If we had to name some of Tampa's favorite summer attractions, the Lowry Park Zoo would definitely be in the top ranks.  This 56-acre mecca for hundreds of wildlife species and fun rides has become a family staple for fun in the sun over the past few year.  Here are a few great summer events at Lowry Park Zoo that definitely make a visit worth the time.

$5 Days (Sundays, May 20 and July 22) - That's right, $5 to visit all the different animals and attractions at Lowry Park Zoo on both of these Sundays during the summer.  Free extra parking is available on $5 day only next to the Tampa Greyhound Track with shuttle service to the zoo.

Memorial Day (Monday, May 28) - There will be free admission for all active duty and retiree military personnel on Memorial Day at Lowry Park Zoo.  All you need is a Department of Defense photo ID at the ticket counter.

Dia del Nino (Sunday, June 10) - Spanish for "Day of the Child", Dia del Nino at Lowry Park Zoo is a cultural festival featuring an assortment of family-friendly activities, live music from local, Latin artists, and more all included in the price of normal zoo admission.

Red, White, and Zoo Week (Sunday, July 1-7) - To honor Independence Day, Lowry Park Zoo is allowing military members and up to three dependents to get in free anytime between July 1 and 7.  Military members include active duty military, reservists or members of the Guard with a valid military I.D.

WaZoo 2012 (Saturday, August 4) - Arguably Lowry Park Zoo's biggest event of the year, WaZoo is the zoo's annual beer festival and fundraiser named one of the "10 Great Beer Festivals in the Country" by USA Today.  Head to the Zoo on August 4 for over 250 different beers from around the world, food samples from local restaurants, live music, and more.

Want to win tickets to WaZoo 2012?  Check out our WaZoo 2012 Contest Page and enter for your chance to win!  We’ll be giving away a pair of Wazoo 2012 tickets each week leading up to this aweome beer fest and you can gain additional entries for every qualifying review (minimum 100 words) you write for any business listed on 813area.com.