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5 Great Parks and Playgrounds in South Tampa

By Joe Lazala August 6, 2021

We are lucky in South Tampa to have so many great playgrounds and parks to explore. From swings to slides, and water features, South Tampa parks, and playgrounds keep my kids active, are a great place to meet old friends (and make new friends!), and they're FREE!

I often get asked what our favorite playgrounds are, so I thought I'd share here with you my family's picks for our top five playgrounds and parks to visit in South Tampa.

Locations are listed alphabetically:




Ballast Point Park

5300 Interbay Blvd
Tampa, FL 33611 

What we love about Ballast Point Park: 

This park offers a little of everything.  There is a boat ramp and dock.  A pier to walk on and take in the sites of downtown and playgrounds and splash pads for the kids.

Amenities at Ballast Point Park

You can easily spend the day at Ballast Point Park.  There is a wonderful view of downtown from the pier.  The Playground area is so colorful with a lot of things to do.  The bathroom building is clean and accessible.  There is even a restaurant here with seating outside by the pier.  My son and I really enjoyed our time at the park and look forward to spending time with the whole family there.  The shelters are available for rental on the link below.   

  • Boat Dock
  • Boat Ramp
  • Fishing Pier
  • Gazebo
  • Bathroom Building
  • Swing Benches along the water
  • Fitness and Wellness Center
  • Picnic Tables
  • Shelters
  • Playground
  • Splash Pad
  • Taste of Boston Restaurant 



Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

600 N. Ashley Dr.
Tampa, FL 33602 

What we love about Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park: 

In 50-100 words tell what you and your kids love about this park or playground. Be sure to use the park name and the town name at least once in the description.

Amenities at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park: 

What are the amenities here parents will care about? Ones to think about: bathrooms, water features, handicap accessibility, picnic tables, trails, etc. Not sure? The municipality that takes care of the park often keeps this info on their website. Tips: try to keep these columns at equal length so they look aligned when you hit publish. Feel free to replace the bullet points you see here with emoticons for some visual interest! 

  • Great and Slope Lawn
  • Splash Pads
  • Playground
  • Dog Run
  • Boat Dock
  • Water Taxi Stop



Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park

1001 N Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33606 

What we love about Julian B Lane Riverfront Park: 

So much is packed in this 25-acre park.  From the community event pavilion, festival lawn, picnic shelters, playground, splash pad, and dog park.  This park has it all including access to Riverwalk.

Amenities at Julian B Lane Riverfront Park

This is the perfect park for families.  There is something for everyone. Art, Tennis, wonderful playground for children. Splash pads and is right in the middle of several museums and the Straz Center of Performing Arts.  Lots of outdoor seating and a great place to take in the sites.

  • Restroom Building
  • BBQ Grill
  • Picnic Shelters
  • Sport Courts and Fields
  • Playground
  • Splash pad
  • Dog Park
  • Standup Paddleboard and Kayak Rentals



Perry Harvey, Sr. Park

1000 E Harrison St
Tampa, FL 33602

What we love about Perry Harvey Sr. Park: 

What we love about this park is its history. As you stroll through the park not only are you getting fresh air but also getting culture.  

Amenities at Perry Harvey Sr. Park

This park has so much art and history that we just love.  From the large sculptures to the Timeline Pavers.  This is a great way to learn some history while also keeping active. Everything in the park is well maintained and is so beautiful.  We enjoyed walking through Leaders Row and taking in all the culture.  The Basketball Courts had a nice shade to them and the Skate Park looks like a lot of fun.  For the little ones, there are so many bright colors, they can play in the Interactive Fountain or enjoy a game on the NEOS Play System.  This park is unique and beautiful ... a hidden gem in our area.

  • Restroom Building
  • NEOS Play System
  • Interactive Fountain
  • Skate Park
  • Basketball Courts
  • Picnic Tables



Water Works Park

1710 N Highland Ave.
Tampa, FL 33602 

What we love about Water Works Park: 

We really love the scenic riverwalk.  This park is beautiful and has a wonderful playground and splash pad for the kids.  So many features for the whole family to enjoy.

Amenities at Water Works Park

We love that this park has so much to offer for the whole family.  The kids will have fun at the playground and splash pads.  The park is beautiful with the art that is present and the walking bridges.  I really like that you have access to electric scooters and city bicycles near the Ulele Restaurant.  Here is a map of the park to see its layout.  

  • Festival Lawn
  • Splash Pads
  • Playground
  • Dog Park
  • Covered Picnic Areas
  • Boat Dock
  • Taxi Stop
  • Covered and shaded picnic spots
  • Riverwalk Benches
  • Restroom Buildings
  • Ulele Restaurant

We hope this list of top five playgrounds and parks in South Tampa helps you find -- or rediscover! -- some fun places for your family to explore. Now get those kids out to play!



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Macaroni Kid South Tampa is a free weekly newsletter and website focused on fun family events and information in South Tampa, Ybor City, Channelside, Raymond James, Downtown Tampa, MacDill, and surrounding areas. We gather together all kinds of local family events and activities each week and add useful information about classes, family-focused businesses, event and product reviews, recipes, crafts, and more. 



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