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Florida Has Some Of The Best Free Attractions In The Country

Author Jen Glorioso

We love going out and trying new experiences. The only downside to finding new hobbies or things to do is the money spent. These days it’s hard to even go out for lunch without spending $20. So we’re always looking for some free activities to try. That’s when we found an article from USA Today of the Best 10 Free Attractions Across The U.S., we had to stop and look to see if any Florida experiences made the list. The best part is a couple of these attractions are just a 1-2 hour drive from Tampa! Making it the perfect day trip or staycation!

As we said earlier, these rankings came from USA Today for one of their 10 best campaigns. To determine the rankings, USA Today receives nominations that are submitted by a panel of experts. Then they have their readers vote once a day, per category. A lot of national parks made the list and The Alamo came in at number 1. These are the three free Florida attractions that made the list.

Venice Beach

You may be asking yourself, why Venice beach when other Florida beaches, including Clearwater, have been voted best in the country? Well, this southwest Florida beach is known to be the “shark tooth capital of the world.” While you may find the occasional shark tooth at Clearwater or St. Pete beach, it’s way more common at Venice beach. Another reason why people flock to Venice Beach is because the parking is free and they offer other activities on the beach like volleyball courts, picnic areas and boardwalks.

Loggerhead Marinelife Center – Juno Beach, Florida

This was ranked number 3 on USA Today’s list. Located on the other coast near West Palm Beach is the Loggerhead Marinelife Center at Juno Beach. This marine life center is focused on ocean and sea turtle conservation. They are open from 10a-5p daily and it’s always free to get in! You can participate in a couple of free tours or try a guided tour for only $20.

TECO Manatee Viewing Center – Apollo Beach, Florida

Any Floridian can surely appreciate this free attraction. We love our sea cows (manatees) and this marine sanctuary offers a free experience to see manatees up close! TECO has come up with awesome technology to circulate water from Tampa Bay to warm up the water for manatees. If you didn’t know, manatees love warm water, so this attraction is actually closed for the summer. The viewing center is open from November 1-April 15 from 10a-5p. Click here for more info.

10 Indoor Activities To Do Around Tampa To Beat The Summer Heat (Or Rain)

Temperatures are soaring in Tampa Bay. The average temp in the summer is 90 degrees, adding on the humidity can make it feel like it’s over 100 degrees outside. Heat advisories are being issued it seems like everyday. When the sun is scorching that badly or it’s raining cats and dogs, it makes you rethink your summer plans. We’ve created a list of the most entertaining indoor activities in Tampa to check out when the heat is just too much. These spots are located all around the Tampa Bay area and some may be offering summer specials.

Sometimes it’s even too hot for the beach or pool, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay home. These activities are great to do with the kids, or just need to get out of your house. Not only are these activities fun, but most are pretty cost effective. So don’t worry about breaking the bank to escape the heat.

Check out our list of the best indoor activities to do in the Tampa Bay area

  • The Florida Aquarium

    One of Tampa’s top attraction! Sea everything living in the Florida waters and more! The aquarium is run by a nonprofit organization and is one of the top aquaria in the US.. Check out their new Birds of Prey exhibit running through Labor Day weekend! Experience this interactive and educational experience featuring birds of prey from around the world, including the Aplomado Falcon, European Common Buzzard, European Eagle Owl and Harris’ Hawk.

    You can buy tickets to the Aquarium here

  • Vertical Ventures

    Get an awesome full body workout at this popular indoor climbing gym. Vertical ventures is located at 116 18th St S,  St. Pete. This 20,000 sq ft facility has 40ft tall routes, over 150 routes to climb, 75 climbing lines, and 9 auto belays for beginner climbers. A single visit including climbing gear starts at $25. They have summer sales ending this weekend (June 19) click here to see ticket prices, or purchase a membership.

  • TopGolf

    We know this one is partially outside, but TopGolf’s bays are meant to be enjoyed during all kinds of weather. The playing areas are surrounded with fans and if it gets too hot for you, cool off inside at the bar. Head there on a Tuesday and pay half price for gameplay. Walk-ins are always accepted but it may be in your interest to book a reservation to make sure you have a spot.

  • Painting With A Twist

    Sip, socialize, escape the heat, and create fun art! If you haven’t tried a painting with a twist class, this is your sign to try it! Don’t worry if you’re not the creative type, you’ll have assistance from artists around the shop to help you. Just follow Bob’s Ross words and make “happy mistakes.” Take home an art kit or sign up for an upcoming class, click here to see what they’ll be painting at the South Tampa location. There are 4 locations in the Tampa area and each store offers different classes.

  • Catch A Movie

    With so many big hits coming out this summer like Barbie, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem there’s plenty of opportunity to cool down and catch a flick. AMC is even offering $3 movies this summer. Check out the list here

    happy friends watching movie in theater

    Getty Royalty Free

  • Check Out An Arcade Bar

    Arcade Bars are the newest fad in Tampa Bay. Combine the love of beer with classic and new arcade games. Lowry Parcade in Tampa is the first one to hit the scene, this  loaded with classic arcade games like Donkey Kong, Galaga, Frogger and so much more.
    Other arcade bars around the Tampa area worth mentioning are Reboot in Dunedin and GameTime in Ybor. Check out our full list here

  • Try An Escape Room

    Escape the heat and test your code-breaking, problem-solving, combination-cracking skills at any Escape Room in Tampa Bay. The Great Escape Room located at 300 Madison St #301, Tampa has been voted #1 escape room in the U.S. They have 5 different escape scenarios to choose from as well as two scavenger hunt rooms.

  • Indoor Skydiving

    Too chicken to jump out of a plane? Us too, but we still are curious to know what it’s like. Experience the sensation of flying in the state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnels, this experience is safe for all ages and is fun for the whole family. Check out prices here, no jumping, no falling, and no experience is needed.

  • Cooking Classes

    If the heat outside is too much, maybe try some heat in the kitchen. Learn lifelong skills or impress someone you know with a new recipe by taking a professional cooking class at Sur La Table located in Hyde Park! Work with the chef-instructors to learn how to prepare delicious recipes, hone essential techniques and more. See available classes here, they sell out quick, so you definitely don’t wait till the last minute to try this.

  • Test Your Axe Throwing Skills

    Like darts, but way more intense. Test your throwing skills and play with friends or family at Civil Axe Throwing located at 1517 East 9th Avenue, Tampa. They even allow you to bring in outside food and beverage (and yes, that does include beer and wine!) Weekday pricing starts at $24 for a 1 hour experience!

     

Jen was born and raised in the Tampa Bay area. She’s been with Beasley Media Group since 2022. In her spare time, you can find her at Tampa Bay Lightning games, Tampa Bay breweries, or the beach. Catch up on Jen’s content about the highest-rated restaurants/bars in Tampa, things-to-do around the area, and upcoming concerts.

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