15 Best Things To Do In Haines City, Florida - Updated 2024

things to do in haines city florida
Nishit
Nishit 
Updated
| 4 min read

Located in Polk County, The Haines City has a population of around 20,000 and is one of the most populous cities. The city is very close to Orlando and the Tampa Bay area. It also features plenty of attractions as well as lovely accommodations, including Airbnb vacation rentals. Let us have a look at the best things to do in Haines City.

1. Lake Eva Community Park

Lake Eva Community Park boasts all-around fun, from sports to sheltered green areas with grills for picnicking. Within this gorgeous spot, you will find basketball courts, tennis facilities, and a play area for the kids. You can also come with your hook and line, and try out your fishing skills in the pond, harboring sunfish, bream, bass, and more. The site’s aquatic area features water-based fun activities. The location also comes with restrooms and parking for your convenience.

Lake Eva Community Park

Address: 555 Ledwith Ave, Haines City, FL 33844, United States

Website: Lake Eva Community Park

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 8pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

Price: 5 USD

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2. Central Park II

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Central Park II is a small RV park located in a modern suburb of Dell Lake Village. The beautiful community, which features upscale amenities, is serene and pet-friendly. After enjoying what Haines City offers, you can swim in the heated pool or play games such as bocce ball and billiards. There are also many golf courses nearby. You can check out restaurants, a regional shopping mall, the clubhouse, or buy vintage items at the flea market. Even if you don’t own a campervan, Central Park II is a great place to hang out.

Central Park II

Address: 1101 W Commerce Ave, Haines City, FL 33844, United States

Website: Central Park II

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3. Sherwood L. Stokes Preserve

This preserve, named after Haines City lawyer Sherwood L. Stokes, features extensive fauna and flora to appreciate. The gorgeous 225-acre (91-hectare) property is located on the banks of Lake Marion Creek. Within, you will find a wide variety of bird species such as kingfishers and ospreys, as well as beautiful animals like reptiles. Native trees and plants such as moss lichen and sand pines also abound in this place. Aside from the outdoor scenery, kayaking and picnicking are also popular activities at Sherwood L. Stokes Preserve.

Sherwood L. Stokes Preserve

Address: 7598 Lake Marion Creek Rd, Haines City, FL 33844, United States

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4. Lake Marion Creek Wildlife Management Area

20060429_1138
Source: Photo by Flickr user Kelly Verdeck used under CC BY-ND 2.0

From hunting to hiking, the 8000-acre (3237-hectare) property covering Lake Marion’s eastern and western parts in Polk County is a paradise for outdoor lovers. You can hike the hardwood swamp area and enjoy the beauty of the vast countryside, fish in the on-site Snell Creek, or try out your hunting skills. Hunting dogs are allowed on the grounds, and you may spot squirrels, feral hogs, white-tailed deers, and more during the hunt. Camping is not permitted during hunting season for safety. Lake Marion Creek Wildlife Management Area, primarily aimed at preserving natural resources is 5 miles (8 kilometers) away from the city.

Lake Marion Creek Wildlife Management Area

Address: Eileen Lake Blvd, Haines City, FL 33844, United States

Website: Lake Marion Creek Wildlife Management Area

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5. Lake Eva Aquatic Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you wish to cool off from Florida’s hot sun, especially during the summer, Lake Eva Aquatic Center is a perfect spot. The area features many water-based facilities for all ages. The kids can have unlimited fun at the splash pad, the waterslide, or the zero-depth-entry lagoon pool. There are also two swimming pools for all skills levels — the 1-meter (3.5-feet) long pool for starters and a 75-feet (23-meter) competition pool for experts. Aside from a day ticket, you can opt-in for a seasonal pass for more value.

Lake Eva Aquatic Center

Address: 321 S 6th St, Haines City, FL 33844, United States

Website: Lake Eva Aquatic Center

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 11:30am - 2pm (closed from Mon to Fri)

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6. Paradise Island RV Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Paradise Island RV Park is a campground that boasts several outdoor activities to fill your day, from fishing to social activities. The park sits on Middle Lake Hamilton’s shores, and you can fish off the dock or from your canoe. The venue features lots of facilities such as a heated pool, an exercise room, a game room, and barbecue grills to keep you engaged. You may want to stay back till sundown to enjoy the striking sunset over the lake or stargaze at night.

Paradise Island RV Park

Address: 32000 US-27, Haines City, FL 33844, United States

Website: Paradise Island RV Park

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7. Ironman Triathlon

Ironman 70.3 Florida 2012
Source: Photo by Flickr user VisitCentralFL used under CC BY 2.0

The Ironman Triathlon is one of the long distance triathlon races which is organized by the World Triathlon Corporation. It has a series of races which starts with swimming then a bicycle ride and lastly running. Well, if you are in Haines City, then you need to take part in this circuit or experience it as a spectator.

The place also has water slides, a kids’ pool, and playgrounds for some fun times for the kids. The event in Haines City is mostly in the first half of the year. You will find more information below:

Ironman Triathlon

Website: Ironman Triathlon

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8. Southern Dune Golf Course

Southern Dunes Golf and Country Club in Haines City, Florida
Source: Photo by Flickr user VisitCentralFL used under CC BY 2.0

The Southern Dune Golf Course located in Haines City just off HWY 27, spreads over is spread over 7,200 yards and features 100 feet (30.48 meters) of elevation changes. This place has a layout that penalizes poorly executed shots and one that rewards sound golf; a perfect place for a challenging game amidst the verdant greenery.

The Southern Dune Golf Course provides great playing and the customer service is also excellent. Come here and view the game of golf played by professionals or take part yourself and enjoy this game! Plan ahead and enjoy the game of golf in one of the best golf courses in Florida.

Southern Dune Golf Course

Website: Southern Dune Golf Course

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9. Legoland Florida (from USD 79.0)

The Legoland Florida is a theme park located in Winter Haven which is around 16 kilometers (10 miles) from Haines City. This is the second largest Legoland park in the world. The Legoland has a botanical park, water park, and roller coasters, which are all created on Lego theme.

The Legoland Florida offers more than 45 rides with unique attractions and shows. You can take part in the special Knight Lights and Quest To Legoland experience. Book your tickets today! Get more information about booking your tickets here:

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Florida Legoland Resort With Rides, Shows, Attractions

Duration: 1 to 3 days

994 reviews

10. Lake Eva Park

Ironman 70.3 Florida 2012
Source: Photo by Flickr user VisitCentralFL used under CC BY 2.0

The Lake Eva Community Park is the best park in Haines City. The Lake Eva Park has an aquatic center and a band shell. The park also has tennis and basketball courts. The walking trail alongside Lake Eva is perfect for a cozy private walk in the evening with your loved ones.

The place is alluring with scenic beauty all around it. Spend an amazing afternoon here. Find more information below:

Lake Eva Park

Website: Lake Eva Park

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11. Fantasy Of Flight

Polikarpov PO-2, Fantasy Of Flight Museum, Florida
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Greg Goebel used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Fantasy Of Flight is an aviation attraction. It has the largest private aircraft collection on display. The Fantasy Of Flight was one of the only attractions to offer daily aerial demonstrations of aircraft in its collection. The place has two larger hangars. The Fantasy Of Flight has Aerostar Balloon, Airco DH.4, Nieuport 17, Sikorsky S-55, Westland Lysander and much more.

There are certain attractions in which visitors can take part in immersion environments, take part in a ‘sensation of flight’ simulator. The most interesting is the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, where there is a full-scale diorama and visitors can enter the plane and walk through the bomb bay and exit the aircraft. The Golden Hill Storage Facility is another interesting part of the Fantasy Of Flight.

Fantasy Of Flight

Website:

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12. Universal Orlando Theme Park (from USD 200.0)

The Universal Orlando Theme Park is an amazing theme park and resorts property owned by NBCUniversal. The Universal Orlando Theme Park is a great place filled with all sort of attractions and experiences based on movies, comics, cartoons, television and much more. The Universal theme park has a beautiful vacation resort too.

The various theme islands have adventures and certain characters embodied in the attractions. The park also has a water park named Volcano Bay. The water park has eighteen attractions with a lazy river and raft rides. The park also offers unique volcano themed rides for the visitors.

There are numerous shows on this theme park some of which are Blue Man Group and a Day in the Park with Barney. Book your tickets online and there are also special packages for groups. If you are in Haines City, then Universal Orlando Theme Park is not a place to miss. It is around 50 kilometers (30 miles) from the city.

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Universal Orlando Park to Park Tickets - USA / Canada Residents

Duration: 1 to 5 days

878 reviews

13. Ridge Island Groves

This is a family-owned business in central Florida. This place provides fruits which are hand-picked, packed and shipped from their groves. They have a huge range of fresh citrus, marmalade honey, jelly and orange juice!

The Ridge Island Groves offer tours of the place. On this tour, you will get to experience the entire process of how the fruit is grown, as well as other valuable information. Immerse yourself in this unique experience of touring the groves!

Ridge Island Groves

Website: Ridge Island Groves

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14. Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park

A D Broussard Preserve SP path01
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ebyabe used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park is located on Lake Wales Ridge. There are 3,200 hectares (8,000 acres) of sandhill, scrubs, and Flatwoods. There is a large trail for hiking too.

The place is also favorable for fishing and wildlife viewing. There are famous Florida scrub-jays, Florida scrub lizards, gopher tortoise and bald eagles. Make sure to have plenty of arrangements for water and food as this place is located right amidst the difficult rugged conditions. Don’t forget to enjoy your visit!

Allen David Broussard Catfish Preserve State Park

Website: State Park

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15. Walt Disney World Theme Park

Magic Kingdom - Cinderella Castle panorama - by mrkathika
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user https://www.flick... used under CC BY-SA 2.0

We all have heard about Walt Disney World. No one is spared from this engaging world famous attraction! If you are Haines, then you have a great opportunity at your hand to look for and experience the Walt Disney World Theme Park.

There are tons of attractions and rides and experiences to get involved in. The Disney characters’ experience zone is really exciting. The Disney’s Family Magic Tour and the Ultimate Disney Classic VIP tour are great options to experience almost everything that the park has to offer.

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Haines City has something to offer for everyone!

Haines City Hist Dist street07
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ebyabe used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Be it theme parks, unique groves or preserve state parks, Haines City has a lot to offer and will make your stay memorable for sure.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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A traveler and a writer, Nishit possesses a penchant for daydreaming, cinema, music, and the art of silent writing. Reading voraciously, taking notes, and embarking on journeys fuel their vivid...Read more

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