ARTICLE
Growing up, I spent a lot of my time outside playing in the woods with my brother. My mother always told us to “be creative and play outside.” So, we created our own little worlds inspired by books we had read or movies we had seen. It seemed like there was no limit to our creativity when we were outside in nature. Looking back, I wish more than anything that I could “be creative and play outside” like a kid again. I remember how connected I felt to everything around me and how much peace I experienced just by being outside. I have recently experienced a place where I feel like a kid playing in the woods again. Bonnet Springs Park is a new addition to our local parks here in Lakeland Florida. It is a family-friendly natural park that gives kids of all ages the ability to be in nature and be creative. Bonnet Springs has everything from educational programs to walking trails. If you are looking to get in touch with nature, here are my top five spots at Bonnet Springs. The Butterfly House: Tucked in the back of Bonnet Springs Park is an enclosed butterfly oasis. Step through the doorway into another world where you can watch butterflies emerge from their cocoons and be surrounded by butterflies at any given time. You can find a large variety of butterflies in this garden that includes the monarch butterfly and versions of the swallowtail butterfly. Nature Center: If you are looking for a more educational approach to nature, check out the nature center. Explore the wildlife that lives at Bonnet Springs and find facts about the habitat. Dive deep into understanding, Bonner Springs ecosystem, and how it compares to your backyard. Have you ever wondered what an alligator looks like from underneath? Also, in the nature center don’t forget to look up at the artwork hanging from the ceiling. It will make you feel as though you are walking under water. Canopy Walk: For my fellow tree lovers and Tarzan dreamers, be sure to take the path through Bonnet Springs Park canopy walk. This canopy walk will make you feel like you're walking through the treetops and one with nature. If you desire to stop and take in the nature around you, then this is the spot for you. The canopy walk has beautiful benches so you can relax and soak everything in. Botanical Garden: Bonnet Springs botanical garden will show you the seasons of Florida. This garden has flowers for you to enjoy throughout the year. There are a variety of benches where you can sit and enjoy a good book or even scribble something down on paper. Kiwanis Treehouse: Is there anything better than a tree house? When I was a kid there was nothing more exciting than having a treehouse. The treehouse was a sacred space for only the most loyal friends to enjoy. If you do not have a treehouse in your backyard, Bonnet Springs Park has one ready for you. This treehouse is sure to spark new friendships and creativity in kids of all ages. The best part is that it's big enough for the adults who are still kids at heart. Bonnet Springs Park has many nature experiences to offer; these are just a select few. Be sure to check out Bonnet Springs Park to reconnect with nature and let us know your favorite spot in the park.
Growing up, I spent a lot of my time outside playing in the woods with my brother. My mother always told us to “be creative and play outside.” So, we created our own little worlds inspired by books we had read or movies we had seen. It seemed like there was no limit to our creativity when we were outside in nature. Looking back, I wish more than anything that I could “be creative and play outside” like a kid again. I remember how connected I felt to everything around me and how much peace I experienced just by being outside. I have recently experienced a place where I feel like a kid playing in the woods again. Bonnet Springs Park is a new addition to our local parks here in Lakeland Florida. It is a family-friendly natural park that gives kids of all ages the ability to be in nature and be creative. Bonnet Springs has everything from educational programs to walking trails. If you are looking to get in touch with nature, here are my top five spots at Bonnet Springs.
The Butterfly House:
Tucked in the back of Bonnet Springs Park is an enclosed butterfly oasis. Step through the doorway into another world where you can watch butterflies emerge from their cocoons and be surrounded by butterflies at any given time. You can find a large variety of butterflies in this garden that includes the monarch butterfly and versions of the swallowtail butterfly.
Nature Center:
If you are looking for a more educational approach to nature, check out the nature center. Explore the wildlife that lives at Bonnet Springs and find facts about the habitat. Dive deep into understanding, Bonner Springs ecosystem, and how it compares to your backyard. Have you ever wondered what an alligator looks like from underneath? Also, in the nature center don’t forget to look up at the artwork hanging from the ceiling. It will make you feel as though you are walking under water.
Canopy Walk:
For my fellow tree lovers and Tarzan dreamers, be sure to take the path through Bonnet Springs Park canopy walk. This canopy walk will make you feel like you're walking through the treetops and one with nature. If you desire to stop and take in the nature around you, then this is the spot for you. The canopy walk has beautiful benches so you can relax and soak everything in.
Botanical Garden:
Bonnet Springs botanical garden will show you the seasons of Florida. This garden has flowers for you to enjoy throughout the year. There are a variety of benches where you can sit and enjoy a good book or even scribble something down on paper.
Kiwanis Treehouse:
Is there anything better than a tree house? When I was a kid there was nothing more exciting than having a treehouse. The treehouse was a sacred space for only the most loyal friends to enjoy. If you do not have a treehouse in your backyard, Bonnet Springs Park has one ready for you. This treehouse is sure to spark new friendships and creativity in kids of all ages. The best part is that it's big enough for the adults who are still kids at heart.
Bonnet Springs Park has many nature experiences to offer; these are just a select few. Be sure to check out Bonnet Springs Park to reconnect with nature and let us know your favorite spot in the park.