10 Favorite Swimming Pools + Splash Pads in Lakeland and Polk County

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.

DAYS OPEN: The Splash pad is open daily from 10am – 5pm, closed Wednesdays for maintenance. Check website for any other closures.
ADMISSION: Free
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: 
– No food, drink or glass allowed on the splash pad
– Water re-circulated and treated. Children should avoid drinking the water.
– Water shoes requested
– Persons with Diarrhea should not use the splash pad
– No pets on the splash pad

From time to time the water feature may need to be shut off due to maintenance issues. If the water is ever off during open hours please call Gandy Pool at 863.834.3157 for more information. Water may be turned off due to high winds or low temperatures.

The Splash Pad at Trailhead Park is an outdoor amenity for families to enjoy together. There are two first-come first-serve shaded picnic tables areas and an on-site bathroom. There is also a playground at the park.

DAYS OPEN: The Splash Pad is open year round daily from 10am – 7pm.
ADMISSION: Free

Gandy Pool features a 10 lane, 25-yard short course heated pool with one-meter diving board and a 3-4 foot deep recreation pool. A handicap ramp at 0-depth and a hydraulic handicap lift chair is provided.

DAYS OPEN: Gandy Pool is open year round, hours vary by season, visit the website for more information.
ADMISSION: $4 per person/visit OR 20 visit pass for $40. Semi-Annual or Annual Activity Pass also available.

POOL CLOSURE: As of Friday, 6/14 – Simpson Park Pool is closed for repairs until further notice. Check the City of Lakeland website for updates.

Simpson Pool features a 10 lane, 50 meter long course pool and separate diving well with two one-meter diving boards. A hydraulic handicap lift chair is also available. Located at Simpson Park Community Center, where you’ll find a gym, tennis courts, playground, and a variety of classes for kids and adults.

DATES OPEN: CURRENTLY CLOSED – Simpson Pool is open seasonally in the Summer (late Spring through early Fall).
ADMISSION: $4 per person/visit OR 20 visit pass for $40. Semi-Annual or Annual Activity Pass also available. 17 & under – inquire about dollar days.

Florida Southern Wellness Center is home to a 25 yard, 8 lane competition pool with an additional, shallow recreation area. Swim Lessons are available from May – July – click here for details.

DATES OPEN: During the school year the pool is only open to students, staff, and alumni. In the summer, the community can visit the pool for a small entry fee per person, per visit. Call (863)-680-6290 or visit the website for hours and more info.

The Lake Eva Water Park and Splash Pad is home to a pool and kids’ play area with a zero-depth entry lagoon pool, water slide, splash pad, and water activities. Open daily during the summer, weekends only in Fall.

For a video and photos of the pool and splash pad, check out our article on the Lake Eva Water Park.

DATES OPEN: The Lake Eva Waterpark and Pool is scheduled to open for the season on May 4, 2024. Check with the City of Haines City for the most up-to-date information.
May 4 – May 26, 2024 – Weekends only from 12pm – 6pm (Saturday + Sunday, also open Memorial Day)
May 31 – August 9, 2024 – Open Daily from 12pm – 6pm
August 10 – September 15, 2024 – Weekends only from 12pm – 6pm (Saturday + Sunday, also open Labor Day)
Please note that dates are subject to change. Special Holiday Hours for June 19 and July 4.

ADMISSION: $5 per person. The daily admission fee applies to all guests, ages 3 and older, entering the facility during open swim. (Ages 2 & under are free)

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: The pool often reaches Maximum Capacity on summer days, arrive early to avoid waiting to enter the pool. There is also a large playground next to the pool at Lake Eva Park. Visit the pool website to see a full list of rules.

The Rowdy Gaines Olympic Pool is a heated Olympic size competitive pool used for competitive swimming, swim instruction and recreational use. Located at the Chain O’ Lakes Complex.

DAYS OPEN: Open to the public year-round for lap swim and open swim. Check the website for lap swim hours and any schedule changes.
ADMISSION: WH Residents – $2 / Non-residents – $3. Multi-Visit Pass Available.

The Recreational & Cultural Center pool is an “L” shaped pool measuring 25 yards x 25 meters. Open to the public and used for swim instruction and recreational use seasonally during summer months.

DATES OPEN: Winter Haven Recreational & Cultural Center and Pool is typically open June through August. Check the website for operating hours & cost.

The Mulberry Community Pool is open seasonally during the summer months. Check out the Mulberry Community Pool on Facebook for all the updated info.

DATES OPEN: The Mulberry Community Pool typically opens in late May/early June and closes in August. Visit the Mulberry Pool FB Page for updates. Summer Splash is held in late May or early June kicking off the opening of the Mulberry Pool.
ADMISSION: Free for City of Mulberry residents, or $5 per visit for non-residents. City of Mulberry residents can pick up a free pool pass by taking a Mulberry water bill to the pool. If you don’t have a water bill you can also take a driver’s license or ID.