by Ronnie Greenberg and Mel Greenberg, Photos by Mel Greenberg

There’s lots of "oohs" and "aahs" in Polk County, the timeless and authentic heart and soul of Old Florida charm.  Sugar coated with Southern hospitality, the area serves up generous portions of fun for families with little ones.  An easy drive farther enhances its allure as a prime site between Orlando and Tampa’s major attractions, and Florida’s famous beaches. Plan on spending plenty of time outdoors in the county’s small towns peppered with fascinating places that are guaranteed to keep the younger set giggling with glee.

Gentle Pleasures

A spring afternoon begs for an outing to Lakeland.  Linger through Hollis Garden on historic Lake Mirror Park where there are more than 10,000 flowers, ornamental shrubs and shade trees to feast your eyes on. The toddlers will delight in the secluded cove of butterfly-attracting plants that lure nature’s creatures to gently flutter about.

Adjacent to Hollis Garden, in a magical setting of whimsical sculpture, captivating Barnett Family Park offers fun and wonder for kids. With safety in mind, the well-thought-out play areas have rubber-covered grounds topped by bits of recycled tires to cushion any falls. The inchworm swing sports large saucer-shaped disks for seats and can accommodate three to four kids at a time.  A ”spider web climb” of steel cables wrapped with nylon reaches 21 feet skyward, designed so the smallest kids can’t navigate themselves very high. In the main play area, keep your eyes out for a giant ant on a piece of cheese, a beautifully painted frog with a toadstool, a big black widow spider and a three dragon flies spinning on poles. A big Florida panther that can be used as a slide is joined nearby by Blinky the Alligator, named for a one-eyed gator who graced Lake Mirror and gained celebrity status in the 1960s and 70’s. Squeals of delight will wrap up this fun-filled afternoon with the little ones taking a romp in the interactive water fountain.

Explorations V Children's Museum (863/687-3869) is a “please touch” odyssey fueled by kids’ imagination. Three fun floors of mind-stretching, kid-powered exhibits include playing in a kid-sized grocery story, piloting a plane or space shuttle, or driving a Sheriff’s car. “Our Town” on the main floor is the tot spot. Toddlers can build, crawl, climb and explore this special exhibit reserved for museum visitors up to 4-years of age. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 5:30pm; there’s a small admission charge for adults, and children under 2 are free.

In Pope City, watch your imagination soar at aviation-themed Fantasy of Flight (863/984-3500). The centerpiece is a huge Short Sunderland, the last airworthy four-engine civilian flying boat in the world. The Fun with Flight Center is designed for the kids as well as the kid in all of us. In this “fun”damentals of flight area, you get to experiment with the basics of paper airplanes, to a state-of-the-art hang-glide simulator, a hands-on interactive experience for kids. Take a break for lunch at the Compass Rose, a classic American diner with high-flying flair, and be sure and browse the wonderful gift shop. Open daily from 10am to 5pm, there is a fee for adults, a special fee for seniors and children, and kids under 5 are free.

In Lake Wales the adults will especially enjoy Historic Bok Sanctuary, one of Florida’s most famous landmarks, located on the peninsula’s highest point   The sanctuary’s renowned  205-foot-tall bell tower houses one of the world’s greatest carillons and recitals are given throughout the day. Surrounding the tower are 128 acres of exquisite gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr.  The grounds are also home to Pinewood Estate, a 1930’s Mediterranean Revival manor, that the adults would enjoy touring. The Education and Visitors Center includes a children’s interactive discovery and exhibit area. The Sanctuary is open daily from 8am to 5pm. There’s an admission charge for adults and children ages 5-12, while children under 5 are free.

An Adventure Park for Little Ones

In Winter Haven, Florida’s original theme park, Cypress Gardens Adventure Park (863/324-2111) has been restored to its original grandeur, and then some. It’s the perfect place for young families as it’s not nearly as crowded as Disney World, and the rides are geared for the younger tots.  The park continues to showcase the attractions that originally made it famous including the gravity defying water ski show; Topiary Trail with a rabbit, swan, ladybug and serpent; and the graceful strolling Southern Belles. 

New to the park is Bugsville, a children’s area comprised of 13 rides, a special theater and an interactive play structure. The theme is a bug’s point of view, making everyone feel small and bug-like as they saunter through. The younger set will love meeting and interacting with Buzzby, Lady B and Whiff.  The park’s bugs are stars as well, and a new show, “A Bugsville Adventure,” takes the stage as part of this new area. There’s also a zoo with native Florida animals. Jubilee Junction has amazing displays and tantalizing treats for family members of all ages. For some of the most munchable country cookin’, Aunt Julia’s Country Kitchen is a great family friendly place.

If it has wheels or wings you’ll find it at Trains, Planes and Automobiles. There are kites and toys, and delightful tiny trains that chug through model villages, over mountains and across bridges. Kara’s Kastle is adorned with walls and shelves stocked with flowers, tiaras, tutus, and princess costumes.  Little Darlings will also delight the little misses as they don a hoop skirt and pantaloons to become pint-sized "Junior Belles." It’s Christmas all year long when you step into the magical holiday wonder of Kringles. There are miniature Christmas villages, beautifully decorated trees and perfect Christmas decorations. Splash Island Water Park is a new seasonal attraction that’s included with the price of admission, so be sure and soak up the fun.

A Bit of the "Old West" in Sunny Florida

In River Ranch, the Westgate River Ranch Resort (888/808-7410) is where everyone can unleash their inner cowboy and leave their city slicker worries behind. Whether it’s a day-long outing or an indefinite stay, an authentic dude ranch experience awaits the whole family at this 1,700-acre ponderosa of winding trails. Children and folks of all ages will love the petting farm complete with barnyard animals and livestock. Here the little ones get to feed and pet the baby goats, lambs, horses, calves, and the whole little family at the farm. Then it’s on to the pony rides for the young cowpokes, where the gentle animals will give them a taste of the ranch experience. The Kid’s Corral also lures the young ‘uns for some crafts and fun, as does the weekend Fishing Derby when the Ranch stocks their pond for the young crowd.  Poles and bait are available. Don’t forget the camera. You’ll cherish the photos.

The adults can take some blissful down time to explore the trails on horseback or Swamp Buggy, glide across the water in a fast, flat-bottomed airboat into shallow areas for a close up look at alligators, turtles, birds and plant life, cast a line in the waters of the Kissimmee River, get to hit their target at the Trap and Skeet Shooting Range, or play a relaxing round of golf.

Great Eats & Treats

For a real taste of Florida, enjoy Lang Sun Country Groves and Café (800/535-1199) in Lake Alfred. Originally a small roadside stand, it now lures all the locals with their fresh hearty soups, Cracker Cowboy chili, a wide variety of salads and their yummy signature grapefruit pie. Menus for the little ones are also available. The Barn, the Stable and the Backporch Tearoom (863/956-2227), another local family favorite here, serves homemade picnic lunch in quaint wooden baskets to be enjoyed indoors or on the backporch.  If shopping beckons, the gift shops features country-style kitchenware, candles, preserves and a variety of handicrafts.

In Lake Wales, get to see how fresh juice is squeezed and processed, and then get to sip the delicious nectar at Florida’s Natural Growers Grove House (888/657-6600). See how candy is made and sample the sweets from Florida’s finest tree-ripened citrus fruit at the Davidson of Dundee (863/439-2284) factory. The gift shop, in addition to selling their sweet candy and luscious jams displays, has a huge selection of fun toys and souvenirs. 

Staying in Florida Has Never Been Better

Choices range from luxurious resorts, cozy country inns, bed and breakfasts, lake front cottages and full service RV campgrounds. A vacation rental home or condo is a wonderful option for families traveling with young children.  Each property is completely furnished and offers a full kitchen, spacious living areas, washer, dryer, towels and linens.  Homes range from two- to seven-bedroom properties that can accommodate 6 to 12 guests.  Equipment rentals are available for highchairs cribs, pack ‘n plays, strollers and more. Housekeeping services, personal babysitters and nannies are easily arranged. For information on vacation homes,  visit All Star Vacation Homes or call (800/ 572-5568). For baby sitting services, contact Kids Nite Out (800/696-8105) or All About Kids (800/ 728-6506).

If you decide to extend your stay at Westgate River Ranch Resort (888/808-7410), you can choose between inn rooms with two double beds or one king bed equipped with a mini fridge and microwave, to two-bedroom cottages offering two bedrooms and two baths, one king size bed and two twin beds, and screened-in patio, and a range of other choices in between.  All come with a table settings and glassware for four guests, a toaster, coffee maker, cable television and data port. Housekeeping is included and babysitting services are available.  The Fishermen’s Cove is a family-friendly restaurant at the Marina, providing a beautiful setting along with a full menu and kids menu of everyone’s favorite dishes. The County Store offers a more limited menu, as well as groceries and prepared food. The adults will enjoy the River Ranch Saloon where you can relax or learn a little line dancing on Friday and Saturday nights.  Just in case you forgot to pack your boots, blue jeans and cowboy hat, the Western Store has you covered.

Details, Details

It's easy to get to Polk County by air. It's just 45 minutes from Tampa International Airport which is served by 25 airlines. To the east, Orlando International Airport is 45 minutes away and is served by more than 40 airlines.
Arriving by land: I-4 connects Tampa and Orlando crossing Polk County. The Florida Turnpike borders the eastern boundary and joins I-75 north of Orlando.

There is also Amtrak passenger train service available with stations in Winter Haven and Lakeland.

On arrival, make your first stop a visit to Polk Outpost 27: Florida’s Adventure Center. Located on Highway 27 in Davenport, it’s a state-of-the-art Interpretive/Visitor Center where you can get a hands on experience of what Polk County has to offer.

For further information and trip planning tips, visit the Central Florida Visitors and Convention Bureau or call them at 800/828-7655.

Award-winning travel writers and photo journalists, Mel and Ronnie Greenberg are based in Woodland Hills, California. Their articles and columns (including travel with grandchildren, and intergenerational) cover local, national, and international destinations, and appear regularly on both coasts.