Despite what some might think, you don't need a fat wallet to have some serious fun in Tampa this summer. From restaurants to bars, outdoor activities and more, the opportunities for free and cheap things to do in Tampa this summer are abundant. Here's a guide to some of the best things you can do for not a lot of dough during these upcoming summer months.
Bars and Restaurants
Bulls Club - Not only is Bulls Club home to some of the best fun and cheapest drinks in the University of South Florida area, but they've also got a handful of nightly specials for those of us pinching pennies. Tuesday night is dubstep night with $5 sink or swim for the ladies and $10 for the gents and, as always, no cover. On Thursday nights, Bulls Club plays host to nickel beer night. The name says it all; cups of beer for a whole nickel.
Peabody's - Just like Bulls Club, Peabody's is a great university hangout rife with pool tables, live entertainment, great drinks and more. Their nightly specials deserve the attention of anyone living on the cheap. Those working in the hospitality industry should head to Peabody's on Sunday nights. All industry workers get 50% off regular priced items with valid pay stub or uniform. Peabody's also has a plethora of specials all throughout the week. Check out the 813area Peabody's business listing to see them all.
Gaspar's Grotto - Gaspar's is one of the best places for dining and drinking cheaply in Ybor City. In addition to great live music on their massive patio on most nights throughout the week, Gaspar's summer specials including their Summer Beach Bash where you can take a party bus from Gaspar's Grotto to St. Pete Beach and back with great food/drink specials for $25, a $2 shot and a beer special all day every day, $3 Jager bombs on Thursdays, and more. Check out the 813area Gaspar's Grotto business listing for all their specials.
Wings Gone Wild - For us, there's nothing like a big plate of delicious wings and a cold beer to wash it all down. This summer, you can get both while barely breaking the bank at Wings Gone Wild in South Tampa. Nightly specials at Wings Gone Wild include all-you-can-eat wings on Monday nights for $12.99; all day Happy Hour on Thursdays with 59 cent jumbo wings; $5 Bud Select pitchers from 11 a.m. till 5 p.m., 10 wings for $5, and more. Check out the 813area Wings Gone Wild business listing for all their specials.
Green Iguana - With multiple locations throughout the Tampa Bay area, it's easy to find a Green Iguana close by for great food and drink specials, live entertainment, and all the fun that comes with partying at the Iguana. Check out their specials including 11 a.m. - 7p.m. Happy Hour every week with 2-4-1 domestic drafts, wells, and house wines; $5 burgers on Mondays, and $1 wells with no cover on Wednesday nights.
These are just a few of some of the best nightly specials in Tampa. Check out our specials page for great food and drink deals in Tampa all throughout the summer.
Fun and Recreation
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park - Downtown Tampa's premier public park, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park offers Tampa residents and visitors alike a beautiful, city park setting right on the Hillsborough River. Curtis Hixon also plays host to a slew of awesome, free events like Rock the Park and much more.
Dog Parks in Tampa - There are a handful of awesome dog parks in Tampa including an awesome one at the previously mentioned Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Davis Island Dog Beach, Palma Ceia Dog Park, and many more. They're all free and a great, fun, and healthy way to hang with your four-legged friends this summer.
St. Pete Shuffleboard Club - Located across the bay in Downtown St. Petersburg, St. Pete Shuffleboard Club is working to revitalize the relaxed fun that is playing shuffleboard. Every Friday night from 7 to 11 p.m., locals young and old head to the St. Pete Shuffleboard Club for free shuffleboard, live music, and more. Pick a Friday, check it out, and you might be surprised how fun this age-old game can be.
Lettuce Lake Park - Located in the heart of North Tampa right by the University of South Florida, Lettuce Lake Park is one of Tampa's best parks. Head out to Lettuce Lake and enjoy everything from scenic Florida hikes while spotting alligators and native birds; tons of picnic areas; open play fields; a playground and more.
Learning and Culture
Ybor Saturday Market - There are few better ways to get the real taste of a certain city than a visit to a local farmer's market. Head out to Centennial Park in Ybor City on Saturday morning and browse a huge, affordable assortment of fresh, organic produce, gourmet foods, fresh baked bread, fine cigars, jewelry, unique gifts, and more.
Lowry Park Zoo $5 day and other Summer Discounts - $5 for a day amidst 56 acres of more than 1,500 animals, rides, and interactive exhibits? We're all for it. On Sunday July 22, everyone gets in to Lowry Park Zoo for a mere $5. In addition, Lowry Park is hosting a host of other awesome summer events with discounts for military, kids days, and more.
Yuengling Brewery Tours - What if we told you you could take a fun, entertaining tour of America's oldest beer brewery then sample all their beers at the end for free? We wouldn't blame you if you found that hard to believe, but it's true! The Yuengling Beer Brewery in North Tampa offers FREE daily tours typically around 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1 p.m. Visit the Yuengling Brewery's tour page for more information.
Cigar City Brewing Tours - In the same vein, Cigar City Brewing offers a tour of their premises. Here you'll learn all about the fine art of creating Cigar City's award-winning craft beers and the history of this new and already highly-revered brewery in Tampa. The tour is $5 and includes a free beer and pint glass. Visit Cigar City Brewing's tour page for more information.
