In Florida, summer is more commonly known as “Is it November yet?” This month has been particularly brutal with record temperatures that just won’t quit. We have a few ideas across Tampa Bay to have fun while staying cool.
Skate the Day Away
What better way to cool off on a hot summer day than at an ice skating rink? Tampa Bay Skating Academy offers public skating hours year-round at their locations in Oldsmar, Clearwater and inside Countryside Mall. Be sure to bundle up before you hit the ice – indoor air temps at the rink hover somewhere between 50 to 60 degrees. Those looking to up their skating skills can sign up for Learn to Skate classes that are available for all age groups – from toddlers to adults.
Watch a Movie
Head to NCG Cinema in Citrus Park Mall for inexpensive cinematic fun closer to home during their Summer Film Camp Festival through July 26. Tickets for these family-friendly classics are just $2!
Head to the Arcade
Elev8 Fun in Citrus Park Towne Center is much more than video games. The 125,000-square-foot space houses a massive arcade, full go-kart track with cars for kids and adults, laser tag, duckpin bowling, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, virtual reality games, a Triotech’s XD Dark Ride, a ropes course and much more. PL8 Bar & Grill helps keep you feuled up while you play.
A bit further away, Replay Amusement Museum in Tarpon Springs is a fun way to spend a day. This interactive museum has over 120 playable games and unique amusement devices set to “Free” play. Purchase a day pass ($16 adult; $10 6-12; free for 6 and under with adult) and play to your heart’s content. They also offer unlimited re-entry on the same day, so you can grab a bite to eat and then come back for more.
Play a Game of Indoor Putt Putt
Mr. Putters on Hillsborough Avenue takes mini golf to the next level with three action-packed 18-hole courses, each filled with wild, interactive obstacles you won’t find anywhere else. From The Floor is Lava and Mouse Trap to Pinball, Foosball, Basketball Challenges, Labyrinth Mazes, Skee-Ball, a Giant Half-Pipe, and so much more, every hole is an unforgettable challenge! Adult pricing starts at $16.95 and Kids start at $13.95. There are daily specials and discounts for additional rounds of golf.
Explore St. Pete’s Museum Scene
St. Pete is home to some of the most captivating museums in Tampa Bay, including the iconic Dali Museum. This architectural marvel is packed with surrealism and interesting stories about the artist and his work. And there has never been a better time to visit this quirky museum. Dali Alive 360º an immersive, multi-sensory experience, lets you experience the artist’s works like never before with the newly erected Dali Dome. Save money by visiting Thursday evenings, when they stay open until 8 p.m., and offer discounted admission after 5 p.m.
Just up the road, the Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg features a collection covering almost 5,000 years of civilization in thousands of objects extending from antiquity to present. It is easy to spend an entire day exploring works of art in air-conditioned comfort. On Saturdays and Sundays, they offer enlightening docent-led tours and the on-site Café Clementine offers delicious food with waterfront views.
Other unique offerings in St. Pete include the Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement; the Imagine Museum, showcasing glass art from around the world; and the James Museum of Western Art & Wildlife.
In the heart of the Warehouse Arts district in St. Pete you’ll find Fairgrounds St. Pete, an indoor, explorable world of playful immersive exhibits, featuring works by acclaimed artists from Florida and around the globe. It’s a space you have to see to believe.
While Florida is known for fun in the sun, it has its fair share of exciting indoor fun. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to fun ways to stay cool in these sweltering summer months.