Welcome to Riverview, Florida, said to be one of the oldest settlements in the state, which was founded along the banks of the Alafia River. The river was called the “River of Fire” by early settlers because it used to glow at night because of the phosphorous found in its waters. Now Riverview belongs to Hillsborough County and is a stone’s throw away from Tampa Bay. Get to know this unassuming town a little more through these fun things to do in Riverview, FL.
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1. Play at The Alley at Southshore
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Cosmic Bowling tonight? I think so! Tonight at 11pm for only $12 per person.
Posted by The Alley At Southshore on Saturday, November 21, 2020
One of the best places for family fun and entertainment in Riverview is The Alley at Southshore. This energetic bowling alley not only features a modern bowling center with child-friendly lanes; they also have a laser maze, a billiards area, and an arcade. Not to mention, the bar and grill that serves delicious comfort food. There’s no shame in coming to the bowling center even when you’re a beginner, all skill levels are welcome here! In fact, The Alley also offers lessons for newcomers and leagues for seasoned players.
The Alley at Southshore
Address: 10221 Big Bend Rd, Riverview, FL 33578, United States
Website: The Alley at Southshore
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 12am; Fri: 11am - 1:30am; Sat: 9am - 1:30am; Sun: 9am - 12am
2. Spend some time with your family at Ace Golf Riverview
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
In celebration of all the Mothers in our area, we are offering free mini golf to all moms this Sunday for Mother’s Day! Hope to see you out here!
Posted by Ace Golf: Riverview on Tuesday, May 4, 2021
For a unique golfing experience, take your entire family for a day of fun at Ace Golf Riverview. This golf driving range welcomes all ages and expertise levels. Coming to the range may be intimidating, but the staff is happy to welcome you and provide you with the best options for your skills. On-site, there’s a practice range, a miniature golf course, and various batting cages. Ace Golf keeps your budget in mind and has made their services affordable and accessible to all guests.
Ace Golf Riverview
Address: 12910 Boyette Rd, Riverview, FL 33569, United States
Website: Ace Golf Riverview
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 9am - 9pm; Fri: 9am - 10pm; Sat: 8am - 10pm
3. Nature tripping at Bell Creek Nature Preserve
If you are an outdoor enthusiast and don’t know what to do in Riverview, you’re in luck! For some nature tripping, Bell Creek Nature Preserve is the nearest place to go to without leaving Riverview. Located along McMullen Road, this 193 hectare (477 ac) preserve was established to protect natural plant communities that serve as habitats for a variety of local species as well as provide locals with outdoor recreational activities. The park has hiking trails that are well marked as well as areas for fishing. Bird watching can also be done here, as the park is habitat to several bird species. This preserve is also a pet-friendly area, so your furry friends can enjoy a walk with you.
Bell Creek Nature Preserve
Address: 10940 McMullen Road, Riverview, FL 33569
Contact Information: Ph +1 8136727876
Opening Hours: Sunrise to sunset, Daily
Website: Bell Creek Nature Preserve
4. Hike and bike at Balm-Boyette Scrub and Triple Creek Nature Preserve
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Balm-Boyette Scrub and Triple Creek Nature Preserves are adjacent to each other, that is why hiking trips in this area usually involve starting at Triple Creek and ending at Balm-Boyette or the other way around. Local hiking clubs usually host group hikes here and it is considered to be an easy hike which makes it safe for children. Balm-Boyette is known for protecting a rare kind of Florida scrub and several protected species have made the scrub their home. If you want to start your hiking at Balm-Boyette Scrub, you have to take a 25-minute ride to nearby Lithia, which about 23.6 km (14.7 mi) from Riverview.
If you want to start at Triple Creek, there is no need to leave Riverview as the preserve is located along Balm Boyette Road. Aside from hiking, the Balm-Boyette Preserve also offers 40 km (25 mi) of mountain bike trails maintained by a local association of mountain bikers.
Triple Creek Nature Preseve
Address: 13305 Balm Boyette Road, Riverview, FL 33579
Website: Hiking Triple Creek Nature Preserve
5. Marvel at the River of Fire at the Alafia Scrub Nature Preserve
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Alafia River, part of which runs through Riverview, can best appreciated at the Alafia Scrub Nature Preserve along Elbow Bend Road. This nature preserve plays host to different types of natural habitats, such as scrub, tidal marsh, ravines, creeks and hammock among others. Hiking here is done with two marked loop hiking trails, one about 1.2 km (0.8 mi) and another 2.09 km (1.3 mi) long. Birdwatching in the area is best done from November to May, when migratory birds flock here. The Alafia River can be viewed from a riverview located in the preserve, about 800 m (0.5 mi) from the trailhead. Picnic tables are also available for use.
Alafia Scrub Nature Preserve
Address: 10243 Elbow Bend Road, Riverview, FL 33578
Contact Information: Ph +1 8136727876
Opening Hours: Sunrise to sunset, Daily
Website: Alafia Scrub Nature Preserve
6. Get a glimpse of carnival life at the International Independent Showmen's Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
One of the best Riverview activities is touring this museum. Riverview offers a glimpse into the daily lives of those who worked in carnivals at the International Independent Showmen’s Museum. This unique museum houses different exhibits of memorabilia, artifacts and photographs of the history of carnivals in the country. Its 4,800 sq m (52,000 sq ft) facility also has a working Ferris Wheel inside which is said to be one of the first of its kind ever used. Aside from this, there are also antique wagons and trailers that visitors can enter and walk through, giving them a better idea of how carnival folks lived.
International Independent Showmen's Museum
Address: 6938 Riverview Dr, Riverview, Hillsborough County, FL
Contact Information: Ph +1 8136713503
Opening Hours: 12pm - 5pm, Saturday and Sunday, except holidays
Admission Fee: Adults, 10 USD; Students with ID, 5 USD; guided group tours can be arranged as well
7. Go fishing at Tampa Bay
If you love fishing, you will love going fishing on Tampa Bay which is one of the best things to do near Riverview. Riverview is less than an hour’s ride to the center of Tampa Bay fishing, which is St. Petersburg. You can get professional fishing guides and book fishing charters in town. During summer, fishing charters can be arranged for some game fishing. According to regular fishing reports, larger game fish are plentiful during the summer, so those wanting to experience game fishing will surely enjoy their time. Whether you are an amateur or an experienced one, Tampa Bay will surely leave you with great memories of fishing. Check out the best fishing charters via Fishing Booker.
Fishing Charters at St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay, Florida
Address: St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay, FL
Website: Fishing Charters at St. Petersburg
8. Go cosmic bowling at The Alley at South Shore
Bowling has gone cosmic - these days, modern bowling alleys offer a new experience of bowling with psychedelic neon lights lighting your way as you bowl. In Riverview, The Alley at South Shore on Big Bend Road features cosmic bowling with music lights. They also offer mini bowling at Route 66 Mini Bowling with smaller and lighter balls for younger bowlers or those who prefer lighter balls. Its 3,716 sq m (40,000 sq ft) facilities have 42 bowling alleys and space for birthday parties and other events enough for 750 guests. If you are not up for hitting the lanes, you can try their laser maze challenge.
The Alley at South Shore
Address: 10221 Big Bend Rd, Riverview, FL 33578
Contact Information: Ph +1 8136728353
Opening Hours: 9am - 12am, Sundays to Thursdays; 9am - 2:30am, Fridays and Saturdays
Website: The Alley at South Shore
9. Time for some high-flying fun at Skyzone Trampoline Park
For a different kind of adrenaline rush, go to Skyzone Trampoline Park in nearby Tampa. This indoor trampoline park is located in Tampa town, which is only 10.6 km (6.6 mi) from Riverview, which is about a 15-minute drive. The park is open for all ages, and the park is certain to bring extraordinary fun for friends and family. Among the attractions in the park are Freestyle Jump, Skyslam, Ultimate Dodgeball, Foam Zone and many more. The park also has a special Toddler Zone for younger guests. Events can also be hosted in the park, from birthday parties, group events, charity competitions and many more.
Skyzone Trampoline Park, Tampa
Address: 10137 E Adamo Dr, Ste 800B, Tampa, FL 33619
Contact Information: Ph +1 8138331740
Opening Hours: 10am - 11:59pm, Daily
Admission Fees: General Admission for 60 minutes, 15.99 USD weekday rate
Website: Skyzone Trampoline Park, Tampa
10. Taste Thai food at the Sunday Market of Wat Mongkolratanaram Tampa
This Buddhist temple is also found in nearby Tampa, and its distance from Riverview is 13.1 km (8.2 mi), and only a 15 to 18 minute drive. Aside from giving guests an idea of Buddhist religious practices, Wat Tampa is also known for its Sunday Market where authentic Thai food is served and made available to guests. The Sunday Market starts at 8:30am and ends at around 1:30pm or when the food runs out. Aside from the market, the temple and its monks also conduct meditation workshops and Thai summer schools, within the temple premises. The temple is surrounded by beautiful gardens that are best for meditation.
Wat Mongkolratanaram Tampa
Address: 5306 Palm River Rd, Tampa, FL 33619
Contact Information: Ph +1 8136211669
Opening Hours: 9am - 4pm, Tuesdays to Sundays
Website: Wat Mongkolratanaram Tampa
11. Amusement park fun at Busch Gardens Tampa
Want to have some heart stopping fun amusement park style? Then Busch Gardens in Tampa is your best bet. Formerly called Busch Gardens Africa, this Africa-themed park is now known at Busch Gardens Tampa and is under the management of SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment. Located in Tampa, it is about 25 to 30 minutes away by car, and about 31.2 km (19.5 mi) away.
The roller coasters in the park are said to be among the best and most thrilling in the state of Florida, featuring inversions and fast speeds. There are other rides as well such as the Serengeti Railway, which features a ride on a replica train around the park. The park offers different admission options, from unlimited passes to day passes, and many more.
Busch Gardens Tampa
Address: 10165 N McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612
Contact Information: Ph +1 8138844386
Opening Hours: 10am - 9pm, Sundays to Thursdays, 10am - 11pm, Fridays and Saturdays
Website:
12. Fun with the animals at Lowry Park Zoo
Enjoy a day of fun with the animals at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. From Riverview, the zoo is about 29 km (18.2 mi) away, and can be reached via car. It is only a 23 to 25 minute ride from Riverview. The zoo occupies 23 ha (59 ac) and has 8 areas of interest that feature different animals from different parts of the world such as Asia, Australia and Africa. Kids will enjoy the rides in the zoo and will also learn about animals in the Zoo School. The zoo also has other education efforts for young people and adults, as well as conservation projects that help in animal conservation. Tickets and passes can be purchased online, and proceeds go to zoo maintenance and operations and its education and conservation programs.
Lowry Park Zoo Tampa
Address: 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604
Contact Information: Ph +1 8139358552
Opening Hours: 9:30am - 5pm, Sundays to Thursdays, 9:30am - 10pm, Fridays and Saturdays
Website: Lowry Park Zoo Tampa
Fun for everyone at Riverview
Vacation can certainly be more fun for everyone in Riverview. Its nature preserves will satisfy the nature lovers, while those looking for an adrenaline rush can enjoy their time in the theme parks, other indoor recreation facilities and even in Tampa Bay. Those who are looking for something educational will enjoy the zoo and the museum. It’s no question that Riverview has everything for everyone!
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