Affordable Winter Haven Activities!
So you’ve finally decided on a community that you’d like to call home! You’ve done your research, and you know everything there is to know about the community activities, golf memberships, and the cost of living your retirement dreams. To make the transition complete, you’ll need to learn more about the town that you’ve chosen to spend your golden years in. Let us introduce you to Winter Haven, Florida ~ The Chain of Lakes City!
In the heart of Winter Haven, there are plenty of places to play, explore and reflect. A free community market takes place on the second and fourth Saturday of each month in downtown Winter Haven’s park blocks. Imagine a farmers market, but with arts, crafts, jewelry, food trucks, live music and more! Parking is free, and everyone is WELCOME!
Head down to Martin Luther King Park on Lake Silver on the third Saturday of each month to enjoy the iconic Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team! This team was started by former water-skiers from the Cypress Gardens Theme Park who wanted to pass on their show skiing legacy to the next generation. The first water ski show took place in 1943, and it held the distinction of being the “longest running entertainment production in the world” until the theme park’s closing in 2009. They perform impressive shows at no cost to you! Bring your own lawn chairs or a nice blanket to enjoy the entertainment. Concessions are available.
A February family favorite is attending the Annual Budweiser Smoke on the Water BBQ Festival! More than 80 teams from across the country come together to compete for the Florida State Grand Champion title. Entry is free, but tickets are needed to try food at the different stands. Plus you can vote for your favorite! This is a weekend filled with live music and delicious food that you won’t want to miss.
When the grandkids come for a visit, you can take them to Legoland. This theme park encourages them to ride roller coasters, walk through cities built of Legos and even get their “Driver’s License” – after taking a fun test drive on a miniature course. The adjoining water park guarantees an amazing day in the sun!
Located in Lakeland, on the outskirts of Winter Haven, is the Circle B Bar Reserve. Circle B is known for the alligators and other wildlife that are known to explore the serene & lush landscaping. Visitors can enjoy hiking the many maintained trails, visiting the educational center in the heart of the park, or eating a picnic under the shade of the grilling pavilions. Make sure you bring your camera! You won’t want to miss the wildlife photo opportunities!
Are you an airplane enthusiast? Let your imagination soar at The Fantasy of Flight, a working restoration facility that has the world’s largest collection of vintage aircraft. You can also visit the annual Sun ‘N Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland. It is one of the world’s largest aerospace events and boasts fly-over with the Blue Angels, as well as other amazing events.
All of these activities mentioned, and we haven’t even begun to scratch the surface! There’s so much more to explore and you’ll have such a fun time doing it. And since our community is situated between Tampa and Orlando, you’re never more than an hour away from some of Florida’s greatest attractions & theme parks.
As you can see, there’s a reason our area is known to bring in tourists and vacationers from all over the world. And it’s just going to keep getting better! Come enjoy sunny Winter Haven, Florida – the city we are proud to call home.
Photo Credits:
Circle B: https://polknature.com/explore/circle-b-bar-reserve
Smoke on The Water: https://www.facebook.com/SmokeOnTheWater863/?tn-str=k*F
Cypress Gardens Ski: https://www.facebook.com/CypressGardensWaterSkiTeam/?tn-str=k*F
Fantasy of Flight: https://www.facebook.com/fantasyofflight/?tn-str=k*F
LegoLand: https://www.legoland.com/florida/
Winter Haven Market: https://www.facebook.com/2ndand4thSaturdayMarketsInDowntownWinterHaven/photos/a.458618537571555/2303262069773850/?type=3&theater
