Gardens, Parks & Playgrounds

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.