Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Brandon, FL

  • Published 2022/12/08

The city of Brandon lies in Hillsborough County, Florida.

It is located about 10 miles east of Tampa, on the gulf coast of Florida.

Brandon, located right on both Interstate 4 and Interstate 75, is the largest unincorporated community in the state.

It was named after John Brandon, the first landowner, where the city stands today.

While still unincorporated, Brandon has seen incredible growth, and now it is likely to be considered a large city, with new public schools, corporate headquarters, and businesses continuing to join the region.

Brandon, located only minutes from downtown Tampa, offers the best of both worlds: small-town life and convenient access to the big city.

Brandon has a subtropical climate and is included in the Tampa metropolitan region.

It is a popular place for families due to the pleasant temperature and quantity of schools.

Brandon itself has many thriving businesses that have been in place for more than 25 years.

The first-ever Beef O’Brady’s, a family-friendly bar and grill franchise with locations throughout the southeastern United States is in Brandon.

There is much to do in and around Brandon.

With an abundance of shops, pubs, restaurants, and parks to explore during a day or night out, as well as family-friendly things to visit, a trip to Brandon is always enjoyable.

Whether you’re searching for action-packed adventures or awe-inspiring tourist sites, this humble city has something for everyone.

Are you ready to plan your itinerary?

Here are the 20 best things to do in Brandon, FL:

Play Bowling at Oakfield Lanes of Brandon Inc.

When in Brandon, a night of bowling and excellent comfort cuisine with your family and friends awaits you at Oakfield Lanes of Brandon Inc.

In Oakfield Lanes of Brandon Inc., you will get a bit competitive, but there is nothing wrong with it.

The bowling alley is made up of 32 high-quality lanes equipped with automated scoring.

Every so often, this entertainment facility would hold events like dodgeball competitions.

If you want to have fun and stay active at the same time, you should sign up!

And what’s Oakfield Lanes of Brandon Inc. when you can’t have the staple food served here?

The on-site snack bar in this bowling alley serves cheeseburgers, funnel fries, and corn dogs.

Meet Jurassic Friends at Dinosaur World

Dinosaur sculpture at Dinosaur World

Jana Taylor, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Dinosaur World will transport you in time during the Jurassic era.

Dinosaur World is a theme park chain devoted to everything about dino!

It has locations in different areas in the United States, including Florida, Texas, and Kentucky.

You may find here over 150 life-size dinosaur sculptures sculpted by the artist Christer Svensson.

This theme park in Florida opened in November 1998.

Many activities are available for little children, including playgrounds and picnic spaces.

In this design, life-size dinosaur statues are placed among natural elements, like plants or water, to bring dinosaurs to life in the natural habitat.

Jurassic era-dated plant species may be discovered on the grounds, and signs are placed to identify them.

Additionally, there are regular spots for rest and shade, as well as several plays and picnic spaces throughout the park.

It also features a “Fossil Dig” attraction where kids may dig for actual fossils in a sandbox and keep their three favorites in a little plastic bag.

It is also pet-friendly, with dog water stations in different parts of the park.

Bring Your Little Ones at Pump it Up

If you have energetic kids, the best way to ensure they enjoy themselves is to book Pump It Up in Brandon.

This playground is a kids’ paradise, with all the bouncy castles, fun parties, and arts and crafts that kids could ask for.

It’s also a nice venue for birthday parties since it has all the things kids will enjoy.

It also offers drop-off services so you can have some alone time or if you have to run some errands.

Roller Skate at Astro Skate Family Fun Center of Brandon

Want to try some adrenaline-pumping activity?

Try roller skating at Astro Skate Family Fun Center of Brandon!

It has traditional wooden flooring, trendy lighting, and music, making it a perfectly classic roller rink.

This is the place where you can enjoy skating to your favorite music.

If you don’t have your own skates, you can pick from the skate rentals available.

If you want to learn how to skate, the Center also offers skate lessons for kids and adults to give you more confidence while on the rink.

It also features pool tables if you opt to have fun outside the rink.

The Center also includes a snack shop in case you get hungry while you skate.

There are regular open skate nights, where a DJ plays music to double the fun.

Beat the Challenges in Legends Escape Rooms

If you have strong attention to detail and loves adventure, try Brandon’s Legends Escape Rooms.

Legends Escape Room is a live-action story featuring different rooms with different mysteries.

To successfully finish the task and leave the chamber, you must solve puzzles, perform challenges, and decode clues within 60 minutes.

It contains six themed rooms, including the Wild West Heist, which can be challenging but are just as rewarding as the other five rooms in the game.

All ages are welcome to play the escape rooms; however, those under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Try Axe Throwing at Bury the Hatchet Tampa

A very well-known pastime in Canada is becoming increasingly popular in the United States: competitive axe throwing.

In essence, it’s like playing a game of darts, except that you’re using axes instead.

Experience the excitement of lopping off a wooden target with an axe at Bury The Hatchet!

The store also offers fantastic beer, wine, and cider for you to enjoy while waiting for your turn to throw an axe.

To ensure your safety, the store requires you to wear closed-toed shoes.

Picnic at All Person’s Rotary Park

All Persons Rotary Park does not have staff; however, it does include a shelter that you can rent throughout the year.

It features picnic shelters where you may relax and grill.

A kid’s playground and a universal playground are available for you and your children to run about and play.

All Persons Rotary Park is also pet-friendly.

All Persons Rotary Park features lush oak trees and wide lawns, allowing you to take in most of Florida’s sunlight.

Due to the availability of free shelters and restrooms, it is a popular location for gatherings and birthday celebrations.

Throughout the day, a splash pad sprays water to keep you cool.

Make Art While Having Fun at Painting With a Twist

If you want to try something different, Painting with a Twist is the place to be.

Painting with a Twist combines wine, art, and entertainment in a one-of-a-kind event.

It is a unique art workshop designed for anybody who enjoys painting!

In every lesson, you will be using acrylics on 16×20 canvas and will be guided by resident artists step by step through the day’s painting.

Painting with a Twist hosts weekly events, so check the schedule for details.

It also caters to private gatherings such as birthdays, team building, or bridal parties!

Play While Learning Science at Galactic Playgrounds

Galactic Playgrounds is an interactive science center that will make your kids intrigued and educated at the same time.

All displays run on kid energy, so the kids may move around while enjoying a stimulating learning environment.

In Galactic Playgrounds, your kids may cultivate both their creativity and imagination.

It has four main sections.

Its WaterWorld section demonstrates to youngsters how kinetic energy can be transformed to potential energy, and finally to electric energy, which is how hydroelectric energy is produced.

The ElectricWorld converts youngsters’ kinetic energy into electric energy.

MagneticWorld lets kids experience magnets’ astonishing powers.

And finally, the KineticWorld unleashes your child’s strength on displays, like the Power Scale and the Voltage Champs.

Go Vintage Shopping at Sweet Memories Antiques

Go outside the box and approach shopping in a fresh way at Sweet Memories!

This store is the one for you if you’re looking for trinkets and other antique items.

You’ll never return to your home empty-handed from a visit to the store.

Grab some old books, jewelry, sheet music, pottery, and other interesting things.

They also offer clearance sales on certain occasions.

Chill at O’Tooles Irish Pub

O’Tooles Irish Pub is a Brandon favorite, serving typical Irish food.

Located on Route 70, it offers a gastropub-style setting with live music and entertainment.

Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, O’Tooles provides great meals in a relaxed setting.

The Pub uses fresh goat cheese imported from Ireland that is mixed with pistachios and olive oil, then drizzled with a balsamic reduction.

It has a wide array of traditional Irish cuisines, such as Irish beef and Guinness stew.

You will also find other Irish favorites on the menu, such as the Bangers and Mash, featuring Irish sausage and seasoned mashed potatoes, and the Irish Shepherd’s Pie, which is made with potatoes, vegetables, and a rich brown gravy.

Smoke in Style at Cutter’s Cigar

Cutter’s Cigar is a wonderful location to go if you’re interested in smoking one of its excellent cigars.

This lounge has a diverse collection of drinks and cigars so you can relax in comfort and enjoy your favorite thing to do.

Its Brandon Cigar Lounge, located at 715 W Lumsden Road Oak Plaza, is the premier cigar lounge in the area.

Aside from its wine, coffee, and espresso, its selection of over 100 craft beers is unparalleled.

The lounge has indoor and outdoor seating available with outstanding smoker eaters to provide you with an unforgettable experience.

It also hosts dinners, where each course is paired with a cigar.

Book an Ultimate Spa Experience at DayDreams Day Spa

There is a significant amount of space at the Brandon DayDreams Day Spa that is mainly used to improve the overall spa experience.

The spa is decorated with original artworks that a local artist made.

Visitors frequently arrive early or stay longer to take advantage of the free sauna and showers.

The Tranquility and Relaxation rooms, two sizable communal areas, are available to be utilized by visitors.

The Relaxation Room is best compared to a cozy living room featuring a fireplace, luxurious couch, coffee table, and chairs.

The Tranquility area has four chaise sofas, lighting, and a waterfall for ultimate relaxation.

A DayDreams spa experience includes dim lighting, relaxing music, scented candles, fruit-infused beverages, snacks, complimentary refreshments, and a calm and tranquil ambiance.

Pick from the Various Drinks Featured at Stein & Vine

The Stein & Vine is your go-to spot for artisan beer, wine, and dining in Brandon, Florida.

Locals Ty and Lacey Mathis opened the “pub” in 2012; it offers more than 40 rotating craft beers, over 100 bottled beers, and around 35 wines.

Cook and restaurant owner Ty Mathis is driven by and created the daily cuisine menu.

You may pick from various inventive and mouthwatering dinners, like Filet Pepper Steak, Cajun Catfish Court-Bouillon, S&V Sausage Stuffed Shells, and many more.

Along with your regular favorites, keep an eye out daily for fresh, inventive dishes!

Take a Swim, Stroll around, and Sleep Overnight at Brandon Motor Lodge

Do you prefer a lodging facility with a nice and welcoming resort ambiance?

Whether traveling to the Midwest for a family vacation or business, Brandon Motor Lodge hopes to accommodate its guests.

While enjoying the many first-rate amenities provided in each Accommodation, their distinctive open courtyard gives guests a sense of tranquillity.

It’s convenient for anyone traveling for work since they provide meeting spaces.

Visit their wide pools and take a plunge if you’re searching for a cool pastime on a hot summer day.

Other advantages at the Lodge include free local calls, no-charge parking, a 24-hour front desk, high-speed internet, and complimentary coffee.

Make a Visit to Pinot’s Palette

Small business entrepreneurs in the area run and own Pinot’s Palette.

They encourage other businesses and provide artistic entertainment to enhance communities.

It is situated in the Brandon Crossroads Shopping Complex, next to The Brandon Mall.

There is a bar at Pinot’s Palette wherein customers may purchase drinks, including a cold beer and delicious wine.

For studio activities accessible to the public, you must be 13 or older, while the age requirement for Family Paint Day and Little Brushes is at least six years old.

Pinot’s Palette in Brandon offers enjoyable wine and painting events for every celebration, including bachelorette parties, anniversaries, and professional team-building exercises.

Prepare for a Fun Time at Heroes Paradise

Don’t miss out on the various entertainment available in Heroes Paradise.

Enjoy heart-pounding Archery Tag, an interactive free-climb Rock Wall, cutting-edge outdoor Laser Tag, virtual reality experiences, and several remote control vehicle courses.

Heroes Paradise features a two-level clubhouse with 360-degree views of the surrounding land and six gaming fields.

Relish seeing your family or team win from their covered outside deck, which sets out over Tampa Bay’s largest laser tag field.

Browse their café to relax and enjoy a wide range of snacks and meals that will fulfill your appetite!

Other Things to Do Nearby

Taste Brandon’s Craft Beers at Bootleggers Brewing Co

Bootlegger’s Brewery was born out of the thriving local craft beer scene and has maintained a strong focus on distributing the finest quality beer to the areas it serves.

For Bootleggers, the community gets stronger when people drink fresh, local beer.

While focused on Southern California distribution, it also has other breweries in other parts of the country.

The Brandon Tap Room, located on Oakfield Drive, has 29 taps and an eclectic array of the restaurant’s and other local breweries’ beers.

Final Thoughts

As Tampa’s bedroom community, Brandon, Florida is jampacked with fun family activities.

So do not simply take a vacation, have an adventure!

Come to Brandon, and you’re in for an exciting time.

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