Pinellas Trail: Thirty-four miles of trail winding through indigenous plant life mark this former railroad right-of-way, which has been converted to a multi-use recreational corridor for power walkers, strollers, joggers, cyclists or roller bladers. Beginning in the northern end of the City of Tarpon Springs, the paved route courses south through the western portions of the county, terminating at 34th Street, St. Petersburg. Getting in and out is convenient to users, including wheelchairs. Motorized vehicles, except electric wheelchairs and emergency vehicles, are prohibited, as are horses and alcoholic beverages. It is a perfect workout for mind and body, but open daylight hours only.

Waterways: Almost all waterways, including Tampa Bay, Boca Ciega Bay, Hillsborough River, Gulf of Mexico, Lakes Seminole and Tarpon and Blind Pass Waterways, to name a few, encourage paddling a canoe or kayak or rowing a boat or scull. These activities are powered by human energy and move silently through the ecosystems, which are so carefully protected. This is a perfect opportunity for the curious and the camera buff to get up close and personal with nature. Plus, it's an excellent aerobic exercise that strengthens the entire cardiovascular system while you're having fun.

Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary: Whether you're an avid bird watcher or a casual observer, this sanctuary is not to be missed. A remarkable discovery awaits, ready to educate and entertain. Witness the dignity of a white egret, the posturing of hungry pelicans, the brilliance of a red-tailed hawk while a myriad of birds you've never seen before will flit about their natural habitat. This sanctuary is dedicated to the rescue, repair, recuperation and release of injured birds. It is free to the public; however, the sanctuary does encourage donations to help in its medical research and care of these magnificent creatures. Located right on the Gulf, it is open daily from 9 a.m. until dark. Bring your camera and come eye-to-beak with residents of the largest wild bird hospital in the United States. Tours can be arranged. 18328 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores, 727-391-6211.

Barrier-Free Nature Trail: Inclusion is a part of the vision at Fort DeSoto, and that vision has become a reality. No one should be excluded from enjoying the real outdoors and the natural beauty of Florida's habitats. In 1998, a 2,200-foot-long trail was built by park staff with assistance from Boy Scouts and dedicated volunteer groups to provide a self-guided, interpretive program along the trail. All visitors can experience the beauty of nature through natural senses. Raised timbers are curbed 8 feet apart to guide wheelchairs that can pass side by side. Interpretive messages recorded on touch-activated speaker boxes provide helpful information about the nature trail. Plant life, birds and animal life indigenous to Fort DeSoto are explained on signs for the hearing impaired and recorded for the sight impaired. Delightful resting places under bows of natural trees -- a look-out point midway overlooking beautiful Tampa Bay -- make this one of the more adventurous journeys of historical and environmental preservation designed for all to enjoy. ADA approved; special assistance available. Fort DeSoto Park, 3500 Pinellas Bayway, Tierra Verde, 727-866-2484.

Biplane Rides: Know the thrill of a bird's-eye view in a biplane circa 1933. This historic aeroplane, originally owned by William Randolph Hearst to escort friends to and from San Simeon and Old Mexico, is an executive transport with two wings and a round engine. This plane carries three passengers with your choice of tours. Choose the beach tour, the bay tour, the sunset tour, the deluxe beach tour or THE ULTIMATE. Breathtaking views, breathtaking flight and well worth taking a breath for. Albert Whitted Airport, St. Petersburg, 727-895-6266.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured and sick whales, dolphins, otters and sea turtles, this aquarium is a wonderful and educational time for family and friends to see, touch and learn. Underwater viewing, informative exhibits and happenings in care, research and conservation are all brought together in a unique setting for your understanding. Touch silky stingrays, starfish, sea urchins, snails, huge sea turtle shells and various marine invertebrates and you will come away with a whole new appreciation of the hospitality that Floridians shower upon even the smallest of creatures. 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater.

Boyd Hill Nature Park: Discover nature's hidden secrets and wilderness habitats in the middle of a city. See a golden spider spin or an alligator drift, hear cicadas buzz, or see butterflies flutter and meander on 216 acres of nature trail, which absorbs the beauty of Florida vegetation. There are six different trails, all clearly marked for your enjoyment, with ample picnic areas with grills and shelters, but remember, natural areas contain hazards not encountered in your home surroundings. Therefore, stay on marked paths and be aware of safety measures. No pets allowed; 1101 Country Club Way South, St. Petersburg.

Sunken Gardens: More than 200 species of tropical and semi-tropical plants border the paths as you wind your way down a mile-long trail in this botanical experience. A dazzling butterfly garden and new Rainforest Information Center await you. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; adults, $4; children 3-12, $1; 1825 4th Street, St. Petersburg, 727-551-3100.

Big Red Balloon: This is exhilaration personified as you soar silently 1,000 feet above the skyline, bay and terrain and view Tampa from a whole new perspective. This panoramic, eight-story balloon will deliver a virtual-reality sensation for four hours, zooming down to treetop level for a closer look at typical wildlife in natural habitats. In conclusion, a divine lakeside champagne brunch is served under a canopy of oak trees. A trip of pure fantasy for the child in all of us. 16302 East Course Drive, Tampa, 813-969-1518.

Canoe Escape: Paddle through alligator alley as the gators sunbathe and dive from river banks on this mystical tour through a 16,000-acre preserve. Tour guides will direct you to habitats of birds of prey, fish, river otters, turtles and slithering snakes. All nature lovers will be awestruck on this two-hour or full-day trip into another world. There are designated launch spots for drop-offs or pick-ups, plus paddling instructions for the more independent. Thrill your friends with rare photos of a never-to-be-forgotten trip. 9335 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, 813-986-2067.

Dinosaur World: 5145 Harvey Tew Road, Tampa (in Plant City). Minutes from the hub of Tampa, take a saunter through a subtropical garden and mingle with 200 models of prehistoric beasts. Here is a 12-acre, outdoors-educational museum with scaled-down representations of the object of man's curiosity, the dinosaur. 9335 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, 813-707-9776.

Florida Aquarium: Explore this amazing, 152,000-square-foot attraction featuring more than 4,300 saltwater and freshwater plants and animals. See the sights close-up, hands-on or at the wetlands lookout near the glass dome. Witness "Frights of the Forest," specializing in Amazon River eels, scorpions, tarantulas, poison arrow frogs, vultures, vampire bats and a pair of pythons longer than the average car. Scared? Not to worry: You'll be as safe as a babe in arms. 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, 813-273-4020.

Kids City: Give the kids a break and let them visit this hands-on museum with indoor and outdoor sites. It's educational and entertaining with 24 child-size buildings where kids can play at being grown up. 7550 N. Boulevard, Tampa, 813-935-8441.

Lowry Park Zoo: No one can resist a zoo, especially if it's one of the top three mid-sized zoos in the country. Enjoy 1,500 animals in lush settings, aviary, petting zoo, educational center, and manatee and aquatic center where the gentle sea cows are rehabilitated. Big lizards and Komodo dragons are housed in the Asian Domain. The kids will love it, and they won't be able to drag you away either. 7330 N Boulevard, Tampa, 813-932-0245.

J.B. Starkey's Flatwoods Adventure: Discover Florida wildlife in its natural habitat on a working cattle ranch. 12959 SR 54, Odessa, 813-926-1133.