Ah, summer in Florida. Is there anything like it? In honor of summer in all her flaming glory (it’s hot out there, y’all), we’ve rounded up the best ways to cool down this summer, plus all the info you need to make a day of it.
Note: COVID-19 restrictions may still be in place at several of these locations, so we recommend double-checking before you head out.
Pools + splash pads
🏊 Gandy Pool | Kelly Recreation Complex, 404 Imperial Blvd. | GA $4 | Check out this 10 lane heated pool with a one-meter diving board.
🏊 Simpson Park Pool | 1725 Martin Luther King Ave. | GA $4 | Before cooling off in the pool, make sure to take advantage of all the amenities the Simpson Park Community has to offer – like a gym, tennis court + playground.
🏊 The Club at Eaglebrooke | 1300 Eaglebrooke Blvd. | Summer monthly membership $79+ | Membership also includes complimentary yoga classes + access to the golf course.
🏊 Fontaine Gills Family YMCA | 2125 Sleepy Hill Rd. | Monthly membership $34+ | The pool is seasonal + located outdoors. Check out a photo of it here.
🏊 Family Water Park + Pool at Lake Eva | 555 Ledwith Ave., Haines City | GA $5 | A zero-depth lagoon pool, waterslides, a splash pad + more. Bonus: There is a playground right next door.
🏊 Lakeland Family YMCA | 3620 Cleveland Heights Blvd. | Monthly membership $36+ | Two indoor heated pools – including one therapy pool + one 25-yard lap pool with a dive well and saltwater/saline sanitation system.
🏊 “Rowdy” Gaines Olympic Pool | 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven | GA $2+ | Get the gold. This Olympic-sized competitive pool is used for competitive swimming, swim instruction, and recreational use. Peep the diving boards.
🏊 Sam Griner Pool | 2250 S. Floral Ave., Bartow | GA $3+ | Check out this year’s lap schedule here.
🏊 Splash Pad at Barnett Family Park | 730 E. Orange St. | Free | Right up the top of the amphitheater, this splash pad also features a picnic area + labyrinth. Check out the brand new water bucket feature.
🏊 Splash Pad at Chain of Lakes Trailhead Park | 684 4th St., Winter Haven | Free | Open year-round from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Lake activities
Bonus: Check out this guide from Lakeland Mom on kayak rentals in Central Florida.
🛥️ Lake Parker Park | 910 E. Granada St. | Free | Heralded as the largest lake in Lakeland, you can tour 100 acres of native FL vegetation, boat + more.
🛥️ Tenoroc Public Use Area | 3829 Tenoroc Mine Rd. | GA $3 | One of Lakeland’s top fishing holes, the area has a variety of lake types, for both kayaking + large boating.
🛥️ Lake Somerset | 3100 New Jersey Rd. | Free | Paddle your worries away and keep an eye out, twitchers. This lake is a prime spot for wading birds.
🛥️ Lake Hollingsworth | Lake Hollingsworth Dr. | Free | Undoubtedly one of the most well-known lakes in Lakeland, enjoy a scenic walk, kayak + take in the surrounding Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, or catch a water ski show.
🛥️ Lake Hunter | 701 W. Lime St. | Free | 93 acres + pear-shaped, this lake is a #MustTry for boating, fishing + paddling.
More water fun
- Check out our guide to secret beaches near Lakeland for even more swimming inspo.
- Don’t go chasing waterfalls, we rounded up the coolest ones in Florida.
- Spring into summer with these Central Florida springs.
