Known for its year-round sunshine, sparkling lakes, citrus fruits, unequalled outdoor activities, unique attractions and the best in hospitality, its no wonder why people love to visit Polk County year after year. But even if you’ve been here before, there is lots more coming up, so here are even more reasons to visit Central Florida in 2022!
See What’s New in Central Florida for 2022
Camp Margaritaville Comes to Central Florida
Its’s going to be five o’clock forever in Central Florida as the iconic Margaritaville brand comes to Central Florida in January. Camp Margaritaville is the ultimate cabins and luxury RV Resort in Florida, adding to already great selection of RV and camping resorts in Central Florida including, Westgate River Ranch, Canopy Oaks and Guy Harvey’s Camp Mack So bring your ‘license to chill’ and have a margarita down by the tiki bar, stay in a premium-equipped RV space or Motorhome suite by the lake, or bring the family to the cabin. With swimming pools, dog parks and acres of fun, Camp Margaritaville is a must visit!
The World’s First Peppa Pig Theme Park opens in February
One of the world’s most popular cartoon characters for pre-schoolers gets her first ever theme park this year. The Peppa Pig Theme Park opened in Winter Haven on February 24th, with 6 unique rides, lots of activities, and will promise to bring the littlest piggies from all over the world to Central Florida.
Tigertown in Full Swing for Spring Training
Simply the greatest Spring Training venue in the country gets ready to welcome fans and families from Florida and beyond to Lakeland this spring as the Detroit Tigers get ready to take on them Yankees as well the Red Sox, Blue Jays, Pirates and more. Come sample the very best of baseball as your grandpa remembers it! Get all the details here!
LEGOLAND Re-Invents a Classic with the Pirate River Quest
The Cypress Gardens River Tour was a favorite attraction for decades at the Cypress Gardens park. LEGOLAND Florida proudly brings back the tour and re-invents it with a buccaneering pirate theme sure to delight kiddos and grown-ups alike. For more information on launch dates visit the LEGOLAND Website.
Celebrating 100 Years of Water Ski
Throughout 2022 Polk County is celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the sport of water ski. Winter Haven, known as the water ski capital of the world is the central focus, where you’ll find events and activities all year round culminating in the World Water Ski Show Tournament in October. For more information visit at our dedicated page.
Camp out at Safari Wilderness
Now you can have the full African-like Safari experience with deluxe camping at Safari Wilderness. After your day on safari watch the sun go down, enjoy a sundowner drink and have a moonlit evening meal with your friends while you camp in style, as only one can at Safari Wilderness.
Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Show Screams Back in to Lakeland
Attending SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo has become more than just a rite of passage for generations of families. Those that have attended together share 48 years of stories that include camping under their plane’s wings in a tent, huddling together gazing at the night air shows, eating buttery ears of corn at the Corn Roast…and the list of memories go on and on. This year’s air show stars the U.S. Airforce Thunderbirds, while another centerpiece will be the A-10C Thunderbolt II Demo Team.
Bok Tower Gardens Re-Visits its Heritage
In 2022 Bok Tower Gardens will celebrate its heritage, by re-opening it’s famous estate, and by paying homage to its celebrated landscape architect. Pinewood Estate will re-open as El Retiro, the original name given to the estate by the gardens founder Edward Bok, and will feature décor and furnishings from the 1920’s when the estate was built. The gardens will also celebrate the legacy of the garden’s landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr, with special exhibitions and seminars throughout the year including the ‘Walk in the Footsteps’ exhibit and self-guided tour of the gardens.
Mayfaire by-the-Lake Art Festival Delights on Mother’s Day
One of Central Florida’s most popular festivals makes its return this May. This fine art festival started as a small craft show on the Lakeland Library lawn in 1971 and grew to be one of the most prestigious juried outdoor festivals in Florida. The free, 2-day event takes place on Mother’s Day weekend.
R.L. Alexander, ‘Procession of the Swan Queen,’ Oil on panel, 2021 Mayfaire by-the-Lake Featured Image
Up, Up and Away Hot Air Balloon Festival Returns Even Bigger
This aerial event held at the Sun ‘n Fun Expo Campus on May 6-8, brings the spectacle and grace of evening twilight hot air balloon glows plus early morning and late afternoon mass ascensions. A variety of entertainment including tethered balloon rides, live bands, car show, helicopter rides, midway, vendors, great food and even more balloons than last year, will make this 2nd annual event a family must-do.
Bob’s Balloons
Bonnet Springs Park Will Re-Invent the Urban Landscape
Bonnet Springs Park will be a spectacular 168 acre park that blends nature, art, recreation, learning and culture in a spectacular setting. Located close to downtown Lakeland, the park will feature the new Florida Children’s Museum, a nature center, water features and boating, open air concerts, a wonderful canopy walk, natural gardens and lots more. Opening is set for October 22nd.
For a full list of activities see our Things to Do section, and be sure to check our website regularly for news, deals, events and even more reasons to Visit Central Florida in 2022! Talk to our friendly visitor center staff about your plans. They’ll be thrilled to answer your questions give suggestions. Contact them on 863-420-2586, or through the text chat on this page.
