This Nature Park In Tampa Is A Family-Friendly Getaway For Scenic Walks, Wildlife, And Zipline Fun

When it comes to family-friendly fun, Tampa, Florida, has a lot for parents to love. From the 250,000-square-foot Florida Aquarium to swashbuckling cruises on the Lost Pearl Pirate Ship, this waterfront city knows how to keep kids entertained. But, if you're looking for a nature retreat that'll relax parents and entertain kids, New Tampa Nature Park is a hidden gem less than half an hour from downtown Tampa. And the best part? It's completely free.

Opened in 2012, this 122-acre park showcases northern Tampa's rich marsh ecosystem, complete with wooden boardwalks and shady trails winding through the greenery. "The New Tampa Nature Park is a great, active park. Children can explore nature and learn," former City of Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn shared with Patch. "The park also connects residents with miles of existing trails where they can walk, hike, and bike safely," he continued. Besides the trails and wildlife spotting, there's a playground, picnic spots, and even opportunities for geocaching. 

Although opened in 2012, New Tampa Nature Park had been in the works since the 1980s. However, development stalled due to a lack of funding.  Today, the park is generally well-regarded, but hasn't attracted major foot traffic from travelers, featuring 4.6 stars on Google and just over 250 reviews. The park doesn't list its hours, but visitors report that it's open at least until dusk. The park is easily accessible from Interstate 75, making it a low-pressure day trip for families or outdoor enthusiasts. 

Keeping with the all-natural theme, New Tampa Nature Park's playground is no ordinary affair. Instead of plastic slides and traditional jungle gym equipment, the play structure is made almost entirely of rope and suspension cables. Tucked between shady trees, it features durable rope nets strung between artificial rock outcroppings. You'll also find thick ropes that serve as elevated balance beams for curious youngsters. 

However, the playground's main draw is the zipline. Although likely less thrilling than the rides at the best amusement parks in the South that are worth visiting, it's more than enough to entertain rambunctious kids. The zipline also comes with a seat, which allows little kids to play, too. Plus, the serene, natural atmosphere can do parents some good. 

Wood chips cushion the ground, so you'll need to pay close attention to babies and toddlers who might put them in their mouths. It's also a good idea to make sure your kid wears closed-toed shoes or sneakers to prevent splinters. Unfortunately, the park only has a port-a-potty — so bring hand sanitizer and your own toilet paper, just in case. 

For those craving a walk, the park offers several trails that make the most of the setting. These trails include wooden boardwalks suspended over the marsh and sections that pass cypress trees covered in moss. "The trails were clean and easy to follow, and the mix of boardwalks and shaded paths made it a relaxing walk," shared a visitor on Google. "It's a nice spot to enjoy some quiet time, see a bit of wildlife, and get some fresh air without going too far from the city," they continued.

However, what makes New Tampa Nature Park a prime walking destination is the 1-mile paved path that connects the green space to Flatwoods Park and its 7-mile trail system. Also paved, this path forms a loop and is accessible to walkers, cyclists, rollerbladers, and class one e-bikes, so be prepared to share the road. 

Locals who have been coming to the area since before it became a park have spotted snakes, bobcats, deer, and even wild pigs. But most visitors encounter birds and other more commonplace critters. Visitors say there are patches of standing water, so you'll want to pack and reapply a strong bug spray like Consumer Reports' best bug repellent for camping. Looking for another family-friendly nature escape in the Tampa area? Visit the kid-friendly paradise at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.