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6 Family-Friendly Places to Cool off From the Heat Around Tampa, Florida

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Where To Cool Off In Tampa

While living in Florida you can enjoy almost year round sunshine and beautiful beaches. It’s definitely a perk for the millions of residents and visitors. While the tropical temperatures are great, you may find yourself wanting to cool off from all those high temperatures.

We’ve come up with some fun options to stay cool while you’re in the Tampa Bay area.

 

NOTE: Some locations may be affected to change of operating hours due to COVID-19.

 

Ice Skating Rink

What can be cooler than gliding over a rink of ice that’s 32 degrees F? Not only will ice skating help you keep your cool, it’s a great activity that the family can do together.  Check out these ice skating rinks that have open public skates (check schedules for times) for the ultimate in icy coolness:

  • The Ice Sports Forum, 10222 Elizabeth Pl, Tampa, FL 33619 Tampa. –  The Ice Sports Forum is the official practice facility of the National Hockey League’s Tampa Bay Lightning. They also have public skating, hockey leagues and even Parent & Me skating. 
  • Tampa Bay Skating Academy Oldsmar,255 Forest Lakes Blvd. Oldsmar, FL 34677,
  • Clearwater Ice Arena: 14044 Icot Blvd, Clearwater, FL
  • Countryside Mall: 33760, 27001 US Hwy 19N, Clearwater, FL 33761- Located in the center of the mall so you can skate and take in some shopping.
  • Advent Health Center Ice, 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd Wesley Chapel FL 33544 – They offer public skating, hockey leagues and dining inside so no need to leave the facility to catch some real tasty bites. 

 

 

Ice Cream Shop

If you can’t get chilly on the outside, get chilly on the inside. Ice cream has been keeping people cool for hundreds of years, though its exact origins are debatable. Did you know that the first known instance of ice cream being served was in Maryland in 1774? Some of the coolest places to get your licks today include: 

Hillsborough County:

  • The Revolution Ice Cream Co, 6701 N Florida Ave.Tampa, FL 33604 – Also offers vegan and infused options. 
  • Snobachi Handcrafted Ice Cream , 2206 E 7th Ave. Tampa, FL 33605 – Rolled ice cream is cool, and Dragon Ballz are even cooler. You’ll love all the different possible flavor combinations.
  • Astro Ice Cream Co at Armature Works, 1910 N Ola Ave.Tampa, FL. 33602 – Hand made and flash frozen and some of the richest flavors in town.
  • Jeremiah’s Italian Ice Of South Tampa, 4051 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33611- You’ll find tasty frozen treats in a variety of flavor

Pasco County

  • Orange Cycle Creamery, 212 E Tarpon Ave. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 – Premium ice cream with 28 flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
  • Ice Dreammm Shop,  23912 FL-54 #2, Lutz, FL 33559  – Locally owned and they craft their our own ice cream. From classic favorites to crazy concoctions.

 

Pinellas County

  • Strachan’s Ice Cream & Desserts, Three locations (Palm Harbor, Dunedin & Clearwater)Homemade ice creams, award-winning desserts, and a friendly atmosphere that makes everyone feel right at home.
  • Hazel Ice Cream,  15231 Guld Boulevard, Madeira Beach, FL 33708 – Smooth & creamy homemade ice cream. They even have milk shakes!
  • Plant Love Ice Cream, 953 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33705 – 100% Vegan and oh so good. You’ll forget it doesn’t include any dairy.

  • Paciugo Gelato & Caffe, 300 Beach Drive NE, St Petersburg, FL 33701,  – You’ll love their gelato! Voted the best in Tampa Bay for 9 years in a row for good reason.

 

 

 

 

Indoor Fun Center

All you need for a day of fun can be found within the square footage of a fun center. Many include a wide variety of things to do and even a restaurant, arcade and tons of active fun with free wifi. Families can easily spend several hours at a location which will tire out any active kid. We just can’t promise you they’ll leave willingly. 

Here are some of our favorites:

Hillsborough County:

  • Urban Air Adventure Park – Ropes course, trampolines, bumper cars, rock climbing and more, 6250 Commerce Palms Dr, Tampa, FL 33647
  • Qzar Laser Tag– Earth’s Favorite Laser Game! 7807 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33614

  • Airosphere– Indoor Bounce Park, 622 Ware Blvd, Tampa, FL 33619

Pasco County:

  • Urban Air Adventure Park– Trampolines, rock climbing and more, 9560 US-19, Port Richey, FL 34668
  • Main Event– Arcades, bowling, ropes course, laser tag and full restaurant,  2839 Creek Grass Way, Lutz, FL 33559
  • Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park, 22930 FL-54, Lutz, FL 33549

Pinellas County:

 

  • Celebration Station, Amusement park with bumper boats, arcade, mini-golf, go-karts & more.,  24546 US Hwy 19 N, Clearwater, FL 33763
  • Airheads Trampoline Park, 12401 Belcher Rd, Largo, FL 33773
  • Xtreme Fun Center, Epic place if you love laser tag, 13211 93rd St N, Largo, FL 33773
  • Treasure Island Fun Center, 7770 Seminole Blvd, Seminole, FL 33772

Rock Climbing 

The weather in Florida can be too hot to spend much time outside. But for those who want to burn off their energy without getting burned, rock climbing can provide the adrenaline rush you’re looking for. This state-of-the-art indoor climbing facility offers something for everybody, from the novice to the seasoned pro. With over 60 bouldering routes, 10 top rope stations, and much more, you’ll stay cool while enjoying an adventure.

  • Vertical Ventures St. Petersburg, 116 18th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712 – Our personal favorite. 



Museums

For those who prefer to stay cool and low-key, check out one of the many local museums for a day of cool exploration and education. In Tampa, head to: 

Saint Petersburg, USA – Salvador Dali museum Panorama in St Petersburg

 

  • Tampa’s  Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI),4801 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33617 – Learn and expand your mind in fun ways that will connect you to science and the stars. Small museum but a great option for those science minded family members. 
  • Glazer Children’s Museum, 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602– Play, discover, and connect through exhibits and hands-on exploration. 
  • Tampa Museum of Art, 120 W Gasparilla Plz, Tampa, FL 33602 – A modern museum with art pieces that will wow even the little ones. They have a free arts program for kids on Saturdays.
  • Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 – Exhibits spanning 4,000 years, including African art, European paintings, American photography and it has a fun and large kids art and play area.
  • The Dali Museum, 1 Dali Blvd, St Petersburg, FL 33701 – Dedicated to the works of Salvador Dalí. It houses the largest collection of Dalí’s works outside Europe. 



Water Parks

 

 

Adventure Island, 1001 N. Mickinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602 – Home to Tampa’s largest water park. You’ll find water slides, pools and lazy rivers. The cool waters will cool you down very quickly. Adventure Island is a seasonal attraction that usually run from Spring to Fall.

Splash Harbor Water Park, 399 2nd St, Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785 – Beat the heat with miles of water slides, waterfalls, and lazy rivers. Plus, there’s a cool game room where guests can get out of the sun and have a blast winning prizes. Locker and cabana rentals are available, and there’s plenty of places to eat and drink.

 

Looking for more ways to have fun in Tampa?

 

 

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