Located in the heart of Central Florida, Polk County is a paradise for families looking for adventure, learning, and fun. From wildlife encounters and thrilling attractions to hands-on museums and kid-friendly eats, this weekend itinerary packs the best of the Lakeland-Winter Haven metro area into an unforgettable family getaway!
Friday: Arrival & Family Fun
Check-In to a Family-Friendly Stay
Start your adventure by checking into a kid-approved hotel or vacation rental.
- LEGOLAND Florida Resort (Winter Haven) – Stay at the LEGO-themed hotel with interactive rooms and daily entertainment.
- The Terrace Hotel (Lakeland) – A historic downtown hotel within walking distance of parks, restaurants, and museums.
- A Lakefront Airbnb – Rent a cozy lakeside house with room for the whole family to relax.
Family-Friendly Dinner
After check-in, grab a bite at one of Polk County’s best family-friendly restaurants.
- Pizza Connection (Winter Haven) – A local favorite with delicious pizzas and arcade games.
- Ford’s Garage (Lakeland) – A fun, vintage car-themed restaurant with great burgers and milkshakes.
- Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille (Lakeland) – A lively spot with kid-friendly seafood and New Orleans-inspired dishes.
Kickoff Adventure: Family Sunset & Sweet Treats
- Walk around Lake Mirror Park (Lakeland) – Stroll along the beautiful waterfront, let the kids run in the splash pad, and explore the Hollis Garden botanical area.
- Stop for Ice Cream at Andy’s Igloo (Winter Haven) – This retro-style diner serves up some of the best sundaes and milkshakes in town!
Saturday: Action-Packed Family Fun
Morning: Explore a Kid-Approved Attraction
Start the day with a must-visit Polk County experience!
- LEGOLAND Florida (Winter Haven) – Spend the day at Florida’s top family theme park, packed with rides, water slides, and hands-on LEGO fun!
- Safari Wilderness Ranch (Lakeland area) – Feed zebras, see camels, and ride in an open-air safari truck on a real wildlife adventure!
- Florida Children’s Museum (Lakeland) – A hands-on wonderland for kids who love science, art, and interactive play.
Lunch Break: A Fun, Kid-Friendly Meal
- Parkside Café (Winter Haven) – Home to kid-sized pancakes and delicious sandwiches.
- The Egg Café (Lakeland) – Perfect for brunch lovers, with big omelets and waffles.
- Manny’s Original Chophouse (Haines City & Winter Haven) – A classic steakhouse with a fun, loud, and welcoming atmosphere for families.
Afternoon: Art & Science Time!
After lunch, head to one of Polk County’s creative and educational spots:
- Polk Museum of Art (Lakeland) – A fun and free art museum with exhibits kids will love.
- Explorations V Children’s Museum (Lakeland) – A mini-city play space designed for interactive learning and imagination.
- Florida Air Museum (Lakeland) – If your kids love planes, they’ll be amazed by this aviation museum filled with aircraft displays.
Evening: Family Fun & Relaxation
After a big day, wind down with low-key family fun:
- Dinner at Harborside (Winter Haven) – Waterfront dining with a relaxed atmosphere and fresh seafood.
- Mini Golf at Safari Golf & Games (Winter Haven) – Go-karts, mini-golf, and arcade games = kid-approved fun!
- Family Movie Night at Silver Moon Drive-In (Lakeland) – Watch a movie from your car at this classic retro drive-in theater!
Sunday: Outdoor Adventures & Sweet Endings
Sunday Brunch: A Tasty Start
Before heading out, enjoy one last delicious Polk County meal:
- Born & Bread Bakehouse (Lakeland) – Try their famous cruffins and pastries!
- Dixie Cream Café (Haines City) – A cozy, home-style breakfast spot with huge portions.
Outdoor Adventure & Nature Time
Spend Sunday morning exploring Polk County’s natural beauty:
- Circle B Bar Reserve (Lakeland area) – Spot alligators, eagles, and armadillos on a scenic nature hike.
- Colt Creek State Park (Lakeland area) – A great spot for kayaking, fishing, or a peaceful family walk.
- Lake Hollingsworth Trail (Lakeland) – A scenic, family-friendly stroll around a peaceful lake.
One Last Stop: Local Treats to Take Home
Before heading home, grab some Polk County favorites:
- Parkesdale Market (Plant City, just outside Polk) – Famous for strawberry shortcake and fresh produce!
- Davidson of Dundee – Handmade citrus candies make the perfect sweet souvenir.
- Webb’s Candy Shop (Davenport) – Home of Florida’s best gator-shaped chocolates!
Ready to Take a Polk County Family Weekend Getaway?
That’s a full weekend of fun, adventure, and family memories in Polk County! Whether you checked off every stop or found a few new favorites, you’ve discovered why this area is perfect for families.
