33+ Unique & Awesome Things To Do in Central Florida (Beyond Disney)

Central Florida is full of fun things to do, beyond just Universal and Walt Disney World.

In the heart of Central Florida, and even a bit west into Polk County, you’ll find outdoor activities, family-friendly adventures, gardens, airboat tours, museums, art galleries, parks, water park fun, and so much more. You may want to plan a trip here without visiting Mickey at all!

Here are 33+ awesome things to do in Central Florida that you and your family will love.

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THE ABSOLUTE COOLEST PLACES TO STAY IN CENTRAL FLORIDA

TOP-RATED THINGS TO DO IN CENTRAL FLORIDA

SAFARI WILDERNESS RANCH

For a wildlife experience like no other, take a trip to Safari Wilderness in Lakeland. 

There are a number of options available to explore the park, depending on how adventurous you’re feeling.  We went with the customized safari vehicle, complete with a driver/very knowledgeable guide.  If you want to get really up close and personal, you can tour the area on an ATV or kayak, also with a guide.  To take it to the next level, ask about the camelback adventure and go Ishtar-style.

The highlight of our visit was the ring-tailed lemur feeding.  They are cuter than you could ever imagine, softly grabbing ahold of your fingers like a human infant and drawing your hand up to them to take a bite. 

Safari Wilderness launched an option for a few special guests per night to stay in beautifully appointed safari tents! The safari base camp consists of nine tents for Classic Safari Camping, each of which sits on its own mobile wooden deck for guest safety and comfort, and offers a panoramic view of the animal herds on the veldt.

PEPPA PIG THEME PARK

The World’s First Peppa Pig Theme Park opened Polk County in 2022!

The new stand-alone park is located just steps away from the front gate of LEGOLAND Florida Resort. The park combines six interactive rides and themed playgrounds with character shows, an indoor cinema and a colorful splash pad that celebrates “muddy puddles” jumping fun. Every corner of the charming new park is crafted with preschoolers in mind. 

One of the best things about the new Peppa Pig Theme Park is that it opened as a Certified Autism Center.

LEGOLAND FLORIDA

The Legoland Florida Resort and Water Park in Winter Haven, is the perfect addition to Central Florida family vacation.

Here you’ll find a creative collection of LEGO-inspired rides and attractions that promise fun for everyone, from the “pink knuckle” thrills of roller coasters such as The Dragon, The Great LEGO Race, Coastersaurus and Flying School to interactive adventures including LEGO NINJAGO The Ride, Lost Kingdom Adventure and Kid Power Towers.

NEW IN 2023! Pirate River Quest, takes guests through the uncharted waters of the legendary Cypress Gardens to discover the secrets protecting its canals.  

We have shared tips HERE for saving money on LEGOLAND Florida tickets. It’s our favorite of all the Florida theme parks, with roller coasters, shows, a water park, and so much more.

Read More: LEGOLAND PIRATE HOTEL Q&A (IT REALLY IS THE BEST!)

BOK TOWER GARDENS

The Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden at Bok Tower Gardens, a National Historic Landmark, is a must visit for families.

Of course, don’t miss walking the grounds and seeing the 200-ft tall tower. Inside it houses a collection of carillon bells that ring beautifully on the hour every day. Pro tip: Bring some change for the fish food – the kids will love feeding the koi swimming around the tower.

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WESTGATE RIVER RANCH

Westgate River Ranch is an authentic kid-friendly guest ranch where families can experience the Old Florida cowboy lifestyle as a day visitor or overnight guest. Here you can go horseback riding, take swamp buggy rides, and watch the longest running championship rodeo in the USA.

One of our most memorable Florida stays was in the glamping tents here. (Click thru for 17 tips and tricks for your stay.)

Stay Here: Westgate River Ranch

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT TOURS

A creative treasure that many do not know about is the Frank Lloyd Wright Tours on the Florida Southern College campus in Lakeland, FL.

There are four tours, ranging in price from $10 to $45, each provides an interesting and educational look at the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. (You can also take a self-guided tour — a souvenir map will cost you $5.)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER

3, 2, 1…BLAST OFF! Enjoy the many exhibits, shows, and attractions at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, including Space Shuttle Atlantis, Shuttle Launch Experience, Rocket Garden, and Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame presented by Boeing.

You’ll love the exhibits, interactive theater presentations, and the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour to the Apollo/Saturn V Center. At Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex you’ll have the opportunity to explore the world’s largest collection of astronaut memorabilia.

Looking for online tickets to attractions or cool tours offering insider info? Get Your Guide is our family’s go-to resource for online purchases. Find Kennedy Space Center tickets here.

THE WHEEL AT ICON PARK

See Orlando from a completely different perspective while enjoying a ride on the The Wheel at Icon Park!

Admire aerial views of Orlando and beyond from the East Coast’s tallest observation wheel. Soar 400 feet into the sky in a clear capsule. Each capsule is equipped with an iPad that offers information about the sights and the surrounding environment.

It’s air conditioned! Get your tickets to The Wheel at Icon Park here!

SEA LIFE ORLANDO AQUARIUM

The SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium offers you the chance to come “face-to-fin” with sharks, stingrays, sea turtles and more.

Home to Florida’s only 360° underwater tunnel, SEA LIFE Orlando has touch tanks, 9+ exhibit areas, thousands of sea creatures and fun behind-the-scenes tours.

Get your tickets to SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium here!

EXPLORING CENTRAL FLORIDA IN THE OUTDOORS

CIRCLE B BAR RESERVE

Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland is a treasured central Florida environmental area providing numerous family recreational opportunities from bicycling trails to bird watching and fishing.

The kids will love the Polk County Nature Discovery Center.

HOLLIS GARDEN

Another one of Lakeland’s most beautiful natural attractions is Hollis Garden. This pristine park is a hidden gem, with winding paths that lead through an array of flowering trees and plants. Sixteen distinct gardens span the one-acre site, each one highlighting a different type of vibe.

You’ll find thousands of vibrantly colored blooms here, with trees and shrubs that reflect the beauty of a wild tropical rainforest.

Read More: 17 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN LAKELAND FL YOU’LL ADORE

RIDGE ISLAND GROVES

While in Central Florida we suggest touring the citrus groves and pick your own berries at Ridge Island Groves.

Try your hand at hydroponic gardening with a take home do-it-yourself kit available at the gift shop. Take a tour of the groves and pick your own fruit to enjoy the homegrown taste of Florida.

AIRBOAT TOUR

Take an airboat tour along the shoreline of Lake Kissimmee with Floridian captains from the family-owned marina at Grape Hammock Fish Camp.

In addition to the boat tours, Grape Hammock is a top-rated Fish Camp in the state, and the perfect place to see the Old Florida.

KAYAK

Canoe or kayak through the serene environment that surrounds the Peace River Paddling Trail. You’ll find 12 launch points throughout Desoto, Hardee and Polk counties.

This easy to moderate paddling trail takes you through a moss-draped cypress swamp, hardwood forest and hammocks. You’ll find the blackwater river is a dark tea color. 

Paynes Creek Historic State Park is a great place to explore the river — from either the water or land.

LAKE KISSIMMEE STATE PARK

Lake Kissimmee State Park has over 13 miles of trails to hike, along with opportunities for boating, canoeing and fishing. The park offers living history demonstrations.

You’ll find three lakes here —  Kissimmee, Tiger and Rosalie. The park has full-facility campsites as well as a primitive camping facility.

LAKE MIRROR PARK

A great thing to do in Lakeland is visit Lake Mirror Park. This gorgeous park features a grand promenade, perfect for strolling or biking along the waterfront. The walk is roughly one mile long and offers lovely views of Lake Mirror. Of course, the famous swans are never far from view, but you’ll also find geese and other birds here. 

Both walkers and runners can be spotted here, so mind your step, and enjoy some of the best Lakeland scenery.

WALDO WRIGHT’S FLYING SERVICE

Fly high in the sky in Central Florida with Waldo Wright’s Flying Service. Enjoy seeing Central Florida from a new perspective in a biplane, stearman or a seaplane. No age limits, and prices are very affordable.

NATURAL GROWERS GROVE HOUSE

Kids will love the free orange juice samples while everyone takes in the history of Florida’s official fruit at Florida’s Natural Growers Grove House.

Spend a little time outdoors for a self-guided tour through the orange groves around the property! Opened seasonally, from October through May.

LAKE HOLLINGSWORTH

Lake Hollingsworth is an urban lake and focal point of Lakeland, FL. The home of to the annual Orange Cup Regatta provides a walking trail, wonderful bird sightings and is home to some historic landmarks.

You can enjoy a self-guided walking tour of the outdoor Public Art found throughout Munn Park, Lemon Street Promenade, Curtis Peterson State Building and around Lake Mirror.

HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE

Balloons & Beyond will provide the adventure of a lifetime with a sunrise hot air balloon flight over Central Florida.

They fly 7 days a week (weather permitting) in the Orlando, Davenport and Kissimmee area — and they only do one flight a day, in the early morning, so make sure to make reservations!

TOP PLACES TO HIKE IN CENTRAL FLORIDA

• Lakeland Highlands Scrub: Down a quiet dirt road you will find the Lakeland Highlands Scrub that offers two short and easy multi-use loop trails.

• SUMICA: SUMICA is located in Lake Wales offering nine miles of nature views among pine flatwoods, oak hammock and marsh habitats.

• Crooked Lake Sandhill: Crooked Lake Sandhill is one of the best examples of a sandhill ecosystem remaining in Polk County. This 25-acre land is home to four rare animals: sand skinks, scrub lizards, eastern indigo snakes and gopher tortoises.

• Tiger Creek Preserve: On the Eastern edge of Lake Wales Ridge, known as one of the “ancient islands,” is Tiger Creek Preserve. Hiking through this diverse biological hotspot will get you up close with many endangered plants and animals.

• Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve: The Hampton Tract of Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve provides approximately 30 miles of wet hiking trails.

• Colt Creek State Park: Colt Creek State Park covers over 5,000 acres in the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve with more than 12 miles of marked trails. The park is home to the American Bald Eagle, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bobcat, feral hogs and Sherman’s fox squirrel.

MUST-VISIT MUSEUMS AND MORE

FLORIDA AIR MUSEUM

Discover the world of aerospace at the Florida Air Museum in Lakeland. At Florida’s official aviation museum the family will experience unique educational experiences with flight that include displayed aircrafts, exhibits, and flight simulators.

POLK MUSEUM OF ART

Located at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, the Polk Museum of Art features rotating exhibits from local, national, and international artists. The museum strives to make modern and contemporary art more accessible to all audiences, so they feature both traditional and experimental pieces in their exhibitions. 

Tours of the museum are available, as well as educational and family-friendly events. Admission is free.

BARTOW AIR BASE MUSEUM

Bartow Air Base Museum in Polk County is a free museum that showcases memorabilia from WWII. You’ll find exhibits, displays and artifacts, and aircraft on display.

FLORIDA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

The popular Explorations V Children’s Museum moved to Bonnet Springs Park and is now known as the Florida Children’s Museum.

Located in Lakeland, FL, the Florida Children’s Museum features two floors of amazing interactive galleries and plenty of hands-on activities for the kids. Find galleries such as Watermelon Seeds, Design Park, or City Play — where kids can dress up and be part of a little city (adults can dress up too)!

HISTORIC DUNDEE DEPOT MUSEUM

Climb aboard a 1968 red caboose at the Historic Dundee Depot Museum. It’s open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10am-2pm.

HOMELAND HERITAGE PARK

See 19^th century pioneer life at Homeland Heritage Park in Homeland, FL. This park is home to unique structures like an 1800s farmhouse, school and church.

Take a tour of the area, or attend one of the events they have here throughout the year.

DAVIDSON OF DUNDEE

Davidson of Dundee is a great shop that makes candies and jellies out of citrus juice since the 1960s. Take a free tour and watch candies, chocolates, marmalades and jellies being made. (Pssst! They give out free samples!)

SILVER MOON DRIVE-IN THEATRE

Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre in Lakeland, FL is open seven nights a week! They’ve been showing movies here for over 70 years — and they don’t intend to stop anytime soon! They have two screens, and host double features every night.

FRINGE ARTSPACE

Orlando Fringe opened “Fringe ArtSpace,” a year-round performing arts venue, in downtown Orlando in 2023.

The programing features a mix of traditionally programmed theatre and concerts as well as a studio series with weekly, monthly and pop-up events like workshops, classes, readings, performances and artistic explorations.     

3 MUST-EXPLORE DAY TRIPS

KELLY PARK/ROCK SPRINGS

Our friends introduced us to Kelly Rock Springs, and our tubing adventure here was one for the books – so fun! Start at Rock Springs Bar and Grill just a few minutes away to rent a tube if you don’t have one.

Pay to get in the park, and then enjoy the free-flowing natural spring, which stays at 68 degrees year round. The water is the clearest I’ve ever seen…and it’s easy to make the loop again and again, taking a break for a picnic on the greenway at the end of the run.

WEKIWA SPRINGS STATE PARK

With emerald springs feeding the Wekiwa River and lush tropical hammocks, this unique park just minutes from downtown Orlando is perfect for observing abundant wildlife or cooling off on a summer day.

The blue waters of Wekiwa Springs have made it the county’s longest-running tourist attraction, only about 15 minutes from Winter Park, FL.

SILVER SPRINGS STATE PARK

Another of Florida’s gorgeous springs is located at Silver Springs State Park. Here you can enjoy a glass bottom boat tour, kayak the 5-mile Sliver River, explore the museum, and so much more!

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO FLORIDA

• YOUR FLORIDA VACATION
• ORLANDO: 27 Super Fun Things To Do In Orlando For Adults
• ST. AUGUSTINE: 33 Sensational Things To Do In St. Augustine For All Travel Types
• ORLANDO WITH KIDS: 42 Things To Do In Orlando With Kids (Besides The Theme Parks)
• KISSIMMEE: 26 Amazing Things To Do In Kissimmee, Florida