Beyond the Parks: More to Do From Outer Space to Under the Sea

Yes, there is life beyond the major theme parks. Here are a few other things going on:

_At Kennedy Space Center, “Shuttle Wing” combines astronaut testimonials, artifacts, photos and anecdotes of otherworldly experiences. The permanent exhibit, just opened at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, includes flight video narrated by Sally Ride, Bob Crippen, Charlie Bolden and Story Musgrave. Admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex includes the Shuttle Launch Experience, Kennedy Space Center Tour, 3D IMAX space films, Astronaut Encounter, all exhibits and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Adult tickets $38, ages 3-11 cost $28. 321-449-4444; www.kennedyspacecenter.com.

_Lynyrd Skynyrd headlines the Memorial Day Weekend festivities May 24 at Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven; the show starts at 7:30 p.m. and is included in park admission. Randy Owen takes the stage on June 14. Coasters, family rides, featured concerts and the famous gardens hosted by Southern belles are included in the price of $39.95 ages 10 to 59; $34.95 ages 3-9 and 60 and over. www.cypressgardens.com; 863-324-2111 .

_The Orlando Science Center features “Roar: Lions of the Kalahari,” a film by National Geographic and Tim Liversedge Productions. Included with full-experience admissions to the science center, $23 for adults and $18 ages 3-11. www.osc.org; 407-514-2000 or 888-OSC-4-FUN.

_The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art has re-opened its Tiffany art jewelry gallery. Admission $3 for adults, $1 for students and free for children under age 12. www.morsemuseum.org; 407-645-5311.

_Fun Spot USA has opened “Hot Seat”, an extreme attraction that swings riders 120 feet in the air until they are at a 90-degree angle to the ground, then sweeps them back down. www.fun-spotusa.com; 407-397-2509. Each ride is $4. Restricted to 52-inch tall or higher; unlimited rides $34.95 all day.

_Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando has debuted Jurassic Park-themed kid’s suites that include raptor’s cage headboards, custom wall murals, artwork from the making of the movies and Jurassic Park-themed furniture. www.loewshotels.com; 407-503-3000 or 888-430- 4999. Jurassic rooms from $325 for Florida residents.

_At the Florida Aquarium in Tampa, 2008 is the Year of the Frog, with four new exhibits highlighting the plight of this threatened species. Guests can also dive with sharks, swim with fish and meet the penguins. Admission $17.95 adults, $12.95 ages 3-11. www.flaquarium.org; 813-273-4000.

_The Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg hosts “Women: Dali’s View,” an exhibition of 70 works depicting the female figure, June 13-Sept. 21. Admission $15 adults, $4 ages 5-9. www.salvadordalimuseum.org; 727-823-3767.

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(c) 2008, The Miami Herald.

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