The first Saturday of every month is National Play Outside Day, which is the perfect excuse to get the family away from screens and indulge in some healthy outdoor playtime.
Play is good for us, and while it comes naturally to many, some may need a little inspiration, so we’re happy to present some great play ideas for outdoor fun in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach.
Since Our Best Side is Outside (#BestSideOutside), we’re the perfect spot to honor the day and start a good habit of unwinding and enjoying the great outdoors, at least once a month.
Sand and Surf
Fall, with its cooler weather but still-warm water, is the perfect time of year to take advantage of a trip to one of our beautiful beaches. Swim, sun yourself, skim board or surf, fish, hunt for fossilized shark teeth and beautiful shells, or take a sand walk to work up an appetite then satisfy it at one of our amazing beach restaurants.
Flora and Fauna
There are over 70 parks and nature preserves in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, so whether you’re looking to fly a kite or have a picnic on well-manicured grass, or you want to hike natural terrain and wildlife-watch or paddle Blueway Trails, you’re covered.
Fun and Games
Family outdoor games are fun for all, so challenge your group to a volley ball game or a cornhole match at TT’s Tiki Bar, a magical and musical place right on the waters of the Peace River as it meets Charlotte Harbor. Grab a bite and a drink afterward then enjoy the sky show: TT’s is one of the top ten sunset watching spots in our area.
Our Parks also feature many fun and creative playgrounds, which means all kinds of outdoor adventure for kids. For adults, there are sport fields, pickleball and tennis courts, and more. Three of our parks also have pools with Saturday public swimming hours: Port Charlotte Beach Park, Ann & Chuck Dever Regional Park, and South County Regional Park.
Boats and Floats
There are many ways to get out on the water in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach. Boats of all sizes, from a 6-seat floating tiki bar to a 140-seat cruising vessel to a sailing yacht—and everything in between—offer sunset, eco, and history tours, and fishing expeditions of all kinds.
You can also rent your own boat, kayak, standup paddleboard, or jet ski and explore the area at your leisure, or take guided tours to learn more about the area…and how to standup paddleboard, if needed.
No matter how (or when) you decide to play outside in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, you’re sure to have a great time with any of these healthy outdoor activity ideas. For even more fun, tag your outdoor play time photos with #BestSideOutside and you may show up on our website!
