Bok Tower Gardens > Plan Your Visit > Things to Do in Central Florida

Things to Do in Central Florida

Whether you’re planning a visit locally or as part of a vacation during your stay in Orlando, Tampa or Winter Haven, you’ll find many things to do near Bok Tower Gardens in Central Florida.

A perfect place to day trip located within a fifteen minute drive of LEGOLAND Florida and an hour drive of other Central Florida theme parks such as Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal Studios in Orlando as well as Busch Gardens in Tampa, Bok Tower Gardens is one of the many things to do in the heart of Central Florida. Here you’ll find many versatile activities that include relaxing outdoor activities, unique Florida attractions and many cultural institutions that bring the rich heritage of Florida to life!

Looking for more suggestions? Visit the Central Florida Visitor and Convention Bureau for more!

Outdoors
	Archbold Biological Station Biological research organization located in Lake Placid. Used heavily for education including research training, visitors can also visit the facilities and surrounding preserve to learn about the Lake Wales Ridge ecosystem and the many plant and animal species that call it home. Website
	Captain Fred’s Airboat Nature Tours Get up close and personal with the wildlife of Central Florida during a guided airboat tour around Lake Hamilton near Winter Haven. During your one and a half hour tour through Lake Hamilton you might catch a glimpse of alligators, wild hogs, turkeys, deer or bald eagle! Website / Admission fees
	Tiger Creek Preserve Here you can trek across the scrub habitat of the Lake Wales Ridge, one of Florida’s “ancient islands,” through the Nature Conservancy’s 4,869-acre preserve. This preserve shelters one of the highest concentrations of threatened and endangered plants and animals in the country. Three hiking trails are open to the public ranging from 30 minutes to 4 hours in duration. Website
	Avon Park Air Force Range Explore nearly 82,000 acres open for recreation including fishing, hunting, hiking and camping. Website
	Circle B Bar Reserve This 1,267-acre reserve is the home to a tremendous bird population that includes a variety of wading birds, waterfowl, ospreys and bald eagles. Alligators can often be seen from the trails adjacent to Lake Hancock. The Polk County Nature Discovery Center provides educational exhibits that display environmental and hydrologic functions of Florida’s natural resources. Website
	Lake Kissimmee State Park Located on the shores of lakes Kissimmee, Tiger and Rosalie visits can enjoy boating, anoeing and fishing in the picturesque lakes. Over 13 miles of trails are open to the public to observe the abundant plant and animal life. Website
	Jump Florida Skydiving Take the jump from one of the most beautiful locations in Central Florida – the Chalet Suzanne. Tandem skydives and skydiving training available. Website / Admission fees
Attractions
	LEGOLAND Florida LEGOLAND® Florida opens in October 2011 and will be a 150-acre interactive theme park dedicated to families with children between the ages of 2 and 12. With more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, LEGOLAND is geared towards family fun. Website / Admission fees
	Fantasy of Flight Explore the facilities that house the greatest aircraft collection in the world. Immersion exhibits, flight simulators, unique tours, Fun with Flight Center, aerial demonstration, over 40 rare aircraft. Balloon and biplane rides available. Website / Admission fees
	Spook Hill Just down the road from Bok Tower Gardens this “pit stop attraction of the paranormal” gives drivers a spook as their car inexplicably rolls up the large hill now named “Spook Hill.” Website
	Lang Sun Country Groves The “old Florida style” gift shop is filled with fresh squeezed orange juice, jams, jellies, food items and many Sunshine state inspired treasures. Don’t forget to enjoy a slice of their grapefruit pie which is a favorite of many! Website
	Davidson of Dundee Tour the citrus candy maker’s facilities and visit their gift shop to try the free candy and fresh fruit samples before making your selections. Website
	Florida’s Natural Grove House Learn about the juice-making business and the rich history of the Florida’s Natural cooperative. A video tour will guide you through the Florida’s Natural facilities and show you how juice is squeezed. Website
Dining
	Chalet Suzanne Family owned and operated for over 70 years this eclectic restaurant and country inn offers fine dining in a lakeside setting for lunch or dinner. Tour the soup cannery and take home a can of “Moon Soup.” Website / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
	Fred’s Southern Kitchen Located in Winter Haven and Lakeland, this buffet features the finest homemade Southern fare like fresh fruits, vegetables, casseroles, chicken, barbeque ribs and desserts! Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Website / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
	Manny’s Chophouse This steakhouse doesn’t disappoint with a variety of delicious selections from hand-cut  steaks to fresh seafood. Their endless salad bowl is a must with lunch or dinner! Website / Dinner
	Cherry Pocket Famous for their dockside atmosphere, this family friendly restaurant serves up the best Florida dishes daily. Try the gator bites, seafood nachos and oysters! Website / Lunch, Dinner
	Crazy Fish Despite being landlocked in the central Florida you’ll feel as if you’re on the beach where you can relax and enjoy the only the freshest seafood selections. Website / Lunch, Dinner
	Arabella’s This casually elegant restaurant serves up Italian and Mediterranean cuisine including pastas, Paninis and pizzas. A chic atmosphere for lunch or dinner. Website / Lunch, Dinner
	Tres Jolie Traditional French dining in the heart of Downtown Lake Wales’ historic district. Intimate lunch dining experience, indoors or out. Website / Lunch
Culture & Arts
	Polk Museum of Art One of Florida’s top ten art museum boasts a diverse permanent collection of over 2,5000 works including modern, contemporary, Asian and African art. Don’t miss the Art-O-Mat machine which dispenses original artwork! Website / Admission fees
	Hollis Garden This formal 1.2 acre botanical garden was donated to the city of Lakeland by the Hollis Family. Located near downtown Lakeland the garden contains several water features and displays thousands of flowering plants, ornamental shrubs, historic trees, herbs and vegetables. Website
	Lake Wales Arts Center Housed in an old Spanish mission-style church building, this museum provides top-notch musical performances, educational programs, fun arts can, tours lectures, classes, art exhibitions and an annual art show. Website
	Historic Polk Theatre Performing arts, films and other special events in the setting of this historic 1928 vaudeville movie palace. Website / Admission fees
	Explorations V Children’s Musem Three floors of mind-stretching, kid-powered exhibits featuring art, science, literature, math, health life skills and cultures from around the world! Website / Admission fees
	The Florida Air Museum at Sun ‘n Fun Florida’s official aviation museum and education center hosts a variety of education programs, airplane collections and pays tribute to the history and joy of flight. Website /Admission fees
	Frank Lloyd Wright Archtecture Florida Southern College is the site of the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture on a single site. Paid or self guided tour is available. Website
	Dundee Depot Museum Climb aboard a 1968 red caboose to envision first hand the area’s railroading past. Depot features different items and collections on loan from area residents. Website