It’s officially the start of the New Year, and many of us are taking the time to prioritize our family’s health and wellbeing. With hectic schedules, it can be challenging to reach these goals and to draw your family’s attention away from mobile and television screens when you finally find some downtime.
Luckily, we live in a place with an abundance of family-friendly activities to choose from that are healthy and active, or educational and fun. So, we’ve put together two quick-lists of St. Pete’s healthy family hot-spots that are both easily accessible and effortlessly integrable into your family’s everyday-life and will help you reach your health and wellness goals in the New Year.
Healthy and Active
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Kid’s Zone, aquatic center, fitness floor, and exercise studios – the new Speer YMCA state of the art facility is an absolute game-changing family health and wellness destination conveniently located at 495 62nd Avenue Northeast. The incredible 75,000 sq.-ft complex features a full-size competition pool, splash pad, fitness center, and state of the art child-care & activities. Both children and adult’s sports programs are available to join and connect with the local community in the spirit of sports. The Speer YMCA opens at 7 a.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. on weekends. Choose from single, dual, or family memberships which all have a limited time $0 join fee.
Pristine beaches, kayaking, and natural beaty as far as the eye can see. Fort De Soto Park consists of 1,136 acres made up of give interconnected keys that are best explored up-close and personal on a kayak or paddleboard. Enjoy the epitome of Florida’s natural beauty with over 328 species of birds, a wealth of sea life, and a bevy of native plants. Bask on the beach or rent kayaks, paddle boards, canoes, or bicycles through Topwater Kayak Outpost. Located 3500 Pinellas Bayway S. Fort De Soto is also home to the only dog park where dogs are allowed on the beach in a designated area.
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Towering climbing walls, bouldering terrain, fitness, and yoga – Vertical Ventures is sure to get your family’s blood flowing, heart rate pumping, and extra energy expended. The 20,000 Sq Ft facility is comprised of 40-foot-tall routes, 9 auto belays, and over 150+ routes to test your climbing skills. Located at 116 18 th St S. the hours are Monday 4 p.m. – 10 p.m., Tuesday – Thursday 10.am – 10 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. – 12 a.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. You can schedule your first visit online with an intro class or day pass.
Freestyle jumping, ultimate dodgeball, foam zone, sky hoops, drop zone, drop slide and toddler zone, Sky Zone is a place to move, create, and be yourself. Guests can choose from general tickets for freestyle jumping or engage in specialized programs for learning and development like Little Leapers and special needs Sensory Hours. Located at 3000 66th St N, hours are Monday – Thursday 9:30 a.m. – 11 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 11 p.m. and Sunday 9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Purchase tickets online and take advantage of the Winter Pass on sale now for 90 minutes a day for 90 consecutive days for only $99.
Gymnastics, swimming, and fitness, Tampa Bay Turners (TBT) offers a 23,500 Sq. Ft. gymnastics training center and beginner to pre-competitive swim facility. Many students have become successful soccer players, dancers, divers, basketball players, cheerleaders, and even Cirque Du Soleil performers! The lessons they learn at TBT have little to do with the physical activities and everything to do with self confidence, self-worth, and capability. Located at 2301 26th Street North, it suggested to call for a free trial class at 727-328-8500 or register online.
Educational and Fun
Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center
Explore the story of the lifecycle and recovery of our very own Tampa Bay estuary and marine ecosystem through hands on learning, exploration, and interactive exhibits. Located at the St. Petersburg Pier, the Discovery Center features 3,000 square feet of indoor space including an exhibit gallery that teaches kids about the wonder and magic of this ecologically rich 400 square mile estuary and 2,300 square mile watershed teaming with marine animal and plant life. Hours are Monday – Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Purchase tickets online and check out their calendar of exciting community programs.
Interactive experiences, creativity, and play, Great Explorations is Tampa Bay’s preeminent children’s museum supporting practical learning applications through proven creative curriculum. Located next to Sunken Gardens 1925 4 Street North, the hours are Monday – Saturday 10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tickets are free for children under 12 months, $15 for kids 1-17 and $12 for adults. Great Explorations welcomes individuals with autism and their families and is listed as an Autism Friendly in the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD).
Alligator Wildlife and Discovery Center
Home to over 250 exotic rescues and animal surrenders including alligators, lizards, small mammals, amphibians, turtles, and marine life, Alligator Wildlife and Discovery Center connects children and youth to the most unique and interesting reptiles and amphibians that call our state home. Located near John’s Pass at 14805 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach, hours are 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $11 for children (3-12), $15 for Adults (13-59) and $11 for Seniors (60+) & Military.
Kid’s gym, art, and music classes with a focus on developing curious and kind children in a safe, nurturing environment, Romp n’ Roll offers a proprietary curriculum designed for little ones 3 months through 5 years old. The program encourages parents and caretakers to take part in the playful process to nurture connection and development. Located at 2534 22nd Avenue North, a trial class is just $10. The online schedule makes it easy to book a class and experience of the magic watching your child connect and grow with others.
Music education and classes for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary students, Music & Me uses the Music Together program, based on over 40 years of ongoing research by engaging and continuing education of their teachers. Classes are centered around child development by playing with the ways children process responses they get from their grown-ups while experiencing joy and community connection. Located at 1507 4th St N, you can register and book classes online.
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