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If you ask individuals what are some widespread issues to do in Central Florida, they’ll at all times suggest Disneyland Florida in Orlando.
And naturally, it’s one of the crucial iconic points of interest you will need to go to, however as soon as you’re completed with Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and all the opposite theme parks, you could be wandering what else Central Florida has to supply.
On this information, we’ve shared our high Central Florida points of interest for households to take pleasure in for when the principle theme parks get tiring.
We’ll be specializing in Polk County area, which is positioned roughly about midway between downtown Orlando and Tampa Bay.
Issues to Do in Central Florida
1. Be Amazed at Legoland Florida
The primary one is one other theme park in Florida that I’m certain you’re not less than conscious of, however it’s one that always goes unnoticed for the extra iconic parks like Universal Orlando Resort.
In case your youngsters are huge followers of Lego, like ours, then think about placing a go to to Legoland Florida in your itinerary.
I believe it’s honest to say that almost all youngsters grew up with Lego of their lives. I do know I did and that my very own youngsters love enjoying with their very own Lego and preserve requesting extra!
So our youngsters have been naturally excited to go to a Lego based mostly theme park and rise up shut with a few of their favourite life measurement Lego associates, and journey extra rides after all!
Situated in Winter Haven, only a 45-minute drive from Orlando, Legoland Florida Resort is the biggest Legoland theme park on this planet.
For those who’re aware of the outdated Cypress Gardens theme park, Florida’s first theme park, that’s the situation of Legoland.
The 150-acre property now presents a singular mixture of greater than 50 rides, reveals and points of interest. Plus eating places, outlets and a fantastic botanical backyard (sadly this was closed throughout our go to attributable to harm from hurricane Irma).
The Legoland theme park is geared in direction of youngsters ages 2 to 12. Our youngsters are aged 10 and 6 and many of the points of interest and rides have been appropriate to their age, in order that appears to be the candy spot.
However like I stated, my mother is a Lego fan so it relies on your loved ones and their curiosity ranges.
2. Get Wild at Safari Wilderness Ranch
For those who’re a nature lover and adore wildlife, then how a couple of safari? Caroline and I spent 5 months backpacking through East Africa in 2003 and went on many sport drives, so on the subject of wildlife viewing, we’re arduous to please…
Some locations throw across the time period “safari” very loosely and we at all times have our reservations about what it’s going to be like.
Nonetheless, Safari Wilderness in Lakeland was named one of many “10 Finest Safaris within the U.S.” by Fodors.com, and we have been pleasantly shocked.
This 260-acre protect is surrounded by Florida’s Inexperienced Swamp, an 870 sq. mile pristine watershed that’s supply to 5 of Florida’s most interesting rivers.
We went on a two-hour personalized vehicle safari that offered up-close encounters with wildlife akin to ostrich, eland, zebra, kudu, water buffalo and different distinctive and endangered species in giant herds!
And we bought so up-close that we bought at hand feed a number of of the animals.
Not solely did we get the interplay with the animals, however our safari information offered knowledgeable commentary and data which was each attention-grabbing and academic for our youngsters!
We entered the ring-tailed lemur habitat at Safari Wilderness with a information and hand feed grapes to a bunch of Lemurs. And it was past superior!
A few of them gently touched our arms to get the grapes they usually have been playful but well mannered.
This exercise is proscribed to a couple contributors per day so plan to e book forward. For those who love lemurs, you’ll can have a enjoyable expertise with them in Monticello, Florida.
3. Chill out at Bok Tower Gardens
For those who’re on the lookout for issues to do in Central Florida that supply a slower tempo and a soothing ambiance after all of the theme park craziness, then you need to ensure to take a look at Bok Tower Gardens.
Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales was voted “Florida’s Finest Backyard” by Florida Month-to-month journal, and is taken into account a Nationwide Historic Landmark.
It was devoted to the American individuals as a present from Dutch immigrant and world peace advocate Edward Bok, in 1929.
Our youngsters loved the Hammock Hole Kids’s Backyard which offered them the chance to expertise 3-acres of nature play, plus interactive artwork and music discovery areas.
Throughout our go to they realized learn how to make tie-dye prints.
After a play at Hammock Hole we took a soothing stroll to see the Singing Tower.
The 205-foot neo-Gothic and artwork deco Singing Tower carillon is spectacular and a should see.
Designed by famed architect Milton B. Medary, the Tower homes one of many world’s most interesting carillons. Concert events from the 60-bell carillon at 1 and three p.m. fill the Gardens each day.
Bok Tower Gardens sits on one among peninsular Florida’s highest factors, offering a haven for uncommon crops and animals discovered nowhere else on this planet.
Different actions embrace:
- Mountain climbing trails
- Enjoyable gardens
- Carillon concert events
- Blue Palmetto Café
- New boardwalk and out of doors kitchen.
You would spend wherever from two hours right here to half a day – relying in your curiosity degree and time out there.
Open one year a yr from 8am to 6pm.
4. Airboat Trip the St. Johns River
Some of the iconic issues to do in Florida, moreover the theme parks, is exit on an airboat tour to search for the state’s native wildlife; crocodiles and alligators.
Whereas the Everglades Nationwide Park in South Florida is the most well-liked place for this journey, these wanting to remain nearer to Central Florida can discover the swamps round St. Johns River, which is lower than an hour away from Orlando.
Situated alongside the House Coast, this area is thought for its pure magnificence and thriving wildlife, not simply alligators, however turtles, frogs, and several other chicken species.
Airboat rides normally final between 1-2 hours, relying on the bundle you decide.
5. Have A Dude Ranch Expertise at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo
Expertise life on an genuine dude ranch on the Westgate River Ranch & Resort, the place you possibly can mix glamping with a real-life cowboy expertise.
With 1,700 acres of land, you possibly can both sit back and loosen up on this wild and open vary overlooking the Kissimmee River, or embark on a horseback using tour, study ranching on the Cowboy Journey Park & Florida Truthful, or watch aggressive bull riders on the award-winning Saturday night time rodeo.
It’s not only a place to remain, however an expertise!
6. Chill out on a Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
Winter Park is a picturesque chain of lakes simply exterior of Orlando that are finest seen from a scenic boat tour.
As you glide alongside the tranquil waterways on a captivating pontoon boat, you’ll see the towering cypress timber, swamps, man-made canals, vibrant flora, and even some opulent houses.
The boat tour solely carries 18 passengers, so the fantastic thing about the world will not be misplaced to overcrowded boats.
7. Go to Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
For those who’re planning a trip to Florida with youngsters, then you could need to spend a day at Central Florida Zoo.
Most individuals who need to see unique animals in Florida head to locations like Magic Kingdom that are extremely touristy and are all concerning the “expertise” than the conservation.
Nonetheless, Central Florida Zoo is devoted to conservation and wildlife schooling. They’re a conservation facility particularly for the propagation of the uncommon Jap Indigo Snake, and in addition contribute to the breeding of endangered clouded leopards.
You may attend feeding reveals, wildlife talks, and even feed the giraffes. Youthful youngsters will respect the practice journey, whereas thrill seekers will love the zip-line within the park.
8. Swim With Manatees at Crystal River
There are just a few locations in Central Florida the place you possibly can see manatees, akin to Blue Spring State Park, which has the biggest manatee gathering within the state.
Nonetheless, there aren’t many locations the place you may get within the water and go snorkeling with these mild giants.
Crystal River is the place to go if you wish to get within the water with manatees. These creatures migrate right here to swim within the heat waters that come from the pure springs releasing thermal waters, which mixes with the cool sea water.
It’s estimated that there are not less than 100 manatees right here all yr spherical, although numbers are larger within the winter.
9. Trip the Swan Boats at Lake Eola Park
Lake Eola is a virtually one-mile (1.9km) lake that’s identified for its iconic Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain which lights up in a rainbow of colours and on chosen nights in a present of synchronized water dancing and music.
Nonetheless, Lake Eola can be an amazing place to go to throughout the day too. Some of the widespread issues to do is to hire a swan boat and head out on the lake. It’s also possible to take the children to the playground, or just loosen up on the lawns.
The fountain show takes place at 8.00pm and 9.30pm most nights.
10. Go Tubing Down The Rock Springs Run in Kelly Park
Let’s face it, there aren’t many locations in Florida the place you may get into the water, nonetheless Kelly Park is likely one of the finest locations to go if that you must cool off within the water (safely).
Situated about half-hour from Orlando, Kelly Park is dwelling to the Rock Springs Run, a well-known river that has mild and fast-paced rapids which can be a preferred spot for tubing.
The tubing run takes about half-hour to do, and whereas there aren’t any tube leases within the park, you should purchase a rubber ring from Rock Springs Bar & Grill, not removed from the doorway to Kelly Park Rock Springs.
That is one among our favourite activities near Orlando for many who need to escape the theme park crowds.
11. Take a Bioluminescent Kayaking Tour
Do you know that Florida is dwelling to bioluminescent waters which glow a vibrant turquoise blue at night time? This phenomenon is induced when dinoflagellates, microscopic single-celled organisms, are aggitated, inflicting a response that makes them glow.
One of the best place to witness this in Central Florida is alongside the Indian River Lagoon on the East Coast of Florida, particularly from the Cocoa Seashore space.
One of the best time of yr to see that is throughout the summer time, from late Could till September.
12. Cool Off at Wekiwa Springs State Park
Wekiwa Springs State Park is likely one of the closest state parks to Orlando and as such, it’s normally very busy.
Nonetheless, it’s an amazing place to go if you wish to cool off within the azure, turquoise waters, go for a hike, or kayak alongside the Wekiwa River.
Finest Time To Go to Central Florida
One of the best time to go to Central Florida is in October till April, when the climate is heat however not too sizzling. November is normally a quiet time to go to, after the Halloween rush and earlier than Thanksgiving.
January and February are additionally a quiet time to go to as most individuals plan their journeys across the holidays.
From Could onwards, crowds begin to type because it’s nearer to the summer time. The summer time will not be solely crowded, however there may be at all times the looming risk of a hurricane interrupting your journey – although the chance for that’s minimal.
Right here’s what’s new in Florida for 2024.
Closing Ideas
So there you’ve got it, these are our favourite issues to do in Central Florida, and as you possibly can see, there’s lots of superb points of interest to take a look at moreover the theme parks.
We hope this information gave you some inspiration for issues so as to add to your itinerary and helped you intend your journey!
Listed here are just a few extra journey concepts for locations close to Central Florida:
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Are you able to counsel issues to do in Central Florida? Or do you’ve got any questions on these Central Florida actions? Depart us a remark down beneath.
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