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If you ask folks what are some fashionable issues to do in Central Florida, they are going to all the time advocate Disneyland Florida in Orlando.
And naturally, it’s one of the crucial iconic sights you could go to, however as soon as you’re finished with Walt Disney World, Common 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 sights for households to take pleasure in for when the primary theme parks get tiring.
We’ll be specializing in Polk County area, which is situated 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 positive you’re not less than conscious of, but it surely’s one that usually goes unnoticed for the extra iconic parks like Common 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 feel 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 maintain requesting extra!
So our children have been naturally excited to go to a Lego based mostly theme park and rise up shut with a few of their favourite life dimension Lego mates, and experience extra rides after all!
Positioned in Winter Haven, only a 45-minute drive from Orlando, Legoland Florida Resort is the biggest Legoland theme park on the earth.
If you happen to’re aware of the previous Cypress Gardens theme park, Florida’s first theme park, that’s the situation of Legoland.
The 150-acre property now presents a novel mixture of greater than 50 rides, exhibits and sights. Plus eating places, outlets and a gorgeous botanical backyard (sadly this was closed throughout our go to as a result of injury from hurricane Irma).
The Legoland theme park is geared in the direction of kids ages 2 to 12. Our youngsters are aged 10 and 6 and a lot of the sights 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 depends upon your loved ones and their curiosity ranges.
2. Get Wild at Safari Wilderness Ranch
If you happen to’re a nature lover and adore wildlife, then how a few safari? Caroline and I spent 5 months backpacking via East Africa in 2003 and went on many recreation drives, so in relation to wildlife viewing, we’re laborious to please…
Some locations throw across the time period “safari” very loosely and we all the time have our reservations about what it’s going to be like.
Nonetheless, Safari Wilderness in Lakeland was named one of many “10 Greatest 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 custom-made car safari that offered up-close encounters with wildlife comparable to ostrich, eland, zebra, kudu, water buffalo and different distinctive and endangered species in massive herds!
And we obtained so up-close that we obtained 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 information which was each fascinating and academic for our children!
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 palms to get the grapes and so they have been playful but well mannered.
This exercise is restricted to a couple contributors per day so plan to ebook forward. If you happen to love lemurs, you’ll can have a enjoyable expertise with them in Monticello, Florida.
3. Calm down at Bok Tower Gardens
If you happen to’re in search of issues to do in Central Florida that provide a slower tempo and a calming environment after all of the theme park craziness, then you need to be certain to take a look at Bok Tower Gardens.
Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales was voted “Florida’s Greatest Backyard” by Florida Month-to-month journal, and is taken into account a Nationwide Historic Landmark.
It was devoted to the American folks as a present from Dutch immigrant and world peace advocate Edward Bok, in 1929.
Our youngsters loved the Hammock Hole Youngsters’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 discovered learn how to make tie-dye prints.
After a play at Hammock Hole we took a calming 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 every day.
Bok Tower Gardens sits on certainly one of peninsular Florida’s highest factors, offering a haven for uncommon crops and animals discovered nowhere else on the earth.
Different actions embrace:
- Mountaineering trails
- Enjoyable gardens
- Carillon concert events
- Blue Palmetto Café
- New boardwalk and outside kitchen.
You possibly can spend wherever from two hours right here to half a day – relying in your curiosity degree and time accessible.
Open three hundred and sixty five days a 12 months from 8am to 6pm.
4. Airboat Experience the St. Johns River
One of the crucial 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.
Positioned alongside the House Coast, this area is understood for its pure magnificence and thriving wildlife, not simply alligators, however turtles, frogs, and a number of other chicken species.
Airboat rides often 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 relax and chill out on this wild and open vary overlooking the Kissimmee River, or embark on a horseback using tour, find out about ranching on the Cowboy Journey Park & Florida Honest, or watch aggressive bull riders on the award-winning Saturday evening rodeo.
It’s not only a place to remain, however an expertise!
6. Calm down on a Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
Winter Park is a picturesque chain of lakes simply outdoors of Orlando that are finest seen from a scenic boat tour.
As you glide alongside the tranquil waterways on an enthralling 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
If you happen to’re planning a trip to Florida with youngsters, then chances are you’ll wish to spend a day at Central Florida Zoo.
Most individuals who wish to see unique animals in Florida head to locations like Magic Kingdom that are extremely touristy and are all in regards to the “expertise” than the conservation.
Nonetheless, Central Florida Zoo is devoted to conservation and wildlife training. 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’ll be able to attend feeding exhibits, wildlife talks, and even feed the giraffes. Youthful youngsters will respect the practice experience, whereas thrill seekers will love the zip-line within the park.
8. Swim With Manatees at Crystal River
There are a couple of locations in Central Florida the place you possibly can see manatees, comparable to Blue Spring State Park, which has the biggest manatee gathering within the state.
Nonetheless, there usually are not 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 12 months spherical, although numbers are increased within the winter.
9. Experience the Swan Boats at Lake Eola Park
Lake Eola is a virtually one-mile (1.9km) lake that’s recognized 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 also be an excellent place to go to through the day too. One of the crucial fashionable issues to do is to lease a swan boat and head out on the lake. You may also take the youngsters to the playground, or just chill out 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 usually are not many locations in Florida the place you may get into the water, nonetheless Kelly Park is among the finest locations to go if that you must cool off within the water (safely).
Positioned 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 are 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 buy a rubber ring from Rock Springs Bar & Grill, not removed from the doorway to Kelly Park Rock Springs.
That is certainly one of our favourite actions close to Orlando for individuals who wish 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 shiny turquoise blue at evening? This phenomenon is precipitated when dinoflagellates, microscopic single-celled organisms, are aggitated, inflicting a response that makes them glow.
The perfect 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.
The perfect time of 12 months to see that is through the summer time, from late Might till September.
12. Cool Off at Wekiwa Springs State Park
Wekiwa Springs State Park is among the closest state parks to Orlando and as such, it’s often very busy.
Nonetheless, it’s an excellent place to go if you wish to cool off within the azure, turquoise waters, go for a hike, or kayak alongside the Wekiwa River.
Greatest Time To Go to Central Florida
The perfect time to go to Central Florida is in October till April, when the climate is heat however not too sizzling. November is often 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 Might onwards, crowds begin to type because it’s nearer to the summer time. The summer time will not be solely crowded, however there’s all the time the looming menace of a hurricane interrupting your journey – although the probability for that’s minimal.
Right here’s what’s new in Florida for 2024.
Ultimate 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 loads of superb sights 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 below are a couple of 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? Go away us a remark down under.
Supply: Breaking Travel News