How2Day: Activities Near Port Richey, Florida

Port Richey, Florida, is in Pasco County and is a suburb of Tampa. The town's average annual temperatures remain at or above 60 degrees year-round, according to city-data.com. Its warm climate and its location near the Gulf of Mexico make the Port Richey area and its neighboring town, New Port Richey, a destination for tourists year-round. For visitors and the more than 3,300 residents, the Port Richey area offers both indoor and outdoor activities.

Robert K. Rees Memorial Park is on Green Key Road in the town of New Port Richey, approximately three miles from Port Richey (around eight minutes by automobile). The park overlooks the Gulf of Mexico and has a public beach. The Pasco County Parks department oversees the recreation area, which covers 45 acres of land.

Visitors can sunbathe on the sandy beach area, which is 920 feet long. Swimmers have a 185-foot area cordoned off in the water to enjoy. The Robert K. Rees Memorial Park has two stone ramps for accessing the gulf in a canoe or kayak. Fishing is also permitted at the park. The on-site picnic area is outfitted with grills, and a playground is available for kids' enjoyment.

Robert K. Rees Memorial Park is open daily, year round. The Pasco County Parks department does not assess an admission fee to access the public park area. Restrooms, water fountains and public telephones are on-site. The park has a free parking lot.

SunCruz Port Richey Casino is a casino located in the Millers Bayou Bay and accessed via Bayview Street in northwest New Port Richey. Its location is less than three miles from Port Richey (around six minutes by automobile). Visitors can enjoy a river boat cruise and gambling experience while visiting the facility.

The SunCruz Port Richey Casino has more than 13,000 square feet of space and spans three stories. Slots players have 325 machines to choose from, including games based on television shows like "Family Feud." The casino also has table games like craps, roulette, blackjack and three-card poker. A restaurant and full bar are located at the casino.

To reach the casino, visitors must take a 45-minute sailing shuttle ride. Shuttles depart for the SunCruz Port Richey Casino three times per day, seven days per week. General admission is $5 to enter the casino as of November 2010. Reservations are not required. Visitors must be 18 years of age to board the boat. Flip-flops and tank tops are not permitted.

The Rockin' Horse Farm is on Plathe Road in southeast New Port Richey, less than three miles from Port Richey (about eight minutes by automobile). The horse farm covers 17 acres of ground and offers activities for both children and adults.

The farm offers horseback riding lessons for all ages. Both English and Western style methods are taught, and students ride one of the stable's five lesson horses. Individual and group lessons are available for riders of all ability levels. One-time lessons and weekly instruction are offered. The Rockin' Horse Farm also has a therapeutic riding program for people with disabilities. During summer and other school breaks, the stable hosts a camp for children. Kids have the opportunity to groom and care for horses as well as learn how to ride.

The schedule for Rockin' Horse Farm lessons and camps varies. Advanced registration is necessary to participate in the facility's programs. The cost varies by activity. On-site parking is available.

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