Established in the mid 1930's, Cypress Gardens ranks as Florida's oldest theme park, though there are no thrill rides to frighten visitors here. It's more of a relaxing environment, of plants, animals, and stunning flower displays, through which visitors can wander at leisure, though there are some impressive organised waterskiing displays put on daily. An aerial view of the whole park can be obtained by riding the 'Kodak Island in the Sky' - a 153 ft high revolving platform.

Cypress Gardens is located approximately 45 miles southwest of Orlando, off the US 27 near Winter Haven. The park is 223 acres in size, over half of which is laid out in stunning floral arrangements, with over 8,000 varieties of plants and flowers, including bougainvillea at over 40ft high, floss silk trees, bird of paradise, chrysanthemums, and of course the Cypress trees after which the park derives it's name. The All-Americal Rose Garden includes 500 of the most popular American rode varieties.

Plant festivals held at Cypress Gardens include an annual Chrysanthemum festival, held during Mid November, which consisting of more than 2 million blooms is the largest display in America, and a Poinsettia festival, from mid December until mid January. Southern Belles dressed in period costume provide an added touch of colour, and are happy to pose for photographs.

Cypress Gardens double as a wildlife haven, where visitors can explore nature trails, a large aviary, and a forest area that nurtures threatened and endangered wildlife. There's also a huge climate controlled glass conservatory, which houses more than 50 species of butterflies from around the world.

Both native and exotic plant species thrive in the gardens, placed in breathtaking displays. The famed gazebo still stands, banked by a vast expanse of emerald green lawn and huge beds of brightly colored annuals. Other garden delights include Topiary Trail, a landscape of precisely-trimmed flowers and greenery pruned into amusing shapes. The sparkling waterfall burbles merrily through Topiary Trail and provides a gorgeous backdrop for a favored photo spot.

Excitement is to the rides, as beauty is to the gardens! Thrill to 40 rides for children of all ages, including five coasters and the world’s tallest spinning rapids ride! Take a heart-stopping drop on the Thunderbolt, or brave the wooden curves and corners of Triple Hurricane. Gentler fun is found on the Boardwalk Carousel, a double-decker beauty full of brightly-colored, bobbing horses or the Citrus Line Railroad, a train ride through Adventure Grove. Little tykes will giggle and laugh on tiny thrillsters, such as Gear Jammers, Tiny Trotters and Upsy Daisy. And the whole family will enjoy the views from the Paradise Sky Wheel and Sunshine Sky Adventure. It’s all found in Adventure Grove, where screams of laughter and excitement are as plentiful as the flowers in the gardens!

Cypress Gardens Adventure Park delivers world-class entertainment on a variety of stages, including ice, water and animal! The park serves up a wide range of daily entertainment from the graceful Living Garden to the daring, gravity-defying feats of the ice show and world-famous water ski show.