs money) and the beach is usually very crowded, but if you are wanting to find a cute restaurant on the beach to enjoy, this is the perfect place! (Clearwater Aquarium is also nearby)
Pass-a-Grille Beach
Located near our wedding venue, this cute little town is perfect to stay at for the wedding! With multiple airbnb's and affordable hotels available on the beach, it provides all types of fun for the family. Cute shops and restaurants near the water can be found and a boat shuttle is available to take you to Shell Island, which has nothing man-made and provides a less-crowded beach option for you and your family to enjoy!