Photo: John Nickell
Photo: John Anderson
Photo: Ashley D
Hillsborough River State Park
★4.6(2,961 reviews)$$Park
🕑 4-6 hours for a full experience including swimming, fort exploration, and a hike; 2-3 hours if just visiting the fort and doing a short trail👶 Best for ages 4 and up. Younger elementary kids love the fort and easy trails, while tweens and teens enjoy the river swimming and longer hiking adventures. Toddlers can manage the shorter trails but may find the terrain challenging in spots.🧡 Saved by 250+ families
About
Hillsborough River State Park offers families a true Florida nature adventure with swimming in the scenic river, shaded hiking trails perfect for little explorers, and the fascinating replica Fort Foster where kids can step back into 1837 and learn about Florida's frontier history. With over 3,000 acres of wilderness to explore, plus picnic areas and excellent wildlife spotting opportunities (look for turtles, wading birds, and even the occasional gator from a safe distance!), this park delivers a full day of outdoor fun just minutes from Tampa.
Highlights
- ✓Swimming and splashing in the clear, tannin-colored Hillsborough River
- ✓Exploring replica Fort Foster with costumed interpreters and hands-on history
- ✓Spotting wildlife like turtles, herons, and alligators along the trails
- ✓Hiking the family-friendly Rapids Trail to see natural whitewater
- ✓Picnicking under giant oak trees draped with Spanish moss
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early (right at 8:00 AM) on weekends to secure parking near the river swimming area, which fills up quickly during summer months
- 2.Bring water shoes for the river,the bottom is rocky and can be slippery for kids
- 3.Don't miss the ranger-led fort programs on weekends where costumed interpreters demonstrate blacksmithing and musket firing (check schedule ahead)
- 4.Pack bug spray and sunscreen,the shaded trails help but you'll want protection, especially during summer
- 5.The Rapids Trail (1 mile) is perfect for families with younger kids and leads to beautiful Class II rapids views
Best Time to Visit
Visit October through April for the most comfortable weather and fewer bugs. Weekday mornings are least crowded. Summer weekends are busiest for river swimming, so arrive right at opening if visiting then.
What to Know
Entry is $5 per vehicle (2-8 people). Parking can fill up on busy weekends, so arrive early. No food concessions on-site, so pack a cooler for picnicking. Restrooms and changing facilities available near the swimming area.
Seasonal Notes
River swimming is most popular May through September but can be chilly in winter months. Summer brings more bugs and afternoon thunderstorms, so plan morning visits. The park occasionally closes trails after heavy rain due to flooding,call ahead after storms.
Nearby Eats
Grab lunch at Stonewood Grill & Tavern (about 10 minutes away in Tampa) for a family-friendly menu with a good kids' selection, or stop at Beef 'O' Brady's in nearby Wesley Chapel for casual burgers and wings that kids love.
More Activities Near Temple Terrace
Park
Woodmont Park
★5.0Free
Woodmont Park is a family-friendly oasis in Temple Terrace that offers the perfect blend of active play and relaxation. With well-maintained playground equipment, tennis courts for budding athletes, and plenty of shaded spots for picnicking, this local gem provides everything families need for a memorable outdoor adventure without the crowds of larger regional parks.
Park
Riverhills Park
★4.6Free❤️33
Riverhills Park is a welcoming neighborhood gem in Temple Terrace that offers everything families need for a perfect outdoor day. With well-maintained playgrounds, basketball courts, shaded picnic pavilions, and plenty of open green spaces for running and playing, it's an ideal spot for both active play and relaxed family gatherings.
Park
Riverside Park
★4.4Free❤️41
Riverside Park is a welcoming neighborhood gem in Temple Terrace that offers everything families need for a fun outdoor day. With well-maintained playground equipment, spacious open fields perfect for pick-up soccer games or frisbee, and shaded picnic areas, it's an ideal spot for both active play and relaxed family gatherings without the crowds of larger parks.
Library
Temple Terrace Public Library
★4.5Free❤️93
Temple Terrace Public Library is a welcoming community hub that goes far beyond books, offering interactive STEM programs, engaging storytimes, and seasonal reading challenges that keep kids excited about learning. With a dedicated children's section designed for young explorers and year-round family events, this library has earned its stellar reputation as a favorite destination for Tampa Bay area families.