Dog-Friendly Activities in Polk City, FL

The General James A. Van Fleet State Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this dog-friendly "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Polk City! The map below shows a trailhead where you can pick up the General James A. Van Fleet State Trail. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com.

Hilochee Wildlife Management Area, Osprey Unit is pet friendly. Hiking, biking and horseback riding are best on non-hunting days in the fall through the spring. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you as you explore this natural area in Polk City, FL. See if you can spot native wildlife, including a variety of colorful butterflies.

Showcase of Citrus is a dog-friendly attraction in Clermont, FL, just outside of Orlando. They're open every day of the year and welcome leashed pups. You'll find a family- friendly environment where visitors of all ages can enjoy spending the day outdoors together. Here, you can pick citrus fruits with your pooch at these scenic groves featuring an old-timey country store.

Leashed dogs are welcome at Bonnet Springs Park, a pet-friendly natural space in Lakeland, FL. Explore giant oak trees, beautiful streams, boardwalks, walking paths, views of Lake Bonnet and more at this blend of an urban and natural park.

Leashed dogs are welcome along the pet-friendly walking path that surrounds Lake Mirror in Lakeland, FL. Explore the beautiful path around this historic space in downtown, with plenty of benches to stop and take in the sights.

Lake Crago Dog Park in Lakeland, FL is an off-leash area located within Lake Crago Park. The fenced area features separate sections for large and small dogs, a double-gated entry, benches, and shade. Please check the City of Lakeland website for updates on closures and holiday hours, and note that the dog park opens later on Wednesdays at 9am.

Bok Tower Gardens is a popular, dog-friendly National Historic Landmark in Lake Wales, FL. Well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome to enjoy exploring the grounds with you, but they're not permitted inside Hammock Hollow, Pinewood Estate, the Blue Palmetto Cafe or the Shop at Bok. Please note that there's a fee to enter the gardens.

Leashed dogs are welcome inside the taproom and outside in the Biergarten at Grove Roots Brewery, a family and dog-friendly taproom in Winter Haven, FL. Their brewers use local ingredients to create exciting and innovative beers. In addition to their flagship brews, they offer a rotating selection of seasonal and special-release beers throughout the year. The Biergarten features picnic tables, lawn seating and a dedicated bocce court. Food trucks frequently visit and a schedule can be found on their website.

Front Page Brewing Company is a dog-friendly microbrewery in Bartow, FL. Fido is welcome to join you at a table inside the taproom. There are 20 taps with craft beer, cider, and wine. Food trucks are on site most days.

Pet-friendly Colt Creek State Park in Lakeland, FL features 5,000 acres of native Central Florida habitat, including longleaf pine flatwoods, lakes and winding creeks, and thick cypress domes and open vistas. There are 15 miles of multi-use trails at the park for you and Fido to explore. Dogs must be on a leash at all times, and there is an entrance fee to visit.

Located downtown in Lakeland, FL, Swan Brewing offers 30 taps of great craft beer, live music, games and food trucks. Dogs are welcome to join you while you enjoy a house-brewed beer and a bite from a rotating schedule of food trucks.

Lakeland Antique Mall, located in Barclay Place Shopping Center in Lakeland, FL, is a pet-friendly destination where well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to shop alongside their owners. With over 100 vendors, the store offers a wide variety of unique finds, including antiques, home decor, furniture, toys, and more.

Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre in Lakeland, FL allows leashed dogs to join their owners for a screening of the latest blockbuster. This pet-friendly attraction has been around for more than 70 years and has two screens for you to choose your favorite movie to watch. The only place that Fido isn't allowed to enter is the concessions stand. There is an admission fee for adults and children; Fido views for free!

Lower Green Swamp Preserve is a pet-friendly destination in Plant City, FL. You and your pooch have many different trails to choose from, both short and long. Keep your dog leashed around other trail users. You may run into other dogs and horses on certain trails. Dog owners are reminded to clean up any mess that is left behind by pups. This preserve is open every day of the week from sunrise until sunset.

Leashed dogs can join you along the pet-friendly trail around Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland, FL. This 2.9-mile loop trail offers scenic views and plenty of space to stretch your legs and get some fresh air with your canine companion.

Dedicated in memory of a local K-9 police dog, DiOGi Park at Loyce E. Harpe Park is a special place to bring Fido for some exercise and fun with other canines in Mulberry, FL. Your pet will love to play off-leash with amenities including a doggie water fountain, agility equipment, fire hydrants and a separate small dog area.

Lake Louisa State Park in Clermont, FL, is pet-friendly. You and your pooch are invited to explore 20 miles of unpaved trails and a half-mile nature trail at the Lake Louisa parking lot. Dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash under six feet. Please note that dogs are not permitted in the lake. There's a fee of $5 per car, per day. The park is open every day of the week from 8am until sunset.

Celebration Town Center is an outdoor shopping center in Celebration, FL, with a few pet-friendly stores, including Woof Gang Bakery. Leashed dogs are welcome to stroll the outdoor pathways and enter certain stores; many restaurants also offer pet-friendly patios. They also host weekly and seasonal events, like a farmers market and car shows. Check their calendar for the latest happenings!

Central Florida's Visitor Information Center in Davenport, FL, is pet-friendly. Get your Central Florida vacation off to the right start with assistance from Visitor Services. Their friendly staff love to share knowledge of Polk County’s attractions, accommodations and more. Leashed pups are welcome inside to hear the scoop, too.

Dog Leg Woods is a dog park in Lakeland, FL. Located off Cleveland Heights Boulevard on the Southwest corner of Cleveland Heights Golf Course, this three-acre park features an area for small dogs and an area for large dogs. Park up at the 15-space parking lot near the park entrance, or in the south lot at Cleveland Heights Golf Course and use Three Parks Trail to get to Dog Leg Woods. Cleveland Heights Golf Course has a dog friendly back porch, so people can enjoy food and drink during their visit.