Written by Christen Shea of Tourist With Tots
Winter Haven, Florida ( the Sunshine State) is a sleepy bedroom community located in Central Florida. Awarded the “Number One Great Place in Florida” in 2019, Winter Haven, Florida first was known as the home of Cypress Gardens: Florida’s first commercial theme park. Located an hour outside of Orlando, today Winter Haven’s top landmark is LEGOLAND Florida Resort and water park with a lot of outdoor adventure and very kid friendly. Experience family fun in Winter Haven such as THE LEGO® MOVIE™ Masters of Flight, The Great LEGO Race, LEGO NINJAGO® The Ride, The Dragon, and Unikitty’s Disco Drop. While in town, make sure to see more family friendly things to do in Winter Haven. See what it has to offer; like a painting work shop, Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes, downtown, a free ski show and visit the Historic Ritz Theater. Check out these five top attractions in Winter Haven.
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Take a Cruise Through Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes
Are you looking for some true Florida scenery? One of the best outdoor activities in Winter Haven is to cruise the Chain of Lakes. Climb aboard a pontoon boat, enjoy the warm Florida sun, all while seeing alligators, otters, turtles, bald eagles, Blue Herons, Pelicans, Anhingas, White Ibis and much more! Living Water Cruises provides several cruise options from 1 hour to full day tours with several cruises that include a stop for lunch, dinner, or a sunset cruises. Have lunch on Lake Shipp at the Harborside Restaurant or take in the LEGOLAND fireworks from the water. Cruise prices range from $24-$40.
Paint a Masterpiece to Take Home
Do you need a break from the Florida heat? Painting With a Twist Winter Haven provides step-by-step instructions on how to paint a beautiful masterpiece. Led by skilled artist, this fun party atmosphere will excite you and your kids. Check their schedule to find a family events which feature art that is specially designed for all ages and skill levels. Prices range from $25-$50.
Catch a Free Ski Show
Winter Haven, Florida is the Ski Capitol of the World so why not take in a free ski show by the famous Cypress Gardens Ski Team on Lake Silver. The team provides the community a free show to include water acrobatics and dare devil stunts. Ski shows are held the third Saturday of each month. Check their website for a detailed schedule.
Visit Downtown
Stroll through the quaint streets of downtown, stop for a delicious dinner at a local restaurant such as Fire or Tempo 1930, then do some shopping. This downtown area also has several bars to include the family-friendly Union Taproom. Pour your own craft beer, cider, or wine from self-serve taps while you kids play board games.
Finish the evening at Slate Family Billiards and play a game of pool with the kids before heading back to your room for the evening.
Take in a show
Originally opened in 1925 but renamed the Ritz Theatre in 1932, the Historic Ritz Theater located on Central Avenue in Downtown, Winter Haven is a venue for fantastic talent year-round. See a Broadway play, musical act, comedy, and magic show, the Ritz has an array of family-friendly shows that will thrill everyone. Ticket prices range from $15-$50.
Winter Haven has a host of fun things to do for families in addition to visiting LEGOLAND. Whether you are visiting Winter Haven for a day or a week, there is plenty to entertain you. If you are looking for a haven from the harsh winter and are looking for a great town to visit with your family, look no further. Winter Haven is waiting to welcome you!
Written by Christen Shea of Tourist With Tots – a website geared toward parents looking to collect memories and experiences with their children.
Visit www.touristwithtots.com to learn more about family-friendly travel destinations.
