Things to Do in Ruskin

Away from the amusement parks and tourist hotspots Florida is known for, its rivers wind along sandy beaches, wildlife habitats, and lush marshlands. Canoe Outpost's fleet of kayaks and canoes allow access to these natural attractions, thanks to their steadfast crew which helps paddlers launch into the Little Manatee River. Opportunities to paddle, hike, and arm-wrestle fish pepper the rivers, which boasts roaring whitewater for rafting, as well as calmer areas for cool, refreshing swims.

The sounds of air hockey pucks whishing toward their targets intermingle with myriad beeps, bells, and general revelry inside Game Time's colorful space, where participants stand captivated by the dizzying selection of games at their disposal. Alongside hands-on amusements, a sports bar perches in the middle of the room to flaunt a set of pool tables and 20 large flat-screen TVs displaying sports commentators that attempt to pour themselves draft beers when bartenders aren't looking. After high-stakes rounds of skee-ball or Cyclone, ravenous players can sidle up to the restaurant where classic American staples such as chicken wings and club sandwiches sate victory-fueled hunger.

Chillounge Night moves the atmosphere of a nightclub outdoors, freeing warm pulses of bass to tremble under the stars and roll beneath the chatter of guests perched on plush sofas. Glasses from a cash bar clink together, adding treble notes to the organic symphony as the sun sinks below the horizon and the atmosphere takes on the feeling of Carnival. Samba dancers parade past tables laden with snacks from local restaurants, and fashion shows parade intriguing threads. As fireworks crackle against the darkening sky at some events, live music begins to fuel dancing or make metronomes feel more comfortable.

Tampa Pub Crawl falls under the umbrella of Orlando Pub Crawl, a socially oriented outfit started by Cameron Parker in 2005 to organize the bar-going experience into a convivial group event. Tampa and Orlando Pub Crawl organize trips for up to 1,000 revelers at a time and style their events after themes and occasions including the Kentucky Derby, '80s Nights, and Cinco de Mayo. Partiers hop from bar to bar, enjoying complimentary drinks, admission, and other specials as they mingle and socialize amid festivities, games, and libations. The pub-crawl team can also tailor a private crawl for groups of 100 or more, allowing companies, organizations, and poker-playing dogs to journey to bars in organized packs.

The India International Film Festival (IFF) of Tampa Bay selects a small sampling of more than 1,000 films produced in India each year to demonstrate that the most prolific film industry in the world is more than just masala musicals. Like the culture from which they spring, the films speak in a lush polyglossia of English, Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Nepali, Kashmiri—but the common language of humanity unites them all, whether the subject is Down syndrome, terrorism, patriotism, or simply losing yourself to spiritual bliss. Opening-night ceremonies and filmmaker Q&As round out the schedule of events, offering a more immersive movie experience than watching the Screen Actors Guild Awards in 3-D.

Having judged six world-championship shows as a USEF Big R judge, Rick Davis bestows his time-earned expertise upon riders visiting his 11-acre ranch. The stable offers private and group riding lessons in addition to horse boarding and training services. A saddlery stocked with tack, saddles, and riding apparel sits next to the lounge, which is heated and air-conditioned to ensure an ideal temperature during private parties whatever the occasion or dress code. Over the past 40 years, Rick Davis Stables has produced a number of champions, who inspire beginners hoping to master the art of equitation.