Central Florida has the heart of true communities and so much more than theme parks. I recently spent four days exploring this incredible area on a FAM trip hosted by Movement Marketing and Visit Central Florida, and I was blown away by the variety of experiences perfect for families of all ages.
From nature boat cruises and historic architecture tours to candy-making demonstrations and world-class BBQ, this region offers the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and local flavor. Whether you're looking to extend your Orlando vacation with a few extra days or skip the theme parks entirely, Central Florida deserves a spot on your family's travel list.
Here's a 3-day itinerary based on my favorite experiences from the trip:
Day 1: Nature & Nostalgia
Morning: Living Waters Boat Cruise
With so many options to choose from, you can do a 1-hour cruise, a 2-hour cruise, a sunrise cruise, or even a sunset cruise to get a historical nature tour of the beautiful Chain of Lakes and possibly spot some wildlife. I saw beautiful birds and even some alligators! They even offer pickup at Legoland for families combining both experiences.
 |
| You'll see beautiful landscapes, birds, and alligators! |
Afternoon: Bok Tower Gardens
What an amazing place to walk with nature and explore beautiful gardens in Lake Wales. Even during Florida's heat, the experience is worth it when The Singing Tower carillon concerts are playing at 1 & 3 p.m. daily, with short selections on the hour that add so much magic to your nature walk.
 |
| Beautiful tower. The afternoon concerts add to the atmosphere! |
Dining: Blackburn's BBQ
End your day with some amazing BBQ at Blackburn's. Smoked to perfection with plenty of options and family meal deals, you will not be disappointed. I ended up getting the smoked turkey sandwich with a side of potato salad—it was amazing. We also got the burnt ends to share with the table!
 |
| Smoked Turkey Sandwich and Burnt Ends! |
Day 2: Live Like a Local
I'd suggest heading over to Port 27 in the late morning. This location offers a wide selection of unique stores and artisan shops. Grab a coffee sample at Van De Walle, or head to the outside area to relax by the water while the kids play on the grass—there's so much to see and do here, plus they host events throughout the week you won't want to miss.
 |
| Cute photo spots all around Port 27! |
When you're ready for something sweet, head across the street to Davidson of Dundee, a family-owned candy store where you can watch candy being made live, shop, and try samples.
 |
| From chocolates to gummies, and even jams! Something for everyone! |
Dining: Lucille's American Cafe
For dinner, head to Lucille's American Cafe, a local favorite serving up amazing food. I love the vibe here—relaxed and chill—but the food is on another level. I tried to go light and ordered the crispy chicken salad, but it was FAR from small. If you feel like taking a walk after dinner, head a couple blocks over to the historic Ritz Theatre to see it lit up at night, or maybe even catch a show to end your day on a high note.
 |
| Loved the vibe at this place, and the food was amazing! |
Day 3: Pick Your Own Adventure
For day three, I'll give you a couple of options depending on your kids' ages:
Option A (for younger kids):
Head over to Legoland for a morning at the park. Legoland really had kids' needs in mind when they built this park. Some queues are inside and air-conditioned, and they even have indoor kids' areas with back rooms for nursing moms who need a break from the afternoon sun. Plus, the rides and characters are just an added bonus.
Late afternoon, I suggest heading to Bonnet Springs Park, a beautifully landscaped park that offers shaded spots to rest, treehouses, and even a little spring to cool off in. But if the afternoon sun is too much, head over to the Florida Children's Museum located inside Bonnet Springs Park, where you can let the little ones run around and get hands-on with the exhibits.
 |
| Legoland is ready for Halloween, and the smaller picture is at the playground at the Florida Children's Museum! |
Option B (for older kids/adults):
Start with the Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture tour at Florida Southern College. It's beautiful to see the architecture and the thought behind it. My favorite was visiting the house—his dream was to have a whole section built of these houses for the professors, but sadly, that never happened.
Then head over to the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art, a free museum where you can enjoy exhibits like Warhol Condensed, student exhibits, the Frank Lloyd Wright collection, and so much more.
 |
| Frank Lloyd Wright had such an eye for detail, and the museum had amazing art displays! |
Dining:
Fresco's Southern Kitchen
For dinner, no matter which option you choose, I suggest heading to Fresco's Southern Kitchen for a hearty southern home-cooked meal. Don't let the "Southern Kitchen" name fool you—the menu has something for everyone. I tried the Asian Lettuce Wraps, which were amazing, and the BBQ Chicken flatbread.
 |
| This was AMAZING! |
Planning Your Central Florida Trip
These are just some suggestions for spending a couple of days in Central Florida, and I haven't even gotten to the good part of where to stay! Most of these experiences are located in the Polk County area, including Winter Haven, Lakeland, and Lake Wales—all within 30-60 minutes of Orlando's major theme parks.
Want this itinerary customized for your family with all the details handled? Message me today to plan your next Central Florida getaway!
Frequently Asked Questions About Central Florida
How far is Central Florida from Orlando theme parks?
Most of these experiences are 30-60 minutes from Orlando, making them perfect for a day trip or extended stay.
Is Central Florida good for families?
Absolutely! From Legoland to nature parks to hands-on museums, there's something for every age.
What's the best time to visit Central Florida?
Fall through spring (October-April) offers the most comfortable weather for outdoor activities.
Ready to explore Central Florida beyond the theme parks? Contact Adventures with April Mae to start planning your family's next vacation! Click here for free quote!
Comments
Post a Comment