The Best Outdoor Parks & Playgrounds in Tampa FL

With nearly year-round sunshine and blue skies, you’ll find there’s never a bad time to get out and explore some of Tampa’s best parks and playgrounds. 

Ballast Point Park

5300 Interbay Blvd, Tampa, FL 33611

Ballast Point Park is found right on Tampa Bay. The site offers a two-story playground, as well as a smaller play area for younger kids. You’ll also find a fishing pier, a nearby splash pad to cool off, a boat ramp, picnic areas and some fantastic views overlooking the Bay. A nearby restaurant even offers a place to grab a bite to eat

Julian B Lane Riverfront Park

1001 N Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606

Julian B Lane Riverfront Park sits on 25-acres close to the Hillsborough River in Tampa. It includes a covered playground and a splash pad, as well as basketball courts, pickleball and tennis courts, plus a sports field and kayak launches. You can even rent kayaks and paddleboards at the park. In addition, you’ll find a dog park, a festival lawn, and some event space to rent out at the park.

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is the place to go to enjoy the waterfront in Tampa. The park has a great lawn that hosts outdoor fitness classes and events, two splash pads to cool off, a playground with some shaded play structures, and a fenced-in dog run. You can dock your own boat nearby or catch a water taxi and enjoy the views from a different angle.

Pier 60 at Clearwater Beach

1 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767

If you’re already at Clearwater Beach, take a break from the sun for a bit with the covered playground at Pier 60. There are actually two covered play pavilions that sit right by the pier, meaning you don’t even have to leave the beach to give your kids some time to climb.

Carrollwood Village Park

4680 W Village Dr, Tampa, FL 33624

Carrollwood Village Park in Tampa has a large playground, a splash pad, and its own skate park. You’ll also find some outdoor exercise stations, a scenic trail for walking or jogging, two large dog parks and an amphitheater with a grassy area for seating. There are no fees to use the park, but they do take donations.

Cypress Point Park

5620 W Cypress St, Tampa, FL 33607

Back to the sand and water, Cypress Point Park has a sand volleyball court, a disc golf course and some picnic shelters. Your little ones are free to spend some time out on the sand, splashing in the water, or climbing on the playground. The park also has some shaded trails.