After Hurricane Irma: What Is Open and Fun Family Things to Do While School is Closed

The Tampa Bay area has survived Hurricane Irma. While there have been reported power outages, damages to homes and some flooding, many residents have been spared a catastrophic Hurricane. Now that school will be closed for several days, what is there to do? If you are still without power, you will definitely want to find a place to go that includes air conditioning.

Please check out our list of family-friendly things to do while you survive the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.

Please NOTE: We have added links for verification purposes. Please check social media pages for the most updated information. The information listed below is subject to change without notice.

UPDATED: 9/13/17

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1. Animal Life:

Besides seeing the occasional gator on the road, you can also see a wide range of animal and sea creatures at local attractions in the Tampa area. Remember that it is SWAPtember and their are reciprocal membership admission for Florida Aquarium, MOSI and Lowry Park Zoo members.

Things to Do Option(s):

Florida Aquarium:  They will offer the community a free parking and $10 adult and $5 admission deal on Wednesday, Sept. 13th.

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo:  They will open at 9:30 am on Wednesday, September 13!

Busch Gardens:  Open on Wednesday, Sept. 13th for BOGO admission deal for Florida residents.

2. Bowling:

Bowling is a classic game and it’s such an easy and fun family outing. If you have kids, you can add bumpers when it’s their turn and it can be removed when it’s an adults turn. There are so many bowling centers in the Tampa Bay area. Find your favorite and give them a call to confirm their hours.

Things to Do Option(s):

Pin Chasers: Midtown and East Pasco location will open on Tuesday, Sept. 12th at 5 p.m. They will have $1 bowling games, pizza slices, and $1 drinks.

3. Indoor Fun Centers/Museums:

There are many locations that include a combination of things to keep a family entertained.

Top Golf:  They are hoping to open by Noon on Tuesday, Sept. 12th. Please check their website for updates.

Glazer Children’s Museum: They will open on Wednesday, Sept. 13th for $7 admission deals.

Crayola Experience Orlando: They will re-open on Tuesday, September 12th at 10 a.m.

We Rock the Spectrum-Tampa: Doors will open September 12th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at a discounted rate of $10 per child.

MOSI Tampa is closed until November. However, their members can still participate in SWAPtember. 

4. Jump Centers:

Need to get the wiggles out? Whether it’s jumping at bounce house center or at at a trampoline parks, there are many options for you and your family. Many of them have waivers. Save some time and sign them online if they are available.

Things to Do Option(s):

*AirHeads Trampoline in Tampa: They will re-open on Tuesday, Sept. 12th at Noon.

*Gator Fred’s Indoor Bounce Center:  They are open for regular business hours.

*BOING! Jump center will re-open on Wednesday, Sept. 13th for All You Can Jump for only $18.

*Altitude Trampoline Park: Open for regular business hours on Tuesday, Sept. 12th. Tuesdays are BOGO hour per jumper.

5. Libraries:

Tampa-Hillsborough County Library: The following branches will be open with limited services Wednesday, September 13th: John F. Germany Public Library, Jimmie B Keel Regional Library, North Tampa Branch Library, Maureen B. Gauzza Public Library, Austin Davis Public Library, 78th Street Community Library, SouthShore Regional Library, New Tampa Regional Library, James J. Lunsford Law Library, Brandon Regional Library, and Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Please continue to check their Facebook page for further updates.

Pasco County Libraries:

All locations are expected to re-open Wednesday, September 13 at their regular hours. Please call individual branches for verification.

Pinellas Public Libraries:  Many public libraries throughout the county are still without power. Please call before driving to one of the libraries to make sure it is open. Do not attempt to return books, as most book drops are locked. Overdue fines will not accumulate during the storm. “Fine forgiveness” will be widespread according to the Pinellas Library system.

6. Malls: 

The following shopping centers are open. Individual store times may vary.

Citrus Park Mall

Tampa Premium Outlets

The Shops at Wiregrass

Westshore Plaza 

International Mall

Westfield Brandon 

Tyrone Square 

Westfield Countryside

7. Movies:

Enjoy a break from the heat or the rain and enjoy a family movie in a air conditioned environment. Find the latest showings by visiting your local theatres website or giving them a call.  Tuesdays just happen to be $5 movies at many movie theatres  in the Tampa area.

Things to Do Option(s): 

*Studio Movie Grill in Tampa is offering a $5 movie deal and food specials.

*AMC Theatres: (Call your local AMC or check website for updates.) AMC has a $ movie special that will end on October 31, 2017. For the AMC $5 deal you need to join their AMC Stubs program. You can join easily join the Stube program on their website, and it’s free.

8. Parks and Recreation:

*Tampa Parks & Rec: All Tampa Parks & Recreation pools & splash pads (excluding Sulphur Springs Pool & Water Works Park splash pad) are open today. Crews are working to restore the closed facilities and hope to have them reopened soon.

*Pasco Parks & Recreation: All Park are closed until further notice. Check Facebook for updates.

*Pinellas County: County parks, preserves and Heritage Village will reopen on Saturday, September 16th. Check Facebook for updates.

9. Rock climbing: 

Vertical Ventures is one of our favorite places to visit for rock climbing. They have a great BOGO deal on the weekend. They have a Tampa and St. Petersburg location.

*Vertical Ventures Tampa location is CLOSED until further notice due to Hurricane Irma damage. Probably only a day or two. St. Petersburg location is open for regular business hours. starting Tuesday, Sept. 12th.

10. Roller/Ice Skating:

If skating is your thing, then you will find several options across Tampa. Many of them offer weekly specials that include admission and skate rental.

Things to Do Options:

*United Skates Tampa: Open Tuesday, September 12th from 5:30-8:00 p.m. and Wednesday, September 13th from 12-4 p.m. and 6:00- 8:30 p.m. Admission is $5 per person.

*Florida Hospital Center Ice in Wesley Chapel, FL: Open for regular hours on Sept. 12th.  See their website for public skating schedules.

11. Theme Parks:

Things to Do Options:

LEGOLAND Florida: Will re-open on Thursday, Sept. 14 – LEGOLAND Florida Theme Park and LEGOLAND Beach Retreat. TBD – LEGOLAND Water Park. Please call customer service at 877-350-5346 with any questions.

Walt Disney World: Will open on Tuesday, Sept. 12th. However, their water parks will be closed and will re-open later this week. Please see exact hours here.

Busch Gardens:  Open on Wednesday, Sept. 13th for BOGO admission deal for Florida residents.

Adventure Island: Adventure Island is currently operating on a weekends only schedule, and they will determine a reopening date as the week progresses.  Check their Facebook page for updates.

Universal Studios and Volcano Bay is Open.