School's Out, Fun's In: Patchy Ways to Spend Spring Break

Looking for ways to enjoy time with the kids without breaking the bank? Tune in this week for some cheap, fun and totally Patchy things to do in and around Land O' Lakes from your very own Purveyor of Patchy Fun/Editor.

Today's picks take you and the crew outside for a little fresh air and rugged (or just faux rugged) adventure:

You can...

Spend a Day with the Mermaids:

Weeki Wachee Springs Park, 6131 Commercial Way in Spring Hill, is a quick drive that's worth every minute.  If you've never been, the park is one of those places you feel a bit lost in time—nostalgia, wonder and a pining for simplicity tend to follow me home from a day with the kids there. Marvel at the mermaid shows, take a river boat cruise, explore the park and cool off in the spring at Bucaneer Bay. And when I say, cool, I mean cool. The water is freezing. The kids don't seem to mind, though.  Note: Swimming is open every day, but the water slides are only open on weekends until June 8. Adult admission is $13; children 6-12 are $8; children 5 and younger are free.  Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Visit the website for more information.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District has an easy to use map of its conservation lands and recreation areas. Find a place you've never explored and hit the road!

For a bit of exploration close to home, check out SWFMD's:

• Conner Preserve, 22500 State Road 52 in Land O’ Lakes, offers 16 miles of hiking-only trails, 12.5 miles of unpaved cycling trails, free primitive camping (reservations required) and 5.2 miles of equestrian trails. A 25-acre model airplane site is open to Bay City Flyers Model Airplane Club members and spectators. For information, call 1-800-423-1476.

• Cypress Creek Preserve, 8720 Pump Station Road in Land O’ Lakes, offers 5 miles of paved and unpaved cycling trails, several miles of wooded roads for hiking, 12 miles of marked equestrian trails, fishing and camping— a free reservation is required. For information, call 1-800-423-1476.
• Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd. in
  New Port Richey, is a bird-watchers paradise, with nearly 150 species identified on the property. There are 27 miles of marked hiking trails, a playground, volleyball courts and and athletic field.  The park is connected to the Suncoast Trail, and backcountry, equestrain and car camping is available. More information and camping reservations are available here.

The Pasco County Parks and Recreation Department offers hundreds of acres to explore in the gorgeous spring sunshine:

• , offers ball fields and a playground to monkey around on, as well as ongoing classes and events. The will be held there Saturday, April 7.

• , 3032 Collier Parkway, has more than 79 acres to roam, with several baseball, football, and soccer fields, as well as tennis and basketball courts. Shelters are available for parties or picnics.

• Crews Lake Park in nearby Spring Hill offers an observation tower, bird houses, bike path, nature trails, botanical garden, large playground, outdoor ampitheater and primitive camping. Pavilion and shelter rentals are available; call 727-861-3033 to make a reservation. Check out the website for more information.

Pack a backpack with binoculars, sketch pads, scavenger hunt lists, trail mix (heavy on the M&Ms, please) and anything else you can think of to turn your day at the park into an adventure, depending on your children's ages. Or ignore their ages and pack what makes it fun for you and let them groan about how immature you are—secretly, they'll think you're the most fun parent ever. At least that's what I tell myself.