Kids Fishing Derby

South Lake Howard Nature Park in Winter Haven, Florida is the kind of place that earns a child’s loyalty early. The park sits at 1570 Lake Howard Drive Southwest, along the western shore of South Lake Howard, one of Winter Haven’s chain of 26 interconnected lakes that has defined central Florida’s outdoor character for generations. Each spring, the park fills with young anglers, patient parents, and the particular quiet excitement that comes when a bobber drops and disappears. The Winter Haven Kids Spring Fishing Derby takes place on a Saturday morning in April, running from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, and it is specifically designed for children under the age of 15, with emphasis on those 10 and younger who attend with an adult.

The event is organized with first-timers in mind. The pond at South Lake Howard Nature Park is stocked with fish ahead of the derby to keep the action moving. Live bait is provided on-site, and thanks to a partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Fish Florida, the first 100 youth participants who complete instructional fishing stations receive free rod-and-reel setups to take home. Those stations, led by FWC educators and staff from Winter Haven’s Natural Resources department, walk children through casting basics, species identification, and freshwater fishing safety in plain, friendly terms.

More Than Just Fishing

The morning runs on activity. After the fishing stations, children can try Gyotaku, the Japanese art of fish printing, using molds of Florida native fish species to create take-home artwork. The combination of outdoor instruction and hands-on craft reflects the derby’s broader goal: to connect children to their local lake environment, not just to the sport of fishing. Representatives from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are typically present throughout the event to answer questions about Florida’s freshwater ecosystems and what conservation looks like in practice.

> If You’re Going With Kids
> Children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult, but spectators of all ages are welcome. Bring sunscreen and light layers for early April mornings in Polk County. Temperatures typically start in the mid-60s and climb into the low 80s by late morning. A folding chair and a pair of close-toed shoes for the dock area are good calls.

Admission, Logistics, and Getting There

The event is free to attend. South Lake Howard Nature Park is accessible via US-27 and SR-544, with parking available along Lake Howard Drive Southwest. The nearest major airport is Orlando International, approximately 45 minutes northeast via I-4. Families arriving from further afield can pair the derby with a two-night stay in the greater Orlando area, a short drive from Winter Haven and within reach of a full range of vacation rentals. For waterfront accommodations in central Florida, Lake.com’s Orlando listings offer options within a reasonable drive of Winter Haven and the Chain of Lakes region.

> Good to Know
> Winter Haven sits at the center of Florida’s famous Chain of Lakes, a network of 26 freshwater lakes connected by canals. Airboat tours, kayak rentals, and lakeside cycling paths extend the outdoor experience well beyond the morning derby. The towns around the lakes are worth a half-day exploration on their own.

South Lake Howard and the Chain of Lakes

For visitors unfamiliar with Winter Haven, the Chain of Lakes is the defining geographic and cultural feature of the city. South Lake Howard Nature Park is a quiet, well-maintained green space that gives access to the lake without requiring a boat. After the derby closes at 11:00 AM, the park remains open for walking the shoreline paths or simply sitting with the water in view. For families making the drive from the coast or from the Orlando area, this makes for a genuinely restful morning in a part of Florida that does not always make the travel brochures, but probably should.

Find Your Spot on Lake.com

Central Florida’s lake country is a strong base for a long weekend. Search Lake.com for waterfront rentals near Orlando and Winter Haven to find properties within easy reach of the derby, the Chain of Lakes, and the parks and nature areas of Polk County.