Indian Rocks Beach, a small town located near Tampa, Florida, features almost three miles of white-sand beaches that stretch along the glistening waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Families will enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, wonderful restaurants, and easily-accessible beaches. If your kids need a short break from all the sun, sand, and water, try some of the activities listed in this article.
Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve
The Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve sits on 9.3 acres of land. Its main feature is a boardwalk that winds through lush mangroves and extends all the way to the ocean. Signs along the boardwalk offer explanations about the vegetation and wildlife commonly seen in the area. Manatees are frequent visitors to the preserve so, if you’re lucky, you might get to see one of these gentle giants.
The Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve is a good place to spend a quiet afternoon or morning with the kids. It’s open year-round, free to visit, and provides plenty of opportunities for you catch a few glimpses of some of the wildlife often seen in the area, such as fiddler crabs and seagulls.
For easy access to the nature preserve and to fully enjoy Indian Rocks Beach, choose an affordable hotel in the area. You’ll enjoy close proximity to the white sand beaches, crystal-clear water, and amazing sunsets. Thanks to Indian Rocks Beach’s convenient location, you’ll find plenty of ways to keep the kids entertained if you want to take a break from the beach and explore the other activities the area has to offer.
Heritage Village Living History Museum
The Heritage Village Living History Museum encompasses 21 acres and contains 31 historic structures, including a sugar cane mill, school, railroad depot, and church. Located on the museum grounds is a beautiful nature trail showcasing a pine flat woods habitat featuring a variety of plants that Florida’s early inhabitants used for food and shelter.
Kids will enjoy the Enter Action stations located throughout the museum. These stations house interactive exhibits which hold clues that kids can use to take an educational scavenger hunt adventure through the museum grounds.
Clear water Marine Aquarium
Clear water Marine Aquarium is a non-profit organisation committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured and sick marine animals. When you visit, you’ll see dolphins, sea turtles, pelicans, otters, and sharks.
The aquarium is a working marine hospital, so many of the animals it houses are undergoing rehabilitation. This allows visitors to learn about the work that goes into returning an injured animal to the wild. The aquarium’s staff members give tours and lectures throughout the day, explaining how they take care of the marine animals that live there and teaching about ways to protect the marine environment.
Indian Rocks Beach is the perfect place to swim, sail, fish, or just enjoy a lazy day on the water. Don’t forget the sunscreen and bring plenty of beach toys for the kids. On the days you want to skip the swimsuits, the area provides plenty of fun options that’ll keep both you and the kids happy and entertained.
