Ice Skating In Tampa Bay Review
Ice skating in Tampa Bay review. I went ice skating this past weekend for a 10 year old’s birthday party and had an absolute blast. Firstly, I will say I was not too excited about it because March is the time of year in Florida when the weather is perfect. Why would someone want to go indoors where it’s cold, when it’s beautiful outside? I can now answer that, because it was super fun.
We took the three kids to their cousin’s birthday party at Advent Health Center Ice in Wesley Chapel. It was better then I expected. I had heard this place was huge and offered a lot, and it did. It is located at 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd in Wesley Chapel, FL. Easy to get to and there was a bunch of parking. Advent Health Center Ice is the largest ice sports facility in the Southeast. It’s over 150,000 square feet, it is a five-rink complex which includes three North American standard National Hockey League (NHL) ice rinks, one Olympic/International standard ice rink, and one mini-rink.
Center Ice is home to the USF club hockey teams, two USPHL hockey teams, 16 youth travel hockey teams, 10 high school teams, 22 youth rec level teams and over 100 adult rec hockey teams. They say about 5,000 athletes alone pass through their doors on an average week and that doesn’t even count the tournaments. Truly, a great place for ice skating in Tampa Bay.
Inside, the first thing you notice is the temperature. It’s chilly in there, obviously due to tall the ice. There were lots of hockey players in and out of the arena practicing and different classes were already in session. There is plenty of extras too. You will find a pro shop, full-service restaurant, concession stand, skate center (rentals & repair), fitness center, indoor sprint track, event and party rooms, and offices.
Birthday Party Fun
For birthday parties, they give you your own room next to one of their smaller rinks. You can bring in your own decorations, food, drinks and more. The kids had a blast. The ice skating rink is dark but lit up in neon colors while the kids skate and the music is loud. Parents can join their kids on the ice or hang out to watch and take pictures. I chose to skate. Growing up in Minnesota, I had done a lot of skating and decided to return to the ice after 20+ years.
Was doing great all day, even skated backwards, turns and having fun, but all that confidence went out the window, when I fell. Thank you to my fiancé Paul for recording it in slow motion at the right moment.
Highly recommend throwing a party at Center Ice. It’s a great time ice skating in Tampa Bay.
5 Ways To Celebrate Your Birthday In Tampa
Have A Beach Day!
This may seem kinda obvious, but spending the day at one of our gorgeous beaches is the perfect way to spend a birthday. Whether you go all out and spend the whole day there, or just catch the sunset, you can’t go wrong with spending part of your day by the water.
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Relax At A Spa
Treat yourself to a relaxing spa day at multiple locations in Tampa. Feel bougie at the newest hotel: The Edition. Spa Evangeline at the Epicurean Hotel is also a great option.
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Feel Like A Kid Again
There are so many ways to celebrate your youth in Tampa! Head to Busch Gardens for the thrill of one of America’s best roller coasters, Iron Gwazi. Or head to one of Tampa’s many arcade bars, like Reboot in Dunedin. You can also practice your golf game at TopGolf in Brandon or at the TopGolf Suite at Yeoman’s in Downtown Tampa. Your options are endless!
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Check Out A Trendy Bar
We mentioned earlier that our perfect day would include watching the sunset at one of Tampa’s rooftop bars. Check out our list here. There’s also other alternatives like axe throwing, arcade and karaoke bars.
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