Most families staying in Davenport treat it as a launchpad to Disney and Universal, but this quiet stretch of Highway 27 has its own lineup of things to do in Davenport, FL that fill an entire vacation day without a theme park ticket.
From sunrise hot air balloon rides to a $5 water park ten minutes away, the best Davenport Florida activities happen when you skip the crowds and stay local. Davenport sits just 20 to 30 minutes from Disney World, making every Davenport Florida vacation a mix of park days and laid-back local days.
8 Best Things to Do in Davenport FL for Families
1. Northeast Regional Park
Six turf multipurpose fields, four baseball and softball fields, tennis and basketball courts, racquetball, a playground, a dog park, a boat ramp with pier fishing on Lake Davenport, and a screened pavilion you can rent for cookouts. Pack a cooler from your vacation home kitchen and spend the morning here. One of the best free things to do in Davenport for families with kids of any age.
2. Posner Park Shopping + Cinepolis Luxury IMAX
Target, HomeGoods, Marshalls, Best Buy, JCPenney, Ulta, and Books-a-Million anchor the outdoor mall, with Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, and WaWa for quick stops. Cinepolis Luxury IMAX (5500 Grandview Pkwy) has reserved seating, gourmet snacks, and a full bar for parents. Afternoon movies on a rainy day are one of the most underrated Davenport FL attractions.
3. Hot Air Balloon Rides at Sunrise
Multiple providers launch from Davenport and ChampionsGate, including Sky Pirates Ballooning, Bob’s Balloons, and Air Hound Adventures (meets at 8190 Laura Ln). Flights lift off at sunrise and float over lakes, groves, and rolling hills. A bucket-list family activity and one of the most unique Davenport Florida activities you will not find inside any theme park.
4. ChampionsGate Oasis Clubhouse
A 16,000-square-foot clubhouse with two heated pools, a lazy river, a two-story waterslide, a splash park for toddlers, sand volleyball, and rentable cabanas. Inside: Grille Room restaurant, Tiki Bar (11AM to 6PM), movie theater, fitness center, and game room. Access for ChampionsGate resort guests. Family activities Davenport FL families love happen right at the resort.
5. Lake Louisa State Park
7305 US Hwy 27, Clermont. Kayaking, canoeing, hiking trails, horseback riding, fishing, and bird watching across a chain of pristine Florida lakes. Note: swimming is temporarily unavailable due to low water levels as of summer 2026. One of the best day trips from your vacation home and easily the best nature experience among things to do near Davenport Florida.
6. Davenport Golf Courses
Highlands Reserve Golf Club (500 Highlands Reserve Blvd) plays 6,673 yards with rates from $28 to $49. Providence Golf Club runs 6,950 yards with rates from $65 to $99 and some of the best greens in the Orlando area. White Heron Golf Club (200 Eagle Ridge Dr) stretches 7,409 yards. Tee off early, then spend the afternoon poolside at your vacation home.
7. Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales. A 250-acre sanctuary with a 205-foot Art Deco singing tower housing a 60-bell carillon, lush gardens, and the Pinewood Estate. Discounted tickets at the Visit Central Florida Welcome Center on Adventure Court in Davenport. Quiet, beautiful, and among the most memorable things to do near Davenport, Florida.
8. Lake Eva Aquatic Center
321 S. 6th St, Haines City. Water slides, a splash pad, and a lap pool at a fraction of theme park water park costs. Open daily from noon to 6 PM from late May through early August; weekends only in spring and fall. Season passes run $40 for individuals or $100 for families. One of the most budget-friendly water parks near Davenport for families.
Insider Tip
Plan your non-park days around morning activities (Northeast Regional Park, golf, balloon rides) and afternoon cool-downs (Cinepolis IMAX, Oasis Clubhouse pool, your vacation home pool). Florida summers are hot by noon, so front-load outdoor time.
Where to Eat in Davenport FL
All within a short drive of most resort communities, making dining another easy Davenport, FL attraction for families doing Orlando on a budget.
#1 in Davenport, smokehouse ribs & brisket
Sunday’s Grill
British fare, local favorite since the 90s
Giovanni’s Pizza
Reliable family pizza stop
La Fiesta Mexicana
Tex-Mex, kid-friendly
Why Davenport FL Is Your Best Home Base
Eight local activities, three golf courses, a state park, a $5 water park, and nearly a dozen restaurants, all within 10 to 25 minutes of your FunStay vacation home. The best Davenport, Florida activities are the ones you discover on your off days from the parks.
Stay in Davenport at a FunStay Vacation Home
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Private Pool & Splash Pad
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Game Room & Movie Theater
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Full Kitchen (Save on Dining)
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4-10 Bedrooms, Themed Kids’ Rooms
A FunStay vacation home puts every activity on this list within 10 to 25 minutes of your front door. Cook breakfast in a full kitchen, spend the morning at Northeast Regional Park, grab lunch at Ovation Bistro, and float the lazy river at ChampionsGate. That kind of day costs a fraction of a theme park day and gives your family real downtime.
Families who balance park days with local Davenport, Florida, activities get more out of their trip and spend less doing it. Browse 100+ family homes across 20+ resort communities near all the best things to do in Davenport, FL, and every major Orlando attraction.
You will not find a better home base for free things to do in Orlando with kids and the local Davenport FL attractions on this list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do in Davenport FL besides theme parks?
Davenport Florida activities beyond the parks include Northeast Regional Park (free, open 7 AM to 10 PM), hot air balloon rides at sunrise, Cinepolis Luxury IMAX at Posner Park, three public golf courses with rates from $28, Lake Louisa State Park ($5/vehicle, kayaking and hiking), Bok Tower Gardens ($20 adults), and Lake Eva Aquatic Center ($5). Family activities Davenport FL families enjoy most happen right in town.
Is Davenport FL a good area for families?
Yes. Davenport is 20 to 30 minutes from Disney World, has multiple resort communities with pools, lazy rivers, and clubhouses, and offers free things to do in Davenport like Northeast Regional Park and community trails. It is quieter and more affordable than staying on International Drive or in Kissimmee tourist corridors, making it ideal for a Davenport, Florida vacation with kids.
What free activities are in Davenport, Florida?
Free things to do in Davenport include Northeast Regional Park (playground, sports courts, fishing, dog park), walking trails in resort communities, Posner Park window shopping, and community events. Lake Eva Community Park in nearby Haines City is also free. These are the best family activities Davenport, FL offers without spending a dollar.
How far is Davenport FL from Disney World?
Davenport is 18 to 22 miles from Disney World, a 20 to 35 minute drive depending on which gate you use and time of day. This makes it close enough for daily park visits but far enough to enjoy lower accommodation costs and local things to do in Davenport, FL, on your off days.
Why stay in Davenport FL for a Disney vacation?
A Davenport Florida vacation home gives families more space, private pools, game rooms, and full kitchens at a lower nightly cost than Disney resort hotels or I-Drive hotels. Davenport FL attractions like golf, state parks, and local dining fill non-park days, and the 20 to 30 minute drive to Disney is easy. Things to do near Davenport, Florida, make it a destination, not just a place to sleep.
