sports
Beat the heat with waterslides and a beach at Larry and Penny Thompson Park
By Kevin Boulandier at WSVN 7 News
· July 16, 2026
· 3 min read
If you live by Zoo Miami , why drive all the way to South Beach for some fun in the sun? Larry and Penny Thompson Park is a true, natural oasis, but many don’t know there’s something special inside: waterslides. Deco’s super soaker Alex Miranda has more. One of the only ways to escape the heat these
Key takeaway Larry and Penny Thompson Park is 270 acres of South Florida woodland, complete with hiking trails, bike paths, a freshwater lake, its own beach, and tucked into a lush little hillside, winding water slides.
Why this matters in The Miami
The discovery of waterslides and a beach at Larry and Penny Thompson Park is a welcome respite for Miami residents looking to beat the heat without traveling far. Located near Zoo Miami, this 270-acre park offers a unique escape from the city's urban landscape. The fact that it remains a "best-kept summer secret" speaks to the abundance of hidden gems in Miami-Dade's park system. As the county continues to grapple with the challenges of sea-level rise and flooding, natural oases like Larry and Penny Thompson Park will become increasingly valuable to residents seeking recreational spaces that also provide a sense of connection to South Florida's natural environment. With its hiking trails, bike paths, and freshwater lake, this park showcases the diversity of Miami-Dade's outdoor recreational opportunities, making it an attractive destination for both locals and visitors.
About this story
Original reporting by WSVN 7 News . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSVN 7 News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: sports ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: WSVN 7 News ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? If you live by Zoo Miami, why drive all the way to South Beach for some fun in the sun? Larry and Penny Thompson Park is a true, natural oasis, but many don’t know there’s something special inside: waterslides. Deco’s super soaker Alex Miranda has more. One of the only ways to escape the heat these
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by WSVN 7 News and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kevin Boulandier at WSVN 7 News. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more sports coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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