A comprehensive guide to Lakeland’s extraordinary parks

We’re highlighting the top parks that Lakeland has to offer — complete with splash pads, playgrounds, WiFi, walking trails and even a few dog-friendly spots.

The brick and iron entrance to Munn Park frames a group of people walking beneath a tree with a bright pink trunk.

DYK Munn Park is WiFi accessible?

Photo via the LALtoday team

Table of Contents

Whether you’re looking for a place to play with your kiddos or to decompress with off-screen time, Lakeland features more than 70 parks and recreational spots for you to enjoy. Ready to plan your trip to the park? Grab your shades and Stanley Tumbler — here are some of Lakeland’s best:

Family Parks

Barnett Family Park, 730 E. Orange St.
Bring your family for an afternoon of fun at the playground, get refreshed at the splash pads, or enjoy exploring the labyrinth. Plus, the park is WiFi accessible and adjacent to the Lake Mirror Amphitheater and Hollis Garden, too.

Common Ground Playground, 1000 E. Edgewood Dr.
Celebrated as the county’s “first inclusive play experience,” this park offers a variety of activities and structures that are disability-friendly and fun for everyone.

Dobbins Park, 514 Ariana St.
Order your favorite lunch items from Black & Brew and head to this park for a picnic. There’s space for everyone at this park that measures 10 acres that’s about eight football fields.

Jackson Park, 1130 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.
The kids will love trying out the slides on the playground, and the swingsets are shaded by trees (good news for those hot months). This park also offers plenty of green space to run and explore.

Munn Park, 210 E. Main St.
Get to know the charm of Lakeland’s local businesses as you peruse this historic square. From First Fridays and weekend farmers markets to monthly food truck rallies, you’ll get a snapshot of what makes the city’s community so unique.

Webster Park, 1235 N. Webster Ave.
Go wild on this park’s two animal-themed playsets, perfect for families with both older and younger children — just keep an eye out for the giraffe and lion. There are also gazebos with tables, perfect for a picnic.

LALtoday: Bicycle at sunset

FYI, nature trails make the perfect spot for bike riding dates.

Photo via: @lyy_corpse

Nature Parks

Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd.
This brand-new 180-acre adventure park has nearly two miles of boardwalks and 30+ acres of wetlands. It also features an exhibition gallery and a roof garden terrace.

Circle B Bar Reserve, 4399 Winter Lake Rd.
Immerse yourself in this nature reserve featuring untouched natural spaces and trails. Find a spot to take in wildlife and waterfront views.

Holloway Park, 2402 Holloway Park Dr.
Calling all runners and bicyclists: This park features 362 acres of cross-country trails for you to run or hike.

Saddle Creek Park, 3716 Morgan Combee Rd.
Relax under big oaks and bird-watch while walking through the Great Florida Birding Trail at this park, tucked away just east of Lakeland’s vibrant downtown. You can expect to see blue jays and the occasional cardinal.

Se7en Wetlands, 500 W. Carter Rd.
Tour 8.5 miles of scenic trails (don’t worry, there are two bathrooms along the way) featuring unique fauna, including wild birds and reptiles.

A point-of-view shot of canoeing on a green river with the nose of a red canoe visible at the bottom.

Canoe believe it? Lake Parker Park’s lake is one of the largest lakes in Lakeland.

Sports Parks

Douglas M. Cook Park, 955 Wedgewood Estates Blvd.
Slam dunk. Dribble your way to this park’s public basketball courts. This park also has a dog park that’s perfect for doggie play dates, walking trails, and a fun playground area.

Lakeland Skate Park, 800 US Hwy. 98 S.
Ride your way through four main skating areas at Lakeland’s 24,000-sqft skate park dedicated to creating open spaces for skaters.

Lake Parker Park, 910 E. Granada St.
Picnics, play dates, soccer games, fishing — you name it, Lake Parker Park has got it. Spend the day using the soccer fields or surrounding recreational amenities to stay active.

Simpson Park, 1725 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.
Play together with family on the playground, start a pick-up game of basketball, or try your hand at pickleball on this park’s indoor courts. During summer months, cool off with a dip in the community pool.

Woodlake Park, 3415 New Jersey Rd.
Are you the competitive type? Bring your friends out for a game of pickleball or practice your Serena Williams serve at this park’s public tennis courts.

LALtoday: Dog with coffee on porch

Life isn’t so ruff when you have a jogging pal.

Dog Parks

Dog Leg Woods, 3326 Cleveland Heights Blvd.
If you find yourself near Lakeland’s iconic Cleveland Heights Boulevard (known for its California-esque palm trees), then consider taking your pup to this 3-acre shaded dog park. Bonus: There is a dog washing station and water fountains to keep you and your furry pal hydrated.

Lake Crago Dog Park, 525 Lake Crago Dr.
So your dog longs for “Wide Open Spaces?” This dog park offers well-kept amenities to ensure you and your pup are getting the most out of your afternoon walk. The best part? Free WiFi.

Diogi Dog Park, 500 W. Carter Rd., Medulla
Channel your dog’s energy into fun quality time. Imagine structures and tunnels for your furry friend to play in while you sit back to dog watch or get up to play a good ol’ game of fetch.

Ready to visit these local parks but don’t know where to start? We’ve created this handy map so you can find all of these featured parks.

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