School is back in session August 10 for Hillsborough County schools students, which means stores are packed with eager students and their parents meticulously choosing the perfect notebooks, pens, backpacks and other essentials items to check-off their back-to-school shopping lists as they get ready for the upcoming school year.
It’s ironic then, that August is Family Fun Month.
With the first school bells set to ring in a week, it’s not too late to squeeze in a little fun or relax and unwind while creating unforgettable memories during these winding down days of freedom.
Can’t afford a final getaway to a far-away picturesque destination? Need ideas? Here are a few local options to embrace the essence of this hometown and ensure a budget-friendly way to savor the summer.
Picnic in the Park
Plant City has several parks where families can spread a blanket or sit at a picnic table and lay out a feast. From Burchwood Park’s lake, picnic pavilion, playground and swing set to Rowena Mays Park with its four picnic tables and plenty of shade, if you can bear the heat there’s a spot to gather with family, enjoy a meal and let the kids burn off a little steam while playing outside.
Go See a Flick At A Local Drive-In
Silver Moon Drive-In Theater, one of only four drive-ins in Florida, is just a short drive away at 4100 U.S. 92W.
There’s something nostalgic about piling your family into your car, parking at the drive-in and tuning your FM car radio to see and hear first-run feature films.
Its two screens show first-run double feature movies seven nights a week. From Friday, August 4 through Thursday, August 10, the theater is showing Haunted Mansion followed by Indiana Jones & The Dial of Destiny on screen one and “Barbenheimer” (Barbie followed by Oppenheimer) on screen two.
Ticket prices are $8 for ages 10+, $3 for ages four through nine and kids under four are free. Friday and Saturday the gates open about an hour before showtime. Sunday through Thursday gates open 30 to 45 minutes before showtime.
For more information visit silvermoondrivein.com.
Catch A Minor League Baseball Game
Okay, so you won’t see Tampa Bay Rays’ left fielder Randy Arozarena hit a home run but Florida’s minor league baseball teams, a tier below major league baseball, can offer an entertaining way to spend time with family.
The Lakeland Flying Tigers, affiliated with the Detroit Tigers, play at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland. The games feature several promotional nights. On Tuesdays, fans can play Baseball Bingo and win prizes from local area restaurants and attractions. Fans can enjoy unlimited hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, pretzels and fountain soda with an all-inclusive package during All-You-Can-Eat Wednesdays. Great seats begin at just $6, making this an affordable way to catch a baseball game.
The Tampa Tarpons, affiliated with the New York Yankees, play at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. Its website lists an array of promotional offers, including a Tuesday tail waggin’ special- tickets are $2 for fans and their four-legged friends. Select concession items are $2. Other special deals include Wacky Deal Wednesday, Fifth Third Thursday, Sink or Swim Friday and Stay Local & Play Ball Sunday. For more information or to purchase tickets visit milb.com/tampa.
Go On A Family Bike Ride
Bike riding together as a family is a great way to bond outdoors and makes exercise fun for all. Remember, when biking with young children the end goal isn’t the distance, speed, endurance or perfect technique. It’s just fun, even if it means frequent stops and snacks. Several local parks that offer places to ride include Brewer Park, Samuel W. Cooper Park, McIntosh Preserve and Lower Green Swamp Nature Preserve.
Go Fishing
Whether your choice of bait is a good lure or a bit of hotdog or a corn kernel, there are several spots in the area to toss in a line to try and catch a bass, sunfish, bluegill or other species that inhabit nearby lakes. Favorite places include Edward Medard Park, Hillsborough River State Park or Lithia Springs Preserve. The good news? Youth under 16 years of age and resident seniors age 65 or older are exempt from freshwater or saltwater fishing licenses.