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

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

Kayak by the mangroves at Fort De Soto Park

3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde. 727-582-2267
Averaging over 2.7 million visitors annually, Fort De Soto offers scenic beach views, a historic fort, a variety of wildlife, fishing piers, ferry service, kayak rentals and camping grounds. Expect a $5 parking fee upon entrance.
Photo via Top Water Kayak/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

Visit one of Tampa Bay’s OG ice cream shops

Ice cream is a summertime essential and Tampa Bay has plenty to offer. From Tampa’s Dairy Joy to St. Pete’s Old Farmer’s Creamery to Bradenton’s Shake Pit, make sure to grab your favorite scoop, custard or sundae before it all melts away.
Photo via Hudson Ice Cream Parlor/website

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