LAKE WALES, florida

if you’re going to orlando, you probably already know where you’re staying and what you’re going to do, but if you’re venturing outside of the city, here are some fun spots to hit!

Although I loved Spartanburg, I would still choose going to Greenville instead. We travel to unique toys and can sift out the adventure anywhere. So this blog is for you if you have to be in the area for any amount of time.

WHERE TO VISIT

Here is a map that I put together of all of the places that Google and other bloggers said were enjoyable. Since everyones' taste is different, I wanted to give you options. 

Please let me know if I should add any other locations!

THINGS TO DO

It’s not very big, but it has great quality stuff for ages 1-6. I would certainly take my kids back. We spent around 3 hours there. Parking is also free out front or across the street in a parking garage.

This picture is at Glendale Shoals. It would be an amazing place to play in the summer. We went in the winter, but it still was fun to play in the water and walk the bridge. My full list of hiking recommendations are here.

play at a playground

I was amazed at the number of playgrounds and small parks around the city. This is Cleveland Park, and it was amazing! Fully fenced in and had a section just for littles.

One of my favorite science museums I’ve ever been to. That’s because everything was so hands on. You got to learn through play. They also have an amazing staff that will walk around and explain anything. We had a full day of “school” here.

THINGS TO DO

FLORIDA NATURAL’S
VISITOR CENTER

This will only be a quick stop, but it’s enjoyable to learn about the area and how they make and package Florida’s Natural orange juice. If you’re visiting in the growing season (Oct-May), you can find a u-pick orange grove as well.

LEGOLAND,

Don’t miss the banyan tree in the Cypress Gardens in the back. Go to the Pirate River Quest in the north-west side of the park first because the lines get long very quickly. Try to do as many outdoor rides and activities in the morning before it starts to rain. There is plenty to do indoors, so be choosey.

BOK GARDEN
TOWER

This will only be a quick stop, but it’s enjoyable to learn about the area and how they make and package Florida’s Natural orange juice. If you’re visiting in the growing season (Oct-May), you can find a u-pick orange grove as well.

LEGOLAND,

Don’t miss the banyan tree in the Cypress Gardens in the back. Go to the Pirate River Quest in the north-west side of the park first because the lines get long very quickly. Try to do as many outdoor rides and activities in the morning before it starts to rain. There is plenty to do indoors, so be choosey.

WHAT NOT TO FORGET

  • Rain jacket - It rains nearly every day in the spring and summer in Florida, so be prepared for a downpour.

things i didn’t know

driving to greenville is a long trip

I absolutely love Greenville, SC, so I thought we’d go there every other day to check out their sites with the kids, but it was a miserable trip. With naps in the middle of the day, it wasn’t worth more than 1 day-trip. Consider it without children or older kids.

there is a natural spring in the middle of town

There is a natural spring in the middle of the town, but it’s been framed in and cemented, so it’s dirty and in the front yard of a Verizon store.