USF Botanical Gardens - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

A community-based not-for-profit institution and educational resource that is dedicated to advancing public interest, knowledge, and understanding of science, industry, and technology.

Congo River Rapids is the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day. The fun and thrilling rapids will have visitors flying down the river on their inner tubes while navigating through exciting twists and turns. As they navigate through the eight-foot-high wave created by the waterfalls, visitors will experience varying speeds of running water that race through swamps and forests. With lush vegetation all around, visitors can take in their surroundings.

Kumba, is an unforgettable experience. This thrilling rollercoaster ride has seven intense inversions, speed twists, and tight turns on over 3,800 feet of steel track. Riders reach heights of 135 feet and top speeds of 53mph as they go through loops and diving corkscrews at break-neck speed. After the thrills of Kumba riders find a serene note with a final helix around a quiet pond.

Adventure Island, is an adventure lover's paradise. With a wide variety of exciting water slides, thrilling rides and carnival games, there is no shortage of fun to be had here. Get the adrenalin pumping with Roller Coaster Rapids or Wacky Slides - both of which are sure to make your heart pound! If that's not enough excitement for you, don't worry - the park also features plenty of relaxing activities such as animal shows and gentle boat rides.

Sand Serpent is a unique experience located near Tampa Bay, Sand Serpent offers one-of-a kind adventures for thrill seekers. Tourists can explore the area on various guided activities that take them through diverse trails of white sand, mangrove swamps filled with butterflies and hawks, and lush coastal wetlands along the Gulf of Mexico's shoreline. Tourists also have the opportunity to take guided Ecotours along some of Florida’s most remarkable rivers and waterways.

Howl-O-Scream Tampa Bay is three exhilarating weeks of screams and thrills for the brave and bold. Located in Hillsborough County, the event offers not only haunted houses and scare zones with terrifying themes, but also live entertainment each night and hundreds of ghoulish creatures lurking around every corner. Not for the faint at heart, Howl-O-Scream Tampa Bay is a great way to get into the Halloween season with electrifying frights that will stay with you long after the event has ended.