Central Florida’s Polk County has a new nickname — the Sweetest Spot. It didn’t get this nickname by making lots of sweets and treats, but rather by being the perfect place to visit. And when it comes to family travelers, it certainly is.
Polk County has so much for families to see and do, it can be a little tricky deciding where to start, but our list of great attractions can help you narrow it down to the best family-friendly attractions in the area.
When looking for ways to entertain the kiddos, theme parks are always a sure bet, and Polk County has two great options for little ones. LEGOLAND Florida Resort is home to not only the kid-favorite theme park but also to the LEGO-themed hotel these parks are known for. You can spend the day wandering exhibits; shopping for LEGOS; and taking part in fun LEGO-themed activities like building your own LEGO boat, watching LEGO movies and taking the Pirate River Quest down the park’s river to see LEGO builds hidden along the shore.
For littler ones, Peppa Pig Theme Park is a great way to spend a day taking your kids to see the world of one of their favorite shows. Located right next to Legoland, you won’t even need to change hotels so the kids can keep up their excitement by sleeping among everything LEGO each night while spending your days at different parks.
When the family has had their fill of theme parks (or rather, if the family gets their fill of theme parks), head to another family-favorite activity to give the kids a taste of what an African safari is like. At Safari Wilderness Ranch, you can tour the Florida wetlands and grasslands in a guided Jeep safari that brings you up close and personal with animals like ostrich and zebras. Other options include kayak tours and camel tours, or you can book a very special experience, feeding the park’s ring-tailed lemurs.
You’ll definitely want to save time in Polk County to explore the great fishing, camping and dining options, along with water sports and historical attractions that make it an ideal destination for families year-round. But thanks to the great weather and endless adventure, you can enjoy the area at your leisure and simply plan a second trip to Central Florida for more family memories.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedParents
Sep 29, 20263 Destinations for a 5-Star Honeymoon on a Budget
After spending a small fortune on the wedding, you might find your budget stretched a bit thin for an incredible honeymoon. The good news is there are plenty of 5-star honeymoons to be had, even with a tight budget, and they’ll take you to some pretty incredible destinations around the world. A recent report from digital entertainment platform BC Game listed the top honeymoon destinations where happy couples can have an amazing stay without breaking the bank.
Sponsored Content
Celebrating 25 Years of The Peninsula Chicago
June marked The Peninsula Chicago’s 25th anniversary, commemorating a quarter century for the hotel as a pillar of luxury on North Michigan Avenue.
Hotels
Sep 29, 2026This Hotel Brand Brings Gaming, eSports Right to Your Room
This year, after a successful pilot of gaming rooms and a gaming studio at nhow Berlin, nhow Hotels & Resorts takes gaming to the next level with the launch of GAME:NXT by nhow, a new gaming and esports ecosystem bringing interactive digital experiences to hotel stays. Family travelers can now enjoy hospitality blended with gaming and digital culture.
Travel Tips
Sep 23, 2026Move to the Music and Rhythm of Destinations Around the World
The true rhythm of a country is felt away from the main tourist traps. Galleries, museums and historic sites provide an overview, but you need to go elsewhere to experience the living, beating heart of a place. For instance, immerse yourself in the humid turmoil of a Durban underground club, or get to grips with the formal group dances of the Scottish Highlands, or become part of the foot-stomping camaraderie of a Galway pub, or ride the waves of neon-lit energy in a Seoul basement nightclub.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Caribbean
Sep 21, 2026Sonesta Sint Maarten’s Newest Deal is Perfect Excuse for Fall Getaway
Autumn at home might be filled with changing leaves and pumpkin spice, but, in the Caribbean, it means sunshine and sandy beaches. In other words, it’s a great place to sneak off for a fall getaway to recharge and refresh before the holidays are upon us, and the current deal offered at Sonesta Sint Maarten resorts make it an affordable option for families and couples.
ShareThis