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Cypress Gardens, Florida: The Best & Most Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit (According To Us, The Experts In Fun)

The park sits in Winter Haven, about an hour’s drive out of Tampa. You buy the tickets online, because the price at the gate runs higher. The park opens early in the morning, and getting there then is the whole trick. A combo ticket covers both Cypress Gardens and LEGOLAND Florida in one. You want a full day here, and a season pass if you come back.

You’re heading to Cypress Gardens, Florida and you want things to do and places to visit. Well, you are in the right place, because Cypress Gardens carries plenty. From theme parks to botanical gardens, water sports to dining, this Florida town covers the range.

Cypress Gardens: A Historical Overview Before we get to the things to do in Cypress Gardens, take a moment on the history of this town. Cypress Gardens started as a botanical garden that opened in 1936. It became a tourist destination quickly, known for its gardens and its water ski shows. Over the years the park added rides and attractions, and in 2011 it was rebranded as LEGOLAND Florida Resort. Today, Cypress Gardens is old and new at once, with a good deal still standing from the first version.

Theme Park Extravaganza One of the main attractions in Cypress Gardens is LEGOLAND Florida Resort, which runs rides and attractions across every age. From roller coasters to water parks, this theme park covers the lot. But LEGOLAND is not the only game in town, because Cypress Gardens also carries smaller theme parks, among them Peppa Pig Theme Park and NinjaGo World.

Key Takeaways

• Cypress Gardens, Florida has a rich history as a botanical garden and tourist destination.
• LEGOLAND Florida Resort is a popular theme park with a variety of rides and attractions.
• In addition to theme parks, Cypress Gardens also offers water sports, botanical gardens, and dining options.

Cypress Gardens: A Historical Overview

You’re getting the long version here, because the history of Cypress Gardens is worth it. Cypress Gardens was Florida’s first tourist attraction, opening to the public in 1936. Located in Central Florida, it became a destination for locals and tourists alike almost at once.

The theme park was known for its botanical gardens, holding over 8,000 different flowers from more than 90 different countries. But that was not the whole of what Cypress Gardens had. Visitors also got water ski shows and boat rides, which filled a day for a whole family.

In the 1940s, Cypress Gardens became known for its Southern Belles, who walked the property in hoop skirts and posed for photographs. It was a feature nowhere else had, and it did a great deal for the park’s appeal.

Unfortunately, the park took setbacks over the years, including damage from hurricanes Charley, Frances and Jeanne in 2004. But in November of that year, Cypress Gardens Adventure Park reopened, carrying new attractions like the Triple Hurricane roller coaster.

Today, Cypress Gardens remains part of Florida’s history and an attraction people cross the United States for. So if you are planning a trip to Central Florida, put Cypress Gardens on the list.

Theme Park Extravaganza

Looking for theme park days in Cypress Gardens, Florida? Look at what follows. Here are the theme park attractions worth the ticket.

Legoland Florida Resort

If Lego is your thing, Legoland Florida Resort is where the day goes. This theme park runs everything from roller coasters to water rides, all of it with a Lego turn on it. You can also see Lego sculptures of Florida landmarks, the Kennedy Space Center and the Daytona International Speedway among them. And take Miniland USA, where American cities stand in miniature, all of them built out of Lego bricks.

Toy Story Midway Madness

Ready to test your aim? Head to Toy Story Midway Madness, where you compete against friends and family in a 4D shooting game. You’ll ride a moving vehicle and hit as many targets as you can. And the part people remember? You’ll be surrounded by the Toy Story characters, Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Jessie among them.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Speaking of Buzz Lightyear, take Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin while you are here. This ride runs close to Toy Story Midway Madness, except the job is defeating the evil Emperor Zurg. You’ll ride a spinning vehicle and work a laser gun to hit targets and earn points. And if the day goes your way, you take the highest score on the board and become a Space Ranger hero.

So what is keeping you? Head to these theme park attractions and give the day to them. And who knows, you might come out a Space Ranger hero like Buzz Lightyear.

Water Fun in Cypress Gardens

Looking for a way to beat the heat in Cypress Gardens? Look at the water activities in the area. From paddleboarding to splash parks, there are plenty of ways to get wet under the Florida sun.

Paddleboard Winter Haven

If you want a different way at the waterways of Cypress Gardens, paddleboarding is it. Paddleboard Winter Haven runs rentals and tours, so you go at your own pace or with a guide who knows the water. Plus it works your core and your balance harder than it looks, so stay upright.

Splash Park

For the family option, check the splash park at LEGOLAND Florida. With the water features and play areas it runs, it is where children (and the adults with them) cool off. And don’t worry about towels, because they are provided.

So whether the day is active on the water or simply splashing about, Cypress Gardens has it. Just take the sunscreen, because nobody wants to go home the color of a lobster.

Botanical Beauty

If you came for the plants, Cypress Gardens is where to spend the day. The botanical gardens are a piece of horticultural work carrying exotic plants from around the world. You’ll lose track of the variety, which runs to over 30 kinds of palms, 10 varieties of banana trees, 15 types of azaleas, 10 kinds of camelias and more.

Banyan Tree

One of the sights people remember from the botanical gardens is the Banyan Tree. This massive tree drops roots from its branches into the ground, building a network of trunks that can cover an entire acre. It’s the sort of thing you expect in a fairy tale, and standing under it does not feel quite real.

As you walk around the Banyan Tree, you’ll notice it is not a single tree but many that have grown together over time. It’s a living ecosystem carrying plants and animals of every kind. You might spot a bird’s nest or two set among the branches.

So walk the botanical gardens slowly and give the Banyan Tree the time it deserves. You’ll come out of there feeling as though the day started somewhere else entirely.

The Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team

Are you ready for a show at full scale? Look at the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team. This group of skiers will hold you in your seat with the stunts and the choreography they put together.

The Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team was founded by former water skiers from Cypress Gardens Theme Park who wanted to hand their show skiing on to the next generation. And they have managed it. Their free, family-friendly ski shows run on the third Saturday of each month at Martin Luther King Jr. Park on Lake Silver in downtown Winter Haven.

The team’s show director, Joey O’Connor, has built a show that is “Inspired By Legacy.” And the legacy is a real one. The Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team has been working audiences since 2012 with high jumps, human pyramids and flips that should not be possible.

So take a seat and let the show do the work. You’ll notice the precision of these skiers before you notice anything else. And who knows, you might end up wanting to try it yourself.

Don’t skip one of the finer water ski shows in Florida. The Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team is where a Saturday afternoon with the family goes.

This place was a botanical garden long before it became anything else at all. It opened back in 1936 as the first tourist attraction Florida ever had. The gardens are still in there, sitting underneath a park made of Lego. The Banyan Tree covers an entire acre and it predates the whole of it. You are walking through two attractions at once, and that is the appeal.

Dining in Cypress Gardens

When it comes to eating in Cypress Gardens, the options are there. Whether the want is a quick lunch or a long dinner, the town covers both. Here’s a look at one of the busier diners in the area:

Cypress Lanes Diner

If classic American diner food is what you want, Cypress Lanes Diner is it. This small diner carries everything a lunch or a dinner needs. From burgers to sandwiches to salads, the menu covers the table.

One of the dishes to order at Cypress Lanes Diner is their classic burger. Made with a proper patty and all the fixings, it answers whatever brought you in. And if you arrived hungry, take their “Big Daddy” burger instead. This one comes piled with bacon, cheese and all the fixings.

But burgers are not the whole menu at Cypress Lanes Diner. They also run sandwiches, among them a classic BLT and a Philly cheesesteak. And if you want something lighter, take one of their fresh salads.

No matter what you order, Cypress Lanes Diner sends you out satisfied. So take a booth and let them get on with it.

Practical Information

Admission Tickets

So you are planning a trip to Cypress Gardens, Florida? Good. But before you go, the question of admission tickets. You do not want to reach the park and be short, do you? Of course not. That’s why the tickets are worth buying in advance.

You can buy tickets online or at the park entrance. But be honest, nobody wants to stand in line when the day is waiting. Save the time and buy the tickets online. Plus the online price is often lower. Who turns down a good deal?

Oh, and a final point. Don’t leave the ID behind. You do not want turning away at the gate because the driver’s license stayed at home. We know the excitement is real, but keep your head on straight.

Season Pass Holders

Are you a Cypress Gardens regular? If so, a season pass is worth working out. It’s how you save money the moment you visit the park more than once.

With a season pass, you get unlimited access to the park for a year. That means coming and going as you please with no ticket to buy each time. Plus the perks are real, including discounts on food and merchandise.

But that is not the whole of it. If you hold a season pass, you also get access to special events and discounts on tickets for friends and family. It’s close to being a VIP, without the paparazzi.

So what is keeping you? Take the season pass and make Cypress Gardens a habit.

Cypress Gardens for Kids

If you are visiting Cypress Gardens with children, the day is already sorted. There are plenty of activities built to keep them occupied.

Sand Pit

First, head to the Sand Pit. This is where the younger ones play in the sand and build sandcastles. Don’t worry about bringing sand toys, because plenty are provided. And if your children want to compete, there are sandcastle building contests to enter.

But be warned, parents, because the sand gets everywhere and then further. So bring a change of clothes and some wet wipes.

Overall, the Sand Pit is where children get to make a mess and enjoy it. And who knows, you might end up building a sandcastle yourself.

Staying Safe and Comfortable in Cypress Gardens

As you work through Cypress Gardens, staying safe and comfortable takes a little planning. After all, nobody wants to spend the afternoon overheated or lost in the Florida heat. Here are the tips for staying cool, clean and safe while you are out.

Beat the Heat

It’s no secret that Cypress Gardens runs hot and humid, especially through the summer months. So how do you stay cool and comfortable? Here are the suggestions:

• Wear light, breathable clothing that wicks away sweat.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Take breaks in the shade or indoors to cool off.
• Bring a handheld fan or misting bottle to help you cool down.

Stay Safe

Cypress Gardens is a safe enough place to visit, and precautions are still worth taking. Here are the tips for staying safe:

• Keep an eye on your belongings at all times, especially in crowded areas.
• Stay in well-lit areas and avoid walking alone at night.
• Follow all posted signs and warnings, especially around bodies of water.
• If you’re traveling with children, keep a close eye on them at all times.

Keep It Clean

Nobody likes a messy park, so everybody should do their part to keep Cypress Gardens clean. Here are the ways you can help:

• Use the provided trash cans to dispose of your garbage.
• Avoid littering or leaving food scraps on the ground.
• Keep your belongings organized and contained.
• If you see litter on the ground, pick it up and dispose of it properly.

Take a Load Off

Let’s face it, walking a park all day catches up with you. That’s why Cypress Gardens has benches and seating areas scattered right through it. Here are the ways to take the weight off:

• Take breaks on the benches and enjoy the scenery.
• Bring a portable chair or blanket to sit on.
• Visit one of the indoor attractions to cool off and rest your feet.
• Take a leisurely boat ride and enjoy the breeze.

By following these tips, you stay safe and comfortable working through everything Cypress Gardens holds. So get out there and take the day.

Planning Your Visit

Congrats, you have decided to visit Cypress Gardens. Now the trip needs planning. Here are the tips that make the visit work:

Timing is Everything

Cypress Gardens sits in Winter Haven, Florida, about an hour’s drive from Tampa. This means the visit wants planning, especially if the area only has you for a short stretch.

The park is open daily from 10am to 6pm, so you’ll want to arrive early to make the most of your day. If you’re planning to visit during peak season (June through August), be prepared for larger crowds and longer wait times.

Tickets and Packages

Before you head to the park, work through the ticket options and packages available. You can buy tickets online or at the gate, and the online price is often the lower one.

If other attractions in the area are on the list, a package deal will save you money. For example, there is a combo ticket for Cypress Gardens and LEGOLAND Florida, which sits nearby.

What to Bring

When you pack for the trip, take comfortable shoes, sunscreen and a hat. The Florida sun does not negotiate, so cover yourself against the heat.

If the whole day is going on the park, bring a cooler with snacks and drinks. While there is food available at the park, bringing your own saves money and guarantees you something you actually want.

Other Tips

Here are the other tips for making the most of the visit:

• Check the weather forecast before you go. Florida weather can be unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to be prepared for rain or thunderstorms.
• Download the Cypress Gardens app before you arrive. The app includes a map of the park, ride wait times, and other helpful information.
• If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to check out the various kid-friendly attractions at the park. From the splash pad to the animal encounters, there’s something for everyone.

With these in mind, you are ready to plan the trip to Cypress Gardens. Get ready for a long day out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to spend a day in Cypress Gardens, Florida?

The way to spend a day in Cypress Gardens is to start early and take the gardens first. Take them slowly, because the planting is the reason people come. After that, head to the water park and cool off on the water slides. In the afternoon, take a boat tour out onto the lake. End the day with a picnic in the gardens and the sunset over them.

What are some hidden gems to visit in Cypress Gardens?

If you want the quieter end of Cypress Gardens, take the Bok Tower Gardens. It’s a fine place with a tower that gives you the whole surrounding area from above. Another one that stays off the lists is the Lake Wales Museum, where the history of the area is laid out.

Can you have fun in Cypress Gardens without spending a dime?

Absolutely. There are plenty of free things to do in Cypress Gardens. Take a walk through the gardens and let the planting do the work. You can also ride a bike or walk the nearby nature trails. Don’t forget a picnic, because eating in the gardens is the point.

What are some unique activities to do in Cypress Gardens?

One activity to try in Cypress Gardens is the zipline tour. You’ll get the gardens from above, which is a different page entirely. Another is the swamp buggy tour, which takes you out into the nearby wetlands. You can also try the fishing on the lake.

What makes Cypress Gardens stand out from other Florida attractions?

Cypress Gardens stands apart because it carries a full garden and a water park at once. It’s a place that works for adults and children together. The gardens also hold exotic plants and animals, which is where the learning comes in.

Are there any quirky facts about Cypress Gardens that most people don’t know?

Did you know that Cypress Gardens was once a botanical garden well-known enough to draw Elvis Presley and Martin Luther King Jr.? It was also the location for a number of movie scenes, including the classic film “The Creature from the Black Lagoon.” Another fact worth having is that the gardens were used to train soldiers during World War II.

Frequently asked questions about Cypress Gardens, Florida

Are the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team shows free to watch?

Yes, entirely. The shows run on the third Saturday of each month at a public park on Lake Silver, and there is no ticket and no gate to get through at all. The team came out of the old Cypress Gardens skiers themselves originally. Parking anywhere near the lake costs you nothing on the day. You want to bring a chair, because the seating on the bank runs out fast.

Is a LEGOLAND Florida Resort season pass worth the money?

Only if you return. The pass covers a year of unlimited access along with discounts on food and merchandise, so the second visit is roughly where it starts paying for itself. A single day ticket costs less online than it does at the gate. The combo ticket with the gardens is the other way to save. You want to pack a cooler as well, because the food inside costs what it costs.

Is the Bok Tower Gardens or the Lake Wales Museum the cheaper visit?

The museum, comfortably. The Lake Wales Museum sets out the history of the area for very little, where the Bok Tower Gardens charge properly for the tower and the grounds around it. The tower is the one worth paying for, if it comes to a choice. Both of them sit close by on the same short run. You do the museum first, because the gardens will take the longer half of the day.

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