Blake Walsh

15 Free Things to Do in Spring Hill, FL

  • Published 2022/12/10

Neither a town nor a city, Spring Hill is a census-designated place within Florida’s Nature Coast region.

It’s a cozy destination with many outdoor attractions, whether natural or man-made.

Established in 1967, the area was developed as a planned community in Hernando County.

The Mackle Brothers and Deltona Corporation used aggressive marketing strategies to sell the city’s land and turn it into a residential area.

While they failed to transform Spring Hill into a town or city, the community was still successfully established.

If you’re on a budget, don’t let that stop you from taking a trip to this beautiful location.

Spring Hill and its nearby communities have loads of free attractions.

Here are the top free things to do in Spring Hill, Florida.

See Beautiful Flowers in Nature Coast Botanical Gardens and Nursery

Signage of Nature Coast Botanical Gardens and Nursery

Richard Elzey, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Check out Nature Coast Botanical Gardens and Nursery, one of the most beautiful spots in this census-designated community.

It is a natural oasis with different terrains and plantations.

It features butterfly and native plant gardens and rose and tea gardens.

It all started with a tiny plot of land that some people used as a nursery to sell and earn money publicly.

With the help of Hernando County, they were given funds to expand their plantation and craft a flowery wonderland.

Now it’s a highly coveted spot for relaxation and sightseeing!

You can find Nature Coast Botanical Gardens and Nursery along Parker Avenue.

Enjoy the Facilities at Veterans Memorial Park

While on a budget, one of the best places you can visit is the local parks.

Veterans Memorial Park offers sweeping scenery amid a tranquil, laid-back atmosphere.

It spans about 21 acres, featuring a broad assortment of facilities and amenities that the public can freely use.

This includes multipurpose fields, designated areas for sports, restrooms, grills, and more.

Children will also enjoy the vibrant-colored structures of the park’s sturdy playground.

Veterans Memorial Park also has a paved walking trail, offering the best views.

The park is located at Spring Hill Drive.

Learn Local History at Bayport Park

Scenic sunset at Bayport Park

Stephen from Tampa Bay, Florida, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Along Cortez Boulevard, you’ll find Bayport Park.

It’s a historic park that has been a community staple since the 1950s.

It features informative markers that discuss the park’s history.

There are also picnic areas, boat ramp launches, and an elevated boardwalk.

It’s also situated right along the Weeki Wachee River, offering lovely views and ample opportunities for water recreation.

Bayport Park is also ideal for watching the sunset!

You can also spend time with your fellow travelers through picnics, sports, and other available activities.

Explore Diverse Terrains in the Weekiwachee Preserve

The Weekiwachee Preserve is a splendid choice for unique views of diverse nature.

At Osowaw Boulevard, this natural preserve spans about 11,000 acres of scenic land within Hernando County.

It’s one of the lands designated with a need for conservation because of its rich assortment of terrains.

This includes picturesque riverfronts, dense hardwood swamps, saltwater marshes, and pine-covered hills.

The Weekiwachee Preserve is a habitat for Florida’s common and rare animal species.

See local wildlife, hike gorgeous trails, or enjoy a picnic within the preserve.

See Manatees at Linda Pedersen Park

Observation area at Linda Pedersen Park

Sunshower Shots / Shutterstock.com

Linda Pedersen Park is a tranquil park that offers a spacious venue for fishing and boating.

At Shoal Line Boulevard, this park is a popular place to see adorable manatees swimming in the water.

If you’re lucky, you might see the cute creatures!

A lookout tower also offers sweeping views of the park’s upland terrains and natural surroundings.

Play area at Linda Pedersen Park

DanTD, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hiking trails are prime spots for adventure and exploration in Linda Pedersen Park.

Those after an outdoor recreation should try visiting this park since it’s filled with stunning sights and miles of walkable terrain.

It also offers a tranquil reprieve.

Admire the Collection in Art 4 Art

Art 4 Art doubles as a cozy art gallery promoting home decor products.

At Deltona Boulevard Suite, you can treat your eyes to beautifully painted artworks of various styles and themes.

Most of their items are paintings, but there are also a few sculptures.

You don’t need to buy their home decor to admire the works of local and regional talents!

Anyone who appreciates the arts can enjoy the curated pieces of this local gallery in Florida.

If interested, don’t hesitate to drop by Art 4 Art!

Take Pictures with the Spring Hill Pink Dinosaur

View of Spring Hill Pink Dinosaur

Sunshower Shots / Shutterstock.com

The Spring Hill Pink Dinosaur has become an iconic road stop along Commercial Way.

This sculpture is exactly what it sounds like—a bright pink dinosaur positioned at the side of the road, measuring 22 feet high and 58 feet long.

The Spring Hill Pink Dinosaur can be traced back to 1962, made through the dedication of a man named Jacob Foxbower.

While Foxbower is gone today, the new owners of the eye-catching dinosaur have tried to keep it in pristine condition.

Guests usually stop by on their way to other places to take pictures of the famous sculpture.

See it for yourself at Commercial Way!

Let Your Dogs Loose at Rotary Centennial Dog Park

If you’re traveling with your beloved furry friend, treat them to a day out at the Rotary Centennial Dog Park.

At Sandlor Street, this place is a haven for dogs!

It spans eight acres, with an additional three acres solely dedicated to dogs.

At the Rotary Centennial Dog Park, there’s no need to put on leashes for your dogs.

They can freely explore areas filled with sweeping greens, dense trees, and challenging obstacle courses.

The park is divided according to the weight of your dogs for your pet’s general safety.

Your dogs can also get the chance to mingle with other companions and meet new friends!

ExploreJenkins Creek Park

Entryway to Jenkins Creek Park

DanTD, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

While it’s not the largest park in the area, Jenkins Creek Park takes pride in its subtle charm.

This park boasts natural freshwater springs and waterways that lead to the Gulf of Mexico.

It’s also home to leisure facilities like picnic tables, grills, and a public pavilion.

There’s a boating dock that you can use to launch kayaks and boats for water recreation conveniently.

Observation tower at Jenkins Creek Park

DanTD, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Jenkins Creek Park is perfect for those who need a few moments to relax and unwind in a serene environment.

You can find the place along Shoal Line Boulevard.

It’s closely connected to Linda Pedersen Park, so you can also drop by that venue afterward!

Note, though, that the park has parking fees.

Hear the Sounds of the Whimsical Wind Chime Tree

If Paris has a “lover’s bridge” where couples put locks to symbolize their love, Florida has the Whimsical Wind Chime Tree.

At Suncoast Trail, this sturdy oak tree is adorned with soothing wind chimes, added in by volunteers and guests.

Each gust of wind offers an array of melodious notes from its different accessories.

It aims to bring a child-like wonderment to its visitors!

When you visit, you can stand close to the tree, close your eyes, and immerse in the sounds that the tree’s chimes emit.

It’s a wonderful experience that you can enjoy, especially amid serene surroundings.

You can also put your own wind chime in the Whimsical Wind Chime Tree.

Check out the Boardwalk at the Crews Lake Wilderness Park

Boardwalk at Crews Lake Wilderness Park

Lynda McFaul / Shutterstock.com

Along the lengths of Crews Lake Drive, you can discover the Crews Lake Wilderness Park.

The park covers about 100 acres of the scenic lake, providing a beautiful backdrop of its azure waters.

There’s a combination of marked and unmarked trails, each featuring woodland terrains.

Picnic area at Crews Lake Wilderness Park

Lynda McFaul / Shutterstock.com

It’s a literal trip into the woods though you get the benefit of walking on paved trails rather than muddy soil.

Its amenities include a playground, a boat ramp, and a wooden boardwalk that ventures into the water.

A puppy running on the Crews Lake Wilderness Park boardwalk

Lynda McFaul / Shutterstock.com

The Crews Lake Wilderness Park offers a reprieve for those looking for a tranquil setting.

Hiking trail along the Crews Lake Wilderness Park

Lynda McFaul / Shutterstock.com

Skate through the Obstacles at Pioneer Park

Located along Pinehurst Drive, you can discover the cool structures of Pioneer Park.

This seven-acre park offers challenges for skaters of varying skill levels.

It has several ramps and steps that skaters can use to slide their boards and test their expertise in the sport.

It’s also home to other convenient facilities such as horseshoe pits, basketball courts, picnic tables, and a well-structured playground.

Even if you aren’t interested in skating, there are other activities you can enjoy at Pioneer Park.

Make sure to drop by and experience what the park has to offer!

See Dolphins at Alfred McKethan Pine Island Park

Hammock at Alfred McKethan Pine Island Park

Feng Cheng / Shutterstock.com

Alfredo McKethan Pine Island Park sets itself apart from other regional parks with its focus on wildlife.

This venue also features a small beach with soft sand and swimmable waters!

At Pine Island Drive, it’s the perfect spot to lie down on the sand and wait for the vibrant sun to set.

Marine wildlife is also abundant in Alfred McKethan Pine Island Park.

People relaxing at Alfred McKethan Pine Island Park

Linda White Wolf / Shutterstock.com

Many visitors have reported seeing dolphins and stingrays in the bay an horseshoe crabs on the sand.

The park is not just about picturesque lands and trees but also about the animals that call it their home.

Meet some of them as you venture into Pine Island Drive.

Take note that the park has parking fees.

An old couple enjoying the ocean view at Alfred McKethan Pine Island Park

Feng Cheng / Shutterstock.com

Other Things to Do Nearby

Get Lost in the Withlacoochee State Forest

River flowing through the Withlacoochee State Forest

kim bowman / Shutterstock.com

A mystical woodland paradise can be found at the Withlacoochee State Forest.

It’s located in Brooksville, 20 minutes from Spring Hill.

As the country’s third-largest state forest, this place offers various attractions and activities, especially for outdoor enthusiasts.

It’s a natural gem with its dense hiking trails and woodland critters.

Pine trees at Withlacoochee State Forest

kim bowman / Shutterstock.com

It’s a protected area to ensure that the animals can freely thrive in their natural habitats.

Withlacoochee State Forest also has outstanding water and land recreational opportunities, attracting regional visitors.

Dames cave at Withlacoochee State Forest

Julie rubacha / Shutterstock.com

Meet Farm Animals at JG Ranch

Get a glimpse of the farmer’s lifestyle in JG Ranch at Wiscon Road.

Located in Brooksville, this ranch is accessible for free if you just want to look around the farm.

It features acres of beautiful plantations and friendly farm animals.

It’s a great opportunity to see the rural side of Brooksville and maybe meet the friendly staff and owners.

JG Ranch is less than 20 minutes away from Spring Hill, so it won’t be too far of a trip!

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to break the bank for a splendid time in Spring Hill.

It’s home to many natural destinations, parks, and other venues you can explore.

Try these free things to do in Spring Hill, Florida, to make the most of your trip!

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