A Hillsborough County nature park in Tampa on the Hillsborough River: a 3,500-foot boardwalk, a 1.25-mile paved trail, a visitors center, and two playgrounds with swings, adaptive and sensory equipment. The park lists no sensory hours, quiet room or sensory kits. $2 per vehicle, cash only.
Know before you go. Lettuce Lake Conservation Park doesn't list sensory hours, a quiet room or sensory kits to borrow. Its two playgrounds have adaptive and sensory equipment. Here's what the county says about the park.
Hours
Fall and winter: 8 am to 6 pm. Spring and summer: 8 am to 7 pm. Phone: (813) 987-6204.
“In 2024, two new playgrounds were built with swings, adaptive and sensory equipment, and a scavenger hunt where children look for medallions to identify animals and plants.”
“The park features wooded picnic areas, a 1.25-mile paved exercise trail and 3,500-foot boardwalk with an observation tower that provides scenic views of the Hillsborough River.”
“The observation tower and shelter 5 are closed during reconstruction.”
“Pets, bicycles, running, skates, and/or similar devices are not permitted on the boardwalk.” hcfl.gov (park brochure)
“see abundant wildlife such as alligators, limpkins, roseate spoonbills, and barred owls.” hcfl.gov (park brochure)
“To provide a positive experience for all park visitors we do not allow amplified music or speakers.” hcfl.gov (shelter rentals)
A calm plan: walk a short stretch of the boardwalk or the paved trail, and turn around whenever your kid is ready. The playgrounds can be a stop before the car.
The county's free Hillsborough FL Nature Tours app has photos and an audio tour for Lettuce Lake, and QR codes on the park's signs open the same tour. The app also has photos and text in a drop-down menu, which the county says is particularly useful for people who are deaf or hearing-impaired.
Two playgrounds with swings, adaptive and sensory equipment, and a scavenger hunt.
The observation tower and shelter 5 are closed during reconstruction; the boardwalk, canoe and kayak launch and rentals are open.
Passes: annual entry passes are sold online, and discounted annual entry passes are available for veterans, first responders and law enforcement who live or work in Hillsborough County.
Trails: the 1.25-mile paved exercise trail has a fitness course. Hammock Run is 2 miles, rated 1 - Easy, wheelchair accessible and pet friendly (no dogs on the boardwalk).
Canoe and kayak rentals at the park's entry station: $25 for up to four hours, $10 for each additional hour (tax included).
Amenities: paved trail, barbecue grills, boat dock, picnic shelters, playground, restrooms and a visitors center. Propane and gas grills aren't permitted at this park. Picnic shelters can be rented through the county's conservation online registration system.
Rules: all plants and animals are protected; please stay on marked trails. Dogs must be on a 6-foot hand-held leash, and alcohol and intoxicated people are not permitted in the park. In an emergency, call 911.
Questions: the park at (813) 987-6204, or Conservation Parks at (813) 829-2626.
