PREMIER FAMILY DESTINATION

PROFESSIONAL & AMATEUR SPORTS

Polk County is home to the Lakeland Magic, the professional NBA G League basketball team and sister team to the Orlando Magic . The Lakeland Magic play their games at the RP Funding Center in nearby Lakeland but have their practices at Winter Haven’s newest facility, the AdventHealth Fieldhouse and Conference Center at Chain of Lakes Park . The fieldhouse includes 6 basketball courts which can be converted into 12 volleyball courts, or courts for wrestling, cheer and dance competitions, business expos, concerts or large banquets The facility also includes breakout meeting rooms, a fitness facility, an indoor running track and upgrades to the existing Theatre Winter Haven and Ridge Art Association Gallery

In addition to basketball, Polk County has a long history of professional baseball Lakeland is home to one of the longest standing relationships having hosted the Detroit Tigers spring training for over 83 years . The Detroit Tigers sister team The Lakeland Flying Tigers also provide great baseball entertainment during the season at Joker Marchant Stadium .

And for you soccer fans, our hometown professional soccer club, the Florida Tropics, wow fans at the RP Funding Center playing 10 home games from NovemberMarch .

Winter Haven has a very strong youth soccer association, baseball league, football league, swimming team, the Winter Haven Stingrays, and softball league, Miss Winter Haven Softball . For those children with adaptative needs, the Special Olympics of Polk County offers a wide variety of sports activities and competitions

Splashy Attractions

Winter Haven has long been known as the Water Ski Capital of the World From the original water skiers at Cypress Gardens theme park to the numerous wakeboarding, flyboarding, and wake surfing instructors in the area, our community’s water sports legacy continues .

While in town, rent a boat at Marine Supply or take a guided tour of the Chain of Lakes with Living Water Boat Cruises . For those looking to burn a few calories while exploring, check out Paddleboard Winter Haven for an up-close look at the lakes No boat? No problem In 2019, Polk County’s first water sports cable park opened in our neighboring city of Auburndale . While you are there, you can also visit the Polk County Sports Hall of Fame

Back To Nature

Beyond the hustle and bustle of the theme parks, Winter Haven’s natural beauty and appeal can’t be understated . Protected trails and parks are located in every direction, allowing for opportunities to learn, explore, have a picnic, or even camp! Visit Circle B Bar Reserve for the chance to see bald eagles, hundreds of gators, turtles, birds, rabbits, and much more! Circle B is also home to the Nature Discovery Center, where families can learn about the animal and plant species indigenous to our part of Florida Polk County also boasts an extensive trail network for hiking and biking .