Of all the things that Southwest Florida is known for, sweltering, steamy summers are near the top of the list. And with the heat comes the pouring rain, thunderstorms, and other forms of precipitation. When the weather gets crazy, we head indoors. Luckily, Bradenton & Sarasota have lots of fun indoor places to beat the heat. Here are a few of our favorites.

FUN & HEALTHY ACTIVITIES

Bowling

• Bowlero Bradenton | 4208 Cortez Road W., Bradenton
• Gulf Gate Lanes | 7221 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
• Sarasota Lanes | 2250 Fruitville Road, Sarasota

Ice Skating/Roller Skating 

• Ellenton Ice & Sports Complex | NHL-sized rinks plus indoor roller/ball hockey rink. 5309 29th St. E., Ellenton; ellentonice.com
• Astro Skate Family Fun Center | 3611 Third St. W., Bradenton; astroskatingcenter.com

Trampoline Parks 

• Jumpin Fun Inflata Park | 7321 Trade Court, Sarasota; jfipark.com.
• Sky Zone Trampoline Park | 6180 Edgelake Drive, Sarasota; skyzone.com/sarasota 
• Defy | 7385 52nd Place E., Bradenton; defy.com/defy-bradenton

AMUSEMENTS/ARCADES 

• Livingston's Amusements | Go-karts, bumper cars, arcade games, billiards, and more. 5947 Clark Center Ave., Sarasota;  livingstonsamusements.com
• Arcade Monsters | 100+ classic and contemporary arcade games. 326 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; arcademonsterslidobeach.com

• Mysterium Escape Rooms & VR | 1900 Main St. #104, Sarasota; mysteriumescaperooms.com
• Escape Room Sarasota | 6526 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; escaperoomsarasota.com
• Premier Escape Adventures | 7369 52nd Place E., Bradenton; premiereescapeadventures.com

MUSEUMS / AQUARIUMS

From classic cars to commercial  fishing, circus culture to modern art

• Sarasota Classic Car Museum | 5500 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; sarasotacarmuseum.org
• The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature | 201 10th St. W., Bradenton; bishopscience.org
• The Ringling Art & Circus Museum | 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota; ringling.org
• Sarasota Art Musem | 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; sarasotaartmuseum.org
• The Florida Maritime Museum | 4415 119th St. W., Cortez; floridamaritimemuseum.org
• Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium | Sharks, manatees, otters, sea turtles, and more. 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota; mote.org

MOVIES

Whether you’re in the mood for a summer blockbuster or a high-brow art house film, there’s a theatre for you! 

• CMX CinéBistro Siesta Key | Luxury experience with cocktails, appetizers, dinner & dessert. 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; cmxcinemas.com
• Burn Court Cinemas | Three auditoriums in its namesake neighborhood. 506 Burns Court, Sarasota; filmsociety.org

SHOPPING / FOOD & DRINK 

• The Mall at University Town Center | 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota; mallatutc.com
• Red Barn | Shops, food court, entertainment. 1707 First St. E., Bradenton; redbarnfleamarket.com
• Siesta Key Rum | Free tours & samples. 2212 Industrial Blvd., Sarasota; siestakeyrum.com 
• Loaded Cannon Distillery | Tours & tastings. 3115 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Ste 110, Bradenton; loadedcannondistillery.com.
• 3 Bridges Brewing/Off the Wagon Brewery & Kitchen | 2017 Tamiami Trail S., Venice; otwbar.com
• 3 Keys Brewing & Eatery | 2505 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton: 3keysbrewing.com
• Big Top Brewing Company | 6111 Porter Way, Sarasota; bigtopbrewing.com
• Bob’s Train | Located in four circus train cars. 2211 Fruitville Road, Sarasota; bobstrain.com