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.
Hollis Garden
Located along the Frances Langford Promenade at Lake Mirror, this botanical display garden set in…
Address: 614 E. Orange St.
Lakeland, FL 33801
Phone: (863) 834-2280
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
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
Dobbins Park & Playground
Dobbins Park & Playground in Central Lakeland is a 10-acre park featuring two playgrounds, bike-repair…
Address: 514 Ariana St.
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
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
Lake Eva Community Playground & Aquatic Park
Park on the banks of Lake Eva with a playground, picnic facilities, tennis and basketball…
Address: 555 Ledwith Ave.
Haines City, FL 33844
Phone: 863-421-3700
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
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
