Nestled along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Englewood stands out as one of the best coastal towns for families because of its beautiful beaches, abundance of outdoor activities, and family-friendly environment. In this article, we’ll show you the popular destinations as well as the lesser-known spots that make Englewood a haven for family fun.
See the list of fun family things to do in Englewood, FL below.
Table of Contents
Beaches
Englewood is home to several family-friendly beaches that offer a wide variety of activities. Check out these seaside destinations below:
- Stump Pass Beach State Park. Located at the southern tip of Manasota Key, Stump Pass Beach State Park is a secluded beach that remains unspoiled despite the years it’s been open to the public. Known for its natural beauty and abundant wildlife, families can go kayaking, and bird watching here. Stump Pass Park is also a top destination for shelling, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to find seashells of various shapes, sizes, and colors. Swimming and fishing are the two most popular activities at Stump Pass Beach, however. The waters off the coast are rich with marine life. On the one hand, you can be an observer with your snorkeling or scuba diving gear. Or you can test your mettle and patience by trying to hook and reel in flounder, snapper, tarpon, sheepshead, and trout. Some anglers may be required to have a fishing license, but everyone must follow the specific regulations of the park regarding the size, number, and way of catching fish. For more activities to do on land, Stump Pass Park also has a 1.3-mile hiking trail that goes through all of the natural habitats in the park. During your hike, you can spot a variety of flora and fauna such as ospreys, fiddler crabs, and prickly pear cacti.
- Manasota Beach. Also located in Manasota Key, Manasota Key Beach is another coastal spot for relaxation and family fun. The beach boasts crystal-clear waters and an abundance of marine life, making it an exciting beach destination for the whole family. Like Stump Pass Park, Manasota Key Beach is a well-known spot for shelling. Manasota Beach is not just an incredible destination for water activities, but it is also a great spot for having a picnic with the family. The beach has covered picnic areas scattered throughout, with each one having its set of tables and grills. The beach is one of the first you’ll see coming from north Englewood; parking is available and free. If you’re bringing a boat, Manasota Beach also has a boat ramp and a dedicated parking space for vehicles with attached watercraft.
- Blind Pass Beach. Known to locals as Middle Beach, Blind Pass Beach is a hidden gem that covers nearly 3,000 feet along the gulf’s shores. If you’re looking to enjoy a quiet and relaxing day by the sea, this unspoiled beach is a great spot to bring the family to. One of the highlights of being in Blind Beach is the many shelling and shark tooth hunting opportunities. Since the shoreline is full of shells, minerals, and stones, it’s easy to spend hours combing the beach for something unique. Both Manasota Beach and Englewood Beach are also located on either side of Blind Pass if you and your family want a longer beachcombing session. While the amenities at Blind Pass Beach are limited, there is plenty of free parking available, along with picnic tables, restrooms, and outdoor showers. Do bring ample food and refreshments along with your beach essentials.
- Englewood Beach. Busy, centrally located, and well-equipped with amenities best describe Englewood Beach, the town’s main coastal attraction. It attracts everyone, from young children and their parents to silver-haired snowbirds. A 900-meter boardwalk takes visitors from the parking area and over beach vegetation to the wide, sandy beach, where fishing, picnicking, and other recreational activities are allowed. Englewood Beach is also a spot to frequent for those who are in the mood for oceanfront dining. Some of the restaurants in the area include White Elephant Pub, The Waverly Restaurant and Bar, and Sandbar Tiki and Grille.
Parks and Playgrounds
For more fun and adventure, you can never go wrong with the parks and playgrounds in Englewood, FL. Plan a memorable family outing with these places in mind:
- Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center. Lemon Bay Park is a picturesque nature preserve that has plenty of amenities for families to enjoy. The 210-acre park, which is located along the shores of Lemon Bay, has 1.7 miles of shoreline and a diverse ecosystem. Apart from the nature views, Lemon Bay Park offers an educational experience. Here, you can learn more about its black mangrove forest, join guided nature walks, and take educational classes.
- Ann Dever Memorial Regional Park. Once known as the Oyster Creek Regional Park, Ann Dever Memorial Regional Park is an expansive outdoor area that’s filled to the brim with family-friendly outdoor recreational options. Out of the 315.6 acres covered by the park, only 50 acres is allowed for active use while the rest is designated as environmental land. Ann Dever Park is home to a recreation center with a multi-purpose gymnasium, a heated swimming pool, and a playground. The main feature of Ann Dever Park is the Oyster Creek Waterfront Trail, which connects to the Cedar Point Environmental Park. Being on this scenic trail lets you spot various flora and fauna and see what Oyster Creek is like below State Road 775.
- Indian Mound Park. Indian Mound Park may be small in size, but it offers plenty of charm and character. The park was once a historic Indian Mound site– hence its name– and was inhabited by Native Americans long ago for its many resources in water and on land. Now, Indian Mound Park is a popular spot for watching the sunset and enjoying the scenery. Although the beach may not be as expansive as its neighbors along the coast, it offers a quiet retreat away from the noise. Indian Mound Park is a go-to place for boating enthusiasts as well. The park is home to four well-maintained boat ramps and ample trailer parking.
Recreation Centers
Englewood has its own state-of-the-art sports complex, complete with various sports fields and recreational amenities that can accommodate residents and visitors of all ages. Covering 136 acres, the Englewood Sports Complex is an excellent facility for families looking to stay active together. The complex is home to multiple sports and courts, such as soccer fields, baseball fields, football fields, and tennis courts.
Apart from its sports facilities, the complex offers a variety of recreational amenities for the whole family. Kids will love being in the complex’s large playground while parents can take advantage of its walking and jogging trails. The Englewood Sports Complex also has a dog park, making it a great recreational destination for families with four-legged friends.
Shopping and Dining
There’s plenty to explore and enjoy in Englewood when shopping and dining with the family. For instance, there’s the Englewood Farmers Market. Held every Thursday at the Pioneer Plaza from October to May, the Englewood Farmers Market has the best of what the region has to offer, from farm-fresh fruits to baked goods and handmade crafts.
Englewood is also home to a variety of specialty shops, selling everything from unique gifts to themed items. A Coastal Emporium sells a wide array of beach-inspired decors, gifts, and souvenirs. When you stroll through the store, it’s impossible to leave empty-handed.
Being in a coastal community like Englewood means embracing the beach lifestyle to the fullest. Barefoot Trader, Inc has everything you and your family need for the sun, sand, and the surf. The shop has all kinds of swimwear, beach gear, and other beach-related accessories.
And if you’re looking for a bite to eat after shopping, Englewood has a wide selection of restaurants that you can choose from, including:
- Nicola’s Italian Kitchen. When you eat in Nicola’s Italian Kitchen, you are made to feel right at home. In Nicola’s, every dish is a celebration of authentic Italian flavors, from their chicken parmigiana to their meatball subs. The restaurant is a favorite in Englewood for its delicious food, great atmosphere, and excellent service.
- Englewood’s on Dearborn. Located along Dearborn Street, Englewood’s on Dearborn is a popular dining destination that offers Southern-inspired dishes. The restaurant has something for everyone to enjoy, starting from classic comfort food to seafood dishes. Englewood’s on Dearborn also brings in a live band every other night.
- Farlow’s on the Water. Have a tropical dining experience with the family at Farlow’s on the Water. This picturesque waterfront restaurant offers stunning views of Lemon Bay and a large menu of delicious seafood dishes. Some of the most popular items in the restaurant are their hog fish special, stuffed tripletail, and coconut risotto.
- A Better Scoop. The best place to get dessert in Englewood is at A Better Scoop, a well-known ice cream destination in the community. Whether you’re craving a classic scoop of chocolate ice cream or something different like pumpkin caramel cheesecake ice cream, be sure to stop by for a sweet treat.
Community Events
Aside from its beautiful beaches, top-notch facilities, and unique shopping and dining spots, Englewood also has a variety of community events and festivals that you can attend with the rest of your family. These include:
- Englewood Beach Waterfest. There’s no better way to celebrate the community’s love of all things water than at the Englewood Beach Waterfest, which is typically held mid-November throughout various locations in Englewood. Named by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of the Signature Events of the Southeast, this annual event features an lineup of activities and events for all ages. Englewood Beach Waterfest’s main event is the OPA Racing (Offshore Powerboat Association) World Championships, which has more than 75 boats going at a speed of 150 miles per hour. Aside from the exciting races and demonstrations, Englewood Beach Waterfest also features live music entertainment and food vendors serving delicious local cuisine and their signature seafood dishes.
- Englewood Seafood & Music Festival. The Englewood Seafood & Music Festival is a must-attend event for seafood lovers, music enthusiasts, and families. Held every first week of February at Pioneer Park, this annual festival is a three-day event that offers food, music, and activities for all ages. The heart of the Englewood Seafood & Music Festival is the diverse selection of seafood dishes on offer, all of which are prepared on-site by participating local chefs and restaurants. And while you’re savoring the delicious food, you’ll also be treated to an impressive musical lineup of Florida’s top bands. Admission to the Englewood Seafood & Music Festival is free.
- 4th of July Fireworks. Hosted by the Lemon Bay Sunrise Rotary Club, the 4th of July Fireworks Show is a spectacular fireworks display that should not be missed. This highly-anticipated event kicks off with live music and entertainment and ends with a stunning display of fireworks. There are plenty of places to watch Englewood’s 4th of July Fireworks. Since the fireworks will come from Blind Pass Beach, the best spots are on Dearborn Street, Middle Beach, and Indian Mound Park.
- Halloween Safewalk on Dearborn. Englewood’s Halloween Safewalk is a beloved tradition in the community that allows residents of all ages to celebrate the holiday in a fun and safe environment. Held in downtown Englewood on Halloween night, the community closes Dearborn Street early to create a pedestrian-friendly space. Aside from trick-or-treating, Halloween Safewalk also has costume contests, live music, and plenty of photo opportunities.
- Christmas on Dearborn. Every December, Englewood transforms Dearborn Street into a winter wonderland filled with parades and festive floats, and holiday-themed games. Kids can also enjoy meeting Santa Claus and taking part in the many holiday-themed games. Christmas on Dearborn is typically hosted by the Old Englewood Village Association.
Make Englewood, FL Your Next Home
Searching for the right community in western Florida for your family? Englewood, FL is the perfect choice. With an abundance of beaches, parks, restaurants, and things to do with the family, there’s no doubt that Englewood, FL is the one you’re looking for.
Let our team at Gulf Coast Integrity Group help you find your dream Englewood, FL home. Led by Jason and Tabytha Reck, we are a full-service real estate team committed to our client’s success. We’re passionate about guiding our clients towards their goals and providing exceptional real estate services every step of the way.
Get in touch with us at Gulf Coast Integrity Group by calling 941.539.3746 / 941.626.4518. You may also send an email or contact us here.
