The wait for a Bonnet Springs Park opening date is finally over. Yesterday it was announced that the park will officially open on Sat., October 22. The 168-acre park is located between West Memorial Blvd. and George Jenkins Blvd., and is designed to be within walking distance of Downtown Lakeland.

Also announced was the opening of the Florida Children’s Museum, formerly known as Explorations V Children’s Museum, which will be on-site at the park. The new location will open on Fri., November 4. You can read more about what to expect in our Q+A with Kerry Falwell, CEO of the Florida Children’s Museum.

There will be no shortage of nature-based things to do and see at Bonnet Springs Park. Here are a few we’re most excited about:

🌱 Getting close to nature on the trails, great lawn + botanical gardens

🌳 Bringing kids to the 100-ft alligator playground and aerial treehouse

🦅 Seeing the park from a bird’s eye view on the elevated Crenshaw Canopy Walk

☕ Hanging out with friends at the Depot Café, outdoor kitchen, or the rooftop bar

The Crenshaw Canopy Walk will lead through the treetops toward the lagoons around Lake Bonnet. | Photo provided by Bonnet Springs Park

We’re counting down the days until we can finally enjoy a day at Bonnet Springs Park this fall. Are you as excited as we are? Tell us what you’re most eager to see when it opens on October 22.