Info about Brandon Florida

Hey BBMom10,

I don't know the Brandon/Tampa Area real well so I can't help you with the fields. Most of Florida is pretty new so they have not planned to many public fields. I know the first time I flew into Chicago I was amazed by how many ball fields I could see from the air. It's not like that here.

The closest College ball will be University of Tampa. They are one of the premier D2 teams in the country. In less than 30 minutes you can be at a couple of others. U of South FL is north of you. There are a couple of JUCO teams not too far either.

As mentioned before, I don't know the area real well but for good hikes, check the state parks. I know Ft. Desoto is pretty cool. You can also just hit the beach.

Baseballmom, there are PLENTY of fields to practice on here in Tampa. Most are little league fields or Pony fields. You can try Forest Hills Pony Baseball or North Tampa Pony Baseball to name a few.
80Patriot is right on the money about The University of Tampa. They won the D-II World Series 2 of the past 4 years. Probably the top college baseball program in Hillsborough County.
I also would like to suggest going to the best high school baseball tournament in the state of Florida during spring break, The Saladino Tournament. There are 28 high schools in this tournament.
Dwight "DOC" Gooden, of Hillsborough High School, was the tournaments first Most Valuable Player. Since 1981 when it started, there have been 38 players that participated in the tournament and have gone on to play baseball in the Major Leagues. Twelve of these players were first round draft picks, and countless others have played baseball in the Minor Leagues and/or college. It's a great family event held at Brandon High School.
The tournaments homepage is:
saladinobaseballtournament.com

Hillsborough County Schools Spring Break is not until April 4-10, so if you are going to be here any week other than that, during the day during the week, the public fields should be wide open as all kids will be in school.

I don't know what age or size field your kids need but there is a park with softball fields that has plenty of space near 2900 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon. Also Brandon little league park (with cages) at 800 S Parsons Ave in Brandon should be wide open during school hours.

Haven't done any hikes but there is a place called Fishhawk Trail in Lithia (very close to Brandon) that claims a 285 acre nature preserve with trails.

80Patriot is right on with the colleges.

Brandon High School hosts the County Wide Saladino Tournament, featuring all 28 public high schools during Spring Break.

Good luck.