Englewood, FL, is packed with kid-friendly activities and fun for the whole family. Gather the kids and grandma and grandpa too, get in a spacious Ford Explorer or Expedition, and head down the road to discover all the excitement along the way.
1. Snorkel, Fish, and Paddle
Load the kids in the car and drive to Stump Pass Beach State Park to find seashells and shark teeth on the secluded one-mile stretch of sand. Enjoy a day of swimming, snorkeling, and catching snook, trout, flounder, redfish, whiting, snapper, tarpon, and sheepshead in the ocean. Launch a kayak or canoe to explore the waterways, paddle around the two islands, and see manatees, gopher tortoises, and waterbirds along the way.
Address and Hours
Stump Pass Beach State Park is at 900 Gulf Boulevard in Englewood and is open daily from 8 a.m. until sundown.
2. Hike, Bike, and Horseback Ride
The 8,593-acre Myakka State Forest is ideal for getting the kids out in the fresh air, hiking, biking, and horseback riding down 40 miles of scenic nature trails through live oaks, pine flatwoods, and along the banks of the beautiful Myakka Lake.
Stroll down the Myakka Canopy Walkway, suspended 25 feet above the ground and stretching 100 feet through the treetops to see an abundance of wildlife in the palm and oak hammock, and walk to the 75-foot tower to appreciate the spectacular view.
Address and Hours
Myakka State Forest is at 2000 South River Road in Englewood and is open every day for day use from sunrise to sunset.
3. Swim, Picnic, and Disc Golf
The 315.6-acre Ann and Chuck Dever Regional Park is great for swimming and family picnics. The heated, eight-lane competition pool has a diving well with a one-meter board, a water basketball hoop, and a separate gated zero-entry kiddy pool with a splash pad for the little ones. The umbrellas around the pool provide plenty of shade. Play a game of disc golf and find a scenic spot at one of the shelters to enjoy a family barbecue.
Address and Hours
The Ann and Chuck Dever Regional Park is at 6961 San Casa Drive in Englewood, and the pool is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
4. Boat
Go on a boat ride of a lifetime to explore the beauty of Englewood from the water on a Riding The Waves boat tour. Hop on your private catamaran and learn about the Gulf Coast ecosystem from a certified Florida naturalist. The compact catamarans have seating for two people and are safe, comfortable, and stable on the water with no chance of flipping.
Address and Hours
Riding The Waves is at Cape Haze Marina, 6950 Placida Road in Englewood. Please visit their website for booking information.
There’s much to see and do around town for everyone in the family. Before you take your family on an exciting excursion, stop at Englewood Ford today for a maintenance service to ensure your vehicle is in tip-top shape for fun family outings.
