A local playground or park is a great place to have a special event or a birthday party! Kids have plenty of space to run and play, and you can often snag a free park pavilion to set up a picnic table for pizza, cake and ice cream.
Most of our local playgrounds and parks have shaded pavilions or picnic tables that are first come, first serve. A few local playgrounds do require reservations to guarantee space for a birthday party. If you’re having a family event or a huge birthday party, there are also large screened park pavilion rentals at some local parks and playgrounds that can seat up to 100 guests!
Regulations and reservations at local parks and playgrounds will depend on whether a city or Polk County. Below you’ll find details on local playground pavilions and parks with pavilion rentals near you, divided up by city or county.
Looking for more local event venues? We’ve also got a list of banquet halls and party venues including outdoor patios and barns, restaurants with private rooms, and a list of kids birthday party venues.
City of Lakeland Playgrounds + Park Pavilion Rentals
Barnett Family Park / Sunflower Playground / Splash Pad
If you’re looking for something for all age kids, Barnett Family Park is ideal – there is a playground for big kids, a gated playground for smaller kids, and a splash pad where everyone can cool off.
No reservations are required to have a party at Barnett Park. There are shaded picnic tables located under the Peggy Brown Building, along with a few tables between the playgrounds and around the Splash Pad. These are first come, first serve and cannot be reserved. Absolutely no securing of anything to the gates or tables, please.
Location: 730 E Orange St, Lakeland, FL 33801
Hours: Visit the City of Lakeland Website
Reservations: Not Available
More info: Barnett Park Playground in Lakeland
(You can rent the Peggy Brown Building, Magnolia Building, Hollis Garden, Amphitheater, Loggia, and other areas around Barnett Park – visit the City of Lakeland Rental Website for more information)
Common Ground Playground
Interested in having a Birthday Party at Common Ground Playground in Lakeland? It is a HUGE playground and a great place for a birthday party!
There are 3 small pavilions and 1 large pavilion at Common Ground. These can be rented through the City of Lakeland for a fee. They are also first come, first serve when they are not reserved. Check the bulletin board by the restrooms to see daily reservations, do not assume a pavilion is available just because it is currently empty.
Lakeland Mom tip: Weekday parties are infrequent at Common Ground and are a great time to snag a free pavilion. On weekends you risk all the pavilions being reserved if you do not book one in advance.
Location: 1000 E Edgewood Drive, Lakeland, FL 33803
Hours: City of Lakeland Website
Reservations: City of Lakeland Rental Website
More info: Common Ground Playground in Lakeland
Peterson Park
Peterson Park is a great place to have a family gathering – kids can enjoy the playground and adults can take a walk on the nature boardwalk.
There is 1 large pavilion at Peterson Park that can be reserved, it seats 160. This is a screened pavilion located near the trails, it is not near the playground (veer left at the boat ramp). The corporate pavilion is surrounded by grassy areas and you can do inflatables, entertainers, etc. as long as they are insured and can provide proof of insurance to the City of Lakeland. However, no music is allowed at Peterson Park. The large pavilion can only be used if reserved in advance.
The open pavilions/picnic tables along the lake and playground at Peterson Park are all first come, first serve.
Location: 3700 Cleveland Heights Blvd, Lakeland, FL
Hours: Dawn – Dusk
Reservations: City of Lakeland Rental Website (only required for Large Pavilion)
More info: Peterson Park in Lakeland
Dobbins Park & Playground
Dobbins Park is a lovely partially shaded playground in the Dixieland area of Lakeland. There is also a huge grassy field next to the playground, ideal if you want to play a game during the party or have a space for older kids to throw a football around.
The pavilions with picnic tables at Dobbins Park are all first come first serve.
Location: 514 Ariana St, Lakeland, FL 33803
Hours: Dawn – Dusk
Reservations: Not available
More info: Learn more about Dobbins Park
Lake Parker Park
One of the most popular playgrounds in Lakeland for a birthday party is at Lake Parker. The Rotary Playground at Hernando’s Landing has a huge pirate ship, zip lines, multiple play areas, and plenty of picnic pavilions nearby.
There are 3 large pavilions at Lake Parker that can be reserved, each seats 160. These are not near the Rotary Playground at Hernando’s Landing and are part of a separate entrance, but they do have a sand volleyball court nearby. The pavilions are surrounded by grassy areas and you can do inflatables, entertainers, etc. as long as they are insured and can provide proof of insurance to the City of Lakeland. The large pavilions can only be used if reserved in advance.
All other picnic tables at Lake Parker are first come, first serve, including the covered pavilions near the playground.
Location: There are TWO entrances to Lake Parker. Be sure you use the rigth one, they are not connected for vehicles!
Gate 1: 910 E. Granada Street (access to playground, free picnic pavilions, tennis courts, soccer fields, boat ramp, and walking paths)
Gate 4: 820 E. Robson Street (access to corporate picnic pavilions, lawn bowling & shuffleboard facility, pickleball courts, and walking paths)
Hours: Dawn – Dusk
Reservations: City of Lakeland Rental Website (only required for Corporate Pavilions)
More info: Rotary Playground at Lake Parker
Fletcher Park at Lake Bonny
The playground at Lake Bonny includes structures for kids of all ages, plus a parent/baby swing, 4 person see-saw, and lots of rope climbing areas. Park also includes sports fields and skate park. Great shaded playground!
Includes a few picnic tables that are all first come first serve.
Location: 800 US 98 S, Lakeland, FL 33801
Hours: Dawn – Dusk
Reservations: Not Available
More info: Fletcher Park at Lake Bonny
Gandy Pool
Yep – you can have a pool party in Lakeland! Gandy Pool has tables available for birthday parties, they are first come first serve. Admission fee per person required, call (863) 834-3157 for more details and more information on what is permitted inside the pool facility. Gandy Pool is open year round. (If you are taking a group to Gandy Pool, be sure you call and talk to someone first to confirm availability)
Location: 404 Imperial Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33803
Hours + More info: Gandy Pool website
Simpson Park Pool
Simpson Park Pool is open from late Spring through early Fall, and tables available for birthday parties. They are first come first serve. Admission fee per person required, call (863) 834-2286 for more details and more information on what is permitted inside the pool facility. Simpson Park Pool is open seasonally from late Spring through early Fall. (If you are taking a group to Simpson Park Pool, be sure you call and talk to someone first to confirm availability)
Location: 1725 Martin Luther King Ave., Lakeland, FL 33810
Hours + More Info: Simpson Park Pool website
Other Lakeland Playgrounds with Picnic Tables
These local playgrounds run by the City of Lakeland all have picnic tables that are first come, first serve. We highly recommend checking them out before you plan a birthday party at any of these playgrounds.
- Handley Park
- Horney Park – we don’t remember seeing any picnic tables, but this fenced in neighborhood park has a large grassy field as well as a playground.
- Interlachen Park
- Woodlake Park
Polk County Park Pavilion Rentals + Playgrounds
Hunt Fountain Park Screened Pavilion
Hunt Fountain Park is located in the Northwest part of Lakeland. It includes baseball/softball fields, soccer fields and a playground. Pavilion rentals are available. No water slides are permitted; only dry inflatables may be set up in Polk County parks.
Location: 2020 Duff Rd, Lakeland, FL 33810
Reservations: A new reservation system is coming soon! Until then, please call (863) 534-6911 for rentals. (only required for screened pavilions)
More info: Polk County Parks + Recreation
Christina Park Screened Pavilion
Christna Park has a shaded playground with multiple picnic pavilions nearby that are first come, first serve.
There is also a screened pavilion available at Christina Park within walking distance to the playground. No water slides are permitted; only dry inflatables may be set up in Polk County parks.
Location: 625 West Cr 540-A, Lakeland FL, 33813
Reservations: A new reservation system is coming soon! Until then, please call (863) 534-6911 to rent the screened pavilion. (only required for screened pavilions)
More info: Polk County Parks + Recreation
Loyce E. Harpe Park Pavilion
There is a screened pavilion available within walking distance to the playground, dog park, and some baseball and soccer fields. No water slides are permitted; only dry inflatables may be set up in Polk County parks.
Location: 500 W Carter Rd, Mulberry, FL 33860
Reservations: A new reservation system is coming soon! Until then, please call (863) 534-6911 for rentals. (only required for screened pavilions)
More info: Polk County Parks + Recreation
Other Polk County Facility Rentals
With nearly 40 park sites and 11 mini-parks that include athletic facilities, picnic areas, a historical-oriented park, and five campgrounds, Polk County offers a variety of facility rentals. To see a list of Polk County Parks that include a playground, click here.
To make a pavilion reservation, click here or call (863)534-6911.
City of Winter Haven Facility Rentals
The City of Winter Haven has numerous rental opportunities available including rooms, park pavilions, and Rowdy Gaines Pool. Whether you are having a company gathering, training session, family reunion, wedding reception, birthday party or sporting event, we have a space for you. Park Pavilions include: MLK Park, Lake Hartridge Nature Park and Lake Maude Nature Park. For more information on renting a City of Winter Haven facility, please click here or contact the Parks & Recreation Division at 863-291-5656.
City of Bartow Facility Rentals
Bartow Parks & Recreation has three Community Centers (Bartow Civic Center, Carver Recreation Center & Polk Street Community Center) just right for your occasion! Parks & Pavilions are also available to rent. If they are not rented they are available on a first come, first serve basis. Nye Jordan Park & Mary Holland Park have pavilions available. For more information, please click here or contact the Parks & Recreation Office at (863) 534-0120.
City of Auburndale Facility Rentals
For information on facility rentals, click here or contact the Auburndale Parks & Recreation Department at (863) 965-5545.
City of Lake Wales Facility Rentals
To make a reservation or to obtain additional information about our park facilities, click here or call 678-4182, ext 277.
Lake Eva Aquatics Center – Haines City
Have you been to the Lake Eva Water Park? It is Available for parties on Saturday & Sunday while the pool is open. Located at 555 Ledwith Avenue, Haines City, FL 33844. Contact the Community Center at 863-421-3700 for more information.
Splash and Swim at the Lake Eva Water Park and Aquatic Center
Have you been to the Lake Eva Water Park in Haines City? It is a great place to cool off during the summer! The aquatic center has a splash pad, water slide, activity pool and water play area your kids will love, all for only $5 per person.
Map – Park Pavilion Rentals Near You
Birthdays + Special Events Guide
Check out our Special Events Guide for Lakeland + Polk County to find Birthday Party Venues, Rental Spaces, Banquet Halls, Restaurants with Private Party Rooms, Park + Playground Rentals, Birthday Freebies, and more.