Sure, Florida is a great destination for white-sand beaches, high-energy theme parks and relaxing resorts, but the sports-inspired, nature-fueled adventures on the state’s Sports Coast are all the raves for active families.
Florida’s Sports Coast stretches across Pasco County–including Dade City, New Port Richey, Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills–and offers outdoor expeditions, unique water activities and thrilling adventure parks for all ages and skill levels.
To help you plan your one-of-a-kind getaway, we’ve broken down five epic activities that are a must-try.
Anclote Key Preserve State Park
Located off the southern coast of Pasco County, Anclote Key Preserve State Park boasts four secluded beaches with over 40 different species of birds, picnic facilities and on-site camping for a clear view of the stars. Accessible only by ferry or a chartered pontoon boat, the 403-acre park is the perfect destination for adventure by the water–whether the family wants to collect seashells, soak up the sun by pristine waters, explore the surrounding wildlife, or tour the historical lighthouse.
Lift Adventure Park
Play the floor is lava–or in this case, actual water–at this floating obstacle course. Set on SunWest Park’s spring-fed lake, the inflatable aqua park tests your skills as you walk, run, swing, and jump through the course’s various ramps, slides and climbing walls. For adrenaline junkies up for a challenge, try Lift Adventure Parks’ full-size cable wakeboarding system that glides you across the lake and is complete with ramps for jumps and aerial spins.
TreeHoppers Aerial Adventure Park
If hanging in the trees is the type of thrill your family craves, head to TreeHoppers Aerial Adventure Park. Nestled in a picturesque forest west of Dade City, the treetop adventure park features eight challenging courses that’ll allow you to climb and zip your way through its towering oak trees, narrow bridges and speedy ziplines. For youngsters who are just starting out, TreeHoppers provides climbing sessions to help them feel comfortable with tackling their first zipline.
Giraffe Ranch
At Giraffe Ranch in Dade City, your youngsters can get up close and personal with majestic wildlife without having to leave the country. Through a guided safari expedition, you’ll tour through the ranch on a four-wheel-drive vehicle for awe-inspiring views of giraffes, camels, rhinos and zebras, to name a few. Want to skip the car and get at eye level with these exotic animals? Try the segway tour for all the fun minus the sweat of walking.
Werner Boyce Salt Springs State Park
Spanning across four miles of a sparkling coastline, Werner Boyce Salt Springs State Park offers water-filled adventures to keep your kiddos entertained. They can swim-suit up and kayak, canoe or paddleboard through the park’s tidal creeks, expansive salt marshes and tangled mangroves–and if they’re feeling adventurous (with a parent's approval, of course!), they can take on the open waterways to explore the beautiful Gulf of Mexico.
Florida’s Sports Coast has every type of heart-pumping activity that can be perfectly bundled into one extraordinary trip. Start booking your favorite adventures today!
