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Think Cheap And Keep Kids Busy During Spring Break

Tribune file photo by JASON BEHNKEN (2007)

Lithia Springs Park is an inexpensive, close-to-home option for outdoor fun.

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By JANINE DORSEY

TBO.com

Published: March 31, 2009

TAMPA - We're in a drought, and it's not just a water shortage. Many Bay area families have seen the money for entertaining their children during spring break dry up as well.

With that in mind, we have uncovered some free and cheap alternatives to a week at an all-inclusive luxury resort that might just please the progeny population.

• No appreciation for where that fajita came from? Treat your kids to a glimpse of farm life by enrolling them in the 4-H Strawberry Days Camp. For $25 they can have two days (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 7-8) of learning how a strawberry business works. For information, call (813) 744-5519

• Budding artists at home? Take advantage of free crafts at Michaels stores from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 4. For information, go to www.michaels.com.

• The area beaches may be overrun with spring breakers feeding the seagulls, but you won't find that element at Hillsborough County's Lithia Springs. The 160-acre park has a year-round water temperature of 72 degrees at its natural spring. Pack a picnic and visit the playground. Admission is $1. Camping is also available. For information, go to www.hillsboroughcounty.org/parks.

• It's a little hard to appreciate the metal horses grazing along Bayshore Boulevard from the window of your car. Take a free self-guided public arts tour around town with information available at www.hillsboroughcounty.org/publicart.

• Catch live music at the South Shore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, at 2 p.m. April 8. Local musician Scott Simon will be performing "Acoustic Blues." For information, call (813) 273-3652 or go to www.hcplc.org.

• Enjoy a guided nature-trail tour at Bay area treasure Fort DeSoto. An hourlong tour at 10 a.m. April 4 will focus on the mangroves ecosystem at the park. For information, go to www.pinellascounty.org/park, and click on "Parks Events Calendar."

• Load up your bikes and Rollerblades and hit the paved, seven-mile trail at the southern end of Upper Tampa Bay Park. Cool down with a visit to the nature center, a major environmental study center with interpretive displays. For information, go to www.hillsboroughcounty.org/parks, then click on "Parks & Trails Services," then on "Regional Parks."

• Guided canoe trips are offered at Weedon Island Preserve with reservations. Or you can put your own watercraft in for free at the launch. Weedon Island Preserve is just south of Gandy Boulevard west of the bridge. For information, go to www.weedonislandcenter.org.

• Have you visited a Redbox video rental kiosk yet? These handy devices, usually located outside of Bay area Walgreens stores, offer movie rentals for $1. Occasionally, there are freebies on Wednesdays, too. Once you rent from the service, you will be on an e-mail list to hear about the specials and receive promotional codes for discounts and specials. For locations, go to www.redbox.com.

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