Summer in Tampa can be brutal. Sporadic storms and intense heat make it difficult to fully enjoy all the beautiful scenery across the city. Fortunately, there are a plethora of cool indoor adventures to be had across the city of Tampa.
These activities range from retro arcades and VR escape rooms to cute candle studios and cheesemaking classes. Did we miss your favorite indoor activity? Let us know by emailing info@thatssotampa.com.
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Mr Putters Mini Golf
11236 W Hillsborough Avenue
Tampa now has a destination for fun and games with the opening of Mr. Putters, an indoor mini golf venue featuring three 18-hole courses. Each course offers wild and creative obstacles, including football fields, half pipes, a Mouse Trap homage, Connect 4, Pachinko, and a baseball field, among others. There’s even a pinball hole that harkens back to those classic, near-impossible-to-sink putts from Clown-inspired holes (alla Happy Gilmore).
Birdie Club
3407 S Dale Mabry Highway
The Birdie Club is South Tampa’s first indoor golf lounge, offering 3 Trackman simulators and a place for all lovers of the game to practice in the comfort of air conditioning. Prices range from $35/hour during non-peak hours and $50/hour during peak hours.
Cheeseology
1527 E 7th Ave
Cheeseology, a locally-owned make-your-own cheese workshop, opened its brick-and-mortar studio in Historic Ybor City just under a year ago, and it’s been an absolute hit.
“Our vision is to be the premier provider of cheese-making experiences where people come together to make lasting memories,” write owners Paul and Kelly in the company vision statement.
Cheeseology’s wine expert Meredith has hand-selected boutique vineyards with small production runs so visitors likely will try wines that they can’t get anywhere else. It’s one of the coolest and tastiest indoor activities in Tampa. 
VR Galaxy Lounge
15355 Amberly Drive
The VR Galaxy Lounge is the arcade of the future. This business is an all Virtual Reality entertainment center in the Shoppes of Amberly next to Peabody’s. Guests can enjoy the VR simulator with over 100 experiences, VR booths with over 80 games and experiences including Virtual Escape Rooms and a VR Arena for wireless game play like laser tag. There’s one escape room experience with an Alice in Wonderland theme that almost no one has been able to figure out.
1UP Entertainment & Social
11778 N Dale Mabry Highway
1UP Entertainment & Social is the ultimate entertainment destination during this mighty hot summer in Tampa. We’re suckers for retro arcade games and vibrant bowling alleys. After all the excitement, guests can refuel at the venue’s restaurant, which serves various tantalizing snacks. The menu features smash burgers, onion rings, firecracker shrimp, loaded fries, tasty flatbreads, and more bar favorites. Vegetarian options are also available, and there’s a full kid’s menu for the little ones.
Elv8 Fun Tampa
7902 Citrus Park Town Center Mall
It is a 125,000 square-foot, two-story indoor amusement park. It includes go-karting, over 100 vintage and modern arcade games, 12 top-notch bowling lanes, blacklight mini golf, axe throwing, and even a laser tag arena. There’s also a full restaurant and bar for visitors to enjoy, and a VR thrill ride. 
The Candle Pour
420 W Kennedy Blvd
1619 W Snow Cir
The workshop offers more than 200 scents to choose from as you go on your candle-making journey. Candle Pour’s process in their shop only takes about 45 minutes for all products. Once your candle is poured, it will need to set for 2 hours before it is ready to go home (most of their flameless options can be taken with you immediately). 
Central Rock Gym
4479 W Gandy Blvd
6918 Gunn Highway
Central Rock Gym, with convenient locations in north and south Tampa, is a world-class rock climbing gym and has become a star in the city since opening last year.
CRG is truly a world-class facility, with a stunning lineup of varied-difficulty auto-belay climbs, a gigantic collection of bouldering walls, and even fitness and yoga classes. Snagging a membership earns members unlimited fitness and yoga classes; free rental gear (shoes, harness, and belay device); free Climbing Progression Classes (get climbing coaching from expert professionals); and even special membership appreciation events. Members also get a monthly guest pass, so they can bring a friend and introduce them to climbing.
Tampa Bay History Center
801 Water St
Learn the untold stories of Tampa, explore fascinating galleries perfect for kids and adults, plus browse one of the best gift shops in the area. It’s right on the waterfront along the Tampa Riverwalk, so you’ll also enjoy great views. on the ground floor, the History Center also has a Columbia Restaurant in case you’re craving a Cuban sandwich. 
Splitsville
615 Channelside Dr Suite 120
Splitsville offers more than 10 pin bowling. Escape the ordinary at Splitsville Tiki + Social where you will find all the luxury bowling lanes and interactive gaming you love now with a vibrant tiki twist. The newly added Bamboo Bar imparts a distinct culinary flair to Splitsville’s existing classics. Pan-Asian influences abound with a focus on fresh-rolled sushi, wok fried rice alongside gourmet pizzas and mouthwatering burgers. The beverage menu is an ode to Tiki with classic cocktails that are punched up with a bit of modern mixology.
Florida Aquarium
701 Channelside Dr
The Florida Aquarium is a gem in the city of Tampa. In addition to providing invaluable educational experiences for kids and adults, and serving as a hub fro research and conservation, the aquarium is also just an incredibly fun place to visit. They now offer underwater walking tours. This is not a drill. You can enjoy 20 minutes walking inside the Aquarium’s 100,000-gallon Heart of the Sea exhibit. It requires no swimming experience or specialized skills and allows guests to experience a diverse variety of colorful species.
Reserve your SeaTREK time online. The best part is aquarium admission is included with your SeaTREK ticket.
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