I spent many of my summer vacations as a little girl visiting SeaWorld. I loved it so much that I almost pursued marine biology. The thought of riding Shamu was and still is more enticing to me than flying or any other magical act. So, bringing my family of four to SeaWorld last week was a no-brainer. This time, though, not only was I in search of fun ... I decided to dissect the park and find out how it fared in the healthy living department. Could we leave more fit than when we arrived?

I've done this experiment before at other major theme parks and vacation destinations and these are the things I look for.

• Is there an opportunity to be physically active?
• Is healthy food readily available?
• Will I and other guests be inspired to do and be better?
• Is the vacation fun?

Here, I focus on physical activity.

SeaWorld: Focus on the Physical(click thumbnails to view gallery)

First of all, SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida offers more than enough opportunity for physical activity. In fact, a few times during the day I had wished it did not require so much. Lazy me. I kid! The park is huge and the simple act of walking to see each attraction forces you to cover several miles. Our journey was particularly tough at times, as we pushed our 80 pounds worth of children in a double stroller along the way.

Not only was the walking extensive, but as a young family ... we got a really tough workout in Shamu's Happy Harbor. This is where we climbed, crawled and swung through the largest net and tunnel maze I've ever seen. It was at least three stories high and as large as a major grocery store. My husband, Rob, and I were grateful to be so fit as we struggled to keep up with Ginger (5) and Parker (3). It was really tough. In fact, I think it would be clever for SeaWorld to arrange some sort of race. One for kids, and one for adults. Make it through the maze in the fastest time and you win an annual pass or a visit to Discovery Cove. I'll be the first contestant! Besides being grueling though, the maze was hilarious fun and we spent at least 45 minutes playing there.

Ginger and Parker then cooled off by running through the mini water park also located in Shamu's Happy Harbor. I think this is a great idea to include in all theme parks. A great majority of people visit theme parks in the summer, and summers are traditionally hot. Here in Florida, it seems to almost always be hot. We brought swimsuits for Ginger and Parker and the wild water fun gave them the opportunity to cut loose and cool off. Rob and I got a chance to rest in the shade. A win-win situation.

Another great opportunity a fit family should take advantage of is a cool cruise around SeaWorld's grand central lake. There are a bunch of adorable paddle boats available (boats shaped like a flamingo), and the lake is pretty large. Consider it a much breezier version of your favorite spinning class.

I know it's often difficult to schedule in an official workout while on vacation. I get it! And that's why I think it's so vital for people to seek out trips that will allow/require them to be active while pursuing fun. SeaWorld Orlando is certainly a place where you can replace your regular visit to the gym and work your body in unusual ways. I didn't even mention all of the stair climbing we did just to find a seat at the shows!

The entertainment is spectacular by the way, but I'll tell you more about that in one of the next Fitz's Fit Family SeaWorld Vacation features.