Town 'n' Country, FL Outdoor Activities
Recommended Outdoor Activities by Groupon Customers
Before coming to America in 1970, young Armando Gort would wander the countryside of Cuba to watch the horses and dream of the day when he would finally own his own horse ranch. After coming to the states and finding his footing, his dream became a reality in 1994. Today, at HorsePower for Kids, Armando lets children with similar dreams or a simple love for horses join him in his fascination for the majestic animal. He also organizes riding and educational programs specifically for inner-city kids and at-risk children. This all takes place on a farm surrounded by Old Tampa Bay wilderness, where children from all walks of life can ride ponies and horses during trail rides and lessons. Alpacas, hogs, lemurs, and baby deer, also call the ranch home, occasionally making themselves available for petting and or high-hooves.
Atlantis V Charters donates all of its proceeds to a foundation for youth sailing, which leads free sailing lessons for children. Similarly, the company's captains and crew volunteer their time and refuse payment. Instead, the expert sailors profit from fostering awareness of the ocean's beauty, wildlife, and resources. They welcome passengers aboard a 45-foot classic world-cruising sailing yacht; half- or all-day charters and short sunset tours are available. During these journeys, the captains answer questions and teach passengers about the dolphins that frequently swim alongside the boat. Using a dinghy, the crew also takes passengers around Anclote Island. If weather permits, they walk across sandy beaches, view an 1887 lighthouse, and discover underwater habitats using snorkeling gear.
To reap nature’s bounty, the company also leads fishing trips aboard a 20-foot Proline fishing boat. With all the necessary bait and tackle, a wildlife instructor teaches beginners the basics of baiting and casting, while helping more experienced fishermen reel in their catches and enjoy the water.
For more than two decades, Pam Roush has been hosre-training equivalent of a Harvard professor. Her alumni regularly accumulate blue ribbons, awards, and credits such as the UPHA Chapter 16's "Horse of the Year" award. Notable former students include CH My Heart, Top Star Willie, and Galahad's Gold Mine, which all received the "Best of Breed" honor from Saddle and Bridle after spending time under her tutelage.
On Avalon Stables’ 30 acres of open pastures, Pam and her assistant trainers provide boarding and training services for horses, as well as lessons for riders of all ages. They address individual riding goals during private lessons, encourage camaraderie through group lessons, and introduce to riding at children's camps, where kids bond with horses that tell ghost stories.
When you think about things to do in Tampa, outdoor ice-skating is usually not usually the first thing that comes to mind. But you can experience this quintessential winter activity at Tampa’s Downtown on Ice, the city’s only outdoor ice rink. Here, skaters can practice ice-hockey moves, figure-skating leaps, and carving the alphabet in cursive. The rink is part of Friends of Tampa Recreation, an organization that leads several activities, such as youth arts and crafts programs, sports leagues, and field trips for seniors.
Andres Kerllenevich began flying helicopters as a hobby while making a living as a lawyer. As time passed, he earned his license and left to fly tours over Alaska and New York City. He eventually settled in St. Augustine, the historical city where his wife fondly remembered vacationing as a child. Now, five other FAA-certified pilots join him in leading tours over the coastal castles, historic lighthouses and colleges, and vibrant downtown areas of St. Augustine and Tampa.
At the helm of Robinson R44 helicopters, the pilots soar at heights of up to 1,500 feet past Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, Porpoise Point, and the towering red cross at the Mission of Nombre de Dios. They also guide tours above Tampa Bay, the Tampa Bay Times Forum, and the Florida Aquarium, while granting passengers glimpses of coastline populated by bottlenose dolphins. Pilots have also orchestrated aerial marriage proposals, during which the groom-to-be points out his question written on the beach or on a rooftop sign. The tours grant a bird's-eye view for photography and videography sessions.
