Whether you’re looking for a place to play with your kiddos or to decompress with off-screen time, Lakeland features 70+ parks and recreational spots for you to enjoy. Ready to plan your trip to the park? Grab your shades and trusty water bottle — here are some of Swan City’s best:
Family parks
Barnett Family Park, 730 E. Orange St.
Bring the family for fun on the playground (which will undergo renovations soon), refresh yourself at the splash pads, or explore the labyrinth. Plus, the park is WiFi accessible and adjacent to the Lake Mirror Complex + Hollis Garden.
Christina Park, 625 County Rd. 540A
Let the little ones climb on the playground while you watch from the shaded benches. There’s also a screened-in pavilion available to rent for outdoor get-togethers.
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 safe and fun for children with varying abilities.
Dobbins Park, 514 Ariana St.
Pick up your favorite bites from bodega Market and head to this Dixieland park for a picnic. There’s space for everyone at this sprawling space that measures 10 acres — that’s about eight football fields.
Jackson Park, 1130 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.
The kids will love the slides on the playground, and the swingsets are mostly shaded by trees (good news for those hot months). This park is also right next to the Coleman-Bush Building, which offers classes + programs for the whole family.
Munn Park, 210 E. Main St.
Get to know the charm of downtown as you peruse this historic square. From First Fridays and weekend farmers markets to monthly food truck rallies around the park, you’ll get a snapshot of what makes downtown Lakeland “a little mecca of cool.”
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.
Nature parks
Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd.
This new adventure park has nearly two miles of boardwalks and 30+ acres of wetlands. It also features a Nature Center where visitors can learn more about native wildlife.
Circle B Bar Reserve, 4399 Winter Lake Rd.
Immerse yourself in this nature reserve featuring untouched natural spaces and five miles of trails. Find a spot to take in wildlife, and keep an eye out for reptiles on Alligator Alley.
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. It’s also home to an 18-hole disc golf course.
Saddle Creek Park, 3716 Morgan Combee Rd.
Relax under big oaks and bird watch on the Great Florida Birding Trail at this park that’s tucked away in east Lakeland. Look out for blue jays and cardinals in the trees, or go fishing in lakes that were once phosphate mine pits.
Se7en Wetlands, 500 W. Carter Rd.
Tour 8.5 miles of scenic trails featuring native fauna, including wild birds, river otters, and reptiles. The park also features unique habitats like marshes, lakes, and uplands.
Drop in for a day at Lakeland Skate Park — just don’t forget your helmet.
Photo by the City of Lakeland
Sports parks
Douglas M. Cook Park, 955 Wedgewood Estates Blvd.
Slam dunk. Dribble your way to this park’s public basketball courts and multi-purpose sports fields. There’s also a dog park, walking trails, and a playground area.
Hunt Fountain Park, 2020 Duff Rd.
Sign up to play little league baseball, football, and soccer at this 63-acre rec park. Its basketball + tennis courts were recently renovated, and it also has a public horse arena to practice your equestrian skills.
Lakeland Skate Park, 800 US Hwy. 98 S.
Ride your way through four main skating areas at Lakeland’s 24,000-sqft space inside Fletcher 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 it. Spend the day getting active on the soccer fields, shuffleboard courts, or lawn bowling greens.
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, you can 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.
Take your pup this park for views of Cleveland Heights Golf Course.
Photo via City of Lakeland
Dog parks
Cook Park Dog Park, 955 Wedgewood Estates Blvd.
Leashed dogs are welcome at Cook Park, but you can let them loose in the dog park. There are separate play areas for large + small dogs to have fun with pups their own size.
Dog Leg Woods, 3326 Cleveland Heights Blvd.
If you find yourself near Cleveland Heights Boulevard, consider taking your pup to this shaded dog park. Bonus: There’s 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. Your furry friend can play in structures and tunnels while you sit back to watch, or you can join in a classic game of fetch.
Your park grab bag
Picked your perfect park? Make the most out of your experience with our favorite items for a relaxing day outside:
- Is there anything quite like sitting in the shade and enjoying a good book? Check out our guide to books by local authors to help choose your next great read.
- The Kindle Paperwhite is a lightweight e-reader option that stands up to bright sunlight.
- A good water bottle keeps you hydrated — we’re big fans of the best-selling Owala FreeSip + this insulated stackable tumbler from Asheville, NC-based retailer Pirani.
- Heading to the park with kids? Check out the Owala FreeSip for kids.
- Don’t forget the travel-size bug spray and sunscreen.
- These sunglasses from Nordstrom Rack are available at discount prices + have a style for everyone.
- Keep it all together in a handy tote bag — these adorable tote bags are all crafted by small businesses and local makers.
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.
