By Katie Lamont, East Lake High

The thing about Florida is, we basically live in Jurassic Park, minus the flesh eating dinosaurs, of course. Which means there are wicked nature parks throughout the state, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties included. Each one is different in its own beautiful way, with board walks, swings, picnic tables and more. The trick is finding the most interesting one, which is hard considering all of them give you lots to enjoy looking at.

Now is the best time to hit up your favorite parks with fall’s cooler weather casting over us, perfect for being outdoors. Even better: Most county and city parks are FREE. F-R-E-E. Free makes everything more appealing, right?

What two* bring:
A camera, a group of friends, a jacket (if the weather is right). Pack a picnic and make it even more exciting!

What two* do:
Let out your inner child and go exploring. Simply walk around and chat it up with friends, go planking and take pictures, or have a photo shoot, perfectly acceptable fun for anyone at any age.

Where two* go:
Pinellas County adventures can be found at:

A.L. Anderson Park

Boca Ciega Millennium Park

John Chesnut Sr. Park

Eagle Lake Park

Fort De Soto Park

Fred Howard Park

Lake Seminole Park

Philippe Park

Ridgecrest Park

Sand Key Park

Sawgrass Lake Park

John S. Taylor Park

Wall Springs Park

Walsingham Park

War Veteran’s Memorial Park


Hillsborough adventures await at:
Clayton Park

Lettuce Lake Park

John B Sargeant Sr Boat Ramp

Upper Tampa Bay Park

Eureka Springs Park

Aldermans Ford Park

Lithia Springs Park

Edward Medard Park

E. G. Simmons Park

Lake Rogers Park

Lake Park