Summertime calls for visitors and, unfortunately, sweating.
Tampa Bay isn’t cooling down anytime soon, and the sun may be too much to bear at the beach.
Where should you take your guests to enjoy a day while keeping cool? We already know the most popular Tampa Bay indoor activities: the Dalí Museum, the Florida Aquarium, MOSI, a Rays game at Tropicana Field. The area has a lot more to offer than you may realize.
We rounded up some ideas for the next time you want to get out of the house but not necessarily in the sun.
Tampa Bay recreational indoor activities
Friendly competition paired with rental bowling shoes is a great combination to get out of the heat.
There are plenty of bowling alleys across Tampa Bay. Splitsville Tiki + Social is located in Tampa’s Sparkman Wharf (a short walk from the Florida Aquarium) where adults can cool off with a frozen cocktail after a game.
If neon lights and skee ball are more your speed, spend some time at a local arcade and rack up points. Reboot Arcade & Bar in Dunedin is open until 3 a.m. daily (adults only after 8 p.m.). Now, imagine playing Mario Kart before the sun rises.
And right next to Dave & Buster’s in Tampa is indoor skydiving.
Wait, what? You and your group can put on helmets and take flight in a wind tunnel at iFLY Tampa.
It’s understandable if you want to keep your feet on the ground. Take a lap at local roller skating rinks, and literally stay cool at the Clearwater Ice Arena. No one will mind if you channel your inner Queen Elsa on ice skates.
Arts and crafts in Tampa Bay
Art studios are great for several reasons: for self-expression, for being able to do it solo or in a group, and for being able to take home your own masterpiece.
AR Workshop has multiple locations across Tampa Bay, featuring a variety of projects. You can create a porch sign and friendship bracelets in the same visit.
Painting is relaxing, whether it’s on a canvas or pottery. But paint and sip takes the pressure off of being too technical. Sunshine City Paint recently opened in St. Petersburg this month. The new spot offers classes for all ages.
Tip from us: Don’t dip your brush in your refreshing drink!
If you’re up for a road trip to Lakeland, PicassoZ Art Cafe offers walk-in sessions to paint pottery or make mosaics.
Feel the heat differently with a glassblowing class. Zen Glass Studio in St. Petersburg offers workshops for first-timers to turn and roll the liquefied glass through colors on the end of a steel blowpipe.
Community gatherings in Tampa Bay
Where you live offers a lot more than you may think.
Your local library may be offering community events, along with nearby restaurants hosting trivia and bingo nights.
Did you know the Times hosts a monthly Article Club? Health reporter Lauren Peace leads a discussion every third Sunday of every month at Book + Bottle in downtown St. Petersburg, featuring Times reporters.
Taking a stroll through locally owned businesses is a way to ditch the heat. Your guests can find a treasure to take home at an antique store, or even spend Christmas in July at this Clearwater wonderland shop.
How do you spend your time out of the hot Florida sun? Let us know in the comments.