Escape, Engage, and Explore at Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland

Imagine a place where you can stroll along a canopy walk under the oak trees, explore the nature trails, play at the brand new Florida Children’s Museum, attend a concert on the great lawn, smell the flowers in the sensory gardens, learn about Florida wildlife in the nature center, paddleboat on a lagoon, meet a friend for lunch at the cafe, host an event in the event center or treehouse, watch your children play on the nature playgrounds… sounds amazing right??

That can ALL be found right here in Central Florida at Bonnet Springs Park!

Bonnet Springs Park held a grand opening on October 22, 2022. This new park in Lakeland, FL is a place to escape the stress of every day life, engage with family and friends, and explore nature. It is a free park open 365 days a year. Whether you want a place to let your kids play outdoors, enjoy a picnic, go for a run, ride your bike, spot wildlife, or just sit and enjoy the peace and quiet nature has to offer, Bonnet Springs Park has something for everyone.

April Mucci – owner of Lakeland Mom – has been involved with the Friends of Bonnet Springs Park board since it’s inception. Our family loves Bonnet Springs Park along with so many other in the Polk County community! Below you’ll find everything you need to know about this park from a Lakeland native.

What can you do at Bonnet Springs Park?

We’ll let our photos and videos do the talking here…

Bonnet Springs Park Video

Bonnet Springs Park Photos

Features of the park include the Welcome Center, Florida Children’s Museum (formerly Explorations V Children’s Museum), The Depot, an Event Center for wedding receptions and events, a Greenhouse, and a Nature Center on the lagoon next to Lake Bonnet.

Outdoor features include the botanic gardens, heritage gardens, family lawn, boardwalk, canopy walk through the trees, a butterfly conservatory, and more.

Looking for playgrounds? There are multiple including the family playground; a train themed playground in the Heritage Gardens; and a huge nature playground with swings, a wooden climbing structure, water feature, sand play area, and more, plus it is fully fenced in! Mable the Owl is also a climbing structure, and there are slides and other play areas throughout the park.

Restaurants + Food at Bonnet Springs Park

Food and drinks are available in multiple locations inside the park.

• Sip a morning coffee or an evening glass of wine at the coffee shop and wine bar inside the Hollis Family Welcome Center
• Order chicken fingers, burgers, salads, and more at the Cafe inside The Depot
• Cool off with a sweet treat from the ice cream counter inside The Depot {TIP – sign up for a Friends of Bonnet Springs Park membership at the Butterfly level and get free ice cream every month!}
• Enjoy an elevated view of the park and your favorite beverage on the Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Rooftop Bar

You can also bring in your own food and blanket and enjoy a picnic under the trees or at one of the picnic tables spread throughout the park. We think Bonnet Springs Park is one of the best places for a picnic in Lakeland!

Where is Bonnet Springs Park?

Bonnet Springs Park is located near Downtown Lakeland, FL, just minutes from I-4. If you drive along Memorial Boulevard or George Jenkins Boulevard you can see see portions of the park. The address for Bonnet Springs Park is 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33815.

Can I see a map of Bonnet Springs Park?

Visit the website for a map of Bonnet Springs Park.

Bonnet Springs Park Hours

Bonnet Springs park is open 365 days a year. Park hours vary by season and section of the park. Visit the website for current operating hours.

How much does Bonnet Springs Park cost?

Bonnet Springs Park is completely free! The park is open to the public and there is no cost for admission.

If you would like to support the park’s mission AND enjoy some special member perks, you can join the Friends of Bonnet Springs Park starting at only $30 per year, more information below.

Park Rules + FAQ’s

Can you bring dogs to Bonnet Springs Park? Can you fly a drone? Visit the Bonnet Springs Park website for a full list of what is and isn’t allowed inside the park. Here are a few common FAQ’s:

Who oversees Bonnet Springs Park?

Bonnet Springs Park is a 501(c)(3) organization with its own staff and governing board. It is open to the public, but is not run by any city, county, or government entity. Visit the Careers page of the website to learn more about job opportunities at Bonnet Springs Park.

Bonnet Springs Park is fully accessible

The park’s paved walking trails are fully accessible for anyone in a wheelchair or ECV.

Trams also run throughout the park on the Lakeland Regional Health Circulator to transport guests who are unable to walk long distances or prefer to catch a ride from one location to the next.

Plus there are benches placed throughout the park where you can sit and rest!

Special Events and Activities

The park hosts a variety of special events and activities. Check the BSP website or Facebook Page for upcoming events.

Bonnet Springs Park also has multiple event venues available for your next special occasion. Spaces include the Event Center, Outdoor Kitchen, Treehouse, and more – the perfect location for weddings, birthday parties, bridal showers, corporate events, and more.

Volunteer Opportunities

Spend time outdoors and make an impact in our community! Bonnet Springs Park offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups. You can work behind the scenes or work with visitors, volunteer indoors or outdoors, and can sign up for the shifts that work with your schedule.

Field Trips

Once the park is open and fully operational, local schools and homeschool groups will be able to schedule field trips at Bonnet Springs park! Get more information on the Education page of the website.

Support Bonnet Springs Park

Bonnet Springs Park is a privately developed park that is a public asset. Construction was funded by community donations, and the park will be sustained by public support through the Carol Jenkins Barnett Endowment. Visit the Bonnet Springs Park website to learn more about the endowment and how your gift will be doubled by a two-to-one match to gifts made to the Endowment in honor of Carol Jenkins Barnett.

Friends of Bonnet Springs Park

Although park admission is free, you can still support the park AND enjoy a variety of fun member perks! Friends of Bonnet Springs Park Membership tiers range from $30 – $600 per year and include benefits such as: bottled water, merchandise with the park logo, canoe or pedal boat rentals, free coffee drinks, and free ice cream!

In addition to these physical benefits, you will be supporting this new park that our children and grandchildren will enjoy for years to come.

{Editor’s Note from April Mucci, Owner of Lakeland Mom – I have been on the Friends of Bonnet Springs Board since its inception and I would be honored if you consider joining and supporting the park!}

Florida Children’s Museum

In addition to 168 acres of natural space, Bonnet Springs Park is home to the brand new Florida Children’s Museum. Our beloved Explorations V Children’s Museum relocated to a huge new building and opened with a new name. The new children’s museum is AMAZING!! See photos of the new Florida Children’s Museum.

Visit Bonnet Springs Park

There is so much more we could tell you about Bonnet Springs Park. You can learn about the history and the vision of the park on the website, plus get details on all of the topics we touched on above.

But the best way to learn about the park is to come for a visit. Bring your kids out to play on the playgrounds. Meet a friend for a walk. Look for birds and other wildlife that call Florida home. Bring a book and sit on a bench. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy nature.