The 25 best things to do in Tampa Bay when it’s hot AF outside

Take a watery theme park adventure

Adventure Island, 10001 McKinley Dr, Tampa, 1-813-884-4386 adventureisland.com
Whether you’re with friends or taking the kids out for that classic theme park experience, Adventure Island’s slides, splash areas, pools and lazy river are a fool-proof way to beat the heat. Let the thrill seeker in you take the plunge down The Vanishing Point, Adventure Island’s 70 ft. drop slide, or kick back and float down the Rambling Bayou’s half-mile tube trip.

Photo via Adventure Island/Facebook

Stop in at Armature Works during your SoHo stroll

Armature Works, 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, 813-250-3725 armatureworks.com
Armature Works is modern-rustic fusion hangout built up out of SoHo’s old TECO streetcar warehouse. With a public market, central courtyard with cool misters, and a number of restaurants and bars, this revitalized hangout spot attracts crowds of all ages.

Photo via Armature Works/Instagram

Swim in a giant fake lagoon at Epperson Lagoon

Epperson Lagoon, 31885 Overpass Rd, Wesley Chapel, 813-527-0775 lagooninformation.com
Epperson Lagoon’s purified, bright blue waters opened to the public late last year. The 7.5-acre, man made lake and beach has a little something for all ages and activity levels, featuring a waterslide, swim-up bar, floating obstacle course, concert area and kayak rentals.

Photo via Epperson/Facebook

Dinner and a movie? How about dinner IN the movies?

CinéBistro, 1609 W Swann Ave, Tampa, 813-514-8300 cinebistro.com
Airing both new releases and independent films, CineBistro makes date night a one stop shop by serving up bistro style dishes, cocktails and wine straight to your seat. Of course, the more traditional viewer can always pick up popcorn and a soda from concessions. Get out of the sun, sit back in their spacious, high-back leather rocking chairs and let the lights dim. You just might forget your sweltering car outside.

Photo via CinéBistro Hyde Park/Facebook

Slip into a plush robe and slippers with a day pass to The Don CeSar Spa

The Don CeSar, 3400 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, 727-360-1881 doncesar.com
The Don CeSar, the unmistakable pink palace of St. Pete Beach, features a number of indulgent treatments and amenities in their Spa Oceana. Treat yourself to a day pass for access to spa locker areas, whirlpools, steam rooms, whisper lounge, and rooftop terrace overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, or parooze the spa’s full list of services for additional fees.

Photo via doncesar.com

Brewery hop in Dunedin

Multiple locations
Dunedin has the breweries packed in tight, with more than 10 within a mile of each other. Brewery hopping in Dunedin is a great way to check out all the local brews, and after a few pints, you won’t even mind the heat anymore.

Photo via Woodwright Brewing Company/Facebook

Explore the aquatics without leaving dry land

The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, 813) 273-4000flaquarium.org
The Florida Aquarium lays out its elaborate exhibits like a journey, with animals and ecosystems reflecting the Florida landscape and beyond. Many of the exhibits at the aquarium are interactive, so try dipping a hand in the cool water to touch the stingrays at Stingray Beach or feel a starfish’s bumpy back in the No Bones Zone.

Photo via The Florida Aquarium/Facebook

Hit the tracks at Tampa Bay Grand Prix

Tampa Bay Grand Prix, multiple locations tampabaygp.com
Tampa Bay Grand Prix uses indoor go kart tracks at both of its locations, in other words, no black leather seats searing the back of your legs after sitting out in the sun. The karts at Tampa Bay Grand Prix don’t mess around, reaching speeds up to 50 miles per hour.

Photo via tampabaygp.com

Test your luck at Seminole Hard Rock and Casino

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, 5223 Orient Rd, Tampa, 813-627-7625seminolehardrocktampa.com
Whether you’re a blackjack badass or prefer to stick to the slots, Seminole Hard Rock & Casino is there for your gambling pleasure 24 hours per day. Hitting the casino is one way to beat the heat, but can you beat the house?

Photo via Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tampa/Facebook

Do some shopping and enjoy the free AC in International Plaza

International Plaza, 2223 N. Westshore Blvd. Tampa, 813-342-3790shopinternationalplaza.com
International Plaza is a large indoor mall with some 200 stores ranging from high-end designers to more affordable shops and department stores. Find a new swimsuit for the summer in the blasting air conditioning before braving the outdoors once again.

Photo via International Plaza and Bay Street/Facebook

Feed your brain at your local library

The Library, multiple locations hcplc.org
The Hillsborough County Public Library CoOperative has 33 locations across the county making it easy to duck in and find a little peace of mind. Find a new book, get some work done and enjoy your break from the noise.

Photo via pixabay

Pop a quarter in and play at Lowry Parcade

Lowry Parcade, 1213 W Waters Ave, Tampa, 813-915-9180 lowryparcade.com
Lowry Parcade is a blast from the past with a grown-up twist after 11 p.m. From walls of classic games like Galaga, Ms. Pac-Man and Donkey Kong, to skee ball, pool and pinball, Lowry has been collecting vintage machines for years to provide that old-school arcade experience. This gamers’ paradise is open to all ages until 11 p.m. After that, the beer and wine serving spot is open only to those 21 and up.

Photo via lowryparcade.com/

Roll for a strike to spare yourself from the heat

Splitsville, 615 Channelside Dr Suite 120, Tampa, 813-514-2695 splitsvillelanes.com
While the temperature is heating up outside, let the competition heat up inside. Splitsville bowling alley is a great indoor activity when you and your friends just can’t spend another minute by the pool. In addition to traditional bowling, Splitsville has lawn and feather bowling, ping pong, billiards, foosball, darts, and shuffleboard.

Photo via splitsvillelanes.com

Take new electric scooters for a spin around Sparkman Wharf

Sparkman Wharf, www.spin.app
While you’re out shopping or grabbing dinner in Sparkman Wharf, skip the walking, and try out one of the new electric scooters available for rent in the area. Spin, an electric scooter rental service, just opened up in Sparkman Wharf. All you have to do is download their app and enter your credit card info, find an available scooter and go for a spin.

Photo via Sparkman Wharf/Facebook

Roll for a strike to spare yourself from the heat

Splitsville, 615 Channelside Dr Suite 120, Tampa, 813-514-2695 splitsvillelanes.com
While the temperature is heating up outside, let the competition heat up inside. Splitsville bowling alley is a great indoor activity when you and your friends just can’t spend another minute by the pool. In addition to traditional bowling, Splitsville has lawn and feather bowling, ping pong, billiards, foosball, darts, and shuffleboard.

Photo via splitsvillelanes.com

Explore one of Florida’s many naturally chilly springs

multiple locations, floridasprings.org
Florida is home to over 30 springs fed by the Florida aquifer deep underground, keeping temperatures lower than standing water. These ground fed water bodies are great spots for snorkeling, scuba diving or just splashing around.

Photo via pixabay

Hang 10 far away from the UV rays at Flowrider Indoor Surfing

Flowrider Indoor Surfing, multiple locationsflowrider.surfstyle.com
If you want to catch a wave without coming home looking like a lobster, Flowrider Indoor Surfing will meet you in the middle. Their indoor wave simulator re-creates the surfing experience in a controlled environment where instructors are standing by to make sure all experience levels are safe.

Photo via Surf Style/Facebook

Learn some local history at the Tampa Bay History Center

Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Old Water St, Tampa, 813-228-0097 tampabayhistorycenter.org
The Tampa Bay History Center’s exhibits explore the history of the Tampa Bay area, from the original Native American populations, into European colonization and up to modern day. Then, if reading about colonization gets you down, go drown yourself in Spanish-Cuban cuisine from Columbia Cafe, an on-site branch of the Columbia Restaurant.

Photo via Tampa Bay History Center/Facebook

Park your car or dock your boat and, well, Getaway

The Getaway, multiple locations thegetawaytampabay.com
The Getaway’s waterfront views and tiki roofs radiate Florida summer energy when all you need is a bit of shade and some fresh seafood to get your through the heat of the day.

Photo via The Getaway Tampa Bay/Instagram

Grab a paddleboard and say “SUP” to the horizon

Urban Kai, multiple locations, 1-813-598-1634 urbankai.com
Urban Kai offers equipment and tours to paddleboard enthusiasts, along with training and lessons to those still finding their sealegs. With locations in downtown Tampa and St. Petersburg, Urban Kai’s stand-up paddleboarding services offer the Tampa Bay area the chance to get some exercise out on the water. And if it gets too hot, you can always jump in.

Photo via urbankai.com