In Pasco County, spring break 2022 is quickly approaching.
Here are some fun things to do locally, with your friends and family:
Giraffe Ranch
Giraffe Ranch, a hidden gem in Dade City, is Florida’s second largest wilderness area that consists of live oaks, orchids, pastures, and wetlands. This family-owned native wildlife preserve offers five kinds of intimate safaris that are led by experienced driver-guides. They also offer drive-thru safaris that allow visitors to stay in their own vehicle and follow a guide while listening to their real time commentary on their FM car radio. The preserve also allows visitors to choose to go on a guided custom safari by camel-back, riding an off-road Segway X2, or by walking with one of the preserves’ llamas.
Throughout the safari, visitors will learn about native and exotic animals and the habitats they live in along with seeing the conservation efforts with endangered species. Each safari, except for the drive thru, includes giraffe feeding. Giraffe Ranch focuses on giving visitors a close-up experience and allows you to go right up to a camel, rhino, Brazilian tapir, and a pygmy hippo.
To book, visit its website. Tours are strictly limited in size to ensure each adventure is safe, fun, and educational for visitors.
Epperson Lagoon
Epperson Lagoon, a first-of-its-kind amenity here in Pasco County, is an enormous 7-acre, 16-million-gallon swimming pool with crystal clear water that stretches the length of five football fields.
Located in Wesley Chapel, the lagoon features sandy beaches, swim-up bars and restaurants built along their shores. Water sports enthusiasts will be thrilled with the Lagoon’s water slides, kayaking docks, snorkeling, paddle boarding and small sailboats. Those wanting quiet conversations and relaxing in the sun will enjoy the Cabana pools.
A day pass is $40/adult and $30/kids and includes access to a tropical beach paradise, swimming in clear, blue water, water slide, family lawn games, beach volleyball, and access to the Sandbar swim-up bar.
For an extra fee, you can enjoy kayaking and/or paddle boarding, challenge yourself to a water obstacle course, and rent a tiki, cabana, aquabana, beach umbrella, or have premium seating in the lagoon’s exclusive cabana cove VIP area.
For more information, go to the Epperson Lagoon website.
Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center
This world-class athletic and wellness center in the heart of Zephyrhills is a 7,400-square-foot facility that offers many options for professional athletes, casual players, or anyone looking to create a healthier lifestyle.
According to the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center website, the facility includes 11 tennis courts, eight pickleball courts, four padel courts, cryotherapy, a salt room, sauna, sports counseling, fitness center, and a restaurant.
Vesh, the restaurant within the facility, is a full-service caterer that has been in business for over 15 years. Vesh is open to the public serving breakfast and lunch along with smoothies, coffee, and alcoholic beverages.
For hours of operation and more information on the different services the facility offers, click here.
Windsong Charters & Boat Rentals
Windsong Charters & Boat Rentals is based in New Port Richey and offers rentals for pontoon boats, kayaks, and canoes. The company also offers captained pontoon charters and Tiki Bar Boat trips.
According to its website, the rental company is open Friday through Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Boating experience is required to rent a boat.
Visit Windsong Charters & Boat Rentals website for more details about reservations.
Joy-Lan Drive-In Theatre
For nearly 70 years, the Joy-Lan Drive-In has given locals a chance to watch outdoor movies on a giant screen.
Joy-Lan Drive-In, which is Pasco County’s last remaining drive-in theater, presents a slice of nostalgia. Music from the ’50s plays as movie-goers pull into the lot and get ready to view the film.
Families can bring snacks, spread out on blankets or settle into their lawn chairs to escape to the world of the movies, under a starry sky. Tickets are $6 for adults, and $2 for kids ages 4 through 9, and are good for two screenings. Screenings are Wednesday through Sunday, with the first movie starting at 8:30 p.m.
Check out our full story on the drive-in theatre here.
Where: 16414 U.S. 301, Dade City; Info: JoyLanDriveIn.com
Old McMicky’s Farm
According to its website, Old McMicky’s Farm brings the beloved tradition of farm life to a new generation. The farm offers the opportunity for people of all ages to interact face-to-face with American farm animals.
In addition to playing with adorable animals, you can enjoy an exciting hayride, explore the farm’s barn maze, milk a cow and so much more.
Old McMicky’s Farm also offers professionally guided farm tours and field trips all year for families, schools, camps, private groups, corporate outings, etc.
Take in the beautiful views of Crescent Lake while eating lunch by the farm’s oak tree-shaded picnic areas.
SunWest Park
SunWest Park is an outdoor sports and recreation park in Hudson, FL that offers visitors a mile-long white sandy beach wrapped around a spring-fed freshwater lake, volleyball courts, concession stands and the Lift Adventure Park. The Lift Adventure Park includes a Sesitec Full Size Cable, System 2.0, and Wibit Aqua Park to visitors looking to enjoy the inflatable aqua park, practice wakeboarding, kayaking, or paddleboarding.
SunWest Park is open daily for family fun on and off the water. Check out the Lift Adventure Park website to reserve your spot.
By Kelli Carmack and Nicole Sanchez
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