Whether you’re looking for a place to play with the kiddos or to decompress with some off-screen time, Tampa Bay features 20+ parks and recreational spots for you to enjoy.
Ready to plan your trip to the park? Grab your shades and trusty water bottle — here are some of Tampa + the Burg’s best:
Nature parks 🌳
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg
The Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center holds camps, events, and the Raptorfest at this South St. Pete park. Stop by for a stroll around the wooded trails — and see what birds and wildlife you spy. Please note, dogs are not allowed on the park grounds.
Hillsborough River State Park, 15402 U.S. 301 N., Thonotosassa
A true Tampa bay gem, this state park takes you back to Old Florida. Adventurers can take in the Class II river rapids, canoe the Hillsborough River, walk the trails, picnic, and more. Admission is $6 per car.
Lake Maggiore Park, 3601 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St., St. Petersburg
Make plans for a family picnic, birthday party, or boat day at this St. Pete park. Plus, take in the wildlife in + around Lake Maggiore.
Boca Ciega Millennium Park, 12410 74th Ave. N., Seminole
Just a short drive away from Gulfport, this park is uber quiet and transports you right to the Keys. Trek on boardwalks, check out mangroves, bike and walk throughout the secluded trails, and more.
Sawgrass Lake Park, 7400 25th St. N., St. Petersburg
Home to one of the largest maple swamps on the Gulf Coast (according to the city), this 400-acre park is chock full of observation towers, boardwalk trails, and benches for taking in the landscape (and maybe some turtles too).
Family parks 👪
Waterworks Park, 1710 N. Highland Ave., Tampa
Located just off the Riverwalk + Hillsborough River, this park boasts a splash pad, jungle gym, dog park, and covered seating perfect for birthday parties. Plus, it’s right next to Ulele, so you can head to dinner after a day of play.
St. Pete Pier, 800 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg
The newly minted St. Pete Pier is packed with things to do — from a splash pad and Tiki Bar to a luxe restaurant and concessions. The renowned park has a playground with a pirate ship and tons of greenspace for lounging.
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa
This Downtown Tampa staple frequently hosts music festivals like the Tampa Pig Jig + the Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ Festival. But it’s also a great place to hole up on your average Tuesday with a splash pad, dog park, green space, and seating. The park sits adjacent to the Glazer Children’s Museum and the Pirate Water Taxi booth for easy access.
North Shore Park, 901 North Shore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg
Head down to this Downtown St. Pete park for volleyball, to bike or walk the path, a humongous dog park, and of course, hammocking on the palm trees. Pro tip: we recommend checking out the brightly painted pier, right next to the volleyball courts.
Cypress Point Park, 5620 W. Cypress St., Tampa
Ready for a hit of old summertime fun? This is the spot — for ice cream truck lollies, family birthday parties, beach doggin’, and just relaxing on the water. Pro tip: consider carpooling because the parking lot fills up fast.
Dog parks 🐾
Picnic Island Dog Beach, 7409 Picnic Island Blvd., Tampa
Picnic Island is one of the few places your pup can run on the beach. The fenced off area lines the water, so you and Fido can take a dip. The park also has a frisbee course and a fishing pier. But really, there’s no better spot in South Tampa to take in those sunset views of the Gandy Bridge.
Kenwood Dog Park, 401 20th St. N., St. Petersburg
Let Fido off leash in the small or big dog park, and then relax underneath the shade. The park is located in the historic Kenwood neighborhood, home to the most Craftsmen homes in the Southeast.
Sunset Dog Beach, 7545 Bayshore Dr., Treasure Island
This is the ultimate spot for a long beach day with your pup. Located at the edge of Treasure Island, dogs can frolic on this stretch of beach without you worrying about your furry friend running away. Pro tip: City Editor Bailey likes to pop over to Caddy’s afterward for boat drinks.
Hair of the Dog Park, 4211 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa
Located in the laid-back Seminole Heights neighborhood, this shaded dog park has room for relaxin’, a concession stand for ordering drinks, and requires dogs to be vaccinated. Programming note: this spot is open Wednesday-Sunday.
New Tampa Rotary Dog Park, 8551 Hunter’s Village Rd., Tampa
This dog park has separate play areas for big and small dogs, water fountains, dog washes, and picnic tables — so you can stay awhile.
Sports parks ⚽
Walter Fuller Recreation Center + Sports Complex, 7891 26th Ave. N., St. Petersburg
One of the most scenic parks in St. Pete, Walter Fuller is also one of the most hectic. The park is home to swimming pools, football and soccer fields, pickleball + tennis courts, walking trails, and a dog park. Plus, the Green Thumb Festival takes over the park for a massive plant and tree sale every Spring.
Crescent Lake Park, 1320 5th St. N., St. Petersburg
Steps away from Fourth Street, Crescent Lake Park is home to two tennis courts and six pickleball courts. The park is also a fave among yogis and runners alike.
West Park Sports Complex, 6414 Occident St., Tampa
Calling all baseball aficionados. This park has a baseball field, the typical concession stands, plus paved trails, picnic shelters, and more.
Woodland Terrace Park (Gwendolyn Miller Center), 6410 N. 32nd St. Tampa
This park is home to a community center with summer camps, basketball courts, and more. Plus, enjoy a new inspirational mural created by local artist Nneka Jones.
Skyway Sports Complex, 3901 George Rd., Tampa
Bring the kiddos over to enjoy the baseball and football fields, and concessions. There’s a playground for the littles too and picnic tables for watchin’ the action.
Ready to visit these local parks but don’t know where to start? We’ve created this handy map so you can find all of these featured parks.
