Enjoy the enriching surroundings of this blended urban / natural space at Bonnet Springs Park, situated next to Downtown Lakeland, easily accessible from Tampa, Orlando and Winter Haven.
The former site of the longest railyard in Florida has been carefully converted into what promises to be a magnificent facility providing unapparelled experiences from nature, the arts, education and wellness. It’s all lovingly created in a way that pays homage to the heritage and natural setting of Lakeland and Polk County.
The Hollis Family Welcome Center
The Hollis Family Welcome Center is the first thing you see as you enter the park. This 14,000 sq ft facility will be home to the Watson Clinic Gallery, a restaurant and gift store. An adventure playground, that encourages children’s sense of discovery and imagination, will be located next to the center.
Watson Clinic Gallery
Learn how the city of Lakeland and surrounding areas developed over the years, in the Watson Clinic Gallery. This wonderful gallery pays tribute to the history of Central Florida including its important railroad and citrus heritage.
Café and Wine Bar
The cafe at the Hollis Welcome Center will serve delicious local fare with ingredients sourced locally depending on the season. In the evening the cafe transforms into a wine bar. Also be sure to check out the rooftop café next to the Florida Children’s Museum!
The Ag America Heritage Garden
Enjoy the fragrant beauty of fragrant trees that envelope the Ag America Heritage Garden. The beautifully sculpted linear gardens will provide a natural cover, while you can experience one of the many health and wellness classes offered in the community fitness area.
The Kiwanis Kid’s Treehouse
This fantastic attraction will make you wish you were a kid again! The Kiwanis Kid’s Treehouse is a 500 square feet aerial sanctuary, and promises to be best kept secret in the park.
Music and Performing Arts
Music will fill Bonnet Springs Park, with a variety of live music and sounds emanating from the 2-acre Great Lawn. Be sure to keep an eye on the Visit Central Florida Events Calendar for upcoming events!
Harold Family Botanical Gardens
These beautiful gardens feature sculptures by renowned local artists, as well as fascinating flora with native plants cultivated in the greenhouse. You may also have the opportunity to sample some local produce grown in the gardens.
Get Well Community Nature Center & Edwards Boathouse
Experience some of the wildlife that calls Florida home at the magnificent Nature Center and the adjacent Wetland Boardwalk. You can also paddle away the day on the lagoon, with one of the many nautical escapes from the Edwards Boathouse.
The Crenshaw Canopy Walk
Get an eagle eye view of the world and Florida’s nature from the stunning Crenshaw Canopy Walk. A tranquil way to experience the park.
Event Center
Featuring the Citizen’s Bank & Trust Ballroom and Wesley Bank Patio, accommodates up to 400 guests for weddings, reunions. Corporate retreats, conventions and celebrations can enjoy up to 7,000 square ft of available space, including the ballroom with the latest in lighting and presentation technology. Wedding terrace and state of the art outdoor kitchen, overlooking the botanical gardens.
Dog Friendly
This park is for everyone, including your best friend. The park is dog friendly. They just ask that you wait until after Opening Weekend as the park is expected to be particularly busy. For full details check out the General Park Rules.
Ways to Explore the Park
There are many ways to explore this 168-acre park. You can walk, run, bike or wheel your way through. From taking a leisurely stroll, through to getting in a work-out or even just relaxing or taking a picnic among idyllic surroundings. the possibilities are endless. You can even explore the by hopping on a pedal boat or kayak by cruising around the Blanton Family Lagoon.
Florida Children’s Museum
Embrace the future at the spectacular Florida Children’s Museum. This 47,800 sq. ft., facility will offer amazing indoor and outdoor opportunities for science, discovery and play. Its two floors of galleries include tons of interactive experiences including a Design Park, where kids can design the vehicles of the future, the City Play area, a re-created city district where the kids are in charge, and the beautiful Watermelon Seeds area where kids have free reign to be their colorful selves. The new museum opened on November 4th.
For more information about the park visit bonnetspringspark.com
