Tag Archives: sunken gardens

St. Pete Adventuring with the Littles

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Through my sleep deprivation of waking every one to two hours with Elliot, I managed to take both boys on a day trip to Great Explorations and Sunken Gardens back in February thanks to Groupon deals. We packed a lunch and set off to Great Explorations first to play. Elliot mostly hung out in my Lillebaby carrier, and Henry had free reign over the decision-making in the children’s museum, just like old times.
 
He spent the majority of his time building things – pizzas, magnets, and legos. When Elliot was outside the carrier, he did his best to eat all the things. After a couple hours, and the arrival of a large field trip group we grabbed our lunch and walked over to Sunken Gardens. It has a shaded picnic area where we ate in peace and quiet before leisurely strolling through the gardens while Elliot napped. Henry decided that flamingos are super stinky, and he liked the waterfall the best.
 
After Elliot woke up, we returned to the children’s museum for bit longer before heading home for nap time for everyone. The boys didn’t really get that memo, but it was a super fun day other than that.

Sunken Gardens

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Not being a native to the Tampa Bay Area, I mostly use Groupon to discover some of the more touristy places at a discounted price. That way, I feel justified if the place I’m visiting is a trap or pleasantly surprised if it is awesome. Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg falls into the latter category. Originally owned by a private citizen who created the gardens around and inside a drained lake, and operated as a roadside attraction starting in the 1920s, it’s now owned by the City of St. Petersburg. 

    
Winding paths take visitors through some of the oldest tropical botanical gardens in Florida. Henry loved watching the fish and turtles swim in ponds connected to beautifully flowing waterfalls. He also enjoyed trying to make the birds talk to him, and running through the butterflies in their garden. 

      
As members, we not only have access to its many horticultural programs, many of them specific to Florida gardening, but also to various gardens around the state and country at a free or reduced rate. Sunken Gardens also has a deal with the Florida Aquarium for 50% off admission anytime, and free admission to MOSI certain months of the year. I’m excited to return with Keith, who as a Clearwater native has never been before. I hope he likes it as much as we did.

  
We finished our morning with lunch from the Fourth Street Shrimp Store, and it was delicious. They have options for people like my mom who do not like seafood, and the food came out quickly. So good.