From dog parks, to playgrounds, to nature trails; this is your guide to find Tampa’s top outdoor areas

that are off the beaten path.

People are moving to Tampa Bay in droves and one of the primary drivers is the area’s sunny and semi-

tropical climate. With lush landscapes and crystal sand beaches, we’ve put together a list of our favorite lesser-known spots to get outdoors with your kids, your dog, or your hiking shoes. But sssshhhhhhhh… let’s keep these secret treasures just between us, okay?

A Castle in the Woods
Discovery Playground, 150 N Jasmine Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

Located in a quaint neighborhood in the city of Tarpon Springs, Discovery Playground is a hidden gem

for those parents seeking an environment with natural elements and lots of room for imagination. The

wooden playground is built to resemble both a castle and ship, with lots of hiding spaces and unique

obstacles for children to explore and enjoy. This shaded park has picnic tables, bathrooms, water

fountains, and ample seating for parents. One of the features that parents appreciate most is that the

playground only has one entrance and exit, allowing them to rest a little easier knowing their child can’t wander off. And once everyone has worked… or played… up an appetite, head to the Sponge Docks for some of the best Greek food the area has to offer.

Good to know: The ground is covered in mulch, which makes pushing some strollers a Herculean effort.

It’s Not An Office Park

Cypress Point Park, 5620 W Cypress St, Tampa, FL 33607

Heads up… you’re going to think you’re driving the wrong way. Located just minutes from the airport

and Westshore hotels, the directions will lead you through an office park area before you finally reach

your destination. But nestled beyond the collection of cubicles is a small beach on the bay that is just

perfect for catching a sunset. In fact, it’s not uncommon to see an evening photo shoot in this area given the relatively small crowds and scenic views. Cypress Point Park also features picnic shelters, a fantastic playground for kids who love to climb, hiking

trails, a Frisbee golf course, and volleyball net.

Good to know: Dogs are NOT allowed on the beach and parking can be tricky during peak hours.

Pups in Paradise

Picnic Island Beach Dog Park, 7409 Picnic Island Blvd, Tampa, FL 33616

Located south of the Gandy Bridge, near MacDill Airforce Base, Picnic Island Beach Dog Park is the

favorite oasis of many four-legged friends… and their families. There is a fenced beach area for dogs to

play on land and then swim in the bay, and don’t worry, there is a dog wash area in case they need a

rinse before the ride home. This family-friendly park also features a dog-free swimming area as well,

picnic area and disc golf. Parking is free and the park closes after you watch the sun set over Pinellas.

Good to Know: Playground equipment is sporadic, but grass-space is plentiful. Consider bringing a kite or soccer ball to keep the kids busy.

Going Nuts Over This One

John Chestnut Sr. Park, 2200 E Lake Rd S, Palm Harbor, FL

Palm Harbor is a great place for people who like a small-town feel, without being too far from the action of downtown Tampa and St. Pete. John Chestnut Sr Park in Palm Harbor is a nature-lover’s paradise,

with amazing wildlife viewing, campgrounds, and elevated trails. Bring your camera for when you spot

deer, a large variety of birds, alligators, and turtles. This clean and well-maintained park is family

friendly, with a great playground, baseball diamonds, boat ramp, fishing areas, and a dog park. There are bathrooms, picnic shelters, and grills throughout this park and entry is free!

Good to Know: Bring bug spray. While the wildlife is plentiful, that also includes mosquitos.

A Lot for a Little

Crisp Park, 3600 Poplar St NE, St. Petersburg, FL

Just a stone’s throw from the popular (and busy) Straub and Vinoy Parks, Crisp Park is a small waterfront park located just past a residential St. Pete neighborhood. For its relatively small size, it has a lot of amenities including a boat launch and calm water, ideal for kayaks and stand-up paddle boarding. There is a tiny beach if you want to dip your toes in the water, or stay on land and take advantage of the ample green space for tossing around a Frisbee or running with your dog. The kids’ playground area is fenced in and there is a workout station for adults. And when you get hungry, you’re just a few minutes away

from the many unique, independent restaurants of Beach Drive and Central Avenue.

Good to know: The playground area is not shaded, so plan your trip for earlier in the day or avoid going

during peak summer heat.

Two Wheels or Four

Lake Park, 17302 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Lutz, FL

Located near the growing family neighborhood area of Lutz, Lake Park has some unique features that

you’re unlikely to find at most other places. The first is their popular RC racing car tracks that are

enjoyed by enthusiasts of all ages. The second is their BMX bike area, complete with shaded grandstand seating. But if wheels aren’t your thing, you can enjoy the jogging trails, canoeing and kayaking (rentals available), archery area, fishing spots, and playground for the kids. Although it’s located off busy Dale Mabry Hwy, you’ll feel like you’ve escaped the city once you’re inside the park.

Good to know: There is a $2 entry fee for this park at a self-pay kiosk that accepts cash and credit cards.

Let Us Explore

Lettuce Lake Park, 6920 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL

For those living or visiting around the University of South Florida area, be sure to plan a trip to the

expansive 240-acre Lettuce Lake Park. After you pay the $2 cash-only entrance fee, head over to their

Nature Center and learn about the many types of flora and fauna located in and around the park. Then

take a stroll along the wheelchair-accessible wooden boardwalk by the lake, to safely observe the many park inhabitants. Don’t miss climbing to the top of the lookout tower for a picturesque tree-top view of the park. There is a shaded playground area for children and ample green space for running around, plus picnic shelters and bathrooms. This park is pet-friendly and great for jogging or riding bikes.

Good to know: If you’re hoping to rent a canoe or kayak to take out on the lake, aim to get it before

11:00am or you may be out of luck.

Look Out Below!

Philippe Park, 2525 Philippe Pkwy, Safety Harbor, FL

Florida is known for its flat terrain, but Philippe Park in the charming town of Safety Harbor, has a

historically-significant high point with a spectacular view of Old Tampa Bay. The Tocobaga Temple

Mound was created by the Tocobaga people around 1,000 years ago by alternating layers of oyster and

clam shells and sand. Today, it’s an easy climb up the stairs or paved path to the top of this National

Historic Landmark. Philippe also features two unique playgrounds for kids (keep exploring until you find the rock-climbing one deeper into the park), pavilions for rent, a boat launch, and fishing spots. Parking is free, but fills quickly on weekends.

Good to know: Bring your hammock! This park is full of great trees to set up your hammock waterside

and enjoy a relaxing day in paradise. Plus, pack binoculars and you may spot one of the Great Horned

owls that reside in the park.

Playground with Polish

Baybridge Park, 10020 Bridgeton Dr, Westchase, FL

Nestled in the well-manicured neighborhood of Westchase is the newly-renovated playground and

greenspace, Baybridge Park. This park is surrounded by a gate and offers both a small and large

playground, making it ideal for parents with small tots or elementary-school aged children. The cushiony rubberized ground (as opposed to dirt or mulch), means the odds are good that your child will be headed home in a relatively clean state. This park also features a small section of workout equipment for adults only, a short nature trail through the woods, and a long sidewalk loop for jogging, skating, or scootering. Toss in shaded picnic tables, a water bottle refill station, and bathrooms, and you’ve got everything you need to make your walk in the park… well… a walk in the park!

Good to know: There is a tunnel just outside of the gated area of the park that crosses underneath busy Linebaugh Avenue. Perfect if you want to make the short walk over to Tampa-based Blind Tiger Café for an iced coffee or a bite to eat.

How’d We Do?

These are just a small collection of the extensive county park systems across Hillsborough and Pinellas

that make Tampa Bay such an incredible area for families and outdoor enthusiasts. For a full list, visit

Hillsborough County’s Find a Park page and Pinellas County’s Parks and Preserves page. Do you know of

a local hidden gem that we missed? We’d love for you to share with us and maybe we’ll even feature it

in a future article!