It’s Florida in the summertime — you don’t need us to tell you it’s hot outside. That’s why we’ve pooled together these places to swim, splash, and slide in Polk County.
Public pools
Lakeland offers two public pools: Gandy Pool in south Lakeland at the Kelly Recreation Complex and Simpson Park Pool in north Lakeland at the Simpson Park Community Center. Both have open and lap swim times, but check the hours online before you slip into your swimsuit.
Pro tip: Admission is $5 per person, but if you’re a regular at either pool, look into the annual activity passes to save money.
Lake Eva Aquatics Center is a ~45-minute drive from downtown Lakeland.
Photo by City of Haines City
Splash pads + water parks
Lakeland’s free-to-use splash pad can be found at Barnett Family Park by Lake Mirror. Over at Bonnet Springs Park, take a walk through the shallow creek that leads down to the lagoon near the Boathouse. While it’s not technically a splash pad, we like to think of it as nature’s version.
For the full water park experience, head to Haines City for the Lake Eva Aquatics Center or buy tickets to the Legoland Water Park in Winter Haven. Both are open seasonally — but only one includes a Lego lazy river.
Parts of Lakes Winterset, Ariana, and Clinch are now closed to vessels for swimmer safety.
Images via Polk County
Lakes
Despite its name, you won’t find many lakes where you can swim in Lakeland. If that’s your favorite way to take a dip, Polk County recently approved designated swimming areas in three lakes. Find them just a quick drive away at Lake Winterset in Winter Haven and Lake Ariana + Lake Clinch in Auburndale.
Rent a pool
Looking for a pool party that’s a little more private? Rent another Lakelander’s pool by the hour with Swimply to have your own oasis for an afternoon.
