Spring training is upon us! You know what that means: training camps (and events) are popping up all over the place. So, what activities should you plan to experience some extra fun during spring training? Here's a list of some fun things to do while in town for spring training and beyond!
Tour The Training Facilities
If you are going to be in Southwest Florida for the Spring Training events, there is no better time to visit the training facilities. Find out where your team or favorite baseball star will be practicing:- Tampa Bay Rays at Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte
- Boston Red Sox at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers
- Minnesota Twins at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers
- Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota
- Atlanta Braves at CoolToday Park in North Port in Sarasota
- Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM Park in Bradenton
- Toronto Blue Jays at the TD Ballpark in Dunedin
- Philadelphia Phillies at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater
- New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa
These training facilities are most active this time of year and host various events for loyal fans who have traveled to Florida just for spring training. You will be able to see your favorite players start their training routines to get warmed up for the upcoming season.
Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf
Everybody loves a good game of mini golf—so, while you are waiting for the big games, why not take the family for an outing? Smugglers Cove locations are all over the South Florida map, including Bradenton, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Indian Shores, and Madeira Beach.
Smugglers Cove is an adventure-style mini golf course that's not only pirate-themed but has a live alligator habitat where you can feed baby alligators. Every one of the Smugglers Cove locations has a unique course design that includes caves, waterfalls, and pirate ships, giving you and your family a one-of-a-kind adventure. Make your trip to Florida's southwest coast even more fun and memorable at Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf!
Museums & Attractions
If you've ever been to Florida, you know there are amazing exhibitions all over Southwest Florida. Bradenton, Sarasota, and Fort Myers are just a few cities where you can find art, science, and nature museums that the whole family will enjoy. Here are just a few suggestions for your next visit:
- Fort Myers: Edison and Ford Winter Estates, IMAG History & Science Center, Panther National Wildlife Refuge
- Sarasota: The Ringling Museum of Art, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, Jungle Gardens, Marietta-Museum of Art & Whimsy
- Bradenton: Manatee Village Historical Park, The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
- St. Petersburg/Largo: The Dali Museum, Imagine Museum, Florida Botanical Gardens
Beaches
You can't visit Florida without hitting the beaches, especially in the spring! With warm (but not too hot) and consistently sunny weather, this is the best time of year to enjoy a fantastic view of the ocean or try out your favorite watersport. There are so many beaches to choose from, but here are a few that we would suggest:
- Bunche Beach Preserve
- Fort Myers Beach
- Longboat Key
- Siesta Key
- Anna Maria Island
- Indian Shores
- Madeira Beach
- Treasure Island Beach
- St. Pete Beach
- Clearwater Beach
- Sanibel
Try Out A New Restaurant
While you are in town for spring training, it might be a great time to make a reservation and enjoy a meal at one of the many family-friendly restaurants. Before you head out, though, you are going to want to make sure tables are available and book your reservation if needed to ensure you get in.
Since you are probably traveling, you might want to have a more adventurous dining experience. If your family is looking forward to a seafood dinner, then you might want to visit Dry Dock Waterfront Grill. For something a little more relaxed, and fun, you can visit Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grill, with locations in Fort Myers Beach, St Pete, and Sanibel, for great food, live music, and salty breezes. If you’re in Sarasota, treat yourself to some old Florida vibes at Owen’s Fish Camp serving up the freshest seafood, classic southern sides, and craft beer and wine. Right up the road from The Pittsburg Pirates Training Camp is Motorworks Brewing, crafting award-winning beer, delicious food, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Related Blog: A Guide to Hidden Gems and Local Favorites: Plan Your Family Trip to Southwest Florida
Don’t miss a moment of the pre-season schedule to see your favorite teams and players. Visit the links in this article for more information on each of the team’s roster and event schedules. Then, grab the coupon below and head to Smugglers Cove before or after the games and make the fun last all day! Each course is open every day from 9 am – 11 pm.
