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THINGS TO DO
MOVIES THEATER ART CULTURE
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Bucket list
38 kid-friendly activities to get you through the summer.
By June Bunch
You can’t wait for your kid to go back to school, but let’s face it—that might as well be next year. Here's a list of kid-friendly activities that’ll help you not only entertain junior, but yourself, too, all arranged them by distance from Tampa International Airport.
Catch a classic at Tampa Theatre 8 miles from Tampa International Airport
The nonprofit hosts a classic movie series with nothing short of golden box office options. Watch your kids get mesmerized by the theater’s realistic star-lit ceiling, and see why the community kept this beloved 1926 theatre popping (get it, like popcorn?). Admission runs $10 per person. Doors open an hour before showtime. 711 N Franklin St., Tampa. Sunday and Thursday Showtimes at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. tampatheater.org Waterbike the Hillsborough River 16 miles from Tampa International Airport
Who needs a sidewalk when you can bike on the waterway? Tampa Water Bike Co. offers single and tandem water bikes from the Convention Center docks. Pedal the river while staying dry atop a boat-bike-lovechild. So long as they can reach the pedals, anyone 4 years of age or older can enjoy the buoyant hour-long experience for
Stock up on your charcuterie supplies (or Lunchables) and make your way to a lush landscape of rare and unusual tropical plants at Eureka Springs. See all the crazy things Florida can grow and compete in collecting the names of the endless prized horticulture. Eureka Springs’ 31-acre botanical garden rocks riveting roses, orchid rooms, and even greenhouses. Admission runs $2 per vehicle with up to 8 people per vehicle. 6400 Eureka Springs Rd., Tampa. Open weekdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (6 p.m. on weekends). hillsboroughcounty.org
Get Inspired at Glazer Children’s Museum 8 miles from Tampa International Airport "Play with purpose” and use your imaginations to climb, thrive, and create. It’s a controlled environment where your kids can “take on the world.” Admission runs $15 for adults, $13 for children under 12. 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa. Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sundays 1 p.m.-6 p.m. glazermuseum.org
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Take on the Tampa Riverwalk 9 miles from Tampa International Airport
Indulge in downtown's 2.6-mile waterfront walk along the Hillsborough River which spans from the History Center all the way to Armature Works, highlighting a cityscape with lit-up waterways and plenty of quality people-watching. The art along the path is sure to light up the eyes of the little ones. If you’re feeling adventurous, add rollerskates to the mix. Begins near Tampa Bay History Center: 819 Water St., Tampa. thetampariverwalk.com
Meet a macaw, encounter a giraffe, witness a wallaby and simply fall in love with a lemur (because who wouldn’t?). Admission runs $42.95 for adults, $32.95 for children 3-11 and free for children 2 or under. 1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa. Open 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. zootampa.org YOU NEED HISS: You can get as close to—or far away from—so many animals at ZooTampa.
$30 per adult or $25 per child 15 or under. 333 S Franklin St., Boat Slip No. 15, Tampa. Open 10 a.m.-sunset. tampawaterbikes.com
Get fired up at Busch Gardens 16 miles from Tampa International Airport
Why limit fireworks to July 4? Get your adrenaline activated on roller coasters, then stay for sparks that fly nightly through Aug. 8, then every Friday-Sunday through Sept. 6, including Labor Day (so long as weather permits). Admission runs $114.99 (tip: buy an annual pass for the same price). 10165 McKinley Dr., Tampa. buschgardens.com
Experience the ultimate science playground at the Museum of Science and Industry. You and your family can expand your minds with brain puzzles, IMAX movies, and zillions of other options worth getting curious about (even beds of nails). Admission runs $12.95 for adults; $10.95 for seniors 60+; and $7.95 for children 12 and under. 4801 E Fowler Ave., Tampa. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. mosi.org
Bike the Pinellas Trail 20-ish miles from Tampa International Airport depending on starting point
Pump up those bike tires and explore any length of the 75-mile long Pinellas Trail. A beloved section of the trail spans the Boca Ciega Bay, starting with the Cross Bayou Bridge. Kids can cruise the bridge and test out their need for speed on the way downhill. Another favorite ride travels along the Dunedin Causeway, safely heading toward Honeymoon Island State Park with a sea breeze and an awesome view along the way. Refer to map for preferred entrance points. Open 7 a.m.-sunset. pinellascounty.org
Take them out to the Tampa Bay Rays ballgame 21 miles from Tampa International Airport
Nothing spells summer quite like baseball games. There’s something classic about root-rootrooting for the home team and grabbing a bunch of impulse vendor snacks along the way. Gear up in your Rays cap and dream of catching the rogue ball in the bleachers. Admission prices depend on seating. 1 Tropicana Dr., St. Petersburg. Refer to calendar for game days. mlb.com/rays
Stare at the surreal at the Dalí 22 miles from Tampa International Airport
Take your eyes on a high-dive with “DillyDally with Dali,” a free workshop for children 4-11 running select Saturdays with games, puzzles, and arts and crafts. See what inspiration escapes the frames. Admission runs $25 for adults, $23 for discounted adults (see list on website), $18 for students, and $10 for children 6-12. Mondays are free for strolling the grounds and galleries. 1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily (Thursdays 10 a.m.-8 p.m.). thedali.org
Learn what grows at Florida Botanical Gardens 22 miles from Tampa International Airport
Extensive flora and fauna, so the whole family can explore sensational succulents, extensive discovery areas, and beautiful butterfly-garden wonders. Run around in the vibrant color palette of the 100-acre landscape and see what new favorite flowers you’ll find. The best part? The gardens are free of charge to roam. 12520 Ulmerton Rd., Largo. Open 7 a.m.-5 p.m. flbgfoundation.org
Look out from Lettuce Lake 25 miles from Tampa International Airport
When the kids want to feel on top of the world, race them to the top of the stairs at Lettuce Lake’s observation tower. Overlooking the Hillsborough River’s floodplain, the tower rests at the heart of Lettuce Lake’s 3,500-foot long boardwalk. The whole park can be made into a day, loaded with slides and swings and such at the gigantic playground. Admission runs $2 per vehicle with up to 8 people per vehicle. 6920 E Fletcher Ave., Tampa. Open 8 a.m.-7 p.m. hillsboroughcounty.org
continued from page 29 Sunbathe St. Pete Beach, the nation’s No. 1 sandy destination 29 miles from Tampa International Airport
See why St. Peter Beach was ranked America’s favorite beach. Is it the powder white sands, the clear waters, or perhaps the perfect salty breezes? Grab your SPF and a towel and find out for yourself. You can even grab some post-sunbathing ice cream at the Don CeSar for a classic, pastel-backdropped treat. Admission is free of charge, but you have to pay for parking. 4700 Gulf Blvd., St Pete Beach. Open 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset. visitflorida.com
Ferry to Egmont Key State Park from Ft. Desoto 32 miles from Tampa International Airport
Grab your cameras and prepare for a day of “wow” at this secluded island paradise. Perfect for swimming, shelling and exploring old Spanish forts (Fort Dade), Egmont Key can be reached via Hubbard’s Marina ferry at Ft. Desoto’s Bay Pier. Keep an eye out for sea turtles and dolphins along the way. Admission to Ft. Desoto runs $5 per vehicle. Ferry entry runs $30 for adults, and $15 for children. 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde 33715. Open 8 a.m.-sunset. Ferry times 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.. hubbardsmarina.com
Stand-up paddleboard or kayak Little Manatee River to Wildcat Park 41 miles from Tampa International Airport
Set up your shuttle and take a 7-mile beginnerfriendly paddle from Little Manatee River to the Wildcat Park, a stretch of river rich with sandy river bottoms and plenty of windy, whimsical picnicing spots. The run is surrounded by sand pine, oak scrub and oxbow wetlands which are sure to entertain the outdoor iSpy enthusiast. There are plenty of rental companies available, with most requiring a minimum age of 8 or older to partake. Admission is free of charge. Start: 215 Lightfoot Rd., Wimauma. End: 110 Stephens Rd., Ruskin. Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. paddleflorida.net
Zipline through the sky 42 miles from Tampa International Airport
What kiddo doesn’t dream of flying through trees like a superhero? TreeHoppers Aerial Adventure park provides a 3-hour climb for platform challenges all connected by cable, wood, rope and zip lines. Admission runs $58.95 for adults 12 and over, $40.94 for children 7-11, and $21.95 for ages 5-6. 27839 Saint Joe Rd., Dade City. Reserve online, as hours vary daily (walkins welcome). treehoppers.com
Bird watch and scavenger hunt at Circle B Bar Reserve 48 miles from Tampa International Airport
Circle B Bar Reserve’s 1,267 acres host some of Florida’s best bird watching. Whether the goal is to spot a rare painted bunting or an elegant sandhill crane, you’re bound to find something worthwhile in your binoculars. Even if birds aren’t your family’s thing, Circle B features great games on its interactive Agents of Discovery Mobile App including scavenger hunts and nature bingo. Early morning or near dusk grant the best sightings (and lighting) but you can make a whole day out of exploring the reserve. Admission is free. 4399 Winter Lake Rd., Lakeland. Saturday-Monday 6 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Tuesday-Friday 6 a.m.-8 p.m. polknature.com
Meet mermaids at Weeki Wachee 52 miles from Tampa International Airport
Remember watching “The Little Mermaid” and wondering if mermaids were real? Look no further; these mermaids perform the beloved tale of Ariel and the prince every day, right in the heart of a spring-fed underwater stage. Admission runs $8-$13 and remains free for children 5 and under. 6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee. Open 9 a.m.5:30 p.m. weekiwachee.com The place is just flooded in fantastic discovery potential to learn. Reserve tickets in advance. Admission runs $24 for adults 13 and over; $18 for children 12 and under. 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota. Open 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. mote.org
Let go at Legoland 61 miles from Tampa International Airport
The brick-tastic botanical garden is sure to entertain the troop of kids with its numerous interactive shows, imaginative stations and Lego-themed rides. Your honey can skip the shrink-ray-gun and dive into the larger-thanlife Legos at Legoland (stylized “LEGOLAND”). Admission runs $90.54 for all guests 3 years of age or older. 1 Legoland Way, Winter HavenOpen 10 a.m.-6 p.m. legoland.com
Kayak Homosassa Springs 68 miles from Tampa International Airport
Panthers, and bobcats, and bears, oh my! Make
VISIT CENTRAL FLORIDA
WALK THE BOK: After geocaching Bok Tower, do the Bobcat Scramble.
Step right up to the Ringling Museum 54 miles from Tampa International Airport
Come one, come all, to the mighty Ringling grounds, where you can wander through not one, but two circus museums and look at all the marvels of the classic circus attributes. And, as if that weren’t enough, there’s also a fine arts museum, extensive rose garden, and Ringling mansion, Ca’ d’Zan. Admission runs $25 for adults, $23 for seniors 65-and-up, and $5 for children 6-17. 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. ringling.org
Make your best fishy face at Mote Marine Laboratory 60 miles from Tampa International Airport
Mote Marine Laboratory runs an independent, nonprofit, marine research organization with hands-on exhibits, touch pools, and countless aquarium windows of underwater wonders. your way to the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park to see native Florida wildlife in its many forms. On kayak, you can paddle through the river’s Huckleberry Finn worthy wonders. Admission runs $13 for adults and $5 for children 6-12. Children under 6 admitted at no charge. 4150 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa. Open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. floridastateparks.org
See coastal wildlife at Turtle Beach 73 miles from Tampa International Airport
The south end of Siesta Key holds Turtle Beach, a seashell-collecting dreamland with legendary views of turtles, dolphins, manatees and coastal birds. The currents pull pristine shells to the shore and house ample opportunities to bust out your field guide and learn new wildlife. Admission is free of charge. 8918 Midnight Pass Rd., Sarasota. Open 6 a.m.midnight. scgov.net Hike the treetop canopy at Myakka River State Park 73 miles from Tampa International Airport
This gorgeous suspended trail runs 25 feet above ground and grants a true bird's-eye view. Look out across the hammock canopy and expansive surrounding wetlands while wandering the 100-foot long path. If you’re up for the real climb, you can reach the Treetop Canopy’s unforgettable overlook, towering 74-feet from the trail. From that vantage point, the whole family can feel like they’re flying. Admission is free of charge. 13208 SR-72, Sarasota. Open 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m. floridastateparks.org
Geocache at Bok Tower Gardens 74 miles from Tampa International Airport
If your kids crave a real-life treasure hunt, this is a popular destination for Geocaching, where an app uses GPS coordinates to lead users toward hidden caches. Often these caches have log books where you can prove you’ve found the treasure and see who else has sought the same spot. The Geocache app is free. Admission to the Garden runs $15 for adults, $5 for children 5-12, and $5 for dogs. 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. Open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. boktowergardens.org
Have some good ole’ fashioned fun at Old Town 75 miles from Tampa International Airport
Take a whack at some carnival games, ninja courses, weekly car shows and escape rooms. This permanent homage to classic American fun hosts a town’s worth of activities for the whole family, all the way down to funnel cakes and ferris wheels. Admission is free of charge, activity prices vary. 5770 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy., Kissimmee. Open 10 a.m.-11 p.m. myoldtownusa.com
Rock some mouse ears at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom 82 miles from Tampa International Airport
Gather your Disney trivia for the car ride and watch the kiddos illuminate at the Magic Kingdom entrance. Check out your favorite childhood attractions and stick around for Happily Ever After fireworks at 9:15 p.m. nightly. Advance admission starts at $109 for adults 10 and up, $104 for children 3-9. 3111 World Dr., Lake Buena Vista. Open 9 a.m.-11 p.m.. disneyworld.disney.go.com
Tube down Rock Springs at Kelly Park 110 miles from Tampa International Airport
Finally, a place to use those unicorn and pizzashaped tubes. Enjoy glassy turquoise waters at Rock Springs, where the sandy-bottomed currents maintain 68 refreshing degrees no matter how hot the Sunshine State reaches. Wake up early and visit the website for capacity updates, as the park fills up fast. Admission runs $3-$5 per vehicle for 1-8 people, and $1 for additional people/walk-ins/ motorcycles/bikes. 400 E Kelly Park Rd., Apopka. Open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. ocfl.net
PENGD0T, CC BY-SA 4.0
FEELING BLUE: Ichetucknee Blue Hole is where 67 million gallons of water flow each day.
continued from page 31 Glass-bottom boat tour Silver Springs State Park 112 miles from Tampa International Airport
Peer into Silver Springs’ marvelous depths durting this30-minute excursion of Native American and Spanish artifacts, wildlife, and old submerged Hollywood movie props. (This park was actually where the glass bottom boat was invented!) The tour treks numerous springs including the river’s impressive head waters, Mammoth Spring, and grants informative facts along the way. Admission runs $2 per person (above the age of 6). Boat tours run $12 per adult, $11 per senior or child 6-12. Children under 6 admitted at no charge. 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd., Silver Springs. Open 8 a.m.-sunset. Boat tours run 10 a.m.-6 p.m.. silversprings.com
Get out of this world at the Kennedy Space Center 133 miles from Tampa International Airport
Walk the same paths of astronauts at the NASA launch site. Get up close to the place space exploration blasted off and see the innovations that made all of it possible. Tickets run $57 for adults and $47 for children 12 and under. Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. kennedyspacecenter.com
Learn to surf at Cocoa Beach 138 miles from Tampa International Airport
What’s not to love about the east coast’s surf capital? The warm waves welcome beginners and professionals alike and have been home to many all-star surfers including Kelly Slater, 11-time ASP World Tour Champion. Rent a board at a local shop and check out lesson schedules. Tales of 2-year-old rippers remain, but lessons start at 7 and up. We bet you can catch your own perfect break. Beach admission is free of charge. Parking runs $15 for the day. 216 E Cocoa Beach Causeway. Open sunrise to sunset. cityofcocoabeach.com
Speed up your senses at Daytona International Speedway 143 miles from Tampa International Airport
Loud. Fast. Tactical. NASCAR takes a track and makes it dramatic. You just pick a car, any car, and follow it around the circle, wondering how it doesn’t crash. (Think of how quickly they have to react!) Be sure to bring ear-plugs for the pedalto-the-medal engines revving. Upcoming races happen on August 27-28 (Wawa 250, Children under 12 get free GA; Coke Zero Sugar 400, kids 12 and under are $10). 1801 W International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach. daytonainternationalspeedway.com
Snorkel Ichetucknee Springs State Park 171 miles from Tampa International Airport
Daydream while floating over deep-cyan ripples of Ichetucknee’s spring-fed flows. Eventually, make your way to the Blue Hole, where 67 million gallons of water flow each day from seemingly endless dark blue depths. This relaxing river float holds glass-like waters and endless family photo backdrops. Admission runs $6 per vehicle. 12087 SW US-Hwy 27, Fort White. Open 8 a.m.-sunset. floridastateparks.org
Get your fresh fridge on at a farmer’s Market Refer to list for locations and dates
Meet the makers of your favorite farm-fresh fruits and veggies at a local market. Plenty of vendors ranging from bakers, artisans, musicians, and more will bring something the whole family will enjoy. Bring the spoils of your treasure hunt home and see if you can’t make some tasty art projects. tampabaymarkets.com
And a few activities for home
Bust out a new board game Hurricane season runs synonymous with board game mastery.
Play superhuman and organize a volun-
teer Day Whenever you question humanity, be the humanity you wish to see.
Reinvent your taste palette Award the apron to your chef-of-the-day and let the kiddo concoct a family-friendly recipe of their choice.
See an extended, more clickable version of this list—plus other fun things to do—by finding this post on cltampa.com/magazine and bookmarking photos.cltampa.com.
Nah, son
A new round of new, scary-ass movies to stream at home.
By John W. Allman Son ★★★½ 98 minutes, Shudder
If you’re not familiar with Irish director Ivan Kavanagh, it’s time to fix that. I can still vividly recall watching his 2014 supernatural haunting “The Canal” in a hotel room on my laptop and literally being afraid to turn around if I heard a noise because his impressive ghost story had me so unnerved.
Kavanagh’s latest, “Son,” now a Shudder streaming exclusive, is another chilling notch in his belt. It tells the story of Laura (Andi Matichak), who was raised in and escapes a fertility cult to open the film. After giving birth in a field, Laura seeks anonymity in a small town so she can raise her son, David (Luke David Blumm), while teaching at the local school.
Then one night, Laura hears a strange noise. When she opens David’s door, she discovers him surrounded by members of the cult, and a supernatural force jettisons her from the room. No one believes her, of course, except one young detective, Paul (Emile Hirsch).
Before long, David falls violently ill, and “Son” chronicles the lengths that Laura will go to both protect her child and to keep her past life buried. It doesn’t help that David needs a very specific medicine to keep his body functioning, the kind of fuel that doesn’t escape notice, especially when it means leaving a trail of bodies.
“Son” is a fantastically entertaining flick that keeps you guessing throughout as to what might happen next. If there is a quibble to be made, I would have liked to see a little more build-up and even a subtle tease to better smooth the landing for a late-in-the-third-act twist that makes sense, even if it comes to fruition in a clumsy manner. Kessler) turns to her friends, including Wiccan practitioner Kim (Lily Telford) and goofy Charlie (Taylor Turner), to soothe her heart.
Kim proposes a ceremony to summon a succubus to exact revenge on Jenna’s boyfriend. Of course, no one expects the incantation to actually work, until Jenna encounters a new student, Lily, on campus who is rocking a provocative goth girl aesthetic. Once Lily, who is fond of citing stories from her childhood, such as the smiting of Sodom and Gomorrah, starts killing and eating their classmates and professors, Jenna, Kim and Charlie scramble to find a way to stop her. Whitten is an absolute riot as Lily. The Ringmaster ★★★½ 100 minutes, Blu-Ray and DVD
Whenever a movie includes a blurb on the box art comparing it to other past films, it always makes me slightly suspicious.
With “The Ringmaster,’ which hails from Denmark, the box art proclaims that it’s like “Hostel” meeting “The Purge,” which is both intriguing and kind of silly given that the two horror franchises are so completely different.
Yes, it’s true that the third act of “The Ringmaster” does remind you of “Hostel: Part II,” and maybe one could argue that the nihilism on display might be reminiscent of the wanton unlawful lust that fuels “The Purge,” but the reality is that “The Ringmaster” doesn’t need to compare itself to other movies.
It turns out that Agnes and Belinda have been targeted by a malicious dark web enterprise centered around The Ringmaster (Damon Younger), which allows him to subject innocents to a cruel circus of torture in front of wealthy audience members, all the while streaming to thousands more online. FILM & TV “The Ringmaster” is effective with its brutality, and both Bergfeld and Younger bring some noticeable layers to their portrayals of stock characters well-known to horror fans. I was thoroughly surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. The Blackout Experiment ★★ 81 minutes, streaming and DVD Truth be told, the subversive and often vicious subgenre of horror that centers around a group
PHILIP DEMBINSKI/SHUDDER
93 minutes, streaming BLOODY GOOD: If you’re not familiar with Irish director Ivan Kavanagh, it’s time to fix that with 'Son.'
“Lillith” is the reason why I review movies.
It’s also why I sift through a mounting stack of new releases each week and suffer through interminable features that simply regurgitate good ideas done much better in earlier films. “Lillith” is a prime example of stumbling across a diamond in the rough, and proof that director/co-writer Lee Esposito has great things ahead of him.
“Lillith” is smart, gory and wickedly funny. It also features a fantastic performance by Savannah Whitten in the title role and a brief appearance by Langston Fishburne, son of Morpheus himself. It’s a low-budget, independent that checks all the boxes, starting with a very simple concept: Crushed after discovering her boyfriend cheating on her, Jenna (Nell She makes it look effortless when she returns to Kim’s apartment to describe in great detail how she slaughtered Jenna’s boyfriend after biting off his penis. “You should have heard the noises he was making,” she says gleefully, “’Oh God, oh God, oh yes,” before devolving into a series of blood-curdling shrieks, seconds before asking for a beer because she needs hydration post-orgasm.
The practical creature makeup also is highly effective, but the best part of “Lillith” is how dark and surprisingly brutal it gets once the third act begins.It will catch you off guard in the best way.
If you’re scrolling your favorite streaming platform and see “Lillith” available to rent or own, don’t hesitate.
Co-writer/director Søren Juul Petersen actually does a great job building suspense, and withholding the grislier moments, until his third act, providing quick teases of what’s to come in the form of flash-forward sequences that find our main heroine, Agnes (Anne Bergfeld), in extreme peril.
Agnes works occasionally at a local convenience store owned by her father. She’s engaged to a doctor. She’s studying for a degree in psychology.
And then on the fateful night that unfolds in the movie, her world is flipped when she and another attendant, Belinda (Karin Michelson), find themselves tormented by an unseen foe or foes. of strangers, or coworkers, or loved ones, being trapped in a room, a building or an island and forced to battle it out in order to survive is in dire need of an injection of originality.
From classics like “Battle Royale” and “The Belko Experiment” to inspired failures like “The Hunt” and “The Condemned,” there’s been no shortage of carnage, which makes “The Blackout Experiment” all the more disappointing.
It’s not bad, per se, but it’s not memorable in the least, and it’s one true gimmick, that the men and women who find themselves locked together in a room with weapons, are occasionally plunged into utter darkness every 15 minutes, grows tired pretty quick.
