top of page
Search

Top Dog Parks in Tampa


Are you a dog lover in Tampa, Florida looking for the best places to take your furry friend for a day out? Well, look no further, because I have scoured the city and found the top three dog parks that are sure to make tails wag and bring a smile to both you and your furry friend's face.




Located on the southernmost tip of Davis Islands, this dog beach is a great place to let your pup splash around and cool off on a hot Tampa day. The beach is fenced-in, so you don't have to worry about your furry friend running off, and there are plenty of shaded areas for both you and your pup to relax. There's even a rinse-off station to wash the sand off your pup before heading home. Don't forget to bring your own doggie waste bags, as they are not provided at the beach.




If your pup likes to run and play, Picnic Island Park is the perfect place to let them burn off some energy. This park offers plenty of open space for your pup to run around, play fetch, and socialize with other pups. There's also a fenced-in dog park area with agility equipment for the more adventurous pups. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even take your pup on a hike along the trails that wind through the park. Just be sure to bring plenty of water for both you and your furry friend, as it can get hot out there.



Located just north of Raymond James Stadium, Al Lopez Park is a hidden gem for Tampa dog lovers. This park offers a large fenced-in dog park area with separate sections for small and large dogs. There's plenty of shade and seating for dog parents, and even a doggie water fountain to keep your pup hydrated. After your pup has had their fill of playing, take a stroll along the lake and enjoy the peaceful scenery. Just be sure to bring your own waste bags, as they are not provided at the park.




Whether your pup is a water lover, a social butterfly, or just needs some space to run around, these three dog parks in Tampa have something for everyone. So grab your pup, some water, and some waste bags, and head out for a day of fun in the sun. Your furry friend will thank you, and you just might make some new friends along the way.


Follow me on instagram to stay in the know of all the Tampa/St Pete/Orlando/Sarasota hot spots! LAURIELIVINLIFE






Celebrate St. Patricks Day - Tampa/St Pete

Updated: Mar 6, 2023

St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner, and if you happen to find yourself in Tampa/St. Pete Florida area, then you're in for a treat! These cities are known for there lively and festive celebrations, and St. Patrick's Day is no exception. Here are some of the top things to do to celebrate:


1. Attend the River O' Green Fest


One of the most popular St. Patrick's Day events in Tampa is the River O' Green Fest. This event takes place at the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on March 18th, and it features a massive dyeing of the Hillsborough River. The river turns green, and the event is complete with live music, food trucks, and beer vendors. The festival is perfect for families, and it's a great way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Tampa.




2. Go on a St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl


If you're looking for a more adult-oriented St. Patrick's Day celebration, then look no further than Tampa's many Irish pubs. Tampa has a vibrant Irish community, and many of the local bars and restaurants go all out for St. Patrick's Day. Best part is you can join a pub crawl, which will take you to several different bars throughout the city. Check out Downtown Crawlers event page for more information.




3. Rough Riders St. Patrick's Day Parade


One of the most iconic St. Patrick's events in Tampa is the Rough Riders St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 11th. The parade travels down Seventh Avenue in Ybor City with all of Irish fun. The parade features a variety of floats, marching bands, and dancers. You are guaranteed to have a blast.




4. Irish 31 St. Patrick's Day Party


If you're looking for a party atmosphere, then head to the Irish 31 St. Patrick's Day Party on March 17th. This event takes place in Hyde Park Village, and it features live music, food and drink vendors, and a variety of other entertainment options. This party is a great way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with friends, and it's sure to be a good time. Also check out their website and other locations that will be celebrating!




5. Paddy Fest St Pete Fun


Paddy Fest is hosted at Williams Park in downtown St. Petersburg on March 17th starting at 10am there will be Irish Cuisine, Food Trucks, Celtic Games, Live music and more. Entry is $5 and you get a free green beer with Entry. There are also VIP tickets available and you can use code PaddyWithMe for 25% off your VIP tickets. Your VIP tickets include: The Red Breast VIP St. Patrick's Day Experience includes : Open Bar, Red Breast Irish Whiskey Tasting, Irish Lunch, Irish Dinner, Charcuterie, Private Tented area, VIP Private Restroom Trailer, VIP Seating with TV viewing of March Madness Hoops & Free re-entry all day. *must be 21 & up Purchas your tickets HERE.



In conclusion, there are plenty of things to do in Tampa/St Pete for St. Patrick's Day. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly event or a wild night out, there is something for everyone. So, put on your green gear and get ready to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in style! Make sure to leave the keys at home and grab an uber if you plan to drink. Sláinte!



Florida Museum - Butterfly Rainforest

Welcome to the Florida Museum in Gainesville, Florida, where science and fun meet! One of the most exciting parts of the museum is undoubtedly the Butterfly Rainforest. With over 80 species of butterflies and moths fluttering around, this garden is a paradise for both adults and children alike.



The Butterfly Rainforest is an enclosed space, complete with a waterfall and a pond, and is located outside of the museum. As soon as you enter, you are transported to a world of vibrant colors and tranquility. The garden is full of lush greenery, including different types of flowers, shrubs, and trees. This diverse vegetation creates a perfect habitat for the butterflies and moths that call this place home.


Butterflies are some of the most fascinating creatures on earth, and the Butterfly Rainforest offers a rare opportunity to observe them up close. The garden is designed to mimic the natural environment of these beautiful insects, making it the perfect place for them to feed, mate, and lay eggs.



The rainforest is also an educational space. The museum offers guided tours that explain the life cycle of butterflies and the importance of conserving their habitats. Visitors can learn about the different species of butterflies and moths, and their unique characteristics.


One of the most exciting aspects of the Butterfly Rainforest is the opportunity to interact with the butterflies. Visitors can feed them by holding a small cup of nectar, and if you're lucky, a butterfly may even land on your shoulder or hand! It's a magical experience to have a butterfly perched on your finger, exploring its surroundings.



The garden is also home to a few other creatures, including turtles, fish, and birds. These animals add to the natural ambiance of the garden and create a serene atmosphere. It's a great place to relax, unwind, and escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.



The Florida Museum is a must-visit for anyone in Gainesville, whether you're a resident or just passing through. The museum offers a wide range of exhibits, including displays on Florida's natural history, cultural heritage, and biodiversity. The Butterfly Rainforest is just one of many exciting attractions at the museum, and visitors can easily spend an entire day exploring everything it has to offer.


The Butterfly Rainforest is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the warmer months when the butterflies are most active. The garden is also wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it accessible to everyone.



Overall, the Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum is a beautiful and educational space that everyone should experience at least once. It's a perfect place to take the family or spend a quiet afternoon alone. So, come and explore the beauty of nature, learn about the importance of conservation, and interact with some of the most fascinating creatures on earth!







Sign up for my emails.

So you never miss an update! XOXO

  • White Facebook Icon
  • White Instagram Icon
  • TikTok

© 2018 by Laurie Livin Life. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page