Looking for some free and cheap things to do with your kids this summer? We’ve started a list that includes some of the neatest playgrounds, nature walks and fossil digs, things you can build, art you can create, sports you can participate in and much more.
OUTDOORS| Search indoor activites: tbo.ly/M9IPow
The Highland Family Aquatic Center in Largo is like a mini water theme park. The public recreation center features a 214-foot corkscrew slide, three-story speed slide, zero depth entry area with play structures and more. A two-hour swim session costs just $7 for those without a rec card, $4 for those with one. largo.com/egov/apps/locations/facilities.egov?path=detail&locId=12
Students with an “A” in science on their final report card for the year can get free admission to Mote Marine Aquarium with purchase of an adult ticket. Selected dates of admission apply, check the calendar. Adult admission is $17. mote.org/
Try your hand on one of the Disc Golf courses in the Tampa area. Picnic Island in South Tampa offers scenic views while you toss Frisbees into nine netted baskets and it’s completely free. There’s another course in Brandon, too. Check directory for other locations if you get really hooked. discgolfer.ning.com/group/tbdsc
The Tampa Bay Water Ski show team performs free shows on Saturdays during the summer. The lake is located at Racetrack and Douglas roads (the second dirt road entrance on the left) in Oldsmar. for information, call (813) 917-8354. tbo.ly/9F78cs
Love dinosaurs? Check out 150 life-sized models at Dinosaur World in Plant City. The park just had a recent expansion, adding 12 more acres to explore. Kids ages 3 to 12 can dig for fossils, shells and shark teeth in the fossil pit. Cost: $12.75 for adults, $10.75 for seniors, $9.75 ages 3 to 12. If you think you are going to go more than once, invest in the annual pass: $25.50 for adults, $21.50 for seniors, $19.50 for children. dinosaurworld.com/dinosaur_world_plant_city_florida/
Conquer your fear of heights at MOSI’s Sky Trail High Ropes course. The course covers 36 elements over 36 feet high. You can opt to just climb the Sky Trail for $10 or add it on to your MOSI admission. Closed shoes are required. there are some limitations and waivers, so make sure you read about it on their site before you head over. mosi.org/
Fantasy of Flight’s Wing WalkAir offers an exhilarating challenge for both adults and children. Strap into a harness and maneuver through 33 separate challenges, climbing to heights of over four stories. Opt in for the zip-line and “fly” over 40 feet in the air right at the edge of the airport runway, over 600 feet long. Subject to certain physical and footwear requirements, visit their website before you go. The ropes course is $12 and you can add the zip-line for $15 more. fantasyofflight.com/
Do your kids love airplanes? The Albert Whitted Airport playground in St. Petersburg has miniature runways, taxiways and aviation-themed equipment they’ll love. Free. stpete.org/airport/
Put on your bathing suit and head to one of the free splash parks in the Bay area. Enjoy the beautiful view along the shores of Lake Maggiore while your kids enjoy the Splash Pad at Dell Holmes Park, 2741 22nd St. South in St. Petersburg. there is also a playground, picnic area, driving range, putting green and boulders to climb.
Your kids will love cooling off at Zephyr Park, Fourth Street and Fourth Avenue in Zephyrhills or at the Kiwanis Sprayground in Dunedin featuring whimsical creatures, including “Nessie” that spray, gush and dump water onto kids. The Sprayground is open daily from 9 a.m. to sunset and is free.
Children ages 2 to 12 will love Common Ground playground with areas designed for different skill levels, including easy, intermediate and challenging. there are lots of activities for children with disabilities, including Gopher Mountain with a path wide enough for wheelchairs and special swings. there are also two music areas with big drums and noisemakers, several climbing sets and a huge sandbox. lakelandgov.net/parkrec/CommonGroundInclusivePlayground.aspx
Have a summer birthday? let Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo make it a birthday to remember. The birthday guest will enjoy free daytime admission into the zoo to celebrate with 2,000 animal friends. Guest must present acceptable proof of birth date: driver’s license, birth certificate, passport or military ID. Offer must be redeemed on the individual’s actual birthday with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas. not combinable with other offers or discounts. lowryparkzoo.com/
Enjoy five miles of nature trails, three picnic shelters, an observation platform and a playground area at Hammock Park in Dunedin. Bonus: see a variety of birds. It is listed in the “Great Florida Birding Trail Book.” tbo.ly/bEOlZC
Put on some sneakers, grab a hat and take a guided 0.75 mile hike along the Education Center Trail at Brooker Creek Preserve every Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. best for kids at least 6 years old. It’s free, but registration is required. brookercreekpreserve.org/
Newly opened Payne Park in Sarasota features a unique circus theme for their playground equipment. It also includes some musical instrument play pieces. scgov.net/parksandrecreation/Parks/PaynePark.asp
Ride the miniature train (free) at Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive, the first weekend of each month. largoevents.com
Fort De Soto Park, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S. in Tierra Verde, is one of the nation’s best beaches. If it’s breezy, bring a kite or watch the parasailers perform their tricks. otherwise, picnic, swim or build a sand castle on the pristine beach. Canoes, kayaks, bikes, surreys (multi-passenger bikes) and more can be rented from vendors throughout the park. fortdesoto.com/rentals.php
The City of Tampa offers open swim times at all of its public pools. Purchase a recreation card for unlimited access or pay as you go. Current swim session prices are $2 for kids and $4 for adults. tampagov.net/dept_parks_and_recreation/programs_and_services/swim_programs/
At Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, enjoy family picnic areas, sandboxes and backpacks you can check out free-of-charge that contain books, puppets and a blanket. $12 for adults, $3 for children 5 to 12. Older kids may enjoy geocaching around the garden grounds. boktowergardens.org/
Explore the Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center in Ruskin for free Thursday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dig for fossils on Saturdays for a small fee. tbo.ly/bIne3u
The Tradewinds Splash Island Water Park is not just for resort guests, the public is invited to enjoy the inflatable slides, floating trampolines and large island rafts, too. one hour passes cost $25 with discounts for those staying at the hotel. tradewindsresort.com/water-park-tampa-florida.aspx
Enjoy wandering around this old-fashioned Farmers’ Market at Eighth Avenue and 19th Street in Tampa every Saturday, rain or shine. In addition to fruits and veggies, you can also see arts and crafts and other goodies for sale. It’s been an Ybor City tradition for 10 years. tbo.ly/9yfRWe
Do your kids love playing pirate? Edgewater Park in Dunedin includes a nautical-themed playground with a huge pirate ship. There’s also a fishing pier, restrooms, shelters and a gazebo. tbo.ly/8Ytrdw
Grab the family and enjoy free shuffleboard games at the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays. tbo.ly/90rkHm
Follow the Children’s Trail through Butterfly Gardens, the Fruit Garden, the Tree Station and other fun spots while getting a close-up look through stationary binoculars. Florida Botanical Gardens is in Largo. tbo.ly/dClU7t
The Wilderness Park Off-Road Trails System offers a 20-mile main trail and 15 miles of side trails that traverse the Trout Creek, Morris Bridge and Flatwoods areas in Thonotosassa. there is a small admission fee and restrooms and water fountains are available. tbo.ly/9vN3ys
Load up your bikes or rollerblades and hit the paved seven-mile trail at 8001 Double Branch Road (Upper Tampa Bay Park) in Tampa. You’ll also find a nature center, picnic areas, restrooms, a playground and trails. hillsboroughcounty.org/facilities.aspx
Grab your skateboard, helmet and catch some air at St. Petersburg’s Fossil Skate Park, which offers a street course, mini ramp, quarter pipe, spine and rails, or Lake Vista Park, which offers a street course, stairs, rails and curbs. Recreation card required and waiver must be signed. stpeteparksrec.org/sports-town.html#skate
Enjoy not only the sunset, but also artisans, crafters, street performers and live music at Pier 60 in Clearwater Beach every night, weather permitting. come on Friday or Saturday evening and enjoy “Sunset Cinema” – a free movie screening outside. The park also has awesome covered playground equipment and, of course, swimming in the beautiful Gulf. sunsetsatpier60.com/