It's that time of year again: the infamous Fall Break. Now that we have put midterms behind us, we can all breathe a sigh of relief. Some of us have returned to our homes to spend time with our families and childhood friends, but if you're like me and you've decided to stay in Central Florida for the break - or if this is your home - then you may be asking yourself what there is to do around here. For those of us that can't afford week-long trips to Japan or flights back home, I've compiled a list of some of my favorite things to do and places to see in Central Florida.
1. Escape Rooms
This is something I never really tried until I moved to Central Florida. You're basically locked in a themed room, and you cannot leave until you've solved the riddles and such that go along with the theme. It's really fun, especially if you can get a good group of friends to do it with you. This sort of entertainment has been trending around Florida. The best one I know is Escapology in Orlando, Florida, however there is one opening in Lakeland, Florida very soon as well. Prices for these are usually in the $30 per person range, but there are also group rates if you get enough people to come along, and especially in the month of October, with Halloween coming around, I'd imagine there are some special rates.
2. Beaches
A huge stereotype of Floridians is that we spend perhaps everyday on the beach, perfecting our tans and sun-kissed highlights. As a native of South Florida who is pale and a brunette, I want to clarify that this is completely untrue. That said, I have been going to the beach more often my sophomore year, and I've discovered a few really nice spots. If you want to make a day of it, Clearwater Beach offers some great sun and a lot of busy beach activities like water trike rentals, kayaks, and paddle boats. St. Pete Beach is a little less busy, and perhaps my favorite of the bunch. If you're looking for something more secluded for just yourself and a few friends to enjoy one afternoon, Ben T Davis Beach is in the Tampa area and it's cut off from all of the busier beaches. It's more like a small strip. The water isn't very clean or clear, but the sand is incredibly soft and the sun is great. The only thing you'll have to pay for at most beaches is parking, so definitely remember to bring a few singles if you plan on parking anywhere near beach property.
3. DISNEY WORLD
I have a Disney Annual Pass, and I've definitely gotten my money's worth at this place. Yes, I know it can be super pricey, but if you go to school in Central Florida or if you're a Florida resident, you can score some really good discounts on tickets and passes. My favorite thing to do is make a bucket list of things I want to do while I'm there before I go - earn my Wilderness Explorers badge, buy Mickey ears, take pictures with Baymax, get the autographs of every Disney princess. Yes, I'm 20, but this place always brings out my inner child. Who wouldn't want to spend their Fall Break at the happiest place on Earth?
I'm not a huge fan of golf in general, but my much frattier guy friends are obsessed with this. TopGolf in Tampa is a very unique experience. You rent out a hitting bay for the hour, rather than paying per person. This usually ranges from $20 to $40 per hour. Family Fun Center in Lakeland offers mini golf, laser tag, and an arcade. Mini golf there is about $6.50 per person so it's a nice date for the baller on a budget.
5. Universal Studios/ Universal's Islands of Adventure
When I was a little kid, I loved watching the live shows, meeting Barney, and thanking the tour guide for "saving our lives" on the Jaws ride at Universal Studios. Now I find myself spending a lot more park time at Islands of Adventure. While Universal Studios is all about movies and TV shows - Men in Black, the Simpsons, Shrek - Islands of Adventure focuses more on books and comics - Harry Potter, Dr. Seuss, Marvel. My favorite newish attraction is the Hogwarts Express which takes you from one park to the other. Forewarning, you will need a park hopper pass to ride it. The parks will also be having Halloween Horror Nights until October 31st, so check that out if you get the chance. It's a great time, and just like Disney, there are Florida resident discounts on tickets.
6. Trampoline Parks
Remember being told as a little kids to stop bouncing off the walls? Well, at trampoline parks you can actually do that. Most places charge you by the hour, and give group rates if you go with enough people. One park in particular that I've heard great reviews about is SkyZone in Tampa. 2Infinity is another one that opened up in Lakeland earlier this year. It offers an extreme recreation park as well, and you can get 2 hours of flight time for $20.
7. Cirque City
If you want a really unique experience, and want to learn some circus skills in the process, Cirque City is your place. They have aerial and acrobatics classes, as well as a ton of other different circus-skill-based programs. This can be a great workout, and a chance to look into a future as a carny.
8. Busch Gardens
This place is like a zoo and theme park experience all put into one. I love looking at the tigers, and screaming my head off on the huge coasters they have to offer. Currently, they are having Howl-O-Scream on certain nights, so if Halloween is your holiday of choice or you just want to scare the heck out of that one friend, it's definitely worth checking out.
