Spring Break Staycation: Exploring Winter Haven on a Budget
Spring break is here and if you’re like many families, you may be looking for fun and affordable ways to keep your kids entertained during the break. While it may be tempting to travel to far-off destinations, sometimes staying home and exploring your local area can be just as rewarding. Fortunately, the Winter Haven area is packed with free or budget-friendly activities that the whole family can enjoy, regardless of age or interest. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, there is something for everyone in this vibrant area. In this blog post, we’ll be sharing some creative and fun suggestions for family activities that won’t break the bank. So, if you’re staying home this spring break and looking for local things to do, read on!
Visit Local Parks
Visiting local parks is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature. Fortunately, there are numerous local parks available for residents to explore in various communities. In this section, we will list several local parks highlighting their unique features and amenities. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an active adventure, there is a local park that can meet your needs.
- Downtown Trailhead Park – located in Winter Haven, this park features a large playground and splash pad. Get map of all the parks in Winter Haven: Map of WH Parks
- Rotary Park – located in Winter Haven, this park offers amenities such as a horseshoe area, small skateboard court, softball field, playground, picnics, and restrooms.
- Simmers-Young Park – located in Winter Haven, this park offers beautiful wide open spaces, a walking path, playground, soccer fields, and restrooms.
- Lake Wales Ridge State Forest – located in Lake Wales, about 8 miles southeast of Winter Haven, this park offers nature trails, picnic areas, and a nature center.
- Saddle Creek Park – located in Lakeland, about 9 miles northwest of Winter Haven, this park offers amenities such as boat ramps, picnic areas, playgrounds, and nature trails.
- Common Ground Park – located in Lakeland, about 10 miles northwest of Winter Haven, this park offers amenities such as a playground, picnic area, and walking trails.
- Lake Parker Park – located in Lakeland, about 10 miles northwest of Winter Haven, this park offers amenities such as playgrounds, picnic areas, and a boat ramp.
- Lake Eva Park – Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as playing basketball, tennis, or enjoying a picnic in one of the covered pavilions. The park has several play areas for children of different ages and offers a beautiful view of the lake. It’s a great place for families to spend a day outdoors.
Take a Hike
One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of nature and get some exercise at the same time is to take a hike. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a challenging trek, there are plenty of hiking trails to explore. Lace up your hiking boots, pack some water and snacks, and get ready to discover some of the most breathtaking scenery around. In this section, we’ll suggest some top hiking trails and provide tips for a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Spring break is the perfect time to get a head start on the Trek Ten Trails challenge in Polk County, Florida. With ten designated trails to explore, hikers can experience the diverse natural beauty of the area, including forests, wetlands, and wildlife. By registering online and setting out on these trails during spring break, participants can take advantage of the mild weather and ample time off from school or work. Completing the Trek Ten Trails challenge during spring break is a great way to stay active, enjoy the outdoors, and earn a certificate and commemorative patch to showcase your accomplishment. So lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails for a memorable spring break adventure in Polk County. Get more information about the Trek Ten Trail Challenge HERE.
- Circle B Bar Reserve, which offers over 1,200 acres of natural Florida beauty. Arboretum, Audubon, Mackay, Saddle Creek, (Trek 10 Trails). Circle B Bar Reserve: This reserve offers over 6 miles of hiking trails through wetlands, oak hammocks, and freshwater marshes. It is also a prime destination for bird watching and cycling. Visit the Polk Nature Discovery Center to learn about Polk County’s ecosystems through hands-on activities or climb around on the indoor play area that’s perfect for kids.
- Tiger Creek Preserve: Tiger Creek offers 8 miles of well-marked trails through scrubby flatwoods, hardwood swamp, and pine flatwoods. It is located in Babson Park, FL. [[3]]
- Marshall Hampton Reserve: This reserve is located in Lakeland, FL, and offers over 2.6 miles of hiking trails through a beautiful and natural Florida landscape. The trails include scenic views of lakes and ponds, as well as diverse plant and wildlife species.
- Holloway Park: This park is located in Lakeland, FL, and offers 3.2 miles of hiking trails through a pine forest and around a lake. It is also a popular destination for cross country running events.
- Lakeland Highlands Scrub: This hiking trail is located in Lakeland, FL, and offers over 3 miles of hiking trails through the Lakeland Highlands Scrub ecosystem. This is a unique habitat with a variety of plant and animal species, some of which are endangered.
- Se7en Wetlands: This park is located in Lakeland, FL, and offers over 2 miles of hiking trails through wetlands and lakes. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, making it a popular destination for bird watching.
- Gator Creek Reserve: This reserve is located in Lakeland, FL, and offers over 4 miles of hiking trails through a variety of natural habitats, including pine forests, cypress domes, and wetlands. It is also a popular destination for bird watching and fishing.
- Colt Creek State Park: This park is located in Lakeland, FL, and offers over 15 miles of hiking trails through pine forests, cypress swamps, and hardwood hammocks. The park also offers a variety of other activities, including camping, fishing, and horseback riding.
- Mosaic Peace River Park: This park is located in Fort Meade, FL, and offers over 6 miles of hiking trails along the Peace River. The park also offers fishing, kayaking, and canoeing opportunities.
- Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve: This park is located in Lake Alfred, FL, and offers over 1 mile of hiking trails through a botanical garden and natural preserve. The park also offers picnic areas, a playground, and a fishing dock.
- BONUS HIDDEN GEM: The Michael V. Lewis Arboretum and Parrott Trail is located in Winter Haven. This 42-acre parcel was donated to the Green Horizon Land Trust by Talbot Lewis and contains a mix of native and exotic ornamental plants reflecting Polk County’s horticultural heritage. The trail offers visitors more than a mile of winding trail and is located on Overlook Drive approximately 0.5 miles east of Carl Floyd Road in Winter Haven
Overall, Polk County offers a rich diversity of natural experiences on foot with more than 125 miles of trails available to explore. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely hike or a challenging trek, there is a trail for everyone.
Go Fish!
Fishing in Winter Haven’s lakes is an exciting and relaxing activity to enjoy during spring break. You can find ample fishing opportunities, different fish species, and scenic views that make for a memorable outdoor experience. With numerous fishing spots available, fishing in Winter Haven is an activity that can suit the interests of both beginners and experienced anglers. Information on every lake in the City can be found HERE!
Visit Farmers Markets
Visiting local farmers markets can be a delightful way to spend a day during spring break. Not only do they provide a unique shopping experience, but they also offer the opportunity to support local farmers and artisans while enjoying fresh, seasonal produce and other goods. Fortunately, Winter Haven and its surrounding areas boast a variety of farmers markets, each with its own distinct charm and offerings. Whether you’re looking for fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade crafts, or just a fun outing with friends or family, these markets are definitely worth a visit. Here is a list of some of the best farmers markets in the Winter Haven area.
- The Winter Haven Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 9am-3pm and features local vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal crafts.
- The Lake Wales Downtown Farmers Market is a local marketplace that offers a wide range of products from fresh eggs to citrus trees, honey, handmade soaps, hot sauce, and much more [1]. The market is open on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month from 9 am to 1 pm and is located at 20 N. Market Street in Lake Wales, Florida.
- Plant City Market Parkesdale Farm Market – located at 3702 W Baker St, Plant City, Florida 33563, is open daily around 6 am for the Farmers Market and Wednesday at 6:30 am, Saturday, and Sunday at 7 am for the Flea Market.
- The Downtown Farmers Curb Market – located at Munn Park, 210 E. Main St., operates on Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., from September to May, and 8 a.m.-1 p.m., June and July. This farmers market offers everything from produce and clothing to art and coffee.
- Polk County Farmers Market – located at 3201 E Johnson Ave, Haines City, FL 33844, is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.
Explore Local Museums
Polk County is home to a diverse range of museums that offer visitors the opportunity to explore everything from contemporary art to aviation history. Whether you’re a history buff, art lover, or simply looking for an educational and enjoyable way to spend your spring break, a visit to one of Polk County’s museums is a great choice. In this section, we will introduce you to some of the best museums in the area, providing descriptions, addresses, and hours of operation to help you plan your visit.
- The Polk Museum of Art is a renowned art museum located in Lakeland, Florida. It is home to a vast collection of over 2,500 works of art, including contemporary and traditional pieces, with a focus on American art. The museum is located at 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland, FL 33801, and can be reached via phone at (863) 688-7743. Admission to the museum is free, with a suggested donation of $5. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays and major holidays.
- The Winter Haven History Museum showcases the rich history of Winter Haven, Florida, with exhibits highlighting the area’s early settlers, the citrus industry, and the development of tourism. The museum also features rotating exhibits, events, and educational programs. It is located at 660 Pope Avenue NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881. The museum is open Saturdays, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Admission is free, although donations are appreciated to support the museum’s ongoing efforts to preserve and share the city’s history.
- The Mulberry Phosphate Museum is a historical museum located in Mulberry, Florida, USA. The museum offers exhibits on the history of phosphate mining in the area and the impact it had on the community. Visitors can see fossils, minerals, and mining equipment on display, as well as learn about the history of the phosphate industry in Florida. The address of the museum is 101 SE 1st St, Mulberry, FL 33860. As for the hours, the museum is open from Tuesday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and on Saturdays, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
- The Polk County History Center is located at 100 East Main Street, Bartow, Florida. The museum consists of exhibits presenting local and regional history, and is located in the historic Old Polk County Courthouse. It is open Tuesday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- The Florida Children’s Museum is a hands-on learning facility located in Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland.. The museum opened in November 2022 and features 47,800 square feet of exhibits curated for children of all ages. The museum is open from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 3pm. The address of the Florida Children’s Museum is 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33815, which is inside Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland. Admission is $15 per person with children under 2 free. The museum also offers sensory inclusion for visitors with sensory sensitivities.
Have a Picnic
Pack a lunch and head to one of Winter Haven’s many scenic spots, such as the Lake Maude Nature Park or the Historic Downtown District.
Visit the Library
Visiting the Winter Haven Public Library during spring break can provide a great opportunity to relax, learn, and have fun with the family. Plus, it’s free and offers something for everyone, making it an excellent destination to add to your itinerary.
Take a Bike Ride
Spring Break is the perfect time to enjoy the beautiful weather and get outdoors with your family. One fun and healthy way to do this is by taking a bike ride together. Not only is it a great way to get some exercise, but it’s also an opportunity to explore the local area and create lasting memories. Winter Haven and the surrounding areas offer a variety of scenic bike trails that are perfect for families of all ages and skill levels. In this section, we’ll highlight some of the best bike trails in the area and provide tips for a successful and enjoyable family bike ride during spring break.
- The Chain of Lakes Trail is a popular paved bike path that runs through Winter Haven and connects to other nearby towns.
- Colt Creek State Park: This park offers over 12 miles of hard packed and grass-covered trails that are accessible for bikes. Due to some areas of soft sand or muddy areas, mountain bikes are recommended.
- Circle B Bar Reserve: With varying trail lengths, Circle B Bar Reserve boasts multiple trail options for those with as little or as much experience. The reserve also offers scenic views of Florida wildlife and lakes.
- TECO Trail: This 6.6-mile paved multi-use trail starts in Auburndale and leads to Polk City, where it connects with the General James A. Van Fleet State Trail. The trail also features a bald eagle observation area at the southern end of the trail.
- Fort Fraser Trail: This paved trail spans 7.75 miles and offers scenic views of Lake Hancock and the surrounding natural habitat. The trail is also wheelchair accessible and features restroom facilities.
- 3 Parks Trail in Lakeland: This trail spans 2.2 miles and connects Lake Hollingsworth, Common Ground Park, and the Lakeland Highlands Scrub Preserve. The trail is also wheelchair accessible and features restroom facilities.
Explore Downtown
Exploring downtown Winter Haven can be a great way to spend a day during spring break. The area has a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions that cater to all ages. Visitors can take a stroll around the beautiful Central Park, enjoy a cup of coffee in one of the local cafes, or browse the unique boutiques and antique shops.
Visit a Local Animal Sanctuary
The Genesis Zoological and Wildlife Rescue is a wildlife rescue center. They have been operating in Auburndale, Florida since 1989 and their main function is to rescue and rehabilitate injured and orphaned wildlife, as well as facilitate their release back into the wild or provide permanent care. The center also hosts native wildlife such as birds of prey, opossums, raccoons, and many others, which helps to educate people on the need to protect wildlife and their habitats. The address of the center is 747 Howard Road, Auburndale, FL 33823. The phone number to contact them is (863) 965-8706 The center is open to the public from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays.
Go On a Photo Scavenger Hunt
Taking your family on a photo scavenger hunt in Winter Haven can be a fun and exciting way to explore the city while also creating lasting memories. With a wide range of unique and interesting locations throughout the city, the scavenger hunt can be customized to fit the interests and abilities of your family members. You can start by creating a list of tasks or items to capture in photos, such as a historical location, a unique architectural feature, or a local landmark. Don’t forget to document each task with a photo and see who can capture the most unique and interesting photos of Winter Haven. Once the scavenger hunt is complete, you can turn the photos into a fun family photo album or even a wall collage to showcase your adventure. You can also consider adding a surprise at the end of the scavenger hunt, such as a small prize or a special treat. So, get ready to capture some amazing moments and explore the best of Winter Haven with your family!
Visit a Local Historical Site
Bok Tower Gardens and the Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture at Florida Southern College are both local historical sites with interesting stories to learn.
- Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark located in Lake Wales, Florida, USA. The centerpiece of the garden is the 205-foot (62 m) Singing Tower Carillon, a stunning bell tower built on one of the highest points in Florida. The Carillon boasts a 60-bell instrument that can be heard playing 30-minute concerts twice a day. Visitors can enjoy exploring the meandering landscape of the garden, which includes shady walks, numerous water bodies, and native hammock vegetation. The property also includes a Mediterranean-style mansion and offers unparalleled opportunities for artistic, cultural, personal, and spiritual enrichment
- Spook Hill in Lake Wales, Florida is a gravity hill that has been perplexing and intriguing visitors for decades. The site is located on the Lake Wales Ridge, a range of sand and limestone hills that were islands millions of years ago when sea levels were higher than they are today. Visitors are asked to stop their cars at a spot on the sloping hill, put them in neutral, and witness an optical illusion where the cars appear to roll up the hill, defying gravity. The legend behind Spook Hill involves a Seminole Indian village and a massive Florida alligator, but the mystery and awe continue to draw visitors to this unique attraction
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture at Florida Southern College is a must-see for anyone interested in his work. Between 1940 and 1958, Wright designed 18 structures for the college, 12 of which were completed during his lifetime. The designs showcase Wright’s signature style, characterized by organic forms, geometric patterns, and a close relationship between the building and its natural surroundings. Some of the notable buildings include the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel, the Water Dome, and the Polk County Science Building. Visitors can take a guided tour of the campus to learn about Wright’s designs and the history of Florida Southern College. The Sharp Family Tourism and Education Center, which includes a gift shop and exhibition space, is a great starting point for exploring the campus.
Wrap Up
A staycation in Winter Haven can be just as exciting and fulfilling as a costly vacation elsewhere. With the variety of free and budget-friendly activities available, families can have a memorable spring break without breaking the bank. From exploring nature trails to experiencing local culture, Winter Haven has something to offer for everyone. By taking advantage of these suggestions for family-friendly activities, you can make the most of your time off and create lasting memories without straining your wallet. So, get ready to pack your bags and embark on an affordable adventure in Winter Haven!
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