In Florida, August is more often referred to as “November?” Temperatures have been particularly harsh this month, with record-setting temperatures continuing. We had some ideas for having fun in Tampa Bay while staying cool.
Spend the Day Skating
What better way to beat the heat on a hot summer day than with an ice rink? The Tampa Bay Skating Academy offers public skating hours year-round at locations within Oldmar, Clearwater, and Country Mall. Be sure to dress warmly before going to the rink – the indoor air temperature of the rink hovers between 50 and 60 degrees. People who want to improve their skating skills can sign up for a Learn to Skate course, which is suitable for all ages, from toddlers to adults.
Tour the Tampa Theater
This iconic theater in downtown Tampa has been voted one of the “Best Historic Movie Theaters in America” by the Fudo Travel Guide, making it a must-visit. The monthly Balcony-to-Backstage Tour takes you behind the scenes, including a demonstration of the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre organ. In October, your trip gets even spookier with the Ghosts of Tampa Theatre Tours, which share stories from the past of customers and employees. For a little more relaxing, attend their 8 Cat Video Festival on August 20-21, or enjoy the final screening of their summer classic series, which runs until August 2023.
Head to the Playground
Level up your gaming experience at Level 19 next to Surf Shack. Sit in the bar and play Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox games with a wireless controller, or choose pinball, shooter, driving games, Golden Tee, Pac-Man, and more. There is a well-equipped bar and food can be ordered from Surf Shack. Level 19 is for all ages until 8 p.m., followed by levels 21 and above. There is also a golf swing kit where you can play the course and different games with real clubs and balls.
If you’re looking for more than just arcade games, head to Elev8 Fun at Citrus Park Towne Center. The 125,000-square-foot space features a large playground, a full go-kart track with kids and adult cars, laser shootouts, duck needle bowling, luminous mini-golf, virtual reality games, Triotech’s XD Dark ride, ropes courses, and more. PL8 Bar & Grill is now open to keep you energized while playing.
A little further afield, the Replay Amusement Museum in Tarpon Springs is a fun way to spend the day. This interactive museum has over 120 playable games and unique rides set as “free.” Purchase a day pass ($14 for adults;$7 for children aged 12-8; Children aged 6 and under are free with adults) and play to their heart’s content. They also offer unlimited re-entry opportunities for the day, so you can grab a bite to eat before coming back for more.
Explore the St. Peter’s Museum Scene
St. Pete is home to some of Tampa Bay’s most fascinating museums, including the iconic Dalí Museum. This architectural marvel is full of surrealism and interesting stories about the artist and his work. Now is the perfect time to visit this peculiar museum. Dali Alive 360° is an immersive multi-sensory experience that allows you to experience the artist’s work like never before in the newly built Dali Dome. Save money on Thursday night visits, which are open until 8 p.m. with discounted tickets after 5 p.m
Along the road, the Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg’s collection covers nearly 5,000 years of civilization, including thousands of objects from antiquity to the present day. You can easily spend a full day exploring the artwork in the comfort of air-conditioned surroundings. Every Saturday and Sunday, they offer enlightening tours led by docents, with the on-site Clementine café offering delicious cuisine and waterfront views.
Other unique attractions in St. Pete include the Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement; Imagine a museum showcasing glass art from around the world; and the James Western Museum of Art and Wildlife.
Located in the heart of the St. Pete Warehouse Arts District, Faigrounds St. Pete is an interior world to explore with fun, immersive exhibits featuring the work of renowned artists from Florida and around the globe. It’s a space you have to see with your own eyes to believe.
While Florida is known for fun in the sun, it also has exciting indoor fun. This is just the tip of the iceberg of fun ways to stay cool during the hot summer months.