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

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. 
Scroll down to view images
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

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

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

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

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

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

Join the Creative Loafing Tampa Bay Press Club

At a time when local-based reporting is critical, support from our readers is essential to our future.