Animal Kingdom, 500-acre home to more than 1,000 animals, plus shows and rides: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily (with March of the ARTimals at 2 and 4 p.m. daily); Walt Disney World, off interstate 4 southwest of Orlando (407) 824-4321

Busch Gardens, African-themed park and zoo, bird gardens, thrill rides, Edge of Africa safari, thrill rides, Koala exhibit, Clydesdale Hamlet and other attractions: from 9 a.m. daily; 8 miles northeast of downtown Tampa at 40^th Street and Busch Boulevard; (813) 987-5082

Cypress Gardens, water-ski shows, flower displays, miniature railroad, Island in the Sky, children’s rides, Cypress Roots museum, "Variete Inernationale" Show, bird show, butterfly conservatory, "Hot Nouveau Ice" show, Biblical Garden, Wildlife Sculpture Garden (Through November): 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. daily; off U.S. Highway 27 near Winter Haven (941) 324-2111

Daytona USA, NASCAR-themed attraction with displays, games, trivia, interactive activities, big-screen racing movie; 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily; 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach (904) 947-6800

Disney-MGM Studios, with movie-themed shows and revues, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Backstage Studio Sour, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Star Tours, Goosebumps Flight Shows: (407) 824-4321

Florida Aquarium, sections of wetland bays and beaches, coral reefs, offshore, "Explore a Shore" interactive display: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily; 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa (813) 273-4000

Florida Splendid China, with more than 60 miniature replicas of China landmarks, Chinatown with entertainment, children’s playground, puppet shows, "Magical Snow Tiger adventure," exotic animal show (two shows daily except Wednesday). "The Mysterious Kingdom of the Orient" theatrical performance: from 9:30 a.m. daily. Off U.S. Highway 192 (about 2 miles west of Interstate 4 at Exit 25B) Kissimmee 1-800-244-6226

SeaWorld Orlando, marine park with Wild Arctic, Key West at SeaWorld Manatees: The Last Generation? Pacific Point Preserve, sea-lion and dolphin shows, Journey to Atlantis ride, Shamu show, Tropical Reef aquarium, penguin exhibit, Clydesdale Hamlet, kids’ play area, "Intensity Games" water-ski show, "Friends of a Feather: parrot show: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily: off Bee Line Expressway at interstate 4 southwest of Orlando (407) 351-3600

Silver Springs, glass-bottom boats, animal shows, jeep safari, jungle cruise, antique and race-car museum, Lost River Voyage, Big Gator Lagoon, Wold of Bears, Kids Ahoy Playland, Panther Prowl, "Birds of the Rainforest" show 1 mile east of Ocala on State Road 40 (352) 236-2121

Universal Studios Florida, movie-TV production studio and park (including Chance for kids to see taping of Nickelodeon Studios programs, Terminator 2 3-D, E.T. Adventure, Kongfrontation, Earthquake, A Tribute to Lucy, Fievel’s Playland, Back to the Future, Hercules & Xena: Wizards of the Screen, Twister. from 9 a.m. daily. Interstate 4 and Kirkman Road, Orlando (407) 363-8000