PLANT CITY. Popular with canoeists who cruise the Alafia River, this 1141-acre park offers activities that reach beyond the banks of the river. You'll also find paths to bike or walk on, and a boardwalk system invites views of the local flora and fauna. Picnic areas along the water provide a quiet resting spot for those wanting to escape the city and take in the area's natural beauty.

THONOTOSASSA. For a first-hand glimpse of life along the Hillsborough River, these canoe tours are ideal. You can cruise with or without the benefit of a guide and can also choose the length of your excursion ­ from two hours to a whole day. If you'd rather try out a kayak, those are available too. Along with the lush vegetation and flowering plants, you're likely to encounter herons, alligators, deer, wild pigs, otters and a variety of smaller birds and animals. The tours provide unparalleled views of nature and also tread very lightly on the habitats of riverside residents.

THONOTOSASSA. Throughout the year, this park is filled with lush vegetation and a wide variety of nature's inhabitants. At any one time, you're likely to spot delicate wildflowers and blooming shrubs, along with frogs, birds, armadillos and maybe even a wild pig or bobcat. (Remember: They're more frightened of you than you are of them.) When the weather cooperates, outdoor enthusiasts flock to the park to jog, bike and roller blade along the paved trails. The paths at Flatwoods also connect to those at other parks to comprise a 20-mile route through populated and natural areas of the city.

THONOTOSASSA. Twelve miles north of the city, this 3000-acre park winds alongside the Hillsborough River and offers a variety of landscapes, including swamps and pine woodlands. Marked trails provide paths for jogging, biking and sightseeing. There are also facilities for camping, boating, fishing and swimming. Open since 1938, this expansive preserve is one of the area's favorites and a great getaway for city residents.

LITHIA. This 300-acre park provides a refreshing break from the beach. It contains one of the area's few freshwater springs, which maintains a water temperature of 72 degrees year-round and attracts swimmers who want a change from seawater. Located along the Alafia River, the park also features changing rooms, camping facilities, barbecue grills and walking trails.