Summers in Tampa are no joke! With temperatures soaring over 90 degrees, scorching sunny skies, and humidity so high that you can barely breathe, it’s nearly impossible to be out and about during the summer. Summer heat can make it difficult to escape the house without feeling on fire. That’s why we have rounded up 12 cool —see what we did there?– indoor activities in Tampa that will help you beat the heat and chill like a champ.
1. Catch a movie at Tampa Theater
When it comes to cooling off, there is no better place than the theater. The gentle cool breeze accompanied by buttery popcorn, a cold drink, the darkness of the cinema, and your favorite movie simply invites you to relax in ways you can only experience here. — One of the best lowkey top indoor activities in Tampa if you ask us!— Check out the upcoming screenings at Tampa Theater and enjoy a chill day out without sweating.
2. Experience a Candlelight concert
Escape the summer heat with an unexpectedly thrilling experience: attending a Candlelight concert. Despite what you might initially believe, this event is the epitome of excitement. Picture yourself surrounded by thousands of LED candles, creating a cool and intimate atmosphere. While basking in this unique ambiance, treat yourself to classic tributes of your favorite songs. Various venues in Tampa, such as the Centro Asturiano de Tampa and the Tampa Museum of Art, host these spectacular candlelit concerts. Don’t miss the opportunity to cool off while enjoying an unforgettable musical experience — Get your ticket here!
3. Chill at Book and Bottle
Relax in a chill environment as you read a book while sipping wine at Book and Bottle. This cozy bookstore curates the best literary fiction and other mind-opening books with the best wine. From old-world reds paired with feminist readings to books about dad jokes and IPAs — Yes! They serve more than wine.
4. Get wet at Adventure Island
For a fun-filled water adventure, you got to go to Adventure Island. This exciting water park boasts thrilling slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools to cool off and have a blast with your family and friends. The best thing is that their tickets start at $45!
5. Jump right into The Lift Adventure Park
Jump into summer at Florida’s largest inflatable water obstacle course, The Lift Adventure Park. At this unique water park, you can bounce around on interconnected inflatables, become a chimp as you swing through a maze of cables, or chill while kayaking around the lake. At Lift, there’s an activity for everyone to enjoy while fending off Tampa’s heat.
6. Grab a cold treat at Bake N’ Babes
Nothing screams summer more than a cold treat – and you can bet we have the best recommendation! Indulge your sweet tooth at Bake N’ Babes, a delightful bakery known for its mouthwatering ice cream sandwiches and over-the-top shakes. Treat yourself to their creative flavors, like their award-winning Sleazy Brownie, a combination of cookie dough, oreo, and brownie.
7. Visit the Tampa Museum of Art
Escape the sun’s rays and explore the fascinating world of art at the Tampa Museum of Art. Check out contemporary exhibitions like Esterio Segura’s Goodbye My Love, to classical works, like Life & Death in the Ancient World while staying cool. The museum offers a tranquil environment where you can appreciate the beauty of artistic masterpieces at an affordable price, as well as candlelit concerts at night.
8. Go indoor skydiving and feel the wind
Experience the thrill of skydiving without the heat and altitude at iFLY Indoor Skydiving. Feel the rush of wind as you float effortlessly in a vertical wind tunnel, simulating the sensation of freefall. It’s a unique and exhilarating way to escape Tampa’s summer heat.
9. Get your game on at an Arcade
Reminisce those old summer days when your parents took you to Chuck E. Cheese on a hot summer day. Step into the cool, retro ambiance of Lowry Parcade. Let loose at this adult arcade with a wide variety of classic and modern games paired with the best craft beer. From pinball machines to board games, Lowry Parcade provides hours of entertainment and a chance to escape the heat while having fun.
10. Splash around dolphins at Florida Aquarium
Head to the Florida Aquarium for an immersive experience with marine life. Explore the exhibits, attend fascinating shows, and even get to see dolphins up close in the wild with their Wild Dolphin Cruise. It’s a refreshing and educational way to stay cool while enjoying the wonders of the ocean.
11. Throw some balls at Top Golf
Feel like Jon Rahm while throwing some balls at Top Golf. This golf complex combines over-the-top golf installations with the best entertainment. With its climate-controlled environment, you can practice your swing, enjoy delicious food and beverages, and escape the summer heat.
12. Head to the beach
Finally, what better way to beat the summer heat than by heading to one of Tampa’s beautiful nearby beaches? From Clearwater Beach to St. Pete Beach, you can soak up the sun, swim in the cool ocean waters, and relax on the sandy shores.