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Top picks in Tampa

Scenic views with playgrounds

A playground where the scenery is actually enjoyable for the adults while the kids are occupied.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
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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.

Walking paths provide beautiful views of the Hillsborough River and surrounding water. The area stays quiet, making it easy to enjoy nature and the river scenery.

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.

People are saying

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

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

"I loved the beautiful water views here."

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
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.

Stunning river views define the walkway and waterfront park. The area offers beautiful city and riverfront sights both day and night, with spots perfect 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.

People are saying

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

"The waterfront views of the city and river are stunning."

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

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.

03
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.

Magnificent city views and relaxing water scenes define the park. The playground sits near the city center with a wonderful river view and a walking area.

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.

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."

"I loved the beautiful city views here."

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.

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.

Second-floor views offer a stunning river and bay panorama. Boardwalk trails showcase the ecosystem between water and land, featuring mangroves and serene water scenes.

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

People are saying

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

"You'll love the scenic views 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
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.

Sunset views over the bay stand out with planes landing nearby adding to the scene. The park offers a quiet spot with easy beach access and a cool pier with a restaurant.

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.

People are saying

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

"You'll love the beautiful bayfront views and watching planes land."

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

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.

06
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.

River views dominate the parks, with spots overlooking the dam and plenty of trees around. Trails run alongside the water, and areas for fishing and kayaking add to the scenic appeal.

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

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."

"I loved the beautiful river views and the dam."

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.

07
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.

Sunsets here offer beautiful views across the Bay with clear sights of downtown St Pete and Tampa Bay. The spot is known for its great vantage points to watch the sun go down.

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.

People are saying

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

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

"I loved the great sunset views over the bay."

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.

08
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.

Large open spaces run alongside a calm river, offering stunning views and a relaxing atmosphere. Paved trails wind through the park, providing picturesque views of the Hillsborough River for walking or biking.

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.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the park's scenic views by the calm river so peaceful."

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.

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.

Beautiful waterfront views offer a calm and peaceful setting. The park overlooks the bay with plenty of shade, making it a nice spot to relax and enjoy the quiet scenery.

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.

People are saying

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

"The waterfront view here is amazing and super calming."

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

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
Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park image 1

Waterfront park offers stunning river views and wide, well-maintained paths shaded by palm and oak trees. The atmosphere is lively with joggers, families, and dogs, while children enjoy a modern playground and splash-pad. Public art and commemorative spaces add cultural depth to this small, green urban oasis.

Waterfront views along the Garrison Channel show boats drifting by and beautiful sunsets. The park is small but offers pleasant river scenery accessible near the history center.

Small and somewhat worn, the playground offers safe equipment for young children. A splash-pad sits nearby, but one of the slides is closed.

People are saying

"The park offers beautiful waterfront views and sunsets."

"The park offers pleasant, amazing scenic views of the water."

"The playground has stunning water views and beautiful sunsets."

Good to know

1

Parking is available but requires payment and is located blocks away.

2

The playground is modern and suitable for children, though one slide is closed.

3

The park has wide, well-maintained walking paths for leisurely strolls.

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Tampa, Florida

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