It’s only getting hotter in Tampa Bay, so we put together a few activities to safely occupy your time, either in the water, in the evenings, or within our treasured air-conditioned spaces. Here are a few of our favorite local spots to beat the heat. 

Swim in a 7-acre fake lagoon 31885 Overpass Road, Wesley Chapel. 813-444-5221 The Epperson lagoon features a 30-foot water slide, a water obstacle course, AquaBana rentals (water cabana), a waterside bar and more. Day passes cost $40 for adults and $33 for kids ages 4-12. Add-on experiences cost extra.Photo via MetroLagoons/website
Ride the new slides at Adventure Island 10001 McKinley Dr., Tampa. 813-884-4386 Slip and slide down the park’s newest additions, the two-person Rapids Racer raft ride and the party-vibe-inspired Wahoo Remix musical adventure. Tickets and passes can be purchased online and prices vary.Photo via Adventure Island/Facebook
Rent a boat and head to Fantasy Island or Beer Can Island, depending on if you have kids or not There are dozens of small islands along the coast that can be accessed via boat. Before heading out, make sure you have the island’s coordinates and find out whether or not it is family-friendly before bringing along your kids. Fantasy Island is safe for all ages, Beer Can Island not so much.Photo via Fantasy Island Tampa/Facebook
Visit the poolside bar at the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa 105 Bayshore Dr., Safety Harbor. 888-237-8772 Overlooking the tranquil parts of Tampa Bay, this luxury resort features a hotel-style pool, a spa with various amenities, a waterfront tiki bar, tennis courts, the Fountain Grille restaurant and more. Rooms start at $170 per night. Photo via Safety Harbor Resort and Spa/Facebook
Swing for the fences at TopGolf 10690 Palm River Rd., Tampa. 813-298-1811 With three floors of tee bays, interactive games, a rooftop terrace with fireplaces and a full-scale bar and restaurant, TopGolf is a fan favorite amongst both pros and Happy Gilmores. Bay rental prices vary depending on time and day.Photo via Topgolf/Google
Relax all day at The Don CeSar Spa 3400 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach. 844-338-1501 The hotel’s Spa Oceana offers a full-service salon, aroma-infused steam rooms, whirlpool baths and more ways to unwind. This “oasis of seaside bliss” accepts online reservations and prices vary.Photo via The Don CeSar/Facebook
Learn some local history at the Tampa Bay History Center 801 Water St., Tampa. 813-228-0097 This museum features exhibits that cover pirates, conquistadors, native inhabitants, historical figures and more. The grounds also feature Columbia Cafe, which serves Spanish and Cuban dishes, and live music. Standard admission costs $16.95. Photo via Tampa Bay History Center/website
Hang 10 at FlowRider Indoor Surfing 311 S Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach. 888-787-3789 Clearwater Beach’s famous indoor surfing experience is an artificial wave machine that is fun for both beginners and pros. The wave machine is located within Surf Style, which also features a full-sized retail shop and convenience store. Reservations are encouraged.Photo via Visit St. Pete Clearwater/website
Reach the peak at Vertical Ventures 116 18th St. S, St. Petersburg. 727-304-6290 This 20,000-square-foot indoor rockwall climbing facility has over 150 routes to climb with peaks of 40 feet tall. The facility also offers yoga classes and a fitness gym with treadmills, weight racks, rowing machines and more. Single day passes with gear cost $25 for adults and $17 for kids under 12.Photo via Vertical Ventures/Facebook
Hit the water parks at one of Tampa Bay’s many YMCAs From South Tampa Family to Child’s Park, there are multiple opportunities to enjoy a day at a nearby YMCA, which feature outdoor pools, basketball courts, exercise classes, weight rooms and more. Sign up to become a member or check out the facilities with a guest pass.Photo via Tampa Metropolitian Area YMCA/Facebook
Seek some shade, drinks and score zone at Shuffle 2612 N Tampa St., Tampa. 813-450-3797 This indoor shuffleboard club features four full-size courts, concession stand-style food, beer, wine, liquor and live music. Walk-in play costs $10 per hour and to reserve the full court costs $60 per hour.Photo via Shuffle/Facebook
Float the Chaz (Weeki Wachee is too packed) 8600 W Miss Maggie Dr., Homosassa. 813-450-3797 Take a scenic kayak trip down the Chassahowitzka River and cool off in the cold water. Whether you visit for the day or camp out overnight, this campground is full of adventures that will allow you to immerse yourself in nature and wildlife. Photo via Adobe Images
Hit the lanes at one of Tampa Bay’s last retro bowling alleys 5008 S Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa. 813-835-7665 Pinarama Bowling alley features over a dozen bowling lanes, a pool table, arcade games, cheeseburgers, wings, drinks and more. The old-school alley features black & white checkered floors, retro signage and nostalgic decor. Hours of operation and prices vary depending on day and time. The was sold as this slideshow went live, so its days are probably numbered.Photo via Pinarama Bowling Center/Facebook
Visit Dr. Beach’s second best beach in the country for 2022 1 Causeway Blvd., Dunedin. 727-469-5918 The beautiful Caladesi Island offers a day full of swimming, tanning, hiking, paddling and fishing. The island is only accessible via boat or ferry from Honeymoon Island.Photo via Florida State Parks/website
Bet on the ponies at Tampa Bay Downs 11225 Race Track Rd., Tampa. 813-855-4401 With the track’s season coming to an end, take a gamble on your favorite horse—or the one with the funniest name—before it’s too late. With live racing only on June 30, you can still place virtual bets throughout the month via simulcast. Photo via Tampa Bay Downs/Google Credit: Photo via Tampa Bay Downs/Google
Hudson Beach Ice Cream Parlor 6930 Clark St., Hudson, 727-378-4496 With over 40 homemade flavors of ice cream, sherbert, Italian ice, with sugar-free and low-fat options, you can’t miss out on Hudson Beach Ice Cream Parlor when in Pasco County. Adorned with neon signs, memorabilia and a checkerboard floor, the nostalgic spot is walking distance from the beach and offers plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Photo via
Drink a Bloody Mary and watch planes take off at The Hangar 540 1st St. S, St. Petersburg. 727-823-7767 Located at the Albert Whitted Airport in Downtown St. Pete, The Hangar is a one-of-a-kind restaurant experience that overlooks an active runway. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant’s widespread menu has something for everyone-— including gluten-free and vegetarian options, plus one hell of a Monday night jazz jam.Photo via The Hangar Restuarant & Flight Lounge/Facebook
Stroll down the new St. Pete Pier 600 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. 727-822-7437 The 26-acre pier district offers picturesque waterfront and downtown views, public art, a kid-friendly playground and water pad, restaurants, bars and fishing spots. Admission and accessible bus transportation is free. Photo by Max Steele
Catch a free, evening concert at Tampa’s Rock the Park 600 N Ashley Dr., Tampa. 813-274-8615 Located at Curtis Hixon Park in Downtown Tampa, Rock the Park is a music series that showcases free concerts on the first Thursday of every month. Come support local talent and enjoy some music with friends and family. It’s anniversary happens in August.Photo via Rock the Park Tampa/Facebook
Catch a movie with dinner and a beer at CinéBistro 1609 W Swann Ave., Tampa. 813-514-8300 Located in Hyde Park Village, this high-class movie theater shows the latest flicks while serving American cuisine, fine wines and signature cocktails. You must be 21 & up to enter and arrive 30 minutes prior to showtime for in-theater service. Photo via Hyde Park Village/website
Ichetucknee Springs State Park 12087 SW U.S. Highway 27, Fort White, (386) 497-4690, starting at $6 per vehicle Known best for its warm weather tubing experience, the Ichetucknee River also offers canoeing, kayaking, fishing, wildlife viewing and eight major springs that join together to create the 6-mile river run. Although no camping is offered on site, River Run campground, Ichetucknee Family Canoe and Cabins, and Ichetucknee Springs campground. Photo via Ichetucknee State Park
Plug in at Ybor City’s GameTime 1600 E 8th Ave., Ybor City. 813-241-9675 Grab your parent’s credit card and head to this arcade sports bar. With over 60 TVs, rooms full of electronic games and a full bar and restaurant, this spot is every sports fan and gamers dream.Photo via GameTime (Tampa, FL)/Facebook
Return the stuff you bought online and enjoy free AC at International Mall 2223 N Westshore Blvd., Tampa. 813-342-3790 With over 204 stores and services, International Plaza mall offers a full day of shopping and food court indulging. From Louis Vuitton to Foot Locker to Lululemon, there’s a store for every generation at this mall.Photo via International Plaza and Bay Street/Facebook
Take a guided tour at the Dalí and then pop over to Mahaffey 1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg. 727-823-3767 Soak in the arts all day by starting at world-renowned artist Salvador Dalí’s museum and then heading over to neighboring Mahaffey Theater, a performing arts center and concert hall. General admission to the Dalí costs $25 and tickets to shows at Mahaffey vary.Photo via The Dalí/website