ZooTampa Stingray Shores Let’s You Wade With Stingrays

Have you ever wanted to hang out with the stingrays within their habitat? Now, you can. ZooTampa Stingray Shores is opening this March and will let you hang out in the water with the Stingrays.

Starting March 15, guests can wade with the stingrays in a newly designed Stingray Shores exhibit at ZooTampa. You’ll be able to get up close and personal with the sea creatures for a chance to feed and touch them.

Tickets for ZooTampa’s Stingray Shores come in at $44.95 and range to $59.95. But, depending on the days you choose to go prices could vary. Guests looking to enjoy the attraction must be at least 48 inches tall and anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied by a paying adult. 

Wetsuits, water shoes, and towels are provided so all you need to do is bring a swimsuit. The entire experience will last about 90 minutes, including changing time, and you’ll be in the water with the stingrays for 15 to 20 minutes. ZooTampa issued a warning for those allergic to shellfish. If you do have a shellfish allergy, you may want to stay away since the rays are fed on a fish and shellfish mixed diet.

ZooTampa is set to unveil many new attractions and experiences in 2024. Stingray Shores as mentioned before as well as Australia, Prehistoric Predators, and Pièce de Résistance. 

‘Australia’ is an “Aussie Trek” safari that will teach guests about the land Down Under. Prehistoric ‘Predators’ is a temporary exhibit that is currently open until April which is filled with animatronics of “predators of the past” to greet guests at their arrival. 

‘Pièce de Résistance’ is an expansion of the David A. Straz Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center which is a newly designed hospital for sick manatees. This is one of two critical care centers within the country that can care for “orphaned or sick” manatees. Two additional 16,500-gallon tanks are being added and visitors can watch the “hospital rooms” while the teams work with the manatees.

Will you be visiting ZooTampa Stingray Shores? Let us know on social media.

Looking for something to do on your day off but can't fathom going outside because of the unbearable heat or heavy rain? Well, we found 10 indoor activities in Tampa that are perfect for rainy days or extreme summer temperatures.

We know everyone's first thought while visiting Tampa is heading to the beach or theme park. But that can be a wasted day if the weather doesn't cooperate. These Tampa indoor activities are perfect for the whole fam.

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 every day. 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.

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

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. Click here to see ticket prices, or purchase a membership.

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. You can get half-off your game if you book through the TopGolf app! (For a limited time only, works only Monday-Wednesday).

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.

With so many big hits coming out this summer like Deadpool & Wolverine, Inside Out 2, It Ends With Us, and The Fall Guy there's plenty of opportunity to cool down and catch a flick.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!