Glazer Family Playground
Rating
Family of 4
$2 parking fee.
Duration
2–4 hours
Best Ages
3–12
About
The Glazer Family Playground at Flatwoods Park is set within Hillsborough County's preserved flatwoods scrub habitat in northeast Tampa, offering a unique blend of adventure playground and nature experience. The playground itself is generously sized with multi-level climbing structures, slides, and creative play equipment that challenges kids up to age 12. What makes this playground special is its setting — surrounded by Florida scrub, gopher tortoise burrows, and tall pine flatwoods, it feels nothing like a typical neighborhood park.
The adjacent 7-mile paved trail through Flatwoods attracts cyclists, joggers, and families pushing strollers. Kids old enough to bike will love the flat, scenic loop. The park has restrooms, picnic shelters, and a small parking area (nominal $2 fee).
Rangers occasionally offer wildlife programs. This is a great choice for families who want to combine traditional playground fun with a genuine Florida nature experience.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Nursing / Changing
true
Kid Meals
snacks only
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Morning on weekdays. Weekends get crowded at the playground. Cooler months are ideal for the nature trail.
Wait Times
Small parking fee ($2/vehicle). Playground itself has no wait.
Nearby Food
Very limited near the park. Plan to bring your own food. Closest options are in New Tampa about 10 minutes away.
Why Kids Love It
The Glazer Family Playground is enormous with creative, adventurous equipment that older kids find genuinely exciting. The nature trail through Florida flatwoods adds a bonus wildlife-watching experience.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Bring bikes — Flatwoods has a popular 7-mile paved loop through scrub habitat
- The playground features a large climbing tower kids love
- Bring insect repellent — nature trails can have mosquitoes in humid months
- Gopher tortoises are frequently spotted along trails
What to Bring
- Packed lunch
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Water bottles
- Bikes optional
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$2 parking fee.
The rest is free.
Budget $20–30 for snacks/drinks.
Tips to Save
- Pack a large cooler with lunch and drinks — no food vendors in the park.
- The $2 parking is the only cost.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 7AM-10PM
- Monday
- 7AM-10PM
- Sunday
- 7AM-10PM
- Tuesday
- 7AM-10PM
- Saturday
- 7AM-10PM
- Thursday
- 7AM-10PM
- Wednesday
- 7AM-10PM
