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Where to take your parents in Tampa Bay? Soccer, Grand Prix, 'Rocky Horror' and more

 
Published May 15, 2014

Tampa Bay Grand Prix

The need for speed is not just a terrible Disney movie, it's also a real emotion, expressed by people of all ages. Indoor racing at Tampa Bay Grand Prix, which has tracks conveniently located in both Tampa and Clearwater, will allow your parents to get out their trash-talking competitive sides while doing something fun that isn't necessarily dangerous. Also, they won't sweat to death in the summer sunshine waiting their turn to take on 14 laps of fury. Track owners run Ladies Night and other specials. Regular adult pricing is $16 for one 14-lap race and $39 for a three-pack. tampabaygp.com.

Live Cast Screening of 'Rocky Horror Picture Show'

News flash: Your parents were into Rocky Horror before it was a thing. Bring back memories of the old times by getting dressed up and heading out to the Seminole 8 movie theater, 7990 Liberty Lane in Seminole, to check out Janet and Brad in their skivvies and watch the Interchangeable Parts company do their wacky rendition of the Time Warp. The show is on the late side, every Saturday night at 11, so it's best caught after a midday nap and late dinner. Tickets are $6, and for an extra George Washington, you can pick up a handy prop bag to make the experience more interactive. rhpsip.com.

Yoga in the Park

Need a passive-aggressive way to tell your nagging folks to chill? Take them out in the sweltering summer heat for a little namaste in the jewel of downtown Tampa, Curtis Hixon Park, 600 N Ashley Drive. Yoga Downtown Tampa hosts the class for free at 6 p.m. every Sunday, though they recommend a $5 donation. Depending on the Sunday, the park can be packed with plenty of people watching as you try and find your center, and the setup allows for clear view of every contortionist-level twist the instructor wants you to try. Downtown parking is free on Sundays, so arriving early to find a spot on the street will give you the bonus of doing something that will tire your parents out without spending any money. yogadowntowntampa.com.

Tampa Bay Rowdies game

You've seen the Rays, the Bucs and probably even caught spring training. Those aren't the only games in town. As with the Olympics, Americans only care about soccer every four years, when the World Cup rolls around. Give your folks a taste of live professional-level competition by taking them to see the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Al Lang Stadium, 230 First St. SE in St. Petersburg. Sure, the stadium is decrepit, but they can practice their hooliganism with some old pros, learn new chants and buy some gear as they root for the home team to improve on their 5-5-4 record from the fall season. Tickets range from $18 to $40. There's a game at 7:30 p.m. Saturday against the New York Cosmos; check ­rowdiessoccer.com for a full schedule.