1) Adventure Cruises – Whether you want to go snorkeling around Egmont Key or dolphin watching, adventure cruises are an affordable way to explore and enjoy the area with the whole family, plus you get to do it from a different perspective as opposed to the mainland.
2) Miniature Golfing – Another activity the entire family can enjoy, there are several miniature golf courses directly across the street from the Pinellas’ beach hotels and vacation rentals, including St. Pete Beach and Madeira Beach/Redington Shores.
3) Rays Baseball – Nothing gets more exciting than seeing one of the premier major American League baseball teams, the Tampa Bay Rays, at Tropicana Field. The Rays captured the American League pennant in 2008 and have reached the playoffs three out of the last four years. Tickets are very affordable and including family packages on Sundays, plus you can take a trolley right from the beach to downtown St. Petersburg to enjoy the games.
4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – The 2002 Super Bowl Champions play at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, regarded by players and coaches as the best playing surface in the NFL, and by fans as one of the most fan-friendly. Fans can visit a real, live pirate ship at the stadium and hear canons being fired as the team reaches the end zone.
5) Busch Gardens – Also in Tampa, Busch Gardens is one of the premier amusements parks in the world. Featuring world-class roller coasters and stunning wildlife exhibits, you and the family can enjoy a day at the park learning about nature, and testing your tolerance for the coaster’s twists and turns.
6) Jet Ski Rentals – Another way to explore the Tampa Bay beaches is to rent a jet ski. Several rental companies operate out of Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach, and John’s Pass on Madeira Beach. Life jackets and safety training are included, and if you come during early hours you can score some great early bird specials.
7) Beach Volleyball – Want some exercise? Most of the area’s beachfront hotels and rentals offer well-kept beach volleyball courts that allow you and the family to play a friendly match while soaking up the sun.
8) Tampa Bay Lightning – Sporting events rule the Tampa Bay area, and the Lightning are another attraction. Come to the St. Pete Times Forum in downtown Tampa to enjoy the Stanley Cup playoff contender. Not a hockey night? This venue also hosts arena football and is regarded as the area’s premier concert venue.