21 Fun Things to Do In Central Florida - By County

21 Fun Things to Do In Central Florida - By County

written by Nancy Carter, Making My Own Lane

21 Fun Things to Do In Central Florida - By County

There are so many fun things to do in Central Florida!

I’ve lived here since 2005, and I still have a few items on my Central Florida bucket list.

In this post, I’ll share with you some of the things I’ve done, as well as the things I still want to do.

As I visit the ones still on my list, I’ll update this article, so bookmark this page and check back.

And if you have any places you don’t see listed here, please email me and tell me about them, so I can add them to my places to “must visit”.

To make these places easier for you to find and visit, I’ve grouped them according to county and included links to each one.


Fun Things to Do In Brevard County, Florida.

I lived in Brevard County for over 20 years, so I’ll start here.

1. Brevard Zoo - Melbourne, FL 

With over 650 animals and 165 species to see, you can even feed a giraffe or a kangaroo.

There is also a petting zoo, splash pad for the kids, kayaking tours and Treetop Trek - an over the zoo canopy walk, a zip line course over alligators and crocodiles, or both.

2. Kennedy Space Center - Merritt Island, FL

There are over 32 attractions and tours included in the price of your admission, with some amazing additional programs like the Astronaut Training Program for an additional amount.

My favorite attraction is the awe-inspiring Rocket Garden.

Plan your day so that you can see a launch up close!

3. Camp Holly Air Boat Rides - Melbourne, FL

While there are airboat rides offered all over Florida, this is my favorite one.

There are lots of alligators to see and tree roots to glide over. Having a bit of a boating background where you traditionally avoid tree roots made it even more of an exciting ride for me.

4. Blackpoint WildLife Drive - Merritt Island, FL

This is a 7-mile road that you can drive in your car where you may see wildlife such as alligators, otters, manatees, and bobcat, as well as many different birds like herons, hawks, owls, Roseate Spoonbills (my personal favorite) and more.

5. Bioluminescence Kayak Tours - Titusville, FL

Did you know that the waters of the Indian River lagoon can glow with bioluminescence? I have not done this one yet, but it’s on my list of things I want to do.

Let me know if you do it, or if you have done it, and how you liked it.

I’ve heard nothing but good things from friends who have experienced this phenomenon.


Fun Things to Do In Lake County, Florida

1. LunaSea Alpaca Farm - Clermont, FL.

My daughter took me here for my birthday a couple of years ago, and I really enjoyed spending time with the alpacas and llamas, especially the babies.

You will need to make a reservation to visit. 

2. Florida Citrus Tower - Clermont, FL.

Built in 1956 it was one of Florida’s first main attractions. You can take an elevator to the observation deck at the top of this 226-foot-tall tower. It has recently gotten a refurbishment, including beautiful blue lights at night.

This is still a bucket list item for me, but that will change before I leave on my next trip.

Your pass is good for the entire day, so I think I will go in the daytime, and again that night for the full experience.

3. Showcase of Citrus - Clermont, FL.

Considering I was staying less than 10 minutes away, I was able to check this one off my to do list. 

There is a lot to do here, including gem mining, u-pick citrus, farm animals, hayrides (on weekends) wine tastings, a monster truck adventure and an old-time country store.

Bonus points if you can find a child to bring to feed the animals.

4. Lake Ridge Wineries - Clermont, FL.

Florida’s largest premium winery, with daily guided tours and wine tastings and live entertainment on the weekends.

It’s a fun way to spend an afternoon!

5. Southern Hills Farms - Clermont, FL.

While there are many u-pick farms in Central Florida, this one is my favorite because of the fields of gigantic sunflowers you can pick!

They also have blueberries, strawberries, peaches, pumpkins and seasonal vegetables.

6. Presidents’ Hall of Fame - Clermont, FL.

Located right next to the Citrus Tower, the building was built to resemble the White House. Built back in 1964 is one of Florida’s oldest remaining roadside attractions.

You can see wax figures of the US presidents, a 60-foot miniature White House replica, and lots of presidential memorabilia.

There's a local story that I've heard as to why the wax figures are a bit misshapen 🤔, but I'll add that in later if I can confirm it.

Fun Things to Do In Orange County, Florida

1. Lake Eola Park - Orlando, FL.

There is always something fun going on here. You can rent a swan paddle boat, or just enjoy the live swans and turtles, take a 1-mile walk around the lake, or enjoy the dog-friendly farmers market every Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm.

If you go at night, you can see a 6-minute choreographed fountain light show every night at 8 pm and 9:30 pm.

2. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts - Orlando, FL 

From Broadway shows in the beautiful Walt Disney Theater, to concerts and educational programs, you can find it all here.

I had season’s tickets for many years, and the quality of the shows was amazing.

3. Harry P. Leu Gardens - Orlando, FL.

A 50-acre botanical garden right in downtown Orlando. Check out their website to see what’s in bloom now and any special exhibits going on. It’s another great place to spend the day in Central Florida.


Fun Things to Do In Polk County, Florida

1. Bok Tower Gardens - Lake Wales, FL.

A 250-acre garden and bird sanctuary, with nature trails to hike, a Mediterranean-style home called El Retiro, and a 205-foot Singing Bell Tower. There are 30-minute bell concerts every day at 1 pm and 3 pm, where you can see how the bells are played live.

It is such a peaceful place. You can buy food there or bring a picnic lunch to enjoy as you listen to the bells.

2. Spook Hill - Lake Wales, FL.

Not far from Bok Tower Gardens, you will find another old Florida tourist attraction where you can stop, put your car in park, and seemingly roll up hill.

I was surprised to see how many cars came to try this out while I was there. You can decide for yourself how it works.


Fun Things to Do In Marion County, Florida

1. The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park - Ocala, FL

We did the Big Cliff Canyon package, with 9 zip lines, zips up to 1,100 feet long and 130 feet high, 2 sky bridges and rappels. It took about 2 ½ hours and it was so much fun.

There are other packages, including night zips, horseback riding, gem mining, and kayak tours.

2. Silver Springs State Park - Silver Springs, FL.

Glass bottom boats, manatees, and monkeys all in one place! You can also kayak, canoe, or paddleboard.

The springs are 72 degrees year round.


Fun Things to Do In Citrus County, Florida

1. Crystal River is one of the only places you are able to swim with the manatees. There are a few different tour groups that offer this experience. I don’t know which one I will choose yet, so I’m including the link for all of them here.

This one is on my bucket list for next year.


Fun Things to Do In Levy County, Florida

1. Two Tails Ranch - All About Elephants - Williston, FL.

A privately owned ranch where you can get up close to elephants and other exotic animals. Tours are by appointment only.

Another bucket list day trip!

2. Devils Den Spring - Williston, FL.

A privately-owned spring where you can scuba dive or snorkel.

I’m still not sure if I’m going to do this or not, but it looks really cool.


If you have any comments, suggestions or questions about unique places to visit in Central Florida, click here.

Thanks for joining me as I explore more in this full-time RV life.

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