Central Florida has earned a well-deserved reputation as a vacation capital. But those who live here know some of the best memories aren’t made in theme parks.

If you’re ready to leave crowds, concrete and long lines behind, we’ve rounded up an array of memory-making opportunities that make great day trips or afternoon escapes. These outdoor adventures and hands-on activities will have you asking, “Why didn’t I do this before?!”

Showcase of Citrus

What started as a roadside citrus stand has become one of Central Florida’s biggest outdoor adventure options, drawing well over 200,000 visitors annually.

The Arnold family has produced citrus on the land since the early 1960s and John Jr. opened the farm’s retail outlet in 1989. 

“John and I wanted to have a place where families could get away from the pressures of the outside world and have a taste of real Florida. We want to keep that off-the-beaten-path vibe,” says Tara Boshell, farm manager and John’s “better half.”

Showcase of Citrus offers a variety of activities in a natural setting enhanced by farm collectibles, including numerous antique tractors.

“Families can come on any budget to get outside and let the kids play while their parents relax and have a beer or glass of wine,” says Tara. “A lot of people think they’re just going to come for an hour but end up staying for hours.” 

The Monster Truck Adventure takes guests on a 45–55-minute excursion through citrus groves, native woodlands, pasture and the exotic animal area.

The farm is a licensed wildlife exhibitor. What started with one zebra in 2017 has expanded to a whole herd of exotics, such as bison, Asian water buffalo, camel, ostriches, emus, black buck antelope, capybara and kangaroos. 

At the farm animal section, you can pet friendly critters through the fence and buy a bucket of animal treats to feed them. 

Kids dig into a literal geology lesson at the Gem Mine. They’ll get a bag with several pounds of ore to sift through in a real sluice box. The hidden gemstones and other treasures (shells, shark’s teeth, fossils, etc.) they uncover are theirs to take home.

Food trucks and the farm’s recently opened kitchen offer plenty of options. Adults will appreciate the private label fruit-based wines. Find a comfy spot to hang out or sit on a saddle at the bar and indulge in the famous creamsicle treat—an all-natural orange juice slushy layered with vanilla frozen yogurt.

Stroll through the Old Time Country Store to find locally made, small batch items, including jams, jellies, BBQ sauces, dressings, honey, soaps, Florida souvenirs and more. If that’s not enough, there is a space that can be rented for weddings and private parties and where line dancing and other classes and shows take place. 

There are no admission or parking fees, and the playground is free. Pay only for the activities you choose. Reservations suggested for the Monster Truck Adventure. 

Open every day of the year from 9am-7pm
showcaseofcitrus.com

Stanley Pond Adventure Farm                                                     

Fun family interaction. That was the mission when Stanley Pond Adventure Farm opened in 2005–and it still is. 

“This is a place for families to come and play together. My idea was if they play together there’s a better chance of them staying together,” says the farm’s owner who is known to everyone as Sunflower Bob. 

Making memories outdoors is easy at Stanley Pond, which features an array of activities in the Fun Zone. There’s Jack’s Jumping Pillow and 50-foot-long Suzi’s Super Slide and a splash pad featuring 20 fountains. 

The Tricycle Track isn’t just for kids. These trikes are sturdy enough for adults to ride and Bob says some of the best races are when moms and dads compete. 

Visitors of all ages enjoy the basketball toss, which features baskets at 15 different heights.

Stanley Pond is also a premier largemouth bass fishing facility. Bring your own bait and tackle for catch-and-release fishing in the two stocked ponds.  

“We’re getting parents and their kids coming to fish, and you don’t have to pay for an extra fishing license; we take care of all that,” says Bob.

Everything in the Fun Zone is included with your $15 entry fee. Admission even includes a glass vase for any sunflowers and zinnias you pick and take home. 

“We’re the only year-round u-pick sunflower farm in the country. We have 15 different colors of ornamental sunflowers,” says Bob, of the fields which make for fabulous photos.

Visitors are amazed they can pick sunflowers in the winter, but Bob explains that year-round weekly planting makes this possible.

Stanley Pond is popular for birthday parties, home school groups, family reunions, even small weddings and celebrations. The 23-acre adventure farm is open every weekend and by appointment during the week. There’s no required minimum number of guests. “If I get a call from one dad to come with his kid, I’ll open,” says Bob.

Saturdays 10am-4pm
Sundays 12 noon–4pm
Weekdays by appointment. Just call.
stanleypondfarm.com
www.facebook.com/StanleyPond

Sunsational Farms

Rich in history, Sunsational Farms dates to the 1970s when it was a citrus grower and packing house owned by the Faryna family. In 2019, the Farynas teamed up with longtime friends, the Bakers, to open an agri-tourism farm. 

From family outings to field trips and special events, Sunsational Farms invites visitors of all ages to enjoy the welcoming country atmosphere featuring their Country Store, kids’ play area, barn, Big Orange Grill, and festivals throughout the year. The casual setting allows adults to sit and relax, while kids have ample room to run and play.

Many people refer to Sunsational Farms as “The Big Orange,” thanks to the classic roadside memorabilia next to their store, which makes for a great photo-op.

The farm hosts festivals throughout the year, including the Easter Egg Drop, Craft Beer Festival, Chicken Wing Cook-off, and the popular Haunted Trail, which opens for several weeks each fall. (See website for dates.) Most festivals are free to attend and there are no parking fees.

“Depending on the festival, you could find carnival games, bounce houses, face painters, food trucks, a craft market, a farmer’s market, pony rides, monster truck rides and of course, our bee train,” says Brian Faryna. 

“We are able to host private events such as birthday parties, reunions, corporate events, weddings, showers and more under our open barn that can seat 200 people,” says Bill Baker. “There are plenty of bathrooms, including an ADA accessible facility.” 

Burgers, cheesesteaks, chicken sandwiches, wraps, salads and more are served at The Big Orange Grill, the farm’s food truck in the barn. 

The farm sells seasonal fresh produce, including lettuces, tomatoes, broccoli, and strawberries grown hydroponically. In the fall, mini-pumpkins are available as a u-pick crop.

Kids and adults love getting their favorite sweet treats, including creamsicle ice cream made with real orange juice and strawberry shakes made with farm-grown strawberries. Another big hit is the fresh squeezed orange juice, made from locally picked oranges and squeezed at the farm. 

To book a reservation, call the store, email, or message them on Facebook. Open Tuesday through Friday 11am-6pm and Saturdays 11am-4pm. sunsationalfarms.com  

Uncle Donald’s Farm

Lake & Sumter Counties Outdoor Adventures

Choosing your next adventure is where the fun starts. Ready, set, go!

Photos: Nicole Hamel, Matthew Gaulin and Provided