a zoo without animals.

Middle of the week meant it was time for a break from all the water and head to the zoo! Tampa Bay really does have an amazing zoo. Huge animal exhibits, splash pads and even rides for kids! So, naturally, the kids wanted to do the rides first. And then again. And again. At the end of the day, after hours spent at the zoo, we had done 295475936739 rides and seen, well, maybe 2 animals?!? Ha! But, such a fun day. 

The carousel was a big favorite because they got to choose different animals to ride each time. My personal favorite was the gorilla.

A big kid roller coaster for Carter and Lucy and lots of trains and cars for Simon.

And then, Roaring Springs! Basically the zoo's version of Splash Mountain but you get SO much wetter. The kids probably rode this a dozen times over the course of the day and even my parents joined in on the fun. It was nice to cool off on such a hot day too.

Technically it was a ride but we did get to see elephants and a zebra while on the African Adventure!

And Carter finally caught a lizard!

I just love this side by side picture. 9 years ago we came to the zoo and Carter rode his first carousel. We found the same giraffe and had him climb on for a comparison picture. Crazy how fast 9 years has gone by!

And then....of course the day ended with more swimming!!!