Best playgrounds in Tampa Bay

Best playgrounds in Tampa Bay

It's one of our favorite things about Tampa Bay ... great weather so we can enjoy the outdoors year-round. We're in the sweet spot now. Low humidity, cooler temperature, less bugs. It's the perfect time to get the kids to the playground to run off all their endless energy.

Here are our 10 favorite playgrounds in Tampa Bay.

Looking for a park for hiking or canoeing, check out these parks.

Carrollwood Village Park

A Carrollwood gem! Splash pad, shaded playground, exercise trail, fishing pier, pavilions, dog park, skate park and more. It’s our favorite park in Tampa Bay!

R.E. Olds Park, Oldsmar

Our favorite Pinellas County park. The playground is amazing (as is the story behind it). The playground was the first handicap-accessible playground in the county and the idea was born from a 10-year-old girl who fundraised to have the playground built. There is a pirate-themed play structure, a dock, picnic area, water views and, trails and lots of open space.

Julian B Lane Riverfront Park, Tampa

Our favorite downtown Tampa park. This park is right on the Hillsborough River. It has a covered playground, a splash pad, tennis and pickle ball courts, basketball courts, kayak launch and lots of open space. And it has a beautiful view of downtown Tampa.

Ballast Point Park, Tampa

Located on Tampa Bay, Ballast Point Park offers a two-story playground and a smaller play area with a roller slide for toddlers. The park also has a splash pad, a fishing pier and magnificent views of the bay!

Glencliff Park, Westchase

Gated, shaded playground with a rope structure, rotating climbers and swings. The park also has a basketball court, soccer fields and a nature trail.

American Legion Park, Tampa

Located in the heart of Seminole Heights, the shaded park features two play structures, swings and a  life-sized, old fashioned fire truck that the kids can climb on.

Al Lopez Park, Tampa

Within walking distance of Raymond James Stadium, there are three playgrounds along with a nature trail and fishing pond.

Northdale Park, Tampa

Shaded park features a playground, basketball courts and a large field for kids to fly kites and run around.

Glazer Family Playground, St. Pete

Nautical-themed playground at the St. Pete Pier. The playground features slides, swings, climbing structures and an obstacle course.

Sims Park, New Port Richey

Shaded playground, open green space, a splash pad, paved paths and pavilions with grills.

Photo credit: Glazer Family Playground