Bonnet Springs Park is a breathtaking park in Lakeland, Florida.
The park spans 168 acres of land and used to be a rail yard. Today, it is a favorite destination for locals and visitors.
It is a place for families to hangout and enjoy a relaxing day.
It’s also great for birthday parties, picnicking, dog walking, biking, walking, skating, and much more!
Where is Bonnet Springs Park?
The park is located just minutes from downtown Lakeland on George Jenkins Boulevard. The address for the park is 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33815.
It’s a quick 7-10 minute drive from Exit 28/US-92 off I-4.
Is Admission Free?
Yes! Entry and parking at Bonnet Springs Park are free.
You can buy food, drinks, and rent some of the facilities at the park for your events.
Parking Options
One thing I love about this park is the availability of parking spaces.
There are four main parking areas: Welcome Center, Florida Children’s Museum parking lot, Ruthven Family Playground, and Event Center.
When you first arrive at the park, you would see one parking area close to the entrance. Driving further down, there are three other parking areas that are all free for visitors to the park.
With that said, keep in mind that during holidays, these parking lots believe it or not fill up pretty quickly.
Also, you cannot park your cars at the park overnight.
Top Attractions at Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland
I have put together a list of some of the attractions and activities you can see and do while visiting Bonnet Springs Park.
1. The Ruthven Family Playground
This massive playground is wonderful for children.
Built into a hillside, it features natural climbing structures, slides, and shaded areas for resting.
A special feature of this playground is its accessibility. It is designed with paths that allow children with mobility challenges to enjoy the entire space.
2. Lakeland Regional Health Circulator
The park’s attractions are connected by a 1.7-mile paved loop.
You can walk, bike, or hop on the tram to see the entire park.
The tramp has six stops with signs that indicate where it stops.
The path is stroller and wagon-friendly, making it easy to navigate for everyone.
3. Mable the Mosaic Owl Playground
Nestled under the trees, this whimsical play structure is inspired by Florida’s burrowing owls.
Children can climb, slide, and play in the owl-shaped structure. It’s also a great spot for photos!
4. Joe L. and Karen Ruthven Train Playground
Located in the Heritage Gardens area, this train-themed playground lets children climb, crawl, and play on a structure designed to look like a locomotive.
It’s a nod to the park’s rail yard history.
5. Los Trompos
Adjacent to Mable the Mosaic Owl, Los Trompos is an artistic play area featuring colorful spinning tops.
These structures combine art and play, creating a fun space for children to climb inside, spin, and enjoy.
You would often see children spinning these structures and parents helping to keep the fun going!
6. Vally Slope and Cooling Misters
Near the Ruthven Family Playground, Children can enjoy a small water play area with interactive pumps.
Though not a full splash pad, it offers a refreshing spot to cool off.
These structure are great especially during summertime after walking through the park.
7. Kiwanis Cares for Kids Treehouse
This elevated treehouse features swings underneath and a shaded indoor space for events or parties.
When not reserved, it’s open for families to explore.
8. Crenshaw Canopy Walk
Stroll 25 feet above the ground through this scenic treetop walkway.
It’s stroller-friendly and connects to the Family Lawn area near the Florida Children’s Museum and Depot Café.
9. Florida Children’s Museum
This 47,800-square-foot museum offers interactive exhibits for children aged 0-12. The Museum is free for children under 2 years of age.
It’s a must-visit for families and provides hours of fun and learning.
10. Zoey’s Butterfly House
Step inside this charming butterfly enclosure to learn about native plants and pollinators.
It’s a peaceful spot to enjoy along the circulator.
11. Givewell Community Foundation Nature Center
Explore interactive exhibits about the park’s ecological restoration.
Highlights include a view of a live honeybee nest and exhibits that let children hear animal sounds and learn about local wildlife.
12. The Boathouse/ Blanton Family Lagoon
You can also enjoy the tranquil waters of the Blanton Family Lagoon from several spots.
However, I find that the best view of the Lagoon is from the Ann & Ward Edwards Boathouse. From the Boathouse you can look down without worrying about anything inside the Lagoon.
13. Dining Options
The Depot Café offers a selection of snacks and drinks to keep you refreshed.
For a more elevated experience, head upstairs to the Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits Rooftop Bar.
It’s the perfect spot to catch some TV or enjoy views of the activities on the Allen & Company Family Lawn
14. Heacock Family Touch Garden
I found the Heacock Family Touch Garden truly fascinating. It was there that I came across a tree unlike any I had ever seen before.
15. Nature Playground Fitness Area
The park has two fitness areas, with the Nature Playground Fitness Area being one of them.
This section of the park allows you to workout with outdoor equipment while enjoying the beauty of the park.
16. Agamerica Heritage Garden and Fitness Area
The Agamerica Heritage Garden is beautiful especially in the Spring and Summer when flowers are blooming.
Agamerica Fitness Area is also another section of the park that allows for outdoor exercise.
This section has a number of fitness equipment and is closer to the entrance of the park.
17. Jack & Tina Harrel Family Botanical Gardens
This section of the park is perfect for nature enthusiasts. It features an array of plants and flowers, which you can view as you stroll through the park.
18. Allen & Company Family Lawn
This Family Lawn is one the popular hangout spots around the park.
You would often see families playing soccer, skating, tossing frisbees, and sometimes people exercising here. It is also a great spot for picnics.
19. Nicholas and Ashley Barnett Peace Pagoda
This peace pagoda is perfect for reflecting and spending time with your own thougths.
It is located very close to Los Trompos and the Mosaic Owl.
20. Jack & Tina Harrell Family Greenhouse
The Greenhouse is located very close to Zoey’s Butterfly House. It features a variety of plants and displays that allows you to explore nature up close.
21. Pranay and Tina Patel Picnic Hill
The Pranay and Tina Patel Picnic Hill is an ideal place to pause, relax, and enjoy a snack.
If you’re visiting with a group, it’s the perfect spot for a picnic.
Final Thoughts
One of my favorite features of this park is the variety of benches scattered throughout. Each one had its own unique design.
There were also a lot of signs and maps around the park for visitors to always know what part of the park they were and what amenities were available.
I left the park feeling deeply grateful to everyone whose contributions have helped preserve this incredible space for all to enjoy.
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