Delights for the Whole Family
For a memorable family vacation, consider Central Florida where you are only 45 minutes from Orlando’s theme parks and from the Tampa International Airport. This natural wonderland features 554 lakes and 375 miles of nature trails. Central Florida (Polk County) is also filled with popular family attractions, including a world-class theme park of its own.
LEGOLAND Florida reignites the child in all of us, with more than 50 rides, shows and attractions. The park itself is an immersive experience in brilliant technicolour and best expressed with shouts of joy as kids view spectacular architectural LEGO marvels displayed throughout themed zones, among them The Great LEGO Race, an incredible virtual-reality roller coaster.
The resort’s newest attraction, THE LEGO MOVIE WORLD, just opened last spring. And, in April, will see the opening of the third lodging choice on the property— Pirate Island Hotel. As with the existing LEGOLAND Hotel and LEGOLAND Beach Retreat, the new hotel will feature LEGOthemed décor.
LEGOLAND, however, is just one of many great attractions in Central Florida. Safari Wilderness, for example, was named
among the “10 Best Safaris in the U.S.” by Fodors.com. Here you can book a tour by kayak, camel or safari vehicle. The Circle B Bar Reserve was listed among USA Today’s “Top 50 Places to See Wildlife” and attracts hikers, photographers, painters and nature-lovers who come from around the world.
Built by a Dutch immigrant in 1929, Bok Tower Gardens is a unique attraction featuring beautiful landscapes, hiking trails, a boardwalk and a 205-foot “singing tower” with some bells weighing several tons. At Florida Southern College in Lakeland, there are 13 extraordinary buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
If you love airplanes, visit Central Florida from March 31 to April 5 to attend the
46th annual SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo at the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport. It is the second-largest event of its kind in the world and the whole family will be amazed at the daredevil aerobatics of the renowned U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.
Where to stay? Accommodation options range from the luxurious Streamsong Resort & Spa, with three of the top golf courses in North America, to the rustic Westgate River Ranch Resort, the largest dude ranch east of the Mississippi River.