There’s plenty to enjoy in “The Heart of Florida.” Just visit Haines City, a proud purveyor of citrus crops that offers outdoor activities for visitors of all ages.
Planning a visit? Stay at Paradise Island RV Park.
Get into the swing of things at Southern Dunes Golf & Country Club, where 7,219 yards of fairways await you. Providence Golf Club in nearby Davenport offers 6,950 yards of green bliss.
The air is sweet at Ridge Island Groves, a small family citrus farm that shares its story with tourists from every corner of the globe. Visitors can enjoy fresh-squeezed juices and walk away with ripe, handpicked treats as well as marmalades, jellies, honey and more. Grove tours let guests pick their own fruit straight from the trees.
Get playful at Lake Eva Park, a municipal facility with modern equipment to keep the kids busy for hours. Or, grab your partner and hit a few tennis balls back and forth at the park’s tennis courts. Afterward, cool down with a sunset stroll down the walking trail.
Beat the summertime heat at Haines City’s family water park and pool. With a splash pad for little ones and slides for the thrill-seekers in the family, everyone is refreshed after a visit to this aquatic fun zone. For indoor entertainment, visit LEGOLAND Florida just outside the city. This interactive theme park is geared toward guests ages 2 to 12, but big kids will get a kick out of it, too.
High-flying visitors should check out the Fantasy of Flight vintage aircraft museum, where staff give guests the thrill of a lifetime with rides in vintage aircraft including biplanes, and in hot air balloons.
More grounded activities are found at Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park. Don’t let the long name trip you up; this park is more than 8,000 acres of native flora interspersed with hiking trails, equestrian trails, fishing and wildlife viewing spots.
Keep your eyes open for Florida scrub-jays, bald eagles, gopher tortoises and Florida scrub lizards while you’re out and about in the park. Fishermen are welcome to bring their poles and drop lines in any of the ponds within the park, too.
