11 Things to Do in Davenport Most Disney Visitors Skip
The best things to do in Davenport, Florida sit outside the theme park gates: free lakefront play at Lake Play, an obstacle-course adventure park, Lake Louisa State Park, a local winery, golf at Providence, and a Bok Tower Gardens day trip. Most are a manageable drive from Kissimmee.
Key Takeaways
- Davenport has several free or low-cost stops, including Lake Play, the Visit Central Florida Welcome Center, and window-shopping at Posner Park.
- Planet Obstacle is the strongest active option for kids and teens when the parks wear everyone out.
- Lake Louisa State Park (north) and Bok Tower Gardens (south) are the two best nature day trips, and each works best as its own half day.
- Polk County received an estimated 5,552,500 tourists between April 2026 and March 2026, up 5%, so popular stops fill on weekends and holidays.
- Windsor Palms Resort in Kissimmee works as a home base for Davenport outings, but Davenport itself is a neighboring market, not where Stay Formosa's rentals sit.
At Stay Formosa, we work exclusively with vacation rentals inside Windsor Palms Resort in Kissimmee, so guests ask us the same question every week: what is there to do on a day off from Disney? Davenport, a short drive southwest, is usually our answer.
This guide covers 11 specific stops, what each one costs in general terms, and how to group them so you don't cross Polk and Osceola counties three times in one day. Where a figure changes seasonally, we say so and point you to the official source.
Davenport sits in Polk County along US-27, and it behaves differently from the tourist corridor around Disney. You'll find a small historic downtown, big-box shopping, golf courses, and citrus-country scenery. That contrast is why it suits a rest day in 2026.
What Free Things Can You Do in Davenport, Florida?
Free things to do in Davenport include playing at the Lake Play park, collecting maps at the Visit Central Florida Welcome Center, and walking the open-air shops at Posner Park. None requires an admission ticket, though parking and purchases are on you.
1. Lake Play
Lake Play is a public park on Williams Street, run through the City of Davenport and listed on the city's Davenport Parks & Recreation page. It rates around 4.5 stars on Google from roughly 150 reviews, a decent signal for a small-town park. Bring snacks and water because it is a playground stop with no cafe. Go before 10 a.m. in summer, since Central Florida shade runs thin by midday.
2. Visit Central Florida Welcome Center
The Visit Central Florida Welcome Center at 101 Adventure Court sits on Highway 27 south of Interstate 4, Exit 55. It holds a 4.8-star Google rating, among the highest of any stop in this guide. Pick up brochures, local coupons, and discounted attraction tickets before you commit to anything else. Check current ticket offers on the official site, because the discounts rotate.
3. Posner Park
Posner Park at 1300 Posner Boulevard is the area's main outdoor shopping center, rated about 4.5 stars across more than 7,000 reviews. Walking it costs nothing. It is a chain-store plaza, so use it for groceries, a quick lunch, or errands rather than sightseeing. The neighboring Posner Village is a smaller cluster of shops nearby.
4. Webb's Candy
Webb's Candy on US-27 is a candy shop with a 4.4-star rating from close to 1,000 reviews. You can keep spending under a few dollars per child. It works as a bribe for a restless back seat, and the stop takes about 20 minutes.
What Family Activities Are Worth Doing in Davenport?
Family activities in Davenport center on active play and the outdoors: Planet Obstacle for climbing and obstacle courses, Lake Louisa State Park for hiking and swimming, and Shingle Creek for kayaking. Each fits a half day and gives kids real physical release after several days of park queues.
5. Planet Obstacle
Planet Obstacle is an adventure park at 1981 Ernie Caldwell Boulevard, with a 4.6-star rating from about 450 reviews. It suits teens and energetic kids who want to climb and compete, and it is one of the best rainy-day options in the area. Check the official site for age and height rules, waivers, and current pricing before you go.
6. Lake Louisa State Park
Lake Louisa State Park in Clermont, north of Davenport, offers wildlife viewing, hiking, lakes, equestrian trails, cabins, camping, and a small beach area. It is the most natural setting in this guide. Go in the morning, wear bug spray, and expect to pay a state park entry fee. Confirm the current rate with Florida State Parks.
7. Shingle Creek Kayaking
Shingle Creek Regional Park in Kissimmee has self-service kayak rentals, which makes it the easiest paddle for people staying near Windsor Palms. Tandem kayaks work well for parents with one younger child. Check water levels before you go, since low water after dry spells limits the route.
8. Crayola Experience
The Crayola Experience is a hands-on indoor attraction in Orlando and a reasonable backup when thunderstorms roll in. It targets younger children, so teens will find it thin. Reserve timed tickets ahead on summer weekends.
How Much Do Davenport Attractions Cost?
Davenport attractions range from free public parks to ticketed adventure parks and state-park entry fees. Exact prices change by season and day, so this table shows cost levels rather than quoted prices. Confirm current admission with each venue before you leave.
| Stop | Cost Level | Best For | Caveat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Play | Free | Toddlers and young kids | Little shade at midday |
| Visit Central Florida Welcome Center | Free to visit; tickets extra | Discount tickets and maps | Offers change |
| Posner Park | Free to walk; purchases extra | Errands and quick meals | Chain stores |
| Webb's Candy | Low | Treats | Short stop |
| Planet Obstacle | Admission applies | Teens and active kids | Waivers required |
| Lake Louisa State Park | Park entry fee | Hiking and swimming | Heat and insects |
| True Blue Winery | Tasting fees may apply | Adults | Mixed reviews |
| Providence Golf Club | Greens fees apply | Golfers | Book tee times ahead |
| Bok Tower Gardens | Admission applies | Gardens and photography | Longer drive |
Budget families can build a full Davenport day on the free rows alone. As of 2026, the Welcome Center is the smartest first stop because coupons can offset the paid attractions.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Davenport for Adults and Day Trippers?
Adults visiting Davenport can combine a local winery tasting, a round of golf, and a garden day trip to Bok Tower Gardens. Together they cover relaxation and scenery, and they pair well with a quiet morning in a vacation rental before you leave.
9. True Blue Winery
True Blue Winery at 604 Pink Apartment Road is a local winery with a 3.8-star rating from about 240 reviews. That is lower than most stops here, so treat it as a casual tasting and not a destination. If you want a more polished vineyard setting, Island Grove Wine Company at Formosa Gardens in Kissimmee is the alternative.
10. Providence Golf Club
Golf near Davenport starts with Providence Golf Club, a Davenport-area course. Book tee times ahead, especially in winter when snowbirds fill the schedule. Check green fees and cart rules on the official site, since they vary by season and time of day.
11. Bok Tower Gardens
Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales has a 205-foot Singing Tower, gardens, walking trails, and wildlife. Most tourist guides already cover it, so expect crowds on weekends. Locals still go for the quiet gardens on weekday mornings, and it is worth the drive south from Davenport.
How Do You Plan a Davenport Day From Windsor Palms?
Planning a Davenport day from Windsor Palms means grouping stops by direction, starting at the Welcome Center, and keeping one backup indoors. Davenport sits southwest of Kissimmee, and travel time varies widely with I-4 and US-27 traffic, so build in extra cushion.
- Pick one direction. Davenport proper (Posner Park, Lake Play, Planet Obstacle) is one cluster. Lake Louisa is north and Bok Tower is south, so do not combine them.
- Stop at the Welcome Center first. Pick up coupons before buying tickets anywhere else.
- Book timed or limited slots. Tee times, kayak rentals, and weekend adventure park sessions fill first.
- Leave early. Mornings beat afternoon storms and heat, particularly outdoors.
- Pack a backup. Planet Obstacle or Crayola Experience covers a rained-out plan.
- Return before rush hour. Evening traffic on US-27 and I-4 slows everything.
Demand is real. AirDNA reports Davenport short-term rentals averaged 55% occupancy in its cited 2026 data, so weekends fill quickly. For official ideas beyond this list, Visit Central Florida's Davenport page is the regional tourism organization's listing.
Is Windsor Palms a Practical Base for Davenport Day Trips?
Windsor Palms Resort is a Kissimmee vacation rental community that works as a base for Davenport outings and for the Disney parks. Stay Formosa books these rentals directly, which skips the guest service fees Airbnb and Vrbo add at checkout.
The distinction matters. Condos at Windsor Palms share the resort's community pool, while private pools come with select townhomes and vacation homes. Resort amenities such as the game room, arcade, community theater, and poolside food and drink service belong to the community, not to individual units. Weather-day backups are easier when everyone has a game room to retreat to.
Fees work like most short-term rentals: Windsor Palms Area Vacation Rentals have no resort fee on featured homes and include free parking, but Florida lodging taxes and cleaning charges may still apply. For a deeper comparison of fees, see our guide to avoiding hidden fees on an Orlando vacation rental. Comparing neighborhoods? Read where to stay in Davenport or our Orlando neighborhood guide. Traveling with a dog? There is a separate rundown of pet-friendly rentals around Davenport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free things can you do in Davenport, Florida?
Free options include Lake Play, the Visit Central Florida Welcome Center, and walking Posner Park. Parking is generally free at these stops, but purchases and activities cost extra. Check the official sites for current details.
What are the best parks for kids in Davenport, Florida?
Lake Play is the most accessible public park for young children. For older kids, Lake Louisa State Park in nearby Clermont offers hiking, lakes, and a small beach area. Davenport Parks & Recreation lists other public facilities.
How much do Davenport Florida attractions cost?
Costs range from free (parks, the Welcome Center) to paid admission (Planet Obstacle, Bok Tower Gardens, state park entry). Prices change by season, so confirm current rates with each venue before you go.
What family activities are available in Davenport, Florida?
Families can try Planet Obstacle, Lake Louisa State Park, Webb's Candy, and kayaking at Shingle Creek. Crayola Experience in Orlando is a good indoor backup on rainy days.
What are the best golf courses near Davenport, Florida?
Providence Golf Club is a named Davenport-area option. Book tee times ahead during winter months, and check green fees and cart policies on the club's official site.
Which is the best place to stay for things to do in Davenport?
Stay Formosa books direct vacation rentals inside Windsor Palms Resort in Kissimmee, a practical base for Davenport day trips and Disney visits. Windsor Palms is not in Davenport itself, so expect a drive. Compare drive times, kitchens, and pool access before booking.
How far is Davenport from the Disney parks?
Davenport lies southwest of Kissimmee and the Disney area, with travel time depending heavily on I-4 and US-27 traffic. Plan extra time at rush hour, and verify with a live map on the day.
Which Davenport Stops Are Worth Your Time in 2026?
The most useful things to do in Davenport in 2026 are the Welcome Center for discounts, Lake Play for free kid time, Planet Obstacle for rainy days, and Lake Louisa or Bok Tower Gardens for scenery. Skip Posner Park as a sightseeing stop; use it for errands.
Group stops by direction and confirm prices before you leave. Whether you are planning a Disney trip or a longer family stay, the right home base makes the logistics easier. Stay Formosa connects you directly with vacation rentals inside Windsor Palms Resort, so planning stays simple and the savings stay with you.
If a spacious townhome or vacation home near Disney sounds right for your trip, Windsor Palms Area Vacation Rentals lets you book directly with the local team at Windsor Palms Resort. Private pools apply to select townhomes and vacation homes only, so confirm the unit type when you check current availability.
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