We are lucky to have an abundance of great parks and playgrounds in the Lakeland area. Local playgrounds are either operated by a city or Polk County, depending on where they are located.
Below you’ll find local playgrounds listed under the operating entity. Click on the name of any park to see the address, photos, and get more details. We hope this helps you find playgrounds in the Lakeland area that are open for play!
Polk County Parks & Recreation
Playgrounds operated by Polk County Parks & Recreation in the Lakeland area include:
Banana Lake Park has a playground and HUGE grassy field. It is a great location for a picnic, sports game, or playground time.
Amenities:
- ADA Accessible Trails
- Bank-Pier Fishing
- Boat Launching Site
- Picnic Shelter
- Picnic Tables
- Playground
- Walking Paths-Trails
Climbing structures, a rope pyramid, and lots of shade make this a reader favorite playground in south Lakeland. My favorite part is a swinging bench where this mom can sit and watch.
Restrooms – Yes, look for the screened pavilion towards the entrance
Fenced in – Not fenced in but playground is far away from the main road
Pavilions – Multiple open pavilions available, first come first serve. Screened Pavilion available to rent through Polk County Parks & Recreation.
Operated by – Polk County
Highland City Park is located in the West Central part of Lakeland. Operated by Polk County.
Its current hours of operations are from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Amenities:
- Basketball Courts
- Leagues
- Pavilion
- Picnic Tables
- Playground
- Restrooms
Hunt Fountain Park is located in the Northwest part of Lakeland. Its current hours of operations are from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Operated by Polk County.
Amenities:
- Baseball Fields
- Basketball Courts
- Football Fields
- Leagues
- Multi-Purpose Fields
- Pavilion
- Picnic Shelter
- Picnic Tables
- Playground
- Restrooms
- Racquetball Courts
- Restrooms
- Soccer Fields
- Softball Fields
- Tennis Courts (1)
Also called Carter Road Park, at Loyce Harpe Park two large canopies cover two of the three structures at this playground. Little ones will enjoy driving the car and riding on the whale, while big kids can climb away on three different play areas. Take a left where the road splits, it is hidden off to the right before you reach the baseball fields.
Restrooms – Yes, across the bridge at the back of the playground (look for the screened pavilion)
Fenced in – Yes but the gate is not child proof
Pavilions – Yes, one screened pavilion available for rent through Polk County Parks & Recreation
Operated by – Polk County
City of Lakeland Parks & Recreation
Playgrounds operated by the City of Lakeland include:
Located at the top of the Lake Mirror Amphitheater, Barnett Family Park includes a splash pad water feature, playground (including the Sunflower Preschool Playground), labyrinth, covered picnic area, restrooms, and a multipurpose field. Operated by the City of Lakeland.
Playground Hours
Monday – Friday: 8am – Just before dusk
Saturday & Sunday: 8am – Dusk
Covered Pavilion Hours
Monday – Friday: 10am – Just before dusk
Saturday & Sunday: 8am – Dusk
Picnic tables are available first come first served.
Splash Pad & Water Dump Bucket Feature
Thursday – Tuesday: 10am – 5pm
Closed Wednesdays for Maintenance
Common Ground was Polk County’s first “inclusive play experience,” a term used to describe non-traditional play areas. Children of varying abilities and disabilities are able to play together side-by-side!
Common Ground includes multiple play areas. Pavilions are available for rental as well as first come first serve use if not rented. Operated by the City of Lakeland.
Hours: Thursday – Tuesday: 8 AM – Dusk (every day but Wednesday)
Wednesday: 10 AM – Dusk
This playground includes my new favorite – a zipline! There are climbing structures for all ages, multiple swings, and a HUGE field next to the playground.
Restrooms – Yes
Fenced in – Partial, fence on two sides near the road, open on two sides to the field
Pavilions – Yes, first come first serve
Operated by – City of Lakeland
Operated by the City of Lakeland.
This playground got a complete makeover in 2016. 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!
Restrooms – Yes
Fenced in – Only partially, fence along parking lot and lake. Other two sides bordered by baseball fields.
Pavilions – None nearby, a few picnic tables
Operated by – City of Lakeland
Lakeland area playground on Edgewood Drive, just 1/2 mile east of Common Ground Playground. There are swings, multiple slides, a large playground, and a large grassy field. Shaded during the morning hours. No designated parking, find a spot along Phyllis St.
Restrooms – No
Fenced in – Yes but with openings in the fence, no gates. One side does border a busy road (Edgewood) but it is a good distance away from the playground.
Pavilions – No, there are a few picnic tables and a small grill
This neighborhood playground is almost completely shaded AND fenced in! Two structures with slides, plus swings, along with a large grassy area next to the playground. No bathrooms on site, and no designated parking lot – simply find a spot along the road.
Restrooms – No
Fenced in – Yes but there is not a gate at the entrance
Pavilions – No
Operated by – City of Lakeland
Lakeland area playground nestled in a neighborhood. Operated by the City of Lakeland.
Restrooms – no
Fenced in – partial, with 2 sides open
Pavilions – no
Parking located at the south end of the playground on Elm St.
Operated by the City of Lakeland.
Start your engines and race on over to Lakeland’s new car-themed playground at John McGee Park. Your kiddos will love pretending to drive a car or truck, climb on tires, and run the gas pump. Brand new playground in 2022, park was formerly named Cypress Youth Sports complex. See our full article for more photos of John McGee Park.
Restrooms – Yes
Fenced in – Only partially, fence along parking lot and lake. Other two sides bordered by baseball fields.
Pavilions – None nearby, a few picnic tables
Operated by – City of Lakeland
Operated by the City of Lakeland.
Playground with plenty of pavilions and picnic tables nearby for a party or just to sit and enjoy the shade!
This playground is located at the back of the baseball fields at Peterson Park, turn at the YMCA on Cleveland Heights and follow the road back until it starts to turn left. The playground is to the right. There is also a great nature boardwalk and walking trails in the area. Operated by the City of Lakeland.
Restrooms – Yes
Fenced – No
Pavilions – Yes, there are multiple pavilions near the playground, all are first come first serve. There is also a large screened pavilion at the back of Peterson Park with a large grassy field, it is not within sight of the playground (but technically walking distance). For more information on the large pavilion rental visit http://www.lakelandgov.net/departments/parks-recreation/reservations-rentals/.
Lakeland area playground located at the Simpson Park Community Center. Operated by the City of Lakeland.
Lakeland area playground located at the Southwest Sports Complex, home to softball and soccer fields.
Restrooms – yes
Fenced – no (partial fence but won’t keep toddlers in)
Pavilions – Picnic tables nearby, first come first serve
Operated by – City of Lakeland
The Rotary Playground has a pirate ship, treehouse, ziplines, parent/baby swings, and so much more to explore.
Click here to read our full review of the Rotary Playground and see more photos.
Restrooms – Yes, look for white buildings off to either side of the playground
Fenced in – No, and one side of playground is open to Lake Parker
Pavilions – Yes, eight pavilions available, first come first serve
Operated by – City of Lakeland
*There is a bell at the playground that kids can ring, some special needs parents have told us their kids struggled with the constant loud ringing of the bell*
Located in a quiet area surrounded by neighborhoods, this playground is perfect for a train-loving child!
Restrooms – Yes
Fenced – No
Pavilions – Picnic tables are first come, first serve
Operated by – City of Lakeland
City of Mulberry Parks & Recreation
Playgrounds operated by Mulberry Parks & Recreation include:
Centennial Park Playground is located next to the Mulberry Library.
Mulberry’s Butterfly Garden is a little piece of heaven. Located just west of the Mulberry Public Library, this little oasis is a great place to get away and be apart of nature.
Operated by the City of Mulberry.
Janie Eason Park is located at NW 9th Street and NE 2nd Ave. It hosts a playground, benches and a butterfly garden. Operated by the City of Mulberry.
Ruth Stewart Park is located at SE 4th Street and features a playground, pavilion and half basketball court. Operated by the City of Mulberry.
City of Winter Haven Parks & Recreation
WINTER HAVEN PLAYGROUND LIST COMING SOON!
City of Auburndale Parks & Recreation
Playgrounds operated by Auburndale Parks & Recreation include:
Features playground equipment for children of all ages. Swing sets, bench swings, tower, train, Tot area and more. Walk across the street to grab lunch or ice cream in Downtown Auburndale.
Restrooms – Yes
Fenced in – No
Pavilions – Yes, first come first serve
Operated by – City of Auburndale
Use our Playground Map to find a playground near you.
Playgrounds Near Me
Outdoor Activities Guide
Check out our full Outdoor Fun Guide for more outdoor things to do in Lakeland, Polk County, and Central Florida.