Though Florida is known for its beautiful, sunny weather, Tampa is known to have a rainy day or two each year. Okay, maybe a hundred rainy days per year. So, if you visit Tampa Bay at any time – especially during the summer season – you’re bound to encounter a little sprinkle or a full-blown thunderstorm. Don’t let the rain ruin your plans though; with our list of 7 things to do in Tampa on a rainy day, you can stay dry and have a good time.
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Watch the Tampa Bay Lightning
When you think about things to do in Florida, watching a hockey game is probably not the first thing to come to mind. But from September to April, the hometown NHL team regularly plays at Amalie Arena against opponents like the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Rangers. Fun fact: the Tampa Bay Lightning’s mascot is named ThunderBug.
Glazer Children’s Museum
Unless the kids want to go outside and jump in puddles, kid-friendly outdoor attractions like Busch Gardens and city parks are out of the question during a storm. Rather than plop them in front of the TV, head to the Glazer Children’s Museum for hands-on, educational fun. The museum is best for kids under 12 and has exhibits about a variety of different jobs and industries, like a mini firehouse, cruise ship, and bank.
Try to Break out of The Great Escape Room Tampa
Undoubtedly one unique thing to do in Tampa, an escape room is a perfect indoor activity for groups of friends, family members, or coworkers. The Great Escape Room Tampa contains several rooms with Sherlock Holmes, casino, and hospital themes, among others.
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Splurge on a Nice Dinner out in Tampa Bay
Tampa’s culinary scene has been on the up-and-up for years, and the city is now home to a slew of new gourmet spots that should be on any foodie’s radar in addition to a handful of old-time favourites. Make a reservation at a Tampa classic like Bern’s Steak House or Columbia, or opt for one of the new hotspots like On Swann, Haven or Ulele.
The Florida Aquarium
If you don’t want to sail, swim, or surf during a rain shower, then going to the Florida Aquarium is your next best option. This massive indoor attraction contains over 7000 plant and animal species, many native to the Central Florida area. Pro tip: the air-conditioned aquarium is also one of the Tampa summer activities when you’re trying to beat the heat.
Grab a Local Beer
Sure, you could plan a busy day of sightseeing when the forecast calls for rain, but you could also do as many locals do: crack open a cold one and wait out the storm. Local breweries abound; check out Tampa Bay Brewing Company, Zydeco Brew Werks, or Rock Brothers Brewing in Ybor City or other highlights like 7venth Sun Brewery and Cigar City Brewing Company just outside of Downtown. Looking for something a little different? Sample locally made mead at Garagiste Meadery or taste rums at 82°West Distilling.
Take a Road Trip to St. Pete
Set just 20 miles from Tampa – less than a half-hour drive – St. Petersburg offers plenty of interesting attractions and things to do that make it worth the trip. St. Pete’s most famous draw is The Dalí, a museum which houses the most extensive collection of work by the iconic artist outside of Europe, including seven Dalí “masterworks.” But that’s not the only art museum that deserves a visit, both the Museum of Fine Arts and the Chihuly Collection fit nicely on a rainy day itinerary in St. Pete. After perusing the galleries, swing by a delicious restaurant like Red Mesa Cantina, The Lure, and Rococo Steak for lunch, drinks, or dinner.
Don’t let the weather get you down; with this list of fun, indoor activities, you can enjoy the best of Tampa – no matter what the forecast says.
For other attractions nearby read:
– Winter and Hope at the Clearwater Beach Aquarium
– Fun in the Sun at Sirata Beach Resort St Pete Beach Florida
– Balmoral Resort Florida Vacation Homes in Haines City Florida
