Think Spring in Sunny Central Florida

Where the REAL Florida magic awaits

Wouldn’t you love to trade these endless days of grey skies, freezing temps and cabin fever for a wonderful southern escapade? Put some warmth and colour and fun back in your life? With Spring break on the horizon, it’s the perfect time for planning a delightful getaway to Central Florida – the Sunshine State’s ‘Sweetest Spot’ – where the only ice is in your cocktail glass.

Sitting pretty, not far from Orlando, Central Florida is a magical destination of 15 charming communities, including Lakeland and Winter Haven. Boasting fantastic outdoor adventures, incredible cuisine and attractions galore, Polk County has it all. Satisfy your hunger for exploration with a wilderness safari. Hop into the saddle for a horseback ride. Cruise the lakes or catch your thrills at a theme park. Then indulge your appetite further with a cool craft beverage and a delicious meal. Whatever your pleasure, rest assured, there are surprises in store for the whole family on a Central Florida vacay!

Hey kids!

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort in Winter Haven is the place where kids rule! Where princesses, knights and adventurers roam; where dragons soar, castles are stormed and pirates sail the seven seas. Here, imagination comes to life for the whole family with over 50 rides, shows and attractions at the Theme Park, 14 water slides in the Water Park and three unique themed Hotels! 

Stroll through Bricksburg in THE LEGO® MOVIE™ WORLD, an awesome land that brings THE LEGO® MOVIE™ to life with three immersive rides: Masters of Flight, Unikitty’s Disco Drop and the Battle of Bricksburg water ride. Then it’s on to LEGO® NINJAGO® World, where you’ll master the elements and blast animated fireballs and lightning at a sinister gallery of villains before teaming up to defeat a powerful foe in LEGO® NINJAGO® The Ride. Don’t forget to strike your best ninja pose for a photo op alongside your NINJAGO® friends!

Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida

Steps away from LEGOLAND® Florida, the World’s First Peppa Pig Theme Park is a pre-schooler’s dream! Check out the Fun Fair and Mr. Potato’s Showtime Arena, jump in the “Muddy Puddles” Splash Pad, even ride in Daddy Pig’s Roller Coaster. Experience a wild adventure with Daddy Pig in his bright red car, as Mr. Bull’s “digging up the road” sends you on a curvy new shortcut. A great first roller coaster for brave “little piggies.”  

Sail across the sky in a hot air balloon with Peppa Pig and sail to Pirate Island with Grandad Dog… so many fabulous rides to discover. Young kids and the young at heart will love splashing, oinking, giggling and playing all day long at Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida! 

Florida Children’s Museum

Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland is home to the incredible Florida Children’s Museum. Boasting two floors of interactive exhibits, youngsters from babies up to age 12 can spend hours learning while having so much fun. In the Watermelon Seeds gallery, children grow along with watermelons, strawberries and other fruit as they transform into their unique, colourful selves.

At Design Park, kids can create the vehicles of the future! Work in design pods or on your own at the designer’s bench before racing your floating vehicle in the Rodda Construction Testing Alley. Next it’s City Play, where kids rule the town! Pick the person you want to be while living in a city built for play. Grownups also get costumes so it’s fun for the entire family!

Saddle up cowpokes!

An hour south of Orlando, on one of the last untouched pieces of Florida wilderness, you’ll find Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo – a secluded Old Florida dude ranch where you can kick back and relax under the stars in style. Accommodations including Glamping Tents, RV Campsites, Luxe Teepees and brand-new Conestoga Wagons are yours for the picking.

The famous ranch and luxury glamping resort is located on 1,700 acres overlooking the scenic Kissimmee River and features horseback riding, an award-winning Saturday night rodeo and much more action. It’s the ideal destination for an unforgettable family vacation!

This charming, one-of-a-kind destination sits on a trail where Florida cowboys herded cattle and moved them to market. Contrary to popular perception, the American cowboy was not unique to the Western United States. In fact, the very first American cowboys roamed the state of Florida. Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo offers visitors an opportunity to experience this slice of Florida’s history where the REAL American cowboy tradition began.

Safari anyone?

Wildlife enthusiasts are in their element at the Safari Wilderness Ranch in Lakeland, where experienced tour guides lead the way in custom safari vehicles through 260 acres of lush wetlands and open grasslands, while answering questions and helping you (safely) interact with huge herds of exotic species. You can also try the drive-thru tour option and explore from the comfort of your own vehicle. Or if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can view the wild animals with a guide by camelback, ATV or kayak. 

Expect the unexpected because Safari Wilderness Ranch is not a zoo or theme park. There are no crowds and no lines. Just the opportunity to enjoy nature in an expansive wilderness area surrounded by Florida’s Green Swamp. 

When you book your Lakeland safari at Safari Wilderness Ranch, you’re in for an exclusive, fun and educational journey, where you’ll learn about Florida’s natural and human history, conservation programs, and encounter amazing animals that are endangered or extinct in the wild. A must-go Central Florida destination!

Chillin’ & grillin’

Polk County has declared itself the BBQ Capital of Florida for good reason! From the barbecue legacy to the competitions and pit masters, nowhere else in the state – and few places in the nation – can compare. Boasting more than 20 unique barbecue eateries, the County is one of Florida’s most barbecue-dense restaurant scenes per resident. From Blue Dog Craft Barbecue and Mojo Federal Swine and Spirits in Lakeland, to Smokin’ Jim’s in Winter Haven or Blackburns in Eagle Lake, great barbecue is just a pork pull away. 

But that’s just one tasty part of Polk County’s thriving culinary draw. With more than 550 freshwater lakes dotting Central Florida, diners are spoiled for choice when it comes to waterside feasting. Winter Haven is home to Harborside Restaurant on Lake Shipp and Harry’s Old Place on Lake Ned; Cherry Pocket Steak and Seafood Shak is on Lake Pierce in Lake Wales; and Texas Cattle Company overlooks Lake Mirror in downtown Lakeland. 

Prefer a sweet orange right from the tree? Visit Ridge Island Groves in Haines City and take a citrus grove tour. You can pick your own fruit, sample fresh Florida citrus and juices and homemade ice cream, watch the packing process and ship fresh fruit right to your front door! 

Refreshing artisan brews are always on tap in Polk County. Try Grove Roots Brewing Company’s tasting room and outdoor Biergarten in Winter Haven, and Lakeland’s Brew Hub – a unique co-op that offers as many as 30 different craft beers. Swan Brewing in downtown Lakeland overlooks Lake Wire; its name pays homage to Lakeland’s iconic swans.

Whether its upscale steakhouse fare or down-home grub, Polk County promises to satisfy every foodie’s hankering, including the “chicken-fingers-only crowd.” If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll also want to seek out the local artisan bakeries.

Cookies, cakes, pies, and CRUFFINS are just a few of the goodies on offer in Polk County. One local favorite is Born & Bread Bakehouse (Cruffins) in Lakeland.  Coffee lovers need to visit Concord Coffee, Hillcrest Coffee, Pressed Books & Coffee and Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro in Lakeland, and Haven Coffee Roasters or Honeycomb Bread Bakers in Winter Haven.

So much to do, anytime of the year, in beautiful Central Florida. Isn’t it time you discovered the REAL Florida magic? Plan your getaway soon at visitcentralflorida.org.