We’re not going to mince words… summer has arrived here in Florida and it’s hot. Very hot. Very, very hot. So, to try and cool things off a bit we’re focusing on indoor (read: a/c) activities and events to showcase in our list of 8 cool ways to travel in Florida in July. Take a look and let us help you cool off this month!
Mad Hatter’s (Gin &) Tea Party, Tampa
If you’re ready to go down a rabbit hole this summer, check out the new Mad Hatter’s (Gin &) Tea Party at the Palmetto Club in Lithia, just outside Tampa. The 90-minute immersive adventure drew rave reviews from more than 50,000 partiers in Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and London, and now it’s Tampa’s time to get in on the fun in Florida in July. The party begins July 7 and will be held Thursday through Sunday nights through August 14.
Space Adventure, Miami
We don’t know what the temperatures are like in outer space, but we’re willing to bet they’re cooler than Florida in July. Space Adventure at the Mana Wynwood Convention Center in Miami is an exhibit of more than 300 artifacts that were used in NASA’s space missions in the 1960s, including a life-sized Lunar Module and Lunar Rover. Space Adventure begins July 7 and will run through mid-September.
Underwater Music Festival
One way to cool off this month is at the 38th Annual Underwater Music Festival off of Big Pine Key in the Florida Keys July 8 and 9. Grab your mask and snorkel, hitch a ride on a boat and dive into one of the coolest music festivals in Florida in July. Listen to classic rock piped in underwater as you snorkel around Looe Key Reef, the third largest reef in the world.
Sharkcon
Don’t be afraid to go into the water — take some time to learn all about sharks and their behaviors at Sharkcon, July 16 and 17 at the Florida State Fairgrounds outside of Tampa. Here’s a chance to learn all about these creatures of the sea and their behaviors. Shark experts will give live presentations, and there will be a screening of “Jaws 2” with the original cast.
Summer Glow, Clearwater Beach
On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through July 30, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is staying open late for Summer Glow. Each night of Summer Glow features live entertainment, activities for the entire family, free boat tours, and food and drinks to enjoy. This year the aquarium celebrates 50 years of marine life conservation, and this is a fun way to celebrate with them in Clearwater Beach.
Surreal Summer Nights, St. Pete
Surreal Summer Nights are back at The Dalí Museum in St. Pete this summer, and they’re worth checking out. What are Surreal Summer Nights? Think later hours, reduced admission, live DJs and special cocktails, all in a steady 72-degree temperature. Upcoming dates are July 21 and August 18; be sure make reservations if you plan on going!
International Ballet Festival of Miami
One of the only ballet festivals in the U.S. takes place July 23 through August 14 in southeast Florida: the International Ballet Festival of Miami. Hosted by the Miami Hispanic Ballet Company, more than 100 principal dancers from the best companies from around the world will come together in Miami, Florida in July to showcase the art of ballet.
Summer Classics Movie Series, Tampa
Not only is the Tampa Theatre one of the coolest places to watch a movie or see a live show, it’s cool temperature-wise, too. The theater has brought back its Summer Classics Movie Series to Tampa again this year and will show such favorites as “The Wizard of Oz,” “The Godfather” and “Stand By Me” on Sundays through August.
“Rodin: Contemplations and Dreams,” Lakeland
“Rodin: Contemplation and Dreams” is now on exhibit at the Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College in Lakeland. The exhibit showcases more than 40 select pieces of Rodin’s artworks from the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Collections. The exhibit is the largest installation of sculptures in the history of the museum, and will be on exhibition through Oct. 30.
NEXT: 4 awesome Florida summer camps where adults vacation & kids play
