There's an easy way to try fun, cheap or free events for families in Tampa Bay this fall. Whether you know your way around the outdoors or consider yourself a nature novice, it's the best time of year to enjoy all that the environment has to offer. Guided outdoor adventure company iTREKKERS has launched a series of free events for families around the Bay area, along with low-cost classes and lessons in everything outdoors. Save the date for a FREE family-friendly event the weekend of October 21st, wheniTREKKERScaptains and guides will host Play Outside! FREE Family Friendly Demo Day at Seaplane Basin Park on Davis Island.
RSVP to save your seat at upcoming events - space is limited!
Other recurring free educational opportunities, low-cost classes, and cheap events for kids and families in Tampa and St. Petersburg include:
1. Local Tampa and St. Petersburg markets.
Professional fishing boat captains, camping, and paddleboard or kayak guides are present to answer questions, provide demonstrations, discuss gear, and even offer quick tutorials and free on-the-spot lessons. They'll also have some swag on hand - spin the wheel for your chance to win cool gear!
Look foriTREKKERSguides and the bright blue signs at the Ybor City Saturday Market or the Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market, with more locations coming soon!
2. Introductory lessons.
Most introductory lessons from iTREKKERS are $5-$10, with some free exceptions.
Fishing: Learn how to fish from pro captains who have decades of experience on Tampa Bay. This is the class for someone who is a novice fisherman or woman. No experience is encouraged in this case! Get personalized instructions in fishing basics, such as how to hold and cast your fishing rod, how to hook and fight a fish, and how to reel a fish in. Find out what kind of bait is best, what kind of fish you're likely to catch in Tampa Bay, and which catch you can keep and eat.
SUP: Get instructions in paddleboarding from a pro guide, who will walk you through everything from selecting the proper paddle length to stand up paddling on the water. If you have ever been curious about what is involved in stand up paddle boarding, this low-cost lesson is a great way to get your toes wet. Lessons are offered several times a week at locations throughout Tampa and St. Pete.
Camping: Take the kids out to the park to learn about camping basics. Ask a pro guide about what should be on your camping checklist, learn how to select the right ground to pitch your tent, build a tent with your instructor's guidance, and reward your hard work with a perfectly cooked campfire s'more. For only $5, an afternoon at the park - hammocks and camp chairs included - is a great way to unwind on a weekday and might even inspire some weekend plans.
3. Tours
Already know how to fish or SUP? Perfected your tent-pitching skills? Take it to the next level (and bring along a friend or two). Tours are slightly more than classes but still very reasonable prices, which range from around $30-$60. You can:
Take a two-hour Intro to Boat Fishing charter with a pro captain.
Head to a campsite for a brief stay under the stars.
Embark on a paddle tour of one of Florida's most beautiful and extensive protected mangrove systems, where you'll get a chance to enjoy wildlife, scenery, and exercise.
Enjoy a boating eco-tour.
Try a paddle fishing trip.
Want to try something that isn't on the event calendar, or interested in an event but unable to attend? Let iTREKKERS know! Email info@itrekkers.com or call 1-844-468-8735 to request a class time.
"This is our way of giving back to the community," explains iTREKKERS founder Tom Mulliez. "Getting families and friends outside, hands-on making memories and learning new skills - that's our goal."
Mulliez encourages families with children to register for these free or low-cost local events in Tampa Bay. "If we can teach kids about the outdoors from a young age, hopefully, we can inspire them to care about the environment, and want to spend time outside in nature. It's good for your health; it helps you recharge. There are many benefits to being outside, and we want to share them with our community. Come check out an event, and bring the family!"
Sign up for a free weekly newsletter full of local outdoor events or visit the iTREKKERS Eventbrite page to see all upcoming events.
If you're looking for more Things to Do in Tampa Bay, connect with us at 813area or 727area for Events and more!
