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    R E Olds Park

    4.6 (29 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 11:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    Our beautiful Bay
    K S.

    We don't go here often but easily can spend so many hours at this park. We usually cap it at 2.5-3 hrs but it could be much a longer adventure. It's 30+ mins away from us, but it has 3 playgrounds, a pier, beautiful views of the Bay, and a paved trail. Lots of birds, fish, and other water critters can be seen. Only 1 of the 3 playgrounds is well shaded. The larger playground has some shade. There's also some other scattered play areas that are shaded. There are ample picnic areas and trees for shade. There are many sets of swings. The pier is fun but some spots are closed for construction. It hasn't been overly busy the 2 times that we've visited. I'm knocking off 1 start because there doesn't seem to be any water fountains or stations. There is a bathroom also.

    Fishing pier at the upper end of the Bay
    Steve E.

    R. E. Olds Park is one of my favorite nature spots around the Tampa Bay area, and it happens to be located on the northern end of Tampa Bay in the nearby community of Oldsmar. In case you didn't know, R. E. Olds is the man who founded the Oldsmobile auto empire, and the town of Oldsmar (named after him) was his winter home. His buddies Henry Ford and Thomas Edison had their winter homes south of here in Ft. Myers, but Mr. Olds decided to settle in the area between Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties on the northern edge of the bay. The Oldsmar Public Library has a fascinating display about Mr. Olds life and his family's impact on this area. You'll find R. E. Olds park along Shore Drive with the main parking lot at the intersection of Bayview Boulevard. I suggest that you park your car and then get out to walk along the edge of the water. There's a walking trail / boardwalk which will take you along the edge of the water, and out to the fishing pier. You'll also see several kids playgrounds, volleyball courts, a very clean public restroom, and a big band shell / grandstand for outdoor concerts and special events. During the day the park is a quiet place for people to walk their dogs and just enjoy the scenery, but after school you'll see a lot of kids running and playing in the bounce house or the swing sets or jungle gyms. On the weekends the town of Oldsmar often has some type of festival with live music and food vendors, and the park will fill up quickly with people from the surrounding neighborhoods. The City of Oldsmar keeps this place in impeccable shape, and the residents are very good about cleaning up after their dogs, and leaving trash in the big receptacles. After you've walked around the park, I suggest hopping in your car and driving along Shore Drive. One end is near Jack Willie's Tiki Bar, and the other end winds around through some spectacular custom-built homes on the edge of the water. R. E. Olds Park is a fun place to explore, and one of those hidden gems in the Tampa Bay area.

    Wooden play area!
    Ashley P.

    One of our favorite parks in the Bay... we stumbled upon this park by accident when we attended the annual Snowfest event. It is a well cared for park with beautiful views and a range of options for kids to play on. I love that they have a wooden play area and a handicap accessible larger play area as well as areas specifically for toddlers. The people who frequent the park are great and the neighborhood is nice. Parking can sometimes be a hassle but street parking is available. This is a great park for young and old people alike!

    Great playground options on the water
    Dawn R.

    It's a nice park with several different playgrounds. It is right on the water so the breeze is always nice. There are several different picnic areas and a fishing pier.

    Pier where we saw dolphins
    Christina R.

    Just found this gem---great playground on the water. There are a few playgrounds, a wooden one, a small one and a big one with super high fun slides. There are a few swing sets here too. Bring a blanket to sit on because there are hardly any benches or tables close to the playground. Parking is slim too, but you can park near the pier (where I saw dolphins today) and walk to the playgrounds. Restrooms are nearby and a couple small shelters too if you wanted to hold an event here.

    The girls enjoying the park and watching the sunset!

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    4 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    6 years ago

    Absolutely love this park! It's huge with three different playground areas. Lots of sidewalk to walk along the water and a big open field.

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    12 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    12 years ago

    I take my Grandchildren there all the time. It is great. Its beautiful. Nice ppl. Great place for the kids to just be kids. Love it

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    11 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    12 years ago

    I've been coming to this park my entire life and I love it. I miss the old playground.

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    10 years ago

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    Ask the Community - R E Olds Park

    When will the concert be and what time?

    The next concert is Friday, May 21, 7 - 9 pm Free concert under the stars while social distancing.… Read more

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    Review Highlights - R E Olds Park

    Parking is slim too, but you can park near the pier (where I saw dolphins today) and walk to the playgrounds.

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    Wall Springs Park - Another beautiful sunset at the park!!

    Wall Springs Park

    4.6(61 reviews)
    8.2 mi

    Revisiting this park after a few years, while in the area again. Sad to see the many tree stumps,…read moreremnants of trees that didn't survive the hurricane a couple years ago. For that reason there's less shade in the park, but otherwise it is well maintained and restored as much as possible. There is the historic spring, that was once a paid attraction in the area, but now the park is totally free. Usually there is an abundance of fishes near the circular spring. We enjoy walking along the trail. There's an observation tower that gives a nice view of the area, plus seveal decks to admire the Gulf. To the right side of the entrance there's a other trail, longer and more for bicycles, that takes you along the paved road to another observation deck. As walker I prefer the other trail, more natural, better shades, and less hot than walking on asphalt. There is a butterfly garden, and a little free library as well, near the parking lot.

    What an incredible park. No fee. Plenty of parking. Great trails, boardwalks and a magnificent…read moretower about four stores high. There is a spring and plenty of wildlife. We were fascinated by numerous jumping fish launching themselves out of the water over and over again. They do close a few minutes after sunset so it is difficult to watch this from the tower and get back to the car before they close for the night. A park ranger was coming out to clear people out before the sunset. Not sure this is a daily occurrence but was on the Sunday night we were there. Park is pretty clean. Trash cans are emptied. Need some more signs showing where the trails are located. When you park by the main bathroom there is nothing telling you where to go for trails. Cute butterfly garden that could use a tiny bit of care and surprisingly had no live butterflies around it. The spring has several signs around it that explain it's history and made this more interesting. Look for the female silhouette in the bottom of the spring. There is a sign that helps you see it. Numerous picnic areas. They are rolling out a new reservation system but it was down for a week. The Pinellas Trail connects right to the park and several spots had bike racks. Only thing that was frustrating was numerous visitors not following signs for "no dogs" especially in the tower where leashes get in the way on small walkways. The sign right on the boardwalk leading to the tower clearly indicates no dogs so why do you feel entitled to walk your dogs up and down the tower? Hopefully no dogs peeing through wood slats down on people below. Definitely be back to this park when in the Sponge Docks area. The beauty is so evident here... There are some sections that smell like sulfur probably due to decaying swamp material but this is nature!

    Photos
    Wall Springs Park - More views!

    More views!

    Wall Springs Park - Walk down from the platform!

    Walk down from the platform!

    Wall Springs Park - Best view in town!

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    Best view in town!

    Philippe Park - Kids play area

    Philippe Park

    4.9(104 reviews)
    2.2 mi

    What an absolutely beautiful park with stunning views!…read more I had the pleasure of visiting here during a February weekend, and it is very clean, refreshing and peaceful. A lot of different birds to see and it's great for a walk or bike ride. We loved walking here during the Safety Harbor BDR (race) and took our time to enjoy the views. I have visited several times and every time it is gorgeous on the way in and out. Appreciate the varied places to stop, rest and take photos too.

    This is one of the most beautiful parks in Florida. A must see for any visitors to the area. Plenty…read moreof areas to accommodate a party of five or fifty. There are shaded tables and grills throughout the park. Wonderful trails for walking, jogging, dog walking, or just casual strolls. Multiple playgrounds for kids. Huge old trees throughout, many draped in Spanish Moss, offer spectacular vistas to see and photograph. Multiple areas for recreation such as volleyball, baseball/softball, fishing, and canoeing. We have enjoyed this park for over 30 years and have attended multiple company functions and family gatherings. The Indian Mound is paved and offers a glimpse into the past. Informational markers all along the way. Roads are paved (and 15 mph), easily traversed by car, bike, or walking. Almost every area offers scenic views of the northern tip of Tampa Bay waters. Something new to me was a series of rocks that I first thought maybe a rock garden, but closer examination revealed a series of climbing rocks for kids. It's a great place, wonderfully maintained. Plane to spend an hour or more enjoying it, with friends or family, or alone. Peaceful....

    Photos
    Philippe Park - Lantana

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    Bicentennial Park - Park - From the top of the ware tower

    Bicentennial Park

    4.5(12 reviews)
    0.7 mi

    This park has everything!…read more I went here specifically for paddleboarding, but I noticed this park has everything! When I first turned in I went to the wrong parking lot and saw tennis courts, basketball courts, and a playground. Moving back I saw dog parks, a zip line course, and then a huge lake. I've actually done the zipline course before and enjoyed it. You can do paddleboard tours with Upper Tampa Bay Paddle Sports. I bet you can even bring your own kayak or paddleboard and go into the lake. I saw a sign at one of the dog parks that said for smaller dogs. I don't own a dog, but I imagine that owners of small dogs would appreciate that. This park seems well taken care of and it is nice to know there is a kayaking lake so close to home. I'll definitely come back!

    This area of land is home to some raised shared organic community gardens and a very nice, large…read moredog park (with two pen areas), a playground, as well as tennis courts, basketball courts, and connection to local trails and a boat ramp. The park is open until dusk (as posted that the gates close then) and there is lots to the area. I went at around dusk and saw some beautiful views of the water. The park area is very clean and obviously well taken care of. Parking is free and although the driveway into the park is paved, you will most likely be parking on grass that has a dip to it. My friends and I enjoyed roaming the area and exploring what the park has to offer.

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    Bicentennial Park
    Bicentennial Park - Zip line - from the top of the water tower

    Zip line - from the top of the water tower

    Bicentennial Park

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    Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park

    Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park

    4.6(25 reviews)
    2.4 miTown N Country

    There's a fee to enter the park, but it's worth it to take a few trails and spend a lot of time…read moreoutdoors. The trails are easy to navigate and are good for people of all levels. The nature center has a bathroom and a bit of information, but all the displays were empty, including the outdoor one that allegedly used to have a tortoise. There are canoes to rent if you're into that. Overall, it was a nice, uncrowded park to spend some time outdoors.

    We visited this park as part of the 2020-2021 Hillsborough Hiking Spree. I was very impressed by…read moreit. We arrived and parked in the parking lot nearest the nature center. The center is currently closed due to Covid but the bathrooms are open. From what I could tell, on our mad dash to the bathroom and distance viewing, the displays are informative and well done. I'd love to return when it is safe to and take a look. The park has three trails that are part of the spree. We hiked the Bobcat Trail since it includes the boardwalk. The trail travels for about a half mile through trees and over dusty shells. Then it connects to the boardwalk. This was by far the best part. We walked along the beautiful, tree lined water, getting up close and personal with a bunch of small black crabs. We scanned the water for manatees but were not lucky to find any. The trail ends back at the nature center. We climbed the back steps to the top level and caught a great view of the river and the distant city. After the hike we hit up the playground for a few minutes. This is always my kids' favorite part. We also stopped off at the butterfly garden which was pretty active on this day. The park was in great shape, the bathrooms were clean, there were lots of people around doing various park things. Canoeing, kayaking, hiking, nature hunting and playing on the playground are just some of the things available at your fingertips here. So glad we visited! Can't wait to return to check out the other trails.

    Photos
    Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park
    Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park
    Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park - Low tide

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    Low tide

    R E Olds Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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