Tampa/Clearwater Kid Friendly? Tradewinds Resort?

I have flight credits, so we are thinking of heading to a beach destination in FL. We would be flying into Tampa since that is where SWA goes. How far is that from Clearwater? Can anyone recommend kid friendly places and hotels, and beaches?

Update, so I have been looking at Tradewinds grand and it looks great! They are offering a 4 nights get 1 free special so we might take advantage of it. Has anyone actually stayed here and taken pics of the pools? I only see one pool on their site. I read they have 7.

Is the beach really congested? Has anyone done the Dolphin boat excursions nearby? Is there one in particular you can recommend?

My DD LOVES the movie Dolphin Tale, so we would be going to the aquarium that Winter is at. Has anyone been there?

Any tips/advice? Is it necessary to rent a car, or is everything pretty close by? We wouldn't be venturing over to Busch Gardens, etc., as we are just looking for a beach vacation this time around.

Message edited 7/22/2012 2:44:34 PM.

Tampa/Clearwater Kid Friendly?

My dad lives in Treasure Island so I don't know about hotels. I have seen good reviews on the Tradewind Resort in St.Pete beach.
As for activities, the last time I was there we went to the aquarium in Tampa it was fun and has a water play area. Haven't been to the zoo or, Busch gardens yet.
Clearwater is prob 30-40 mins away.
I love the Gulf beaches, water is calm and always warmer than the ocean.
Another cute area is St. johns Pass. It's shops, restaurants, ice cream, etc on the water. They have dolphin cruises also

Have fun!

Re: Tampa/Clearwater Kid Friendly?

Thanks!

Tampa/Clearwater Kid Friendly? Tradewinds Resort?

We used to stay at the Tradewinds Island Grand in St Petes Beach, we loved it. We had a timeshare there, but that one finished and we started going to the East Coast. The Island Grand is very very child friendly and they have a kids pool right on the beach, however, the last few years we went there there were a heck of a lot of conventions and business events, and lots of people were hanging around the pools smoking and drinking. There is lots to do in the area, state parks, you can do Busch Gardens, the Lowry Zoo or just relax. Its great there. I do still recommend the Tradewinds, but not sure about the Island Grand, we have also stayed at the Dolphin Beach (what a dump) and the Tradewinds Sandpiper. I love St Petes Beach. One year we had a timeshare apartment in Treasure Island, that was also brilliant.

Tampa/Clearwater Kid Friendly? Tradewinds Resort?

Thanks!!!

Re: Tampa/Clearwater Kid Friendly? Tradewinds Resort?

Here is my review of the Tradewinds from a few years ago. We had a fantastic time. I loved the hotel and would recommend it.

Tampa/Clearwater Kid Friendly? Tradewinds Resort?

Thanks LSP!

Re: Tampa/Clearwater Kid Friendly? Tradewinds Resort?

little toot for dolphin watching!!!! little toot is the boats name, makes a wake that the dolphins love.

pier 60 is fun, beach is amazing also

tampa zoo is nice. you can feed stingrays and birds.