The hands-on Tampa Science Museum is designed to educate, amaze and amuse both young and old with more than 450 interactive exhibits. Visitors can, for example, experience what it is like to be in a Gulf Hurricane with winds of up to 74 miles per hour (200km/h), or defy the laws of gravity in space. The biology section features a unique way to explore the human body and stroll through a butterfly garden. Also at the museum is Florida’s first IMAX dome theatre, and the museum building is set in a 47-acre nature reserve which features walking trails.

Address: 4801 East Fowler Avenue

Website: www.mosi.org

Telephone: (813) 987 6100

Opening times: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, until 6pm on weekends.

Admission: $20.95 (adults), $16.95 (children 2-12), includes one IMAX film. Other concessions available. Parking is $4 per car.