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Guide to Tampa

Picnics at playgrounds

Made for those who want to spend their afternoon outdoors while keeping their children occupied.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01

Wide open green space borders a river with a paved circular walking path that offers shade and sun. Quiet and peaceful atmosphere suits walking, jogging, or relaxing by the water. Family-friendly features include a well-maintained, fenced-in playground and picnic shelter.

An awesome playground sits a safe distance from the river, making it secure for kids. The play area is well maintained and of a good size for young children.

Shelter with picnic tables provides a good spot for lunch. A picnic bench overlooks the water, adding a nice view during the day.

People are saying

"It's a beautiful park with lovely views and calm walking paths."

"It's a really nice playground for kids."

"I enjoyed a nice picnic lunch with a view of the river."

Good to know

1

There are no bathrooms available in Rivercrest Park.

2

The playground is well maintained and great for kids.

3

The park is always neat, clean, and well kept.

02
Carrollwood Village Park image 1

Spacious park with wide open spaces and a large lake featuring wildlife like turtles. It offers family-friendly amenities including a gated playground, splash pad, skate park, and dog parks. The atmosphere is peaceful and beautiful, with mature trees, shaded areas, and a paved trail for walking.

A massive playground with many climbing structures sits next to a splash pad and swings. Wide open fields and creative play areas offer plenty of space for kids to run and explore.

Lots of grassy areas and picnic spots make it easy to relax outdoors. Picnic areas and spaces are available for rent, suitable for parties or celebrations. Some picnic and playground spaces are enclosed by a fence for safety.

People are saying

"It's really kid friendly with a spectacular playground and splash pad."

"It's a spectacular playground for kids."

"It's a great place for a picnic with the kids."

Good to know

1

The park is free to access.

2

Free parking is available at the park.

3

Keep children away from the water's edge due to potential dangers like alligators.

03
Al Lopez Park image 1

Spacious park with large lake and tree-covered trails offers a peaceful, quiet atmosphere. Facilities include children's playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment, and picnic tables. Visitors enjoy beautiful views and well-maintained greenery throughout the area.

Large playground areas include about ten different setups with equipment for multiple age levels. Open fields and nearby picnic spots add to the space for kids to play.

Large open spaces offer plenty of room for picnics and sports. Shady covered shelters with tables and clean restrooms make it easy to enjoy meals outdoors.

People are saying

"The parks here are perfect for kids and family outings."

"The playground here is perfect for toddlers and has options for multiple ages."

"It's a great place for a picnic with shady shelters and tables."

Good to know

1

Admission to Al Lopez Park is free.

2

Parking is free.

3

The dog park is closed until June.

04
Upper Tampa Bay Park image 1

Park offers kayak and canoe launches along shallow waters surrounded by mangrove forests and coastal habitats. Trails include interactive media with QR codes for learning about the environment. The atmosphere is quiet and secluded, with well-maintained playgrounds and picnic areas near water views.

A small playground offers a clean and well maintained space. Nearby, private gazebos and sheltered pavilions provide spots to relax.

Shelters with numerous tables support large outdoor picnics and family gatherings. A kids' playground sits nearby, and easy trails connect picnic areas to other activities.

People are saying

"The park's bathrooms were surprisingly pristine and well-stocked."

"You'll love the nice view of the river and bay."

"The playground here is clean and well maintained."

Good to know

1

The entry fee is $2 per car.

2

Canoe rentals cost $25 for a 5-hour ride.

3

The park has a good picnic area with a kids' playground.

05
Lesley "Les" Miller Jr. All People's Community Park & Life Center image 1

Open park with lush greenery and quiet walking trails offers plenty of space for families. Well-maintained playgrounds and a splash pad provide active fun for kids. Facilities include a community center with gym and exercise rooms, plus pavilions for gatherings.

Green grass and a gated area keep the playground safe and clean. It offers swings, slides, and climbing structures, plus a splash pad and water park for kids and toddlers.

Many covered picnic tables and gazebos provide spots to eat. Restrooms, water fountains, and rentable picnic shelters support group gatherings.

People are saying

"It's a great kid-friendly place with a fun playground."

"This playground is amazing and perfect for the kids."

"This park is a great place for a picnic with its awesome playground and splash pad."

Good to know

1

The park is completely free to enter and enjoy.

2

The splash pad is a great feature for kids to play in.

3

Restrooms are available but may need maintenance.

06
Anderson Park image 1

Playgrounds for all ages spread across a fenced park with shaded trees and multiple play areas including a splash pad with lion statues. Basketball courts with rubberized turf and picnic tables add to the active, family-friendly atmosphere. The park feels quiet and cozy, inviting for both play and relaxation.

Multiple playgrounds cater to toddlers, babies, and older kids with shaded swings, a big kid climbing structure, and a splash area. Bathrooms are nearby, and the playgrounds feel safe and well-maintained.

Lots of picnic tables sit under shade, making it easy to relax and eat. Covered tables near the basketball courts offer spots for the older crowd to enjoy a meal.

People are saying

"It's a huge playground with separate areas for toddlers and big kids."

"Parking is available, with free street parking or a garage nearby."

"The playground has separate areas for toddlers and big kids."

Good to know

1

Parking is available as free street parking or in the free Hyde Park Village parking garage, about two blocks away.

2

The park has wheelchair accessible restrooms.

3

The fountain and splash pad close at 7 PM, but the rest of the park remains open until sunset.

07
Vila Brothers Park image 1

Park offers well-maintained playgrounds, pickleball and basketball courts, and a dog park with separate areas for small and large dogs. Walking trail circles the perimeter, supporting exercise and stroller use. Several shaded pavilions provide spots for picnics and gatherings in a quiet, clean, and family-friendly setting.

Playgrounds feature lots of swings and slides with great equipment for children. Open fields surround the play areas, and recent updates added new toys to enhance the experience.

Plenty of picnic tables and designated spots make it easy to set up. Picnic pavilions add covered options near playgrounds and courts.

People are saying

"The park bathrooms were recently updated and are great."

"The dog park here is clean and new."

"The playground here is great for kids."

Good to know

1

The park has a clean and new dog park with separate areas for small and large dogs.

2

There are several shaded shelters and pavilions available for rent for parties.

3

The park features a walking trail around its perimeter, ideal for strollers and dogs.

08
Water Works Park image 1

Park offers riverside setting with beautiful views and plenty of space to relax. Atmosphere stays peaceful and calm when quiet, turning fun and exciting during events with colorful decor. Features include splash pad and playground areas that attract families and children for active play.

A well-designed playground offers a variety of equipment alongside a splash pad and water games. The area stays clean and provides clear sightlines for supervising kids as they play.

Shady picnic shelters with reserved tables offer a comfortable spot for eating outdoors. The picnic area is small but cozy, near the Riverwalk and other attractions.

People are saying

"It's a really fun place for kids with a great playground and splash pool."

"The playground and splash pad are super fun for kids."

"The picnic shelters are shady and accommodating."

Good to know

1

The park is free to enter and very family-friendly.

2

Restrooms are wheelchair accessible for convenience.

3

During hot days, the water feature provides relief for visitors.

09
Desoto Park image 1
City park

City park offers waterfront views and a peaceful atmosphere with quiet, tranquil vibes. It features diverse amenities including a swimming pool, skate park, basketball courts, playground, and picnic areas. The space balances natural beauty with recreational options for all ages.

Big playground includes swings and plenty of space. Water features and a skate park add variety. Open fields and shaded picnic areas support family time.

Open fields and picnic tables provide plenty of space for outdoor meals. Shaded areas and a big playground with swings make it family-friendly.

People are saying

"This park is so peaceful and beautiful on the water."

"It's a great playground with swings and slides for the kids."

"It's a perfect spot for a picnic with a big playground and shaded areas."

Good to know

1

Desoto Park is a great venue for birthday parties and outdoor events.

2

Parking costs $6 for all day and allows for moving your car.

3

The bathrooms at Desoto Park are currently locked.

10
Lowry Park image 1

Park runs alongside a calm river with stunning views and large open spaces. Atmosphere stays quiet and peaceful, ideal for walking, picnics, and family outings. Features include boat ramps, playgrounds, and plenty of picnic and barbecue areas.

Slides and swings make up the playground in the park. The area stays in perfect condition and offers a relaxing spot for kids while adults prepare nearby.

Many covered picnic areas come with BBQ grills and plenty of picnic tables. The setting feels peaceful and beautiful, great for family, church, or corporate picnics.

People are saying

"It's a peaceful park perfect for walking and reconnecting with nature."

"It's a great spot for picnics with plenty of picnic tables."

"It's a wonderful playground with slides and swings for kids."

Good to know

1

Lowry Park is great for hosting events with covered picnic areas and BBQ grills.

2

The park has a playground with slides and swings for children.

3

There is a boat launch on the Hillsborough River at Lowry Park.

11
Rowlett Park image 1

Large park spans 65 acres along a river, featuring shaded trails, sports courts, and picnic pavilions. Quiet and peaceful atmosphere suits relaxation, exercise, and family activities. Facilities include dog parks, playgrounds, and accessible paved paths.

Multiple playgrounds offer kid-friendly play areas and slides. Covered pavilions with grills sit nearby, alongside open play areas and sports courts.

Plenty of picnic areas with BBQ grills make it easy to host family events or birthday parties. Shelters provide shade and comfort, while the surroundings offer spots for fishing and outdoor games.

People are saying

"The parks here offer beautiful river views and peaceful, shaded trails."

"It's a great spot with multiple playgrounds and kid-friendly play areas."

"The picnic areas here are great for family gatherings and have grills."

Good to know

1

The park is 65 acres with tennis courts, picnic areas, and walking trails.

2

Rowlett Park is dog friendly with a fenced-in dog run.

3

There are plenty of picnic areas with BBQ grills available.

12
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park image 1

Park offers beautiful riverfront views and a large open green space with a well-equipped playground and interactive fountains. Atmosphere feels family-friendly and safe, with live music and festivals adding energy. Boardwalk and riverwalk provide peaceful spots for walking and biking.

Plenty of activities exist for kids of all ages, including a toddlers' playground, bike riding, and roller skating. The playground and splash pad stay busy with families after sunset, and the area remains clean and well organized.

Open space and waterfront views create a relaxed setting for picnics. Plenty of room for kids to play and areas to lounge under trees add to the appeal.

People are saying

"The parks here are beautiful and right on the water."

"It's a great playground with plenty of activities for kids."

"I loved having a picnic with a great view right off the water."

Good to know

1

Parking at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park can be difficult, with costs around $20.

2

There are only two bathrooms for hundreds of people to use during events.

3

The park is dog-friendly and great for outdoor activities.

13
Cypress Point Park image 1

City park offers beach access with gorgeous bayfront views and a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. Amenities include playgrounds, picnic tables, and barbecue facilities, making it suitable for families and outdoor activities.

Playground includes autistic-friendly equipment and is suitable for children. It sits near a beachy area with sand and an accessibility mat reaching the water. Facilities include bathrooms and showers nearby.

Covered picnic spots and picnic shelters offer plenty of space for gatherings. Grills and accessible beach mats make it easy to enjoy a meal by the water.

People are saying

"I found this park's beach to be a beautiful hidden gem."

"It's a nice playground with amenities for families."

"It has a playground and a picnic area."

Good to know

1

Parking is free from Monday to Friday, from sunrise until 12 noon.

2

Parking costs $1 to $2 per hour outside free hours, max $12 per day.

3

Avoid entering the water due to high bacteria levels.

14
Picnic Island Park image 1

City park with quiet beach and spacious layout offers sunset views across the bay and a dog-friendly beach. Atmosphere stays peaceful and tranquil, ideal for picnics, barbecues, and community events. Amenities include disc golf course, boat ramps, playgrounds, and rentable pavilions.

Small playground sits within a well-organized park area. It offers great access to the beach and sits alongside other amenities like skeet golf and a fishing pier.

Large picnic areas with covered tables and big grills accommodate groups well. Clean spaces sit near a scenic waterfront, offering a relaxing spot for family gatherings and outdoor fun.

People are saying

"This park has so much room for exploring and outdoor fun."

"It's a great playground for the kids."

"It's a beautiful waterfront spot perfect for a picnic."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available at the park.

2

The park has gates that are monitored by a ranger during certain hours.

3

Canoe launch and paddleboard rentals are available for visitors.

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