Orlando, FL

Discover the renown Czech-born American sculptor Albin Polasek, whose works are on display inside and among the gardens of his former retirement home. Now a living museum, the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens pays homage to this influential artist and educator. Learn more...

Address: 633 Osceola Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789 - MAP
Phone: (407) 647-0283
Web: www.polasek.org

Meander along the winding paths and fragrant sections of the Harry P. Leu Gardens, a 50-acre segment of landscaped grounds and lakes shaded by 200 year-old oaks and forests of camellias. Learn more...

Address: 1920 North Forest Ave., Orlando, FL 32803 - MAP
Phone: (407) 246-2620
Web: www.leugardens.org

Step into the real Florida, filled with gators, rugged wilderness and natural beauty. You'll find it all at the Forever Florida Ranch, a 4,700-acre eco-ranch and wildlife conservation area. Go on a zip-line safari, coach safari or horseback safari while you're there.

Address: 4755 N. Kenansville Road, St. Cloud FL 34773 - MAP
Phone: (407) 957-9794
Web: www.foreverflorida.com

Gaze at the exotic animals of Busch Gardens, a theme park that offers guests an up-close view of amazing animals in a variety of settings. Walk through the Serengeti Plains, the deep jungle and a rain forest. Themed rides like the Kumba roller coaster offer plenty of thrills.

Address: 10165 N McKinley Dr., Tampa FL 33612 - MAP
Phone: (888) 800-5447
Web: www.buschgardens.com

Enjoy the great outdoors at Lake Eola Park, a central meeting point for active Floridians. Walk, jog, bike or hike around the .9-mile trail around the lake. Rent paddle boats or other watercraft for a change of pace.

Address: 195 N Rosalind Ave., Orlando FL 32801 - MAP
Phone: (407) 246-4485
Web: www.cityoforlando.net

Pick your very own oranges right from the trees at Showcase of Citrus. More than 50 varieties of sweet, succulent oranges await. Spread out a blanket for a picnic or go for a thrilling swamp buggy ride and eco tour.

Address: 5010 US Highway 27, Clermont FL 34714 - MAP
Phone: (352) 394-4377
Web: www.showcaseofcitrus.com

Can you imagine coming face-to-face with a dinosaur? Experience it at Dinosaur World, where more than 150 life-like recreations stand among the trees and open space. There's also a fossil-dig where kids can sift through the sand like a real paleontologist!

Address: 5145 Harvey Tew Rd., Plant City FL 33565 - MAP
Phone: (813) 717-9865
Web: www.dinosaurworld.com

Float down a lazy river in an inner tube at Kelly Park at Rock Springs, one of the most gorgeous settings in Central Florida. Crystal clear springs bubble up from a rock outcrop to create the meandering stream.

Address: 400 E Kelly Park Rd., Apopka FL 32712 - MAP
Phone: (407) 889-4179
Web: www.apps.ocfl.net

Connect with the animals at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. Featuring more than 400 creatures, the zoo holds fascinating educational and interactive opportunities for visitors, including Keeper Chats and Elephant Encounters.

Address: 3755 NW Hwy 17-92, Sanford FL 32747 - MAP
Phone: (407) 323-4450
Web: www.centralfloridazoo.org

Rediscover nature in the middle of bustling Orlando at the Tibet-Butler Preserve. This 440-acre oasis includes four miles of hiking trails and elevated boardwalks that start at the Vera Carter Environmental Center.

Address: 201 South Rosalind Ave., Orlando FL 32801 - MAP
Phone: (407) 876-6696
Web: www.my.sfwmd.gov

Venture into Disney's Animal Kingdom and visit the largest animal park in the world. Encounter exotic animals within the park's different themed sections. You can even pet some of the tamer ones in the petting zoo area.

Address: 901 Osceola Pkwy., Bay Lake FL 32830 - MAP
Phone: (407) 938-3000
Web: www.disneyworld.disney.go.com