Things to Do in Largo Florida
Largo Family Fun Activities, Arts, Parks, and Recreation
Have you wondered where is Largo, Florida? You'll probably not alone. The city is located on the west coast of Florida. Nestled between the cities of Seminole, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Bel Aire, and Tampa, Largo is considered part of the Tampa Bay area, in Pinellas County.
If you've never visited Largo, you're in for a sweet treat. Beautiful sunsets, warm weather, cultural events, water fun, and nature walks await you. On this page, you'll find information on things to do in Largo.
Visit local attractions, parks, and events at Largo Central Park, Largo Cultural Center, George C. McCough Nature Trail, Highland Family Aquatic Center, Pinellas County Heritage Village, Largo Central Railroad, Inc., and other family activities.
You can read the latest news of Largo, Florida, including a variety of activities for families, adults, singles and seniors. If you want to visit, you'll find great hotels and gorgeous weather in Largo Florida.
Largo has its own charm - and it's a completely different city from the "Key Largo" of Bogie and Bacall fame.
Greetings from Largo, Florida Giclee Print
AllPosters.com
Proud member of the Squidoo City Guide
Are you proud of your hometown? Create a Squidoo lens about it! Get started here ~
Join Jennifer on Squidoo
Start today!
Comfort Shoes For Florida Fun
Visit Largo, Florida, and you'll need comfy shoes for exploratory trips on nature trails and long walks on nearby beaches. In the winter months of November, December, January, and February, weather can dip into the 40's at night, so boots are good choices. In June, July, and August days of summer, we have highs in the 90's, and sandals or flip flops are popular with the natives.
Things To Do in Largo Florida
Special Events in Largo Florida
Want to attend a family event or hang out with friends? Largo has something for everyone. Check out Largo's special events, such as Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting, Tampa Bay Buddy Walk, Sunset Sounds Concerts in the park, Train Weekends, Halloween Spooktacular, art shows, theater programs, 4th of July celebration and much more.
Largo Central Park holds many of these family fun activities.
The photo is of the Acrobat Kids, one of many statues throughout the park. Photograph by Jennifer Akers
Find the Fun - Map of Largo Florida Attractions - Highland Aquatic Center, Heritage Village and more
Check out McGough Nature Park, Largo Cultural Center, and Highland Family Aquatic Center for fun and entertainment.
This map will give you an idea of how to plan your outings.
Largo Cultural Center
105 Central Park Dr., Largo, FL 33779
Largo Cultural Center - Shows & Events
Show Times & Tickets
Owned by the City of Largo, the Largo Cultural Center offers over 150 performances in their year round schedule. The Center offers an exciting mix of performances from a variety of artists!
We always try to find time to attend the shows - either for a couple's date or a family event.
Phone: (727)587-6793
Hours: Monday - Friday 10 am - 6 pm; Saturday 10 am - 2 pm
Window service only 1 hour prior to performances, no telephone ticket orders are taken during this time.
Cost: Varies, based on show.
Photograph by Jennifer Akers
George C. McCough Nature Trail
11901 146th Street N, Largo, FL. 33774
McGough Nature Park is located along the Intracoastal Waterway. It includes nature trails, picnic areas and shelters, a playground, restrooms,a butterfly garden, a horned owl enclosure, and a boardwalk.
It's great to discover all the wonder in this park. I also recommend toured nature walks and environmental programs, which are given year round.
Hours: Park Open Daily, 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Center Phone:(727) 518-3047
Pinellas County Heritage Village
11909 125th Street N., Largo, FL. 33774
Heritage Village, first opened in 1977, is home to more than 28 structures. Heritage Village offers visitors the opportunity to tour buildings, inside structures, and grounds. This 'living musuem' hosts structures from the mid-19th century, and of great historic importance to Pinellas County.
Visitors can tour a school, a church, a railroad depot, a sponge warehouse, many homes, and a general store. Visitors will see documents, furniture, groceries, and other 'accessories' typical of the buildings' history.
Among the historic homes, two incredible structures draw visitors: the McMullen-Coachman Log Cabin, the oldest existing structure in Pinellas County, and the must-be-seen Queen Anne-style House of Seven Gables. (pictured here, from Heritage Village).
Heritage Village hosts year round activities and special events. The Village sits within 21 acres of beautiful Pines. Remember to bring your camera and wear comfortable walking shoes.
This isn't just for tourists. Residents frequently visit, as the Village adds to its collection. I've visited with my son's school, and I loved it so much, I planned his cub scout group tour.
It's magical in a way, to see historic houses and their furnishings, the one-room schoolhouse, the log cabin. Far better than only seeing pictures from a history book. I can't imagine anyone visiting and not enjoying these historic buildings.
Heritage Village reminds its visitors of the importance of preserving our history, while providing an educational and fun outing for all.
Phone: (727) 582-2123
Cost: Free Admission! Donations Welcome.
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sunday 1 - 4 p.m.
Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Handicap Accessible: The Visitor Center, the Church, the Harris School, and the Gift Shop are handicap accessible. Wheelchairs are available on a first come, first served basis.
Largo Central Railroad, Inc.
in Largo Central Park
Ride a mini train along 1.2 miles of track within beautiful Largo Central Park. The public is invited. The train runs on the first full weekend of every month, from 10 am to 4 pm. Donations are gratefully accepted, as monies are used to maintain the train.
Our family's gone on the train several times. The train runs within scenic Largo Central Park. We always notice something new on the train ride - new flowers, and one time, we spotted hiding bunnies in the bushes. I'd recommend this for a fun and inexpensive activity. Watch your calendars for the first full weekend of the month.
Hours: First, full weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of every month. 10 am to 4 pm.
Cost: Free, Suggested Donation
The train is run and maintained by Largo Central Railroad, Inc. club members.
Photograph by Jennifer Akers
Highland Family Aquatic Center
400 Highland Avenue, Largo, FL. 33770
Highland Aquatic Center is like a mini water attraction. On the shallow end, kids can climb the built-in jungle gym with attached water guns to squirt swimmers. Kids can safely climb the gym, with a floor that gently slopes to the shallow area, perfect for little swimmers or for parents to sit down and watch the action.
Four twisty slides, of different shapes and lengths, splash swimmers into into the deep end of the pool. The pool is large enough to enjoy swimming, floating, or making laps.
You'll soon learn why this center is highly recommended by Largo residents. With fun, interactive activities around the pool, kids of all ages will find something to love.
Photo by Jennifer Akers
214-foot Corkscrew Water Slide (48-in. height restriction enforced)
3-story Speed Slide(48-in. height restriction enforced)
Play area with sprays, water features, and slide
Water basketball and volleyball
Facilities:
Bath houses with restrooms, family changing area
Chairs and loungers, umbrellas and shaded areas.
Splashes Snack Bar
The Highland Center is a little pricier than other area pools for visitors, but its attraction-like atmosphere is less money than the big attractions while providing a great family experience.
Prices:
$5 - Resident w/Largo card, $6 - Non-Resident w/Largo card, $8 - Guest, no card
20 Punch Pass: $80 - Resident w/Largo card, $100 - Non-Resident w/Largo card
Family Discount Prices: (for up to 10 people)
$12 - Resident w/Largo card, $18 - Non-Resident w/ Largo card, $23 - Guest, no card
Hours:
June 9 through August 18
Monday - Saturday 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, 1:30 to 3:30 pm, 4:00 to 6:00 pm
Sunday 1:30 to 3:30 pm, 4:00 to 6:00 pm
OPEN: Weekends ONLY April 19 - June 8 and August 19 - October 12
Saturday 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, 1:30 to 3:30 pm, 4:00 to 6:00 pm
Sunday 1:30 to 3:30 pm, 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Protect Yourself in the Sun - Apply & Reapply
You might want a Florida tan to brag to your friends back home. But do it the smart way - use sunscreen for your outside activities.
Oh, and the reapplying part? Yeah, you gotta reapply sunscreen because lobster-red skin doesn't scream 'cool'.
No matter the season, sunscreen is the smartest thing you can wear.
DJ & Emcee Services
Largo Entertainment
High Velocity Entertainment is an interactive Mobile DJ & Emcee Service. Run by owner Christina Huebel, High Velocity Entertainment provides music and DJ services for Largo Central Park events, such as the city's huge 4th of July celebration, Halloween, and other special events.
High Velocity Entertainment is also available for:
Wedding ReceptionsHoliday EventsYouth PartiesAnniversariesCorporate EventsSchool FunctionsNeighborhood PartiesOn-Stage PersonalityMs. Heubel is a talented, dynamic woman. Customers rave about her DJ and Emcee services. If you have a corporate, family, or school function and need entertainment, visit the High Velocity site: High Velocity Entertainment
Largo Florida Newspapers and Online News
Get Largo & Pinellas County News with These Newspapers / Magazines
Largo Patch, hyperlocal city website by AOL.com
Largo Leader, Tampa Bay Newspapers
Tampa Bay Times (formerly the St. Petersburg Times)
Accent on Tampa Bay, magazine
Fast Facts about the City of Largo
Where is Largo Florida?
Largo is the third largest city
in Pinellas County, Florida.
The Gulf of Mexico shelters Largo and provides its temperate climate. Largo is located on the Pinellas Peninsula and is one of the cities that make up the Tampa Bay area.
Largo's motto - "City of Progress"
Other Interesting Facts:
Population: 71,704 residents.
Largo's Sister City: Tosayamada, Kochi, Japan.
Largo's Land Area: 17 square miles.
Climate: Mild temperatures with average 70's in winter and 80's & 90's in summer.
Rainfall: June, July, August are Largo's rainy season, with recorded rainfalls approximately six inches to eight inches.
Demographics: These might surprise visitors who think all of Florida is made up of retirees --
41.8% are married couples; 38.5% are individuals; 19.3% are individuals 65 years or older.
Median income: $41,523 (for a family).
Photograph by Jennifer Akers
Take A Walk Through Largo Central Park - My Video Walking Tour
Wish you could see what Largo Central Park looked like? It was completely renovated with a brand new playground in 2011, which wasn't built when this video was taken.
It's always been a gorgeous and peaceful place to enjoy the outdoors. Take a virtual stroll along the park's winding paths: admire the beautiful landscapes, the Military Court of Honor, Largo Railroad Station, playground, and the Largo Cultural Center. Enjoy!
Hotels in Largo, Florida - Holiday Inn Express Suites
To book a room at the Holiday Inn Express Suites and Hampton Inn Suites, click on the hotel photo.
The newly built Holiday Inn Express Suites is the perfect place for all your Tampa Bay activities. You'll be a hop-skip and jump away from Largo Central Park, the location for the city's 4th of July celebration. It's the perfect hotel: stay close to all the Tampa Bay activities, beaches, museums, shopping while enjoying the warmth of Largo.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Largo Central Park offers all of the amenities you expect, and much more, to make for an enjoyable, comfortable and affordable stay.
These include comfortable guest rooms and suites with 32" flat panel TV with cable, microwave and refrigerator in all rooms, outdoor pool, fitness center, business center, guest laundry, sundries shop, high speed internet, FREE local calls and FREE Express Start Breakfast. Our hotel is 100% smoke free and pet friendly!
Photos courtesy or Holiday Inn Express
Largo's 4th of July Celebration and World Record Attempt
Let's Do The Twist
The City of Largo celebrated the 4th of July with a world record attempt of dancing to The Twist!
The current record of having the largest number of people twisting in one place was set on April 30, 2004, in England. Largo tried to beat that record number 1,691 participants. Since Largo's 4th of July celebration usually attracts 20,000 people, city leaders were sure that they'll be able to beat the world record.
The city of Largo celebrated its 50th anniversary, just like the 50th anniversary of The Twist. What better way to tie the anniversaries together and make it into The Guinness Book of World Records!
For a little history:Chubby Checker sang his version of The Twist, in 1960. Several hits about The Twist followed. In1962, Joey Dee sang his hit called The Peppermint Twist.
Fantastic news for Largo: Joey Dee lives in Clearwater Florida and headed the 4th of July program.
Registration started at 6 PM on Sunday, July 4.
Participants received a commemorative hat to remember the night. For those with a rusty twist (or those not sure how to twist), instructors were on hand to teach The Twist moves. The participants had to dance five minutes without a break, according to the rules of the Guinness Book of World Records.
Unfortunately, strong lightening storms kept most 4th of July participants at home. For those who braved the wet and stormy conditions, the Twist World Record Attempt continued in the soggy, muddy grass. They didn't have enough people to beat the record, but it was still a fun night for everyone who danced and watched. "C'mon, baby, let's do the twist" was on everyone's mind and feet as they twisted in the drizzle and mud.
