Lettuce Lake Park

The Play List: Let’s Explore: Lettuce Lake Park

By Last Updated

Lettuce Lake Park is one of our family-favorite spots to explore since it checks all the boxes: It gets us outside in nature, has multiple areas to explore including boardwalks and a nature center, has a paved trail perfect for strollers and scooters, and the best part – the playground! Did I mention it’s just a short drive away and is nicely shaded?


Nature Explorers

Be sure to pack your binoculars and microscopes for this day trip where you’re sure to see wildlife. In fact, this is one place in Tampa where you’ll likely see an alligator or two – we’ve seen up to 14 there in one day! Don’t worry though, this is all from the safety of the raised boardwalks winding through the marshes.

We’ve also spotted raccoons, osprey, turtles, sting rays and even a snake up in a tree!

Besides wildlife, there’s cool moss, fungi and plants like the park’s namesake, water lettuce, which is unique to see floating alongside the boardwalk when the water level’s high enough.

Lettuce Lake Park Alligator

Places to Play

After you park and hit the restroom, start by exploring the 3,500-foot boardwalk accessible from behind the nature center. Take your time and practice being quiet in order to spot the most wildlife! We like to see who can spot the first alligator.

Lettuce Lake Park Boardwalk

Kiddos will be eager to climb the 2-story observation deck which offers nice views of the surrounding hardwood swamp forest and Hillsborough River below.

After making your way through the boardwalks, you’ll hit a paved trail which takes you back to the nature center to cool down for a few minutes. Kids can get up close to wildlife exhibits that show our native Florida habitats.

Lettuce Lake Park

Once everyone has their second wind, head over to the recently redone playground to play! Two new play areas that were just built last year include swings, a wonderful climbing structure and adaptive and sensory equipment.

The Play List: Let’s Explore: Lettuce Lake Park

The perfect place to pack a picnic lunch, there are plenty of picnic shelters and benches for snack time plus ample open space for a game of Frisbee.

Toss the scooter in the trunk – Lettuce Lake Park features a 1.25-mile beautifully paved exercise trail which makes for a nice change from neighborhood sidewalks. The shade canopy overhead makes it a great spot to come for a run or walk with a stroller or scooter-riding kid (note: Bicycles are not permitted on the exercise trail).

The Play List: Let’s Explore: Lettuce Lake Park


MORE INFORMATION:

It’s $2 per vehicle to enter the park (for up to eight people), and they only take cash so be sure to plan ahead. If you forget, there’s a gas station right before the entrance on East Fletcher Avenue.

Canoe and kayak rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $25 for up to four hours and offer up-close encounters with a variety of aquatic birds and wildlife.

 

Dogs are not permitted on the boardwalks.

6920 E. Fletcher Ave.
Tampa, FL 33637
813-987-6204

Hours:

Spring/Summer: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Fall/Winter: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
hcfl.gov/locations/lettuce-lake-conservation-park

 

READ MORE

Originally published in the June 2025 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.