A twenty-minute drive northeast from downtown Tampa takes you to the colossal Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), at 4801 E Fowler Ave (daily 9am, closing times seasonal, tel 813/987-6100; $13 including IMAX; ), where topics such as health, the environment, and space and the stars are tackled through hands-on activities and a program of shows. Plan your day around the Challenger Learning Center (more space adventure where you can defy the laws of gravity), the 75mph Gulf Coast Hurricane and the IMAX shows.

Nearby, at Busch Boulevard and 40th Street, Busch Gardens , one of Florida's most popular theme parks (daily 9.30am-6pm; longer hours in high season; adults $48.76, children $39.22, parking $5-10; tel 813/987-5082, ), offers the Southeastern US's fastest, largest, most nerve-jangling roller coasters, incongruously set in an interpretation of colonial-era Africa. A sedate monorail journey allows inspection of a variety of African wildlife, but by far the most popular of the twenty-odd rides is Gwazi , a double wooden roller coaster that pits the two against each other in a race to finish first. Other winners include the nerve-jangling Montu and the enormous Kumba . For those weary of the G forces, the water rides Stanley Falls and Congo River are a refreshing alternative on a hot afternoon.

Museum of Science and Industry, and Busch Gardens

• Museum of Science and Industry, and Busch Gardens

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