15 Best Things to Do in Davenport FL with Kids

Taking a vacation with your family is a wonderful thing to do. It brings the family closer together and, in some ways, strengthens the bond between spouses. But it’s not just the adults who get to enjoy the break from the norm; even the kids have a good time. Today, I’ll tell you about the top 15 things to do in Davenport FL with kids. Continue reading.

About Davenport FL

Before I begin telling you about all the wonderful things you can do in this location, let me give you a brief history of the area.

Davenport, Florida is a city in Polk County, Florida, in the United States. The population was 9,040 at the time of the 2020 census. While Davenport is a small city, the area north of town near Interstate 4 and US 27 is rapidly growing.

The Lakeland-Winter Haven Combined Statistical Area encompasses it. H.B. The current mayor, “Rob” Robinson, was elected in February 2018.

According to the City Charter, Mayor Robinson received 69.8 percent of the vote in the April 2019 municipal election, defeating former Mayor Darlene Bradley.

History of Davenport FL

Going deeper into the history of this amazing county, I’d like to inform you that during the Second Seminole War in 1838, the US military established Fort Davenport about 12 miles north of the current Davenport site.

The fort was constructed in 20-mile increments along a trail that connected Fort Brooke and Fort Mellon. The fort lasted only a few years. Colonel William Davenport, the local US commander during the war, was honored with the fort’s name.

Documentary evidence does not support the alternative claim that the city was named after a railroad conductor.

Davenport’s modern era began in the 1880s when the South Florida Railroad was extended to that location.

The settlement was originally known as Horse Creek, after the creek that was first recorded on a US Army survey in 1849 and flows past the site to enter Snell Creek and then Lake Hatchineha in the Kissimmee River system.

In 1884, a post office was established at Horse Creek, and the name was changed to Davenport in 1886. Davenport was founded in 1915.

The South Florida Railroad built a station half-a-mile north of where the city is now. A new downtown station replaced it in 1926.

It was eventually decommissioned in the 1970s. From 1958 to 1986, a second station, the Vertagreen Railroad Station, was closed to the public and only used for fertilizer transportation.

Things to do in Davenport FL

Now that you’ve learned about Davenport FL’s history, it’s time to learn about Things to Do in Davenport FL with Kids. I must say that there are numerous things one can do in this amazing city to have the time of their lives. Let’s get started, shall we?

1. Visit Central Florida Welcome Center

The central Florida welcome center tops the list. The premier Polk County, FL Welcome Center is conveniently located and offers an abundance of information. The USA Water Ski and Wake Sports Hall of Fame and Museum is located in the Welcome Center.

Try a Fresh FL orange juice sample while exploring interactive exhibits about various Central Florida attractions.

While the kids are fishing for largemouth bass in the pond, please inquire about discounted tickets to all of your favorite Central Florida attractions.

Furthermore, their friendly staff and volunteers are trained to assist you in obtaining the visitor information you require during your Central Florida vacation.

2. See the Posner Park Shopping Mall

Posner Park Shopping Mall is located in Polk County, Florida, between Haines City and Clermont, at the intersection of I-4 and US Highway 27.

Target, Petsmart, Dicks Sporting Goods, Best Buy, Staples, Ross, Michaels, Books-A-Million, Cinepolis IMAX Theater, and many more are among the retailers in this 80-acre development.

Future leisure and residential developments will include high-end boutiques, upscale offices, destination restaurants, luxury multi-family residences, entertainment, and cultural venues, and pedestrian parks.

The Mall’s core plaza will be lushly landscaped and feature fountains. According to the plans, 4,500 people will live in 2,000 luxury multifamily units.

The property has also received approval for 2,600 upscale hotel rooms, millions of square feet of general and specialty retail space, and Class A office space.

Signs in front of the mall entrance indicate that Posner Village, a future mall, is being built next to Posner Park Mall on Highway 27.

Davenport and the surrounding area require more shopping, restaurants, dining, attractions, and entertainment.

3. Spend Some Time in Theatreworks Florida

TheaterWorks Florida is an excellent community theatre. You can watch great talent here for a reasonable price. The price is practically unbeatable for the quality of the shows, and the musical production is excellent.

The theater has a cozy atmosphere and a spacious facility. Despite the fact that it is a small theater in comparison to conventional theaters, it is highly professional, and the shows are family-friendly.

It is important to remember that your children will enjoy a beautiful theatrical display while on vacation, and Theatreworks Florida is the ideal location for this.

This place is a true Davenport treasure, and you must go.

Prior Production History

It may surprise you to learn that this theater has hosted a number of notable plays and performances. Disney High School Musical Live (2008), Forever Plaid (2009), Plaid Tidings (2009), The Great American Trailer Park Musical (2010), Little Shop of Horrors (2011-12), Nunsense (2013), Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2014), Winter Wonderettes (2014), Schoolhouse Rock Live! (2015), Hands On A Hardbody (2016), Rock Of Ages (2016), The Marvelous Wonderettes (2017), (2019).

10 Fun Things to do In Davenport FL

1. Posner Park Shopping Mall is a great place to go shopping. Dick’s Sporting Goods, Ross, Michaels, Best Buy, JC Penney, Dollar Tree, Sally Beauty, GNC, Ashley Furniture, Payless Shoes, Staples, and a variety of other retail stores and restaurants are allocated there.

2. Relax with a hot-air balloon ride over the green swamp at sunrise.

3. Fresh Homemade Pizza from a Local Favorite Giovanni’s Pizza & Subs in Deer Creek

4. Take a break from the theme parks and explore local trails by biking, cycling, hiking, or walking.

5. At Disney Springs, you can enjoy dining, shopping, and entertainment.

6. Play golf at Providence Golf Club and have lunch with friends at the clubhouse.

7. Cinepolis Movie Theater has nine screens, IMAX, reserved seating, gourmet snacks, and a full bar.

8. Steak, Ribs, and Smoked BBQ are served at Ovation Bistro and Bar in Davenport, Florida.

9. True Blue Winery offers delicious wines and an outdoor patio with a brick oven.

10. Visit Northeast Regional Park on Highway 27 with a picnic lunch. Basketball, tennis, soccer, racquetball, running and walking trails, a children’s playground, a boat ramp, and a lake are all available at this park.

More Exciting Things to do in Davenport FL

1. Visiting Gatorland

Gatorland is such a unique and exciting experience that I recommend it to any and all central Florida families! It combines the atmosphere of a zoo, museum, natural park, and interactive exhibit!

There are birds, emus, a roaming peacock, a petting zoo, bobcats, tortoises, snakes, and other creatures to see in addition to alligators and crocodiles.

With the exception of a few signs on the swamp walk that require repair/maintenance, there are numerous educational signs with interesting stories and facts, all of which are very clear and in good condition.

The swamp walk was more peaceful and cooler than the other options, and it was a pleasant immersion into natural swampland (temperature-wise).

Finally, you can enhance your experience by participating in interactive or enriching activities such as feeding the alligators (1 bag of chow $4), riding a train, ziplining, and other activities, but all of these are not free.

2. Snorkeling With Manatees

The Homosassa River Manatee Tour is the best-kept secret of Manatee Tours during the cooler months and the Crystal River refuge during the warmer months.

There are in Citrus County, Florida, about an hour and a half from Orlando and an hour and a half from Tampa. In Crystal River and Homosassa River, they offer a one-of-a-kind Swim/Snorkel With Manatees experience.

The cost of this tour is $65 per person and includes all snorkeling equipment as well as 3mm wetsuits. Whether you’re just sightseeing or swimming/snorkeling, small groups of no more than 6 passengers per boat are recommended.

Our best seller is the Marvelous Manatee Tour, and their second best seller is the Manatee Mania Tour; all tours are suitable for children aged 2 and up.

3. The Living Water Boat Cruises

They are well-known for their Scenic Boat Tours of the Chain of Lakes, Sunset Cruises, Lunch and Dinner Cruises, Legoland Ski Show, Sightseeing, private and group cruises, and so on.

4. Balloon Orlando

Sometimes the best views are from above. Many visitors described Bob’s Balloon Ride as a breathtaking experience.

A hot-air balloon ride above the city offers a spectacular view of the city. From above, you can see nearby attractions such as Disney World and Universal Studios.

If you try it, you will have one of the best Davenport memories.

Put it on your to-do list while in Davenport.

View the sunrise from a unique perspective. Fortunately, watching these enormous balloons inflate and take off is thrilling. It’s enjoyable to simply observe from a distance.

The experience of being inside oneself, on the other hand, outweighs the beauty that is offered from within.

5. Fossil Funatics

In Davenport, Fossil Funatics provides a hands-on fossil and shark tooth hunting service.

They provide walk-in and canoe/kayak tours for families on the beautiful Peace River and its tributaries.

Also, provide all necessary equipment and teach visitors how to find fossils right away! It’s a fantastic adventure and a thrilling one at that.

The most exciting aspect of fossil hunting with Fossil Funatics is that each guest gets to keep EVERYTHING they find.

Meanwhile, here you can find fossils dating from a thousand years to 5 million years! For a walk-in, the entire experience costs $80 per person and lasts 5 hours! Isn’t it amazing?

There are also tours for almost every age group offered by family-friendly tour operators. This is a must-see attraction in Davenport for you and your family. Go fossil hunting and bring your finds home.

6. True Blue Winery

Davenport is home to Polk County’s first winery and wine bar. Make a stop at this winery to sample their delicious winery blueberry and other sweet wines.

However, when it comes to beautiful food varieties. True Blue Winery is the best place in Davenport to have lunch with your family or partner.

You have the option of sitting inside or outside. You have the choice between the two.

They also have adorable wine-themed gifts for sale. It comes highly recommended for a fun Friday night out.

7. Cinepolis Cinema

Looking for a nice place to relax by yourself or with your partner in Davenport? Then the Cinepolis cinema is the place to be!

You can be confident that they provide excellent customer service, and one feature that stands out is the ability to place orders directly from your seat.

The seats are comfortable, the sound system is adequate, and the IMAX screen is sharp and clear.

You will have a fantastic time here. Did I mention the snacks are enormous? I’m sure you’ll find out while you’re there.

8. Highland Reserve Golf Club

Are you a golf enthusiast or a pro? Highland Reserve Golf Club in Davenport is a must-play. They have a great course for many golfers here, and the prices are also reasonable.

They also have friendly staff who are eager to assist you with everything you need to have a fun golfing experience.

The setting is tranquil and relaxing, and the course is only a 30-minute drive from Universal Studios and Disney World in Florida.

Highland Reserve Golf Club is one of Florida’s most elegant golf courses. It is situated on one of the highest points, providing a breathtaking view.

9. Cenote Day Spa

A day at the spa would round out the list of things to do in Davenport fl.

After having fun and participating in high-energy activities in Davenport, you will undoubtedly require a place to cool off and relax those tense muscles.

Cenote Day Spa is the ideal place to unwind and get that deep tissue massage you’ve always desired. They provide a wide range of massage therapies, such as Swedish, deep tissue, hot shower, and others.

They also offer facial and skin care treatment services that are tailored to each individual visitor. Furthermore, they provide complimentary Champagne, Mimosas, and water upon request during the treatment process.

It’s the ideal place to unwind, restore, and renew.

This spa is 75 years old, which is an incredible fact. This means they’ve been serving locals and visitors for 75 years! And now that I’ve mastered the art of massage, you’ll have an experience, unlike any other massage you’ve ever had.

Your body will literally feel revitalized. Tourists frequently say they wish they had discovered Cenote day spa sooner, and it’s a good thing you’re reading this because you now know about this remarkable place.

10. Paddy Wagon Irish Pub

The best bar in Florida, according to some. Paddy Wagon Irish Pub is a peaceful, clean, and spacious establishment. It’s a great place to get a drink and have a good time in Davenport at night.

If you find yourself at the Pub on the first Friday of the month, make sure to order the catfish with crinkle-cut fries, hush puppies, coleslaw, and tartar sauce.

This costs between $8 and $12.

11. Loyal Vaulting and Equestrian Arts

Here you can have an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime circus riding experience.

The instructors are wonderful, knowledgeable, and experienced individuals. The prices are reasonable, and getting access to this type of art is difficult.

That is why this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. It’s a rare art practiced only in a few towns, including Davenport, and the artists are highly trained.

They also offer impressive performance and training with their trained horses.

You can participate as well as watch here, and it’s a lot of fun. Horseback riding lessons are available in the meantime.

If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the most classic of all circus acts, or even try it out for yourself, this is the place to do it!

12. Webbs Candy factory

Have you ever wanted to visit a family-owned candy factory where sweet candies, ice cream, and milk fudges are handcrafted using antique copper kettles and machines dating back to 1912?

Then Webbs Candy Factory is the perfect place for you to do so!

It’s designed in such a way that it feels like you’ve stepped back in time, to the old, retro, and “real Florida.”

The employees are also fantastic, and you can get free samples of some of their products. It’s like a candy land designed to satisfy all of your sweet cravings.

Put this on your list of things to do in Davenport.

13. White Heron Golf club

The White Heron Golf Course is a sight to behold, with tee boxes for golfers of all skill levels.

There is plenty of sand and water to challenge all golfers, and the course is filled with beautiful views throughout.

In addition, the customer service and staff are excellent. It is also reasonably priced, and the game moves quickly.

However, the game can be challenging in a good way. They make it feel like a real game. There are Al’s fantastic and fast golf carts, as well as a GPS system to assist all visitors.

So, are you up for a genuine challenge? Get some golf in here.

14. Picnic at Lake Play

Lake Play is a lovely park. It has a large outdoor area where your children can run around and play, as the name suggests.

There is also a special fishing area where couples and families can bond while fishing.

While at the lake, you can also play free tag or a ladder toss game with your family, while couples can go for a walk and take in the breathtaking scenery.

Remember to bring your trash bag, paper towels, and hand sanitizer, as these will be useful later.

15. WheelHouse Bar

Davenport’s wheelhouse bar is a great place to unwind with a drink or two.

This bar features live music as well as refreshing beers and cocktails. It’s an excellent pub for those looking to relax and unwind.

It’s also a great place to experience the great nightlife, with bingo and Karaoke nights, as well as a delicious menu.

Do you enjoy playing sports games? Be assured that many sporting events can be followed while at the bar.

What’s the best part? You can also use your phone to download the barlink app and become the DJ of your favorite music without leaving your seat.

Unfortunately, smoking is not permitted in the bar.

16. Giovani’s Pizza

Who else loves the taste of delicious pizza? I do, which is why I recommend Giovani’s Pizza in Davenport, which has a wonderful family atmosphere.

It’s a great place for family dinners, and they serve a variety of pizza flavors, from cheese to meat to margarita, as well as veggie lovers.

You’d undoubtedly return there whenever you’re in Davenport.

17. Northeast Regional park

You’ve probably realized that having fun in Davenport doesn’t have to be prohibitively expensive.

However, you should add Davenport’s North-East Regional Park to your list of fun and adventure activities.

During your visit to this Park, you and your companions will be able to participate in a variety of interesting activities thanks to the recreational facilities.

It also has six artificial turf multi-use fields. There is also tennis, racquetball, and basketball. There are picnic areas in the area.

The park also has a fishing dock and a boat launch, and if you go during tournament season, you can watch a live match.

18. Hang-gliding at Wallaby Ranch

Still on the subject of high-altitude activities, how about trying out Davenport’s epic and adventurous hang gliding?

Your pulse will be racing, and your adrenaline will be pumping throughout the process. It’s adventure time, people, and you’re going to have a great time here.

As you take flight and glide through the sky, feel the wind on your face.

It is not required to have prior experience to participate.

Wallaby Ranch provides both professional rentals and amateur and beginner training flights as well as instructional classes.

19. Lake Davenport

Do you like to go fishing? Then this is something you can do while visiting Davenport’s most popular lake.

Some of the things you can do in Davenport fl are Fishing and paddleboats. There can be rented right along the lakefront, and multi-slip parking is available for residents and visitors.

Water skiing is also one of the best activities you can do while at the lake.

However, if you prefer a quiet environment where you can gaze out at a beautiful view or take a walk on the trails built around the lakeshore, this is the ideal location for you.

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20. Partaking in the Events in Davenport

Most of the things to do in Davenport FL are historical and eventful. Some of Davenport’s various events are highlights for some tourists, especially if you are lucky enough to visit during these times.

The Fall Festival, Farmer’s Market, and Annual Celebrate Summer Events are all fun to attend.

Conclusion

As you can see, there is an abundance of things to do in Davenport fl, and you will never be bored. I can assure you that your time in the city will be both enjoyable and exciting.

15 Best Things to Do in Davenport FL with Kids