About Ballast Point Park
A scenic bayfront park offering a diverse mix of activities for families, including a fabulous playground, a splash pad, a fishing pier, and an on-site eatery, all supported by ample free parking.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Budget-friendly family day tripsMulti-activity outings combining water play, playgrounds, and fishingDog-friendly family excursionsToddlers and preschoolers who will enjoy the swings and splash padSchool-aged children who can enjoy tag in the playground and magnet fishing on the pier
Why families love it
- Fabulous playground area perfect for playing tag and swinging
- Splash pad area that kids love even on cooler days
- Fishing pier great for crabbing, traditional fishing, or magnet fishing
- On-site eatery and coffee shop offering generous food portions and quick snacks
- Beautiful scenic views of the Bay and downtown skyline
- Splash pad
Insider tips
- Bring magnet fishing gear or traps to try your luck at the pier
- Pack a change of clothes or towels for the splash pad
- Take advantage of the on-site eatery if you want large food portions or a quick coffee
Good to know before you go
- Visiting the splash pad on colder days if your kids are sensitive to the temperature
- Value
- Excellent value with free park admission, free playground and splash pad access, and plenty of free parking.
- Food
- On-site eatery and coffee shop available for purchasing snacks, sodas, and meals
- Accessibility
- Restrooms are available on-site
What parents say
"Ballast Point Park is in a beautiful location with awesome views of the Bay and downtown. It's also great for bird watching, has a fishing pier, picnic tables, swings, eatery, coffee shop, and a fabulous play area for the kids. Plenty of free parking and super dog friendly. Hope these photos inspires you to go visit."
2 months ago
"Nice place to spend time for family and couples. Kids have play area to enjoy. A small food outlet is available to grab coffee,soda and snacks. Ample space for parking. It is pet friendly. Restrooms are available."
2 months ago
"It's a very nice spot to hang out. The environment, the food portion is very generous if you like quantity and the quality is not bad."
a month ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
More hiking with kids in Tampa
Hiking with Kids Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
4.7(1,955)4.7 out of 5 stars, 1955 reviews1101 Country Club Way S, St. Petersburg
Hiking with Kids Eureka Springs Park
4.7(1,402)4.7 out of 5 stars, 1402 reviews6400 Eureka Springs Rd, Tampa
Hiking with Kids Rivercrest Park
4.6(703)4.6 out of 5 stars, 703 reviews4802 N Blvd, Tampa
Hiking with Kids Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail
4.7(471)4.7 out of 5 stars, 471 reviews8549-8597 Campbell Causeway Access Rd S, Tampa