Are there any other parents out there terrified at the sudden realization that summer officially begins next week? I was standing in line at the grocery store when it happened to me — a cold chill ran up my spine; I felt a flutter in my chest. This was true fear.
Some people, probably scientists and those without children, believe that the seasons are determined by a combination of Earth’s orbit around the sun once per calendar year and the fact that our planet’s axis of rotation is tilted as it travels on its course. This accounts for different temperatures and hours of daylight and darkness throughout the year and predicts the first official day of summer to be on June 21st. These same scientists also believe that the force in our universe that has the strongest effect on space and time is gravity.
They are wrong on both counts.
Summer, of course, begins on a different day each year, and that day is determined by the Hillsborough County School Board. This year, it happens to fall on Monday, June 1st. And the force which has the strongest effect on space and time in our universe is, without a doubt, a bunch of children on summer break with absolutely nothing to do.
So, here we are, with the final days of school fast approaching. My kids are running around the house singing “Are you ready for the summer?” and I’m singing along in my head with lyrics I’ve made up that include some not-very-nice sentiments. No, I am not ready for the summer at all! It is, in fact, a chilling realization that my kids will be home from school for seventy consecutive days. Not that I’ve counted.
This is where having a Summertime Bucket List comes in handy. It took me years of that horrible feeling, of being put on the spot and attempting to spontaneously come up with an idea of “something to do.” Every parent has been there — your mouth drops open, your brain turns to mush, you sit there…..and nothing…….comes…..to mind. You need some ready-to-go ideas on deck!
With this goal in mind, every year, around the beginning of May (when I finally accept what’s on the horizon), I begin to make my list. It’s simply a sheet of paper left tacked to a wall where I write down “things to do on summer days” as they randomly come to mind. I ask the kids to come up with a few, I write down stuff that I hear about on TV or the radio, or maybe even read about in the newspaper. We cross stuff off and add to it as the summer chugs along. It’s fun!
Now, there will always be the obvious choices: a day at the beach, Busch Gardens, waterparks, Legoland — this is Florida; stuff like that is everywhere. And every kind of expensive. Sometimes you just need somewhere to go on a regular, boring ole’ summer weekday. Something cheap, fun, and nearby. Well, guess what? Plant City has a bunch of places that fit that bill, and they appear on our list each year.
1. Edward Medard
Conservation Park
Edward Medard Conservation Park is a wonderful outdoor space, full of many possibilities for outdoor adventure. There is disc golf, a trail to go hiking and bird watch, playgrounds, pavilions, campsites, and even a huge reservoir for boating and fishing.
We typically park in the lot adjacent to the playground, then walk over to climb and explore the “Sacred Hills” area. It’s a strange landscape of flowing mounds, with live oak trees balanced precariously on their exposed roots. It is eerie and unsettling. And wonderful.
If you are like me, you will sit there and ponder how in the world those trees remain standing while your kids climb around on the most amazing natural wood jungle gyms you’ve ever seen. If you keep going, down the other side of the hill with the spooky trees, you can explore the network of connected trails that form the disc golf course. It’s a magical place to wander about.
After adventuring in the woods, we usually head down to the playground area. They almost always run into other kids and families enjoying the park, and a spontaneous game of tag or other playground mayhem often breaks out.
In addition to the swings and slides, you will find some nicely kept areas of open grass, perfect for throwing a football or baseball, or even flying a kite. They have plenty of covered pavilions, so we often bring along a picnic lunch to enjoy after we’ve had our fun.
2. Dr. Hal and Lynn Brewer Park
Officially, this little gem goes by the name Dr. Hal and Lynn Brewer Park, though my kids have been calling it “Duck Lake Park” for years. The walking and biking trail that circles the beautiful lake offers a slight elevation change, giving the kids some fun uphill and downhill sections to keep things interesting. All of this makes it a great spot for an outing with wheels! Bring your favorite kind — we have ridden everything from scooters to roller skates, skateboards to Heelys, and of course, bicycles. I don’t believe we have ever simply walked.
A few years ago, the city installed some new workout areas, smartly spaced around the trail. Each has some basic exercise equipment and instructions, like you see at many outdoor parks these days. Kids simply see fun things to climb, jump, and play on.
After our riding, we’ll go sit in the shade of our favorite oak tree, up on the hill overlooking the lake, and enjoy a well-earned picnic snack. Occasionally, we bring some bread crusts or crackers to feed the ducks. I sometimes see people fishing in the lake and even operating radio-controlled boats. It’s a great destination when you are looking for some easy outdoor fun, and so very close to the center of town.
3. Bruton Memorial Library
Some days, you just need a break from the heat and being outside. Plus, I never turn down an opportunity to talk about my favorite place in Plant City, our amazing library! As usual, they have some terrific summer programs for kids that begin in June.
It all starts on June 1st at 2:30 p.m., when they host their Summer Reading Kick-Off and celebrate 250 Years of Stories with line dancing, snacks, and access to new summer reading materials.
There is still time to participate in the Summer Reading Challenge! Registration is open now, and you can sign up on the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative website (hcplc.org). The challenge begins on June 1st and runs through July 31st. Kids can track their reading all summer long and earn digital badges for their achievements and participation in fun summer activities.
Check out STEAM Mondays, beginning on Monday, June 22nd. They offer mini experiments each week that help kids explore aspects of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.
Historic Hobbies starts on Wednesday, June 24th. In this weekly program, kids can learn historical skills and games like letter writing and playing marbles.
While you are there, check out the latest books and graphic novels in their children’s collection. Contact the library or visit their website for more information on these and other exciting summer activities!
4. Downtown Plant City
Whether you live in Plant City or are just visiting for the day, the downtown area always has something fun to offer. And quiet, lazy summer weekdays are some of the best mornings to explore. There is an endless variety of puzzle pieces to fit together and craft your perfect outing.
Start by peeking through the amazing antique shops (Miss Ruby’s is my favorite). There are all kinds of knick-knacks and fun items, many reasonably priced and highly entertaining for kids — think toy China sets and afternoon tea parties with stuffed animal friends. There are always collections of books to poke through, and for a few dollars, you can even take one home with you.
Brick City Bricks Lego store is always a favorite stop of ours. They have new and used Lego sets and even sell blocks by the bagful. The kids could bring home a project to stay busy later. Maybe you could have some time to yourself.
If your kids are into Pokémon, take a short walk down to Plant City Card Shop. Pick up some new cards for your decks, then head home for an afternoon Pokémon tournament.
When it comes time to get some lunch, Plant City Comic Cafe is a great place to stop in for some food or a hand-crafted latte. They have a great collection of comic books for sale, including a large selection of older, inexpensive ones for a couple of bucks. I’ve picked up more than a few 90s-era X-Men issues there myself.
Our little city is growing, and new places to eat, drink, and shop are popping up all the time. Show your support and take your summer crew downtown for a Plant City walkabout!
You have been officially warned, but also officially welcomed. Yes, summer is fast approaching, and the alarm bells are ringing, but it’s not too late! Start making your Summertime Bucket List and be certain to add some of these great spots. If you’re not a Plant City local but find yourself reading this, come on and take a day trip out here to visit. And, if any of you know of places like the ones I have mentioned, please tell me! My kids and I want to know about them, too.
May the forces of summer and nature be with you.
Edward Medard Conservation Park
6140 Turkey Creek Road,
Plant City, FL 33567
(813) 757-3802
edward-medard-conservation-park
Spring/Summer Hours: 8 AM to 7 PM
Fees: $2 per vehicle
(up to 8 people per vehicle).
$5 boat launch fee.
Dr. Hal and Lynn Brewer Park
1491 Hunter Street,
Plant City, FL 33563
business_detail_T14_R43.php
Bruton Memorial Library
302 McLendon Street,
Plant City, FL 33563
(813) 757-9215
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library/index.php
