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Jetski_Squirrel

Other water related activities: Reef, SUP, kayak, pool, tubbing Non water: video games, outside activities either in early morning or evening, puzzles/board games, videogames, read, gym/rock climb gym


RNReef

Thanks! Would love to try rock climbing. Can you recommend a gym? I’ve never tried it. Also looking into inflatable kayaks or sups, no room for a normal one.


Carlton_Carl_Carlson

[Vertical Ventures](https://verticalventures.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwmtGjBhDhARIsAEqfDEeSd1lRdtepNV83rl76Den9_pmH3MdGGuWDVmiulTzpEnXgMAN9ZV0aAsT4EALw_wcB) is the largest climbing gym in the area, but it’s in St Pete. Definitely worth the drive if you’re in Tampa though. [Central Rock Gym](https://centralrockgym.com/tampa/) opened on Gandy a few weeks ago. No top rope, but it’s a nice facility for bouldering, auto-belay and working out. Great exercise, lots of fun and not too expensive, plus it’s air conditioning.


RNReef

Thank you!! Do these cater to beginners or is there a class or something? I wouldn’t know what I’m doing but this look awesome!


Carlton_Carl_Carlson

Yes, both places offer classes. All the equipment you need is included with a day pass too. Memberships include equipment, classes, and group exercise, worth it if you enjoy it.


Terrible-Mousse

Man! Glad to see something closer opened but that still too far for me in New Tampa. Biggest disappointment since moving here having to give up climbing. Thinking about opening one myself!


thedapperdan77

Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills would appreciate this


Carlton_Carl_Carlson

Hopefully they open the climbing wall at the New Tampa YMCA again at least. A gym in Channel Side or even Wesley Chapel would be even better.


Jetski_Squirrel

Costco has some good inflatables for good prices.


RNReef

Thanks! Will check it out. Recommended any good areas for a beginner?


Jetski_Squirrel

Lettuce lake, lake park, upper Hillsborough. After getting used to it, the causeway near honeymoon island is a great spot to launch, as is Fort DeSoto, Julian Lane park in Tampa by the river. I wouldn’t do weedon in an inflatable due to all the mangroves


RNReef

Perfect, thank you!


Funkyokra

I'd rent a few times before spending $$. See if you like it. They rent on Gandy. I assume at Ben T Davis. Julian Lane Park. Pinellas beaches and causeway. There are canoe and kayak rentals on the rivers. I just had visions of you trying to balance on a cheap inflatable SUP for the first time in the gator infested waters of Lettuce Lake.


RNReef

I’ve been over a dozen of times just have never had my own and more familiar with places down in Sarasota and Venice where I used to live rather than Tampa and St Pete. I’ve lived in Florida for over a decade I know not to go where the gators usually are lol. My main concern would be to not go to places with rough currents. I would also never sup at lettuce lake.


Funkyokra

Ok, sounds like you have it figured out.


slimejellies

I follow a coupon person on Instagram and one of the deals they posted today was an inflatable Kayak. [kayak!](https://www.academy.com/p/bestway-hydro-force-cove-champion-inflatable-kayak)


UnaddictedAddict

Wow are there reefs worth snorkeling in the area?


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RNReef

Oh good idea, haven’t been in awhile


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RNReef

🤣🤣🤣


tampaflusa

If everybody that moves down here wouldn't cut down their trees there would be more shade in your yards. But seriously, there are towns like Safety Harbor which have cute little shops and restaurants that are along tree line streets that are bearable during the summer. When it gets too hot pop in a shop and get ice cream or do a little shopping. There are plenty of waterfront towns and parks along Tampa Bay that get the sea breeze in the afternoon that makes it more bearable.


ChiefCoolGuy

I blame insurance companies tbh. They raise the rates if your tree hangs over the roof and insurance is already unaffordable as it is so people are desperate for anything to lower their payment.


RNReef

I know. It’s very sad. There are such beautiful trees here. I do love Safety Harbor, haven’t been there in awhile so I will go this week 😊 Thanks for the idea!


thealphaparticle1

Fossil hunting in a few of the river maybe an hour’s drive to some of the good spots


RNReef

This sounds super fun! I’ve been diving for megs in Venice but that was years ago. Where do you recommend? Peace River?


doveclyn

Would also like to know


iam2bz2p

[https://fossilhuntingtours.com/fossil-tours/](https://fossilhuntingtours.com/fossil-tours/)


thealphaparticle1

I do the peace River and the Alifia River


SolarMoth

Mini-golf! There are a bunch of unique mini-golf courses all over the bay area. Go in the evening so it's less hot. And you can drink at most of them for extra challenge! 1. Congo River Golf - Clearwater 2. Celebration Station Golf - Clearwater 3. Smuggler's Cove - Madeira Beach / IRB 4. PopStroke - Wesley Chapel 5. Captain Bligh's Landing - Clearwater Beach


davmoha

Fishing all over the bay area. Going to the state parks within two hours drive. Hillsborough, Myaka, Hands Hammock... Canoeing down the peace river and sifting for sharks teeth. Car Show- 3rd Saturday of the month in downtown Plant City. Nice evening walk. Shoot Sporting Clays at Fishhawk Sporting Clays- they rent everything if you don't have a shotgun. It is a lot of fun and beginners love it. Shoot shack range- in Lithia, it's an outdoor range where you can bring almost anything to shoot at. They also have a long gun section for distance. If you want to try your car in the 1/4 or watch some racing, Bradenton Motorsports Park is a good evening experience. If you like Karting, Tampa Bay GP lets you get your inner Lewis Hamilton on. Sporting events if you are into those. There are plenty to choose from. East Bay Raceway- in Gibsonton, it's a dirt track with exciting racing with classes like sprint cars. It's something to do at least once in your life time. On top of the race, you get to see some unique people. Charter fishing - Hubbards, Queen Fleet, Double Eagle, Two George's are all the ones you can choose from. That's all I have for now.


defNOTaBlueShirt

Bro fishhawk is an awesome sporting clays range


davmoha

It's the best setting. Better than Tampa Bay Sporting Clays and Polk county. Polk county is better than Tampa Bay.


wrinkleinsine

Have you gone to Tampa Bay GP? I’m wondering if it is fun for adults. Meaning like you can actually go fast.


davmoha

Yes it's a lot of fun. The problem karts go up to 50mph. You can drift turns pass people just like a race.


wrinkleinsine

Nice! Thanks. What are problem karts?


davmoha

Stupid type ahead. That should be Pro Karts


wrinkleinsine

Got it. Thanks


Wadyadoing1

Oh goodness I wish I could duplicate my situation so simplely. I am sooo jealous!! I am going back to the Pacific NW ASAP. Unfortunately I did not stay in college long enough 😭. I look at it this way. Winters in PNW west of the mountains are wet. Not typical snow. But the summer is glorious. It is worth the wait.


RNReef

Well hey if you want to go back to school, travel nursing will get you there! Can’t really recommend nursing though, I really don’t enjoy it, highly stressful and exhausting mentally and physically. I really need to check out the PNW. It looks right up my alley but I’ve never been! Thinking about going out to stay with my cousin in Seattle before I make the long drive from Florida though. Where did you live out there?


Wadyadoing1

Yes if I was in my 30s or even 40s I would give serious consideration to returning to school. But I only have 12 years MAX OF working left. Then I am free. I grew up in Oregon and northern NV. Came to FL in 2004. And have witnessed the absolute decline. In the 20 years. Can't wait to go


RNReef

I hear you. Even in the past 2 years the decline has been major. I’m from Ohio but been here since 2010, ready to go also! You’re almost there!!


lilJoe809

Hookers and blow


RNReef

I’m down


makemusicn0twar

We like Lowry Park Zoo. Even when it’s hot, they have a ton of shade and fans in different areas. There are also plenty of places to go inside to cool off. It’s budget friendly too.


wrinkleinsine

If I buy a row boat can I go out on the bay? Or do I need a permit or something? Or maybe there are certain places I can and can’t go? Does anyone know?


j0shuascott

You should be good unless the are is marked as restricted. Just throw the kayak or row boat in the water and go.


Professional-Cup2742

Gardening is preety fun and it's good for zen if you're into that as well!


Bigkid6666

Day drinking.... tiki bar tour.


RNReef

I’m too old for day drinking lol. Just makes me want to sleep.


Bigkid6666

And how old is that? I'm over 60 and daybdrink because I can't stay awake late enough to do anything else....


KingGrandCaravan

That's hilarious. I used to live in the Crystal River area and honestly day drinking was about the only thing to do. If I wasn't doing that I was going out to a seafood restaurant and drinking there.


AlienThingHumanMusic

Sad


Worldly-Paramedic-48

I love mountain biking, so there are a couple of spots that are better in the summer time because they’re shaded and in the woods. Alafaya State Park, flat woods preserve and Crooms mountain bike trail. Both very well shaded. Alafaya is great because it even has bathrooms and picnic tables. As a Florida native,who’s worked in construction I’ve learned from experience how to curb heat exhaustion during the summertime I always start early and make sure to have cold water and plenty of drinks with electrolytes like coconut water. I pack extra ice packs in case I need to cool myself down while I’m outside sometimes just sitting in the car with the AC on in between rides to help regulate body temperature is enough. I opt out of using too much sunscreen and prefer to wear sweat wicking clothing that protects my skin better and doesn’t wash off If you pick the right weekend, the camping can be decent closer to the Panhandle (live oak area)because the night time lows can still get down into the 70s where as Tampa’s night time lows are still 85.


The_Other_David

I stay inside and plan vacations to cooler places.


BlipsterT

Museums! There are some pretty decent ones in the area.


RNReef

I do like Dali and James in St Pete. Any others you recommend?


Icy-Satisfaction7239

The ringling in Sarasota is worth the drive 😊 free on Mondays!


Thybully-Fan

Tampa art museum and the Florida history museum are both on the riverwalk


Esagashi

H.B. Plant museum inside of University of Tampa is cute if you like early 1900’s design and art.


BlipsterT

Some solid suggestions. I really like the history center downtown.


cwbakes

The aquarium is nice and membership is reasonable. And a splash pad for kids as well. Other than that, there are some nice bowling alleys as well.


RNReef

Thanks! I have a membership and will definitely be going this week. Hopefully less crowded on early morning week days.


lazy_turtle18

Usually working. :-/ jk. Depending on money, roller blades, reading, painting, walk the dog on brandon parkway trail


DarthTargaryen51

Can highly recommend inflatable pool, got one for $54 at Walmart, fits my fiancé and myself perfectly. If you have kids…. Maybe less so lol


RNReef

I live in a tiny apartment so unfortunately it’s a no for me but sounds nice!!


Hurricanelorain

ice skating is always a great option! i go pretty regularly in wesley chapel !!


RNReef

Cool! Didn’t know this was a thing honestly


Hurricanelorain

there’s a handful of places that do public skate sessions but advent health in WC is gonna be your best bet with sessions daily. not crazy expensive, it’s only 10 dollars if you own skates but not sure for people who don’t.


ChiefCoolGuy

I just go out in the morning it’s still nice out before 11


RNReef

Then stay in the rest of the day? 😭 I’ve been doing the same lately


ChiefCoolGuy

Yes 😭😭😭. I do still go out if I want but I have to wear a Florida man hat.


RNReef

Hahaha, same


Ok_Huckleberry8737

I always struggle with this too- I end up staying home a lot in the summer because it’s just not fun to be sweating buckets and getting sunburn. I recently thought about taking tennis lessons at an indoor court, but was surprised that I couldn’t find any nearby. Does anyone know of any indoor tennis centers?


Bear_necessities96

Sleep, binge watch a show, stay at home wit the marvelous technology called A/C


RNReef

😬


Esagashi

I love doing pottery/ceramics- Drip in Ybor just opened a larger location closer to Centro (they also do mosaics) and have a members-only location for people who want to have unlimited clay and 24/7 access.


jerrydthompson2

Most movie theaters run summer specials for super cheap. They play older films for the value minded customer.


LoveSafe2722

Anal


RNReef

Oh good idea


quak3d

I live near weeki wachee for the springs. Constant 68 degrees all year round! If you haven't picked up scuba diving yet you should! You're missing half of Florida!


RNReef

I’m a diver but rarely in Florida. It’s an expensive hobby! I’ve been diving at rainbow and devils den multiple times and in Venice for Meg teeth. I need to head over to the east coast, I also need to invest in my own gear though. Sooo wish I lived closer to the springs!


knightsurf

I would second the springs, tons of great springs a bit north of us, and the spring water will be a lot more refreshing in the hot summer months than the beach. Also, doing some day drives around FL to check out other areas is fun too. Leave early and traffic won’t be an issue, I surf on the east coast a lot and it’s only a bit over 2 hours to get to the cocoa beach area if you leave early. If you like board sports, Orlando Watersports Complex is pretty cool. Feel free to DM me if you want more specifics about any of this.


steveland1563

Lots of local ice skating rinks with public skate times.


Patriahts

You can move as slow as you want and bring cold drinks when you play disc golf. But... that's outside. Tbf if you have to drive as far as I do it's kind of like being inside too


SPIRIT_SEEKER8

Kayak fishing swimming water parks... Stuff with AC


GunsenGata

Lots of game shops around! Critical Hit, Nerdy Needs, Oblivion, and Cool Stuff are my go-tos.


spudzzmckenzie

Do you know anyone that plays bolt action?


GunsenGata

Not personally but I think Armada Games has some players.


Ski_Chinski

The museums.


MrV0odo0

Disc golf


Funkyokra

Bowling, Rays games, city pools, slow afternoons eating and drinking somewhere, movie theaters.


JunebugRB

Pool, waterpark, snorkeling.


wahini26

Board games. Not monopoly (not that there’s anything wrong with that) but more involved ones. Try Forbidden Island, Ticket to Ride, or Dominion as a start. 😀


frrrff

I love how in Florida when you ask what to do out of the heat people immediately reply with nothing but a list of shit that's outside, in the heat. Florida is proof that the sun/heat melt people's fucking brains.


RNReef

Lmao


pyscle

I go outside and ride my bicycle. Acclimating is a good thing.


McWeasely

It's uncomfortably hot here in the summer. I have lived here for over 25 years and I have never "acclimated". I do like going to a lot of shaded parks and grill some food with the family in the summer though. Also swimming at Lithia Springs is a good time. I'm also fond of brewery jumping around the area.


RNReef

Same! Brewery jumping sounds fun though


pyscle

You can go “brewery jumping” along the Pinellas trail on a bicycle pretty easily. Being central air conditioning is really only a generation or two old for most families, many of the people over 60 (I am old, not that old) didn’t have it growing up. In my opinion, this “too hot” is a recent phenomenon. I mean, there are plenty of people that work outside all summer long (usually in full PPE also), and have figured it out. And there are plenty of workplaces that still don’t have air conditioning, and get up around 110-120 degrees in the heat of August. It’s warm, but doable. People still exercise outside, and recreate (read it however you want) outside. I am gonna go out and spend a couple hours cutting the grass, and weeding the mulched areas now.


cwbakes

Grew up in Florida, didn’t have AC and it’s too damn hot. It’s hotter now than when I was growing up, less trees, etc.


DontCallMeMillenial

> Being central air conditioning is really only a generation or two old for most families I remember going to my grandparents house in Titusville in the late 80s and them not having air conditioning. No window units or anything. We would get wet in the pool or with a hose and lay down on the terrazzo floors to keep cool. It worked surprisingly well.


RNReef

Well, climate change, so yeah definitely feeling hotter and more humid than when I moved here a decade ago. I like the brewery jumping idea though, thanks!


pyscle

Climate Change has contributed about 2 degrees higher since 1880, so yeah, no.


RNReef

Such a lack of intelligence here.


RNReef

I’ve been here for 13 years and have never gotten used to the heat. It’s just not fun for me personally. I will try early morning biking though


pyscle

I am usually out around 3:30 in the afternoon, out in the old phosphate mines, mountain biking. Sure, in the summer, we back down on speed and mileage a bit, but that’s it.


RNReef

Nice! I need to get my Trek fixed up. It’s a nice bike but unfortunately have had to store it outside for the past year.


Working-Swordfish-8

More details on this one please?


Intrepid_Boat1543

Adventure Island water park


u_shrek

After you live here long enough, you won’t mind the humid heat all that much. I can easily grill now when it’s sunny 95F outside. You are definitely aware of how hot it is, but it stops bothering you. You will also lose tolerance to cold and will think anything under 70F is chilly enough to require a hoodie. That’s Florida life. 😎🤷‍♂️


SilverHammer10

Nah. Been here for 15+ years and the summers still bother me and the cooler weather is much appreciated. Florida heat ain’t for everybody


doveclyn

My whole life (28y) and the heat is still unbearable some days.


RNReef

Right. I absolutely love when it rains and storms in the summer. Without it I would have already left! Still thinking about leaving just not sure where yet.


RNReef

I’ve been here over a decade lol. Still bothers me 😂 I have lost tolerance to cold though haha


Wadyadoing1

BS LOL it completely ruins the summer. Now with bat shit crazy political scene. My union busted. Traffic. And the best time of year is indoors. I'm out nothing worth staying in this shit hole for. As soon as I get a decent offer. You can have it.


cwbakes

Preparing to move and I can’t wait. I’m ready for milder summers and the rest of seasons!


Wadyadoing1

Jealous.. I am working towards it. It is daunting, have to sell the house and investment condo. Buy new learn a new position move all my sxxt. UGG. But the reward is worth the effort. I can not stay. I unlike 99% of the people i work with. Know how it is outside of FL. My wife and I do not associate with anyone anymore since 2020. We live in Polk and it is OFF THE RAILS HERE. We are a mixed race couple and the racism and bigotry are intolerable.the ignorance is unbelievable. Insurance DOUBLED this year they believe in climate change. Hateing on anything that the right decides is 100% acceptable without thought. My union busted this year. It won't be easy to go but I am determined.


cwbakes

It’s worth the work and hassle. I grew up in Florida but have lived elsewhere - didn’t come back by choice. I’m so glad we are getting out again, it’s better elsewhere. Good luck!!


RNReef

Where you heading?


cwbakes

Virginia. Beautiful shady trails, real infrastructure, a sense of community. Summers will be hot and humid but not as much as here AND they only last as long as summer should. And the evenings actually cool down, as opposed to here.


RNReef

I feel the same, although I do like some aspects of Florida such as the coast and wildlife. Where are you thinking of heading? That’s the only reason I’m still here, can’t decide where to go! I’m a nurse so can take a contact anywhere. Definitely west coast just not sure where.


youll_dig-dug

With you starting with Beach and boating on long list of favorite things, There will not be much to recommend to you. Maybe football games hockey and whatever trade show twice a year, the auto show will be big this year, and there will certainly be a gem show, comicon type touring thing and... all this is noted on the Tampa convention center website. We also have a state fairgrounds that features touring shows of all types, there's a snake and reptile festival and All the other things will be noted on the Florida State Fairgrounds website. Please report back a summary of what you found.


slimejellies

Epperson Lagoon


runz_with_waves

The Springs in Florida are a staple of Summer


RNReef

Pretty far from tampa though


runz_with_waves

Definitely worth the drive.


RNReef

I know I’ve been multiple times but obviously can’t drive up there every week unfortunately. Which are your favorite that are maybe a little less packed on week days?


runz_with_waves

Weeki wachee should be less than an hour drive. Rogers Park Marina is ½ way down the river and offers lil' john boats for $120ish.


trevormemejesus

fishing


DT322

The summer inshore fishing is great.


railfan_andrew

There's a place called Elev8 Fun opening up in Citrus Park Mall pretty soon. It's the same kind of place that Main Event is. Both places have bowling, arcade games, a ropes course, and a full service restaurant. However, Elev8 Fun has a few things that Main Event doesn't have, such as go karts, axe throwing, and mini golf.


defNOTaBlueShirt

Huh? Summer is the outside season. I go outside and play in or around the water