When it comes to vacations, Central Florida offers the best of both worlds. Nestled between Tampa and Orlando, this lake-filled region is within close proximity to the big parks and human-size mice but offers a more laid-back home base. The region showcases the real Florida magic—charming small towns, slow-paced holiday options and gorgeous parks and nature. 

There’s year-round sunshine and warmth, meaning Canadians can enjoy Central Florida any time of year. A plethora of amusements awaits, plus there’s really good barbecue. Here are just a few ways to find your Florida magic. 

All in the family

Vacation homes abound in Central Florida, meaning there’s room for the grandparents, the kids and maybe even an aunt or two. Multigenerational trips are at their best when there’s room to spread out and come together for great activities—which are abundant in the region. Take the whole crew on an iconic airboat ride to experience the beautiful scenery in Polk County. Or, hop aboard a pontoon boat for a tour with the Living Water Boat Cruises in Winter Haven. Many of the region’s lakes are connected by canals, so you’ll be surprised how much there is to see on the Chain of Lakes. 

LEGOLAND® Florida is one of the region’s best-known attractions—no one, young or old, can resist those colourful blocks. What was once Cypress Gardens, the state’s very first theme park, is now a LEGO® wonderworld with more than 50 rides and attractions, restaurants and shops for the whole family. Splash around at the water park, scream together on the roller coasters or chow down at the Beach-n-Brick Grill. 

For the grown-ups, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in Central Florida. Polk County has more than 40 golf courses (that’s 610 holes) to play through, including Streamsong Resort’s Scottish-style links. Not a golfer? Head to a Saturday Night Rodeo show at the Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo to lasso some fun or enjoy a pint at Grove Roots Brewing Company. 

Theme park inclusivity

Florida has been a family travel destination for half a century, but in recent years Central Florida has become an especially renowned destination for sensory-friendly attractions. Both LEGOLAND® Florida and Peppa Pig Theme Park in Winter Haven have worked with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to become a Certified Autism Centre (CAC). This CAC distinction helps ensure visitors on the autism spectrum have a fun and safe experience. 

Peppa Pig Theme Park was the first CAC-designated theme park in the country. The park offers sensory guidelines for all the rides, some of which are wheelchair accessible. Sensory and accessibility guides on their website help families plan ahead. At LEGOLAND®, all the shows and most of the rides are ADA accessible and staff are all trained in sensory-inclusive initiatives. They also have sensory guides to help families explain to children what to expect on the rides. 

At Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wells, most of the historic grounds are accessible and there’s a garden area just for kids. The Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden is a result of a partnership with the Florida Children’s Museum and the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) at the University of South Florida to create an inclusive and welcoming space for all children. 

Barbecue season is all year round

Barbecue is serious business in Central Florida. The festivals across Polk County make January and February the unofficial barbeque season, but there is great barbeque all year round. After all, Central Florida is known as the state’s barbeque capital. Florida’s signature flavour is a mix of Southern influence and Caribbean tastes, with sweet and tangy marinades and a punch of spices. For decades, restaurants like Peebles Bar-B-Q in Auburndale (circa 1947) and Jimbo’s Pit Bar B-Q in Winter Haven have been serving smoky pork rib plates with all the fixings. 

Canadians are travelling to eat more than ever, and the region’s farm-to-table scene serves up delicious experiences, one plate at a time. Pick your own citrus fruit at Ridge Island Groves or check out artisanal eats at the Winter Haven Farmers Market held downtown on Saturday mornings. You can enjoy the best of Florida at places like Nutwood in Winter Haven, which offers an internationally influenced menu made with sustainable local products. Head to Gary’s Oyster Bar in Lake Alfred for fantastic seafood which is always recommended by locals. Nineteen61 in Lakeland is known for cuisine that fuses the flavours of Spain, Latin America and the American South. 

Relaxation off the beaten path

Central Florida is filled with hidden gems and finding them is half the fun. Beyond the theme parks, there is outdoor adventure, local arts and culture, and a plethora of shops and restaurants throughout the 15 communities that make up this region. There are more than 550 lakes in Polk County; those who love the great outdoors will find it here in spades. Enjoy freshwater fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding or simply strolling alongside the waterways. Hikers are catered to with three state parks (Colt Creek State Park, Lake Kissimmee State Park and Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park) with tons of trails to explore. 

The small towns of Central Florida only offer a slower pace ideal for vacationers. They also feature quaint town squares, a treasure trove of locally owned shops and plenty of arts and culture to discover. Stroll Lakeland’s historic downtown area for great boutiques like Scout & Tag or find a hidden treasure in one of the town’s antique shops. Celebrate local art at Lake Wells Arts Council or the Polk State College Lakeland Art Gallery. Learn about the rich history of the area at one of the many museums. In Bartow you can visit the Polk County History Center, the Bartow Airbase History Museum, or book a tour of the L.B. Brown House Museum—once a home built by a former slave in 1892. 

Ready to go? Start planning at Visit Central Florida.