Gardens in Polk County
Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, Hollis Garden in Lakeland, and Cypress Gardens at LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven provide excellent opportunities to slow down, spend time outside and see both natural and manicured, beautiful garden landscapes.
Bok Tower Gardens is a 157-acre Natural Historic Landmark with daily carillon concerts, visitor center, gift shop, and onsite restaurant. Hollis Garden boasts more than 10,000 flowers, beautiful fountains, a picturesque view of Lake Mirror, and is only a short walk from downtown Lakeland. Cypress Gardens, Florida’s first theme park, is a botanical garden preserved and maintained by LEGOLAND Florida Resort. And coming in October 2022 will be the wonderful 168 acre Bonnet Springs Park, Lakeland bringing together nature, art, recreation, learning and music in one special place.
Parks in Central Florida
Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland would be considered our most popular park as it attracts visitors from all over the world. The 1,267-acre county park is home to rare nature and many species of wildlife (alligators, bald eagles, wild hogs, bobcat and more) that visitors are lucky enough to appreciate and experience at their leisure. Our Nature & Hiking section has more information about city, county and state parks in Central Florida.
Parks & Playgrounds for Kids
Polk County is a family-friendly vacation destination featuring an abundance of parks and playgrounds for kids. Hammock Hollow is Bok Tower Gardens’ dedicated 2.7-acre children’s garden. Common Ground in Lakeland features non-traditional play areas providing an “inclusive play experience” so that children of varying abilities and disabilities are able to play together side-by-side. Both Winter Haven and Haines City have large playgrounds with splash pads.
Simmers-Young Park
A recreational park with multi-purpose and soccer fields, picnic facilities, fishing pond, dog park and…
Address: 339 American Spirit Rd.
Winter Haven, FL 33880
Phone: 863-534-4340
Bonnet Springs Park
Bonnet Springs Park, open as of October 2022, is located in Lakeland along the I-4…
Address: 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd
Lakeland, FL 33815
Phone: 863-413-0652
info@bonnetspringspark.comBok Tower Gardens
Historic Bok Tower Gardens, a national historic landmark, features two hiking trails, 50 acres of…
Address: 1151 Tower Blvd.
Lake Wales, FL 33853
Phone: 863-676-1408
info@boktowergardens.orgBarnett Family Park/Sunflower Preschool Playground
Play areas, climbing structures and a splash water area with activities for children as young…
Address: 730 E. Orange St.
Lakeland, FL 33801
Phone: (863) 834-2280
Kiwanis Park
Ample picnic space with grills are available. The park also features a playground, skate park…
Address: 1000 N. Lake Shore Blvd.
Lake Wales, FL 33853
Phone: 863-678-4182
Winter Haven Chain of Lakes Trailhead Park & Splash Pad
Transportation-themed interactive playground with picnic facilities, a splash water area and access to the Chain…
Address: 684 4th St., NW
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-291-5600
Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve
Short, lakefront walking trail in Lake Alfred offers views of wading and migratory birds and…
Address: 945 Mackay Blvd.
Lake Alfred, FL 33850
Phone: 863-291-5270
Common Ground Playground
Playground with jumping, running, sliding and climbing for kids with varying abilities and disabilities.
Address: 1000 E Edgewood Dr.
Lakeland, FL 33803
Phone: (863) 834-2233
Rotary Playground in Hernando’s Landing at Lake Parker
The Rotary Playground in Hernando’s Landing features two zip lines, a pirate ship and a…
Address: 910 E. Granada St.
Lakeland, FL 33805
Phone: 863-834-2233
