Tampa Parks and Playgrounds

Use this guide to find parks and playgrounds in Tampa where parents and kids can play and spend time outside together. Browse practical details to help you choose a place for your next outing.

Parks and playgrounds

  1. Pond trails + play + dogsAl Lopez ParkDrew Park · Pond-centered fitness trails with playground and dog park
  2. Bay pier + splash + playBallast Point ParkBallast Point · Tampa Bay fishing pier beside playground and splash pad
  3. Shaded play + trails + poolCopeland ParkUniversity Square · Two shaded playgrounds with one-mile paved trail, wetland boardwalks, and seasonal pool
  4. Splash + play + RiverwalkCotanchobee Fort Brooke ParkChannel District · Age-banded playground and splash pad at the Riverwalk terminus
  5. Two splash pads + play + lawnCurtis Hixon Waterfront ParkDowntown · Two splash pads and shaded playground on a terraced downtown event lawn
  6. Beach + trail + playCypress Point ParkWestshore · Bay beach with paved trail, playground, volleyball, and paddleboard access
  7. River play + splash + sportsJulian B. Lane Riverfront ParkWest Riverfront · Riverfront playground and splash pad with six tennis courts, pickleball, basketball, and field
  8. Skate + basketball + fountainPerry Harvey Sr. ParkEncore · Bro Bowl skate park with three basketball courts and interactive fountain
  9. Beach + kayak + dog shorePicnic Island ParkPort Tampa City · Bay beach with kayak launch, dog beach, playground, and sand volleyball
  10. Inclusive play + splash + riverWater Works ParkTampa Heights · Wheelchair-friendly roundabout play feature beside splash pad and Riverwalk
  11. Lake trail + play + dogsGadsden ParkInterbay · MacDill greenway trail around a lake with playground and dog space
  12. River path + play + picnicRivercrest ParkSouth Seminole Heights · Hillsborough River park with playground, paved circulation, and picnic space
  13. River rapids + playgroundsHillsborough River State ParkThonotosassa · about 25 miles from Tampa · Class II river rapids, nature trails, and two children’s playgrounds

Wildlife to look for nearby · July

These are examples of wildlife parents and kids may notice in parks and natural areas in and around Tampa.

  1. Young birds and wildlifeShort flights or a young animal waiting near cover · Observed quietly from established public routes
  2. Warm-weather reptilesA reptile warming near cover · Sunny water and woodland edges viewed from established routes
  3. West-Central Florida rainy seasonFrequent rain, fuller wetlands, and lush growth · Wetlands and low natural areas viewed from open public routes
See the seasonal nature calendar

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