3 minute read
The Gabber: May 27, 2021
Beat the Heat
Here’s What You Can Do to Stay Cool This Summer.
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By Gabrielle Reeder
Does the Florida summer make you squirm? Do you wish that the humidity could tone it down a notch so you can walk outside without getting soaked? Good news! Here are a few ways to have fun and take a break from the heat.
Walk and Learn
Take a break from the beach with an educational trip to the Great Explorations Children’s Museum in St. Petersburg. Kids will be entertained all day with a variety of hands-on exhibits including a Lego wall, a kids grocery store simulation, life-sized board games and play spaces. greatex.org
The Florida Holocaust Museum is now open for visitors on the weekends and hosts Anne Frank: Let Me by Myself: The Life Story of Anne Frank through June 30. This exhibit takes a closer look into issues prevalent during Anne’s lifetime and connects them to today’s society. Another exhibit, Justice, Justice You Shall Pursue: The Art and Propaganda of Arthur Szyk showcases the artist behind Haggadah. flholocaustmuseum.org
Looking for something a little more local? The Gulfport History Museum is now open to visitors! From smugglers to fisherfolk to GeckoFest, learn about Gulfport’s history while you browse the cool, cozy space. The book shop also showcases local and Florida-based authors. Admission is free. gulfporthistoricalsociety.org
Support Local Art
One ticket to the Morean Arts Center delivers four separate art studio experiences, including the Morean Center for Clay, the Morean Glass Studio and The Chihuly Collection. This summer the center hosts Under Pressure and Spoons as featured exhibits, as well as Fresh Squeezed 5 and Juicy. moreanartscenter.org
Creative Clay’s art gallery displays works by local artists with disabilities. The center serves as a teaching ground and a space for participants to achieve their greatest artistic potential, with 50% art sales going to the artist. creativeclay.org
Cool Fun Outside
If you want to be cool outdoors, there’s no better place to be than on a boat. Dolphin Landings Charter Boat Center docks at St. Pete Beach with a smorgasbord of options: Ride off into a sunset sail or hop aboard for a dolphin quest; fishing trips and island outings also available. dolphinlandings.com
Indoor Adventure
Gulfport Public Library hosts myriad indoor events throughout the summer. Bring your little one to weekly Toddler Storytime beginning in June. Display your talents at monthly open mics or check out the monthly LGBTQ film. Are you looking to learn a new instrument? Check out the ukulele group! mygulfport. us/recreation/calendar-of-events
If you’ve got moves or the will to learn them, enroll in a summer dance class at Gulfport’s Ballroom Casino. The Casino has several different dance classes throughout the week including ballroom, tango, swing and a Latin-themed night. mygulfport.us/recreation/calendar-of-events
Want the thrill of a zoo without the heat? Visit Madeira Beach’s Alligator Attraction, a rehabilitation center that serves as a refuge for aquatic and exotic creatures. Learn about conservation efforts and hold a gator! kissagator.com
Dive In
No Pool? No Problem.
Whether you hang in the shallow end or want to get your laps in, there’s a pool spot for everyone. Hours, rules and lessons differ by location, so call or click ahead.
Open year round with swim lessons
St. Pete Beach Family Aquatic Center 7701 Boca Ciega Dr. spbrec.com/341/aquatics; 727-363-9245
Northwest Pool 2331 60th St. N. stpeteparksrec.org/northwestpool; 727-893-7723
North Shore Aquatic Complex 901 North Shore Dr. NE stpeteparksrec.org/northshoreaquatic; 727-893-7727
Walter Fuller Pool 7883 26th Ave. N. stpeteparksrec.org/walterfullerpool; 727-893-7636
Open during summer with swim lessons
Childs Park Pool 1227 43rd St. S. stpeteparksrec.org/childsparkpool; 727-893-7730
Jennie Hall Pool 1025 26th St. S. stpeteparksrec.org/jenniehallpool; 727-893-7725
E.H. McLin Pool 602 14th St. S. stpeteparksrec.org/ehmclinpool; 727-893-7635
Fossil Park Pool 6739 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N. stpeteparksrec.org/childsparkpool; 727-893-7440
Lake Vista Pool 1450 60th Ave. S. stpeteparksrec.org/lakevistapool; 727-893-7745
By Gabrielle Reeder
