Now that the summer heat has officially settled in, finding fun outdoor spots for our kids to play and not scorch is my, and every other Florida parent’s, mission. As a seasoned St. Pete parent of two and creator of Sunshine City with Kids, I can confidently report that St. Pete has an impressive variety of shaded parks and playgrounds to help us all beat the summer heat. Many of these parks also offer a cooling waterfront breeze! Whether you’re hoping for a playground near the water, somewhere tucked away in the woods, or a peaceful park in a quiet neighborhood — these local parks and playgrounds offer the diversity (and shade) to suit every preference. 
Gulfport Beach Playground
Address: 5730 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport, FL
This waterfront playground is located in the charming and artsy area of Gulfport, overlooking the Boca Ciega Bay. It is part of the larger Gulfport Beach Park Complex which features a variety of amenities including volleyball courts, bathrooms, beach access, and covered pavilions. The playground itself offers soft turf under foot, almost complete shade over the play area, and is fenced in (a must for those escape artist toddlers). The ocean themed play equipment is perfect for a variety of ages and includes swings, slides, climbing structures, teeter totters, and more. Between the shade and the ocean breeze, it’s a near perfect summer playground.
Know before you go: Parking is Free and directly in front of the playground, though it can get pretty full on weekends.
Boyd Hill Nature Playground
Address: 1101 Country Club Way S. St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is a must do in-and-of itself, but a hidden gem at this preserve is the unique nature inspired playground! This shady wooded playground is hidden in the trees and located just outside the entrance of the Preserve. Kids love the giant treehouse with slides and a bridge for climbing, the nearby ropes course, and the adjacent swings.
Know before you go: There are plenty of benches for parents to take a breather and bathrooms are located close by at the Boyd Hill Education Center. 
Jack Puryear Park Playground
Address: 5701 Lee St NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33703
Some of you may know of Jack Puryear Park for its athletic fields and courts, but it also has a pretty great fenced in and shady playground with a large adjacent shelter and bathrooms nearby. This turf covered playground is great for kids up to age 12 and offers a merry go round, a climbing course, slides, teeter totters, and lots of space for running.
Know before you go: the playground is a bit of a walk from the parking lot, so bring a stroller if you have toddlers. Bathrooms are located nearby at the concession stand but are NOT always open. 
Seminole Park Playground
Address: 2900 3rd Ave. N. St. Petersburg, FL 33713 FL
Don’t be fooled by the name, this park is in fact in St. Pete! Located in the quiet neighborhood of Kenwood and surrounded by giant oak trees and plenty of green space, this park is one of the best for shade and a nice breeze. Seminole Park also has a special touch of local art with nine benches being transformed into creative works by the Kenwood Public Art Committee. There are so many little things about this park that make it special, including walking paths, big and little kid play areas, covered shelters, picnic tables, and even a little free library.
Know before you go: There is no park bathroom and parking is free but available on the street only. 
Millennium Youth Park Playground
Address: 542 7th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Millennium Youth Park Playground is nestled in the Historic Uptown Neighborhood of St. Pete. It is located within walking distance of Round Lake where you can feed the ducks and enjoy some delicious coffee from one of the many neighborhood coffee shops. This partially fenced in playground was completely renovated in Summer 2023 and offers slides, tunnels, climbing structures, and swings. We love the amount of shade, and the large area of green space to picnic, play hide and seek, or just run and be wild.
Know before you go: There is no park bathroom and parking is free but available on the street only. 
East Beach Playground
Address: 3500 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, Florida 33715 (Turn left when you get into the park and follow signs for East Beach)
East Beach Playground is the one and only Playground located within Fort De Soto State Park. East Beach has it all – a playground, swings, picnic tables, bathrooms, shelters, trails, plenty of parking, and of course, the beach! We love to set up our cooler at a picnic table in the shade under beautiful old oaks, watch the kids play, and enjoy the ocean breeze.
Know before you go: $5 fee covers your vehicle to get into the State Park for the entire day. 
Maximo Park Playground
Address: Pinellas Point Dr S &, Sunshine Skyway Ln S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711
This covered and fenced in Playground is located within the gorgeous 70-acre waterfront Maximo Park. When your kids are worn out from swinging, sliding, and climbing, walk across the street to covered shelter by the water and have a picnic. This is also a great park to explore nature, launch a kayak, go for a trail walk, or just sit in the peace and quiet.
Know before you go: Free park entry, free parking. Follow signs to the playground upon entry.
Be sure to follow @sunshinecitywithkids on Instagram for all of the latest information on kid and family friendly things to see and do in the St. Pete/Tampa Bay Area.
ADVERTISEMENT
