For the non-Florida natives and the incoming freshmen, rain is a very common occurrence in the state of Florida. While yes we are known as the sunshine state, looks can be deceiving. Anyone who has spent a summer in Florida can tell you that it will rain at some point in time during the day, usually at about 4:00pm where I live.
Rain at UT can put a damper on the entire day. The harder the rain, the more likely you are to want to stay in your room and binge watch Netflix. But for the adventurous ones among us who will brave the rain to have fun, here’s some fun rainy day activities in Tampa.
1. Explore campus. Yes we all know where Plant Hall is, but did you know that there is a museum in it. For those who did not know, Plant Hall used to be Tampa Bay Hotel before UT was the University of Tampa. If museums aren’t your thing, explore the dorms. Most dorms have a community room with a pool or ping pong table. It’s never too late to learn how to play pool. The second floor of Vaughn also has an arcade full of arcade style games.
2. Get your bake and craft on. The majority of the dorms have a community kitchen or their own kitchen that are rarely used. Surprise that crush of yours with some freshly baked cookies or cupcakes. Or craft! I always have a box of crafts ready to be crafted at any point in time. And what time could be more perfect than on a rainy day?
3. Go to the movies. UT is located near one of the oldest and coolest movie theaters in Florida: The Tampa Theater. If nothing there interests you, or you want to venture a bit further away from campus, there’s always AMC at West Shore Plaza or Veterans.
4. Bowling! Pinarama Bowling or Tampa Lanes are two well know places to go bowl and hang out with friends. If bowling isn’t a strong point, or the bumpers make you feel too much like a little kid, there’s always laser tag. Qzar laser tag on Dale Mabry is a lot of fun, and who doesn’t like to beat little kids at a game?
5. Explore downtown. If it isn’t raining too hard, there is plenty to see just across the river. And with the rain, it won’t be as hot as a normal Tampa day. There are plenty of places to see like the Children’s Museum and plenty to eat too!
If all else fails, there is nothing wrong with cuddling up in bed and watching a movie. And if it’s one of those nasty storms that last all day, you can finally catch up on Criminal Minds or start a new series.