If you’re looking for a tranquil getaway destination where you and your family can unwind, look no further than The Villages, Florida. Spend relaxing days lounging around your unforgettable vacation rental at The Villages, and book your stay today. Feel right at home in suburban neighborhoods with manicured lawns, tree-lined streets, and a quiet ambiance. This city of 150,000 offers an abundance of activities for kids, parents, and grandparents. Zip around via golf cart or car to events and activities at community centers and town squares. For fun outside of town, there are a variety of family-friendly activities located just a short distance from town, check out the most popular things to do in The Villages.
1. Swim or Play Pickleball at Sea Breeze
There‘s always something to do at the spacious Sea Breeze Recreational Center, including going for a swim and playing pickleball. Right out back is a large swimming pool where kids can splash around in shallow waters or lap around the deeper end. A net may be set up for friendly games of pool volleyball. If you prefer hitting balls over nets, head to the fenced-in pickleball courts. Kids can square off against each other or adults on either side of the net.
2. Look at Military Memorabilia
Named after a popular American president, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Recreation Center is a lovely place to spend a few hours teaching kids about military history. Military memorabilia from various campaigns are respectfully displayed in certain areas for everyone‘s enjoyment. Exhibits include photos, service medals, uniforms, and caps. Check out the realistic wax figures dressed in military uniforms.
3. Play Golf and Enjoy a Meal
Golf is a popular sport at The Villages, and it‘s not uncommon to spend a few hours going for birdies at the Cane Garden Golf Course. This course is suitable for players of all skill levels, and while you‘re walking the course, kids may see local birds such as bald eagles, falcons, and owls. Stop by the golf shop to pick up some gear or use your own on this 27-hole course. Afterwards, grab a bite to eat at the country club. Among the kid-friendly menu items are sandwiches, salads, burgers, and wraps.
Find the perfect The Villages vacation rental on Tripping.com. Tripping.com is the world's #1 vacation rental search engine with over 10 million properties!
4. Watch a Movie
Satisfy antsy kids looking for something to do with a trip to one of the local movie theaters to watch a popular film. Choose between the Barnstorm Theater and the Old Mill Playhouse. Both theaters show several current films, and one or two may be appropriate for kids 12 and under. The Barnstorm resembles a country barn, and the marquee is attached to a faux grain silo. Inside, the seating is modern and comfortable. The Old Mill is a classic building with elegant vintage décor.
5. Enjoy Live Town Square Performances
Residents in The Villages are treated to a wide variety of live entertainment, and the entire family can enjoy music and outdoor dancing in one of the town squares. Each town square has a unique theme, and each is located near restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Brownwood Paddock Square has an old west theme, Lake Sumter Landing‘s theme is nautical, and Spanish Springs has southwest charm.
6. Watch Polo Matches
Many kids have never seen a polo match, and that can change when you bring them to The Villages Polo Club for live match entertainment. Find sheltered seating on the lower or upper level, and sip cool drinks while watching players ride beautiful horses and hit balls with poles. Tickets are required, and you’ll need to check the schedule for game days. If you want a more hands-on experience, the club offers beginning polo lessons, and no previous experience is required to participate.
7. Go on a Short Nature Walk
The Villages is surrounded by natural beauty, and you can find quiet nature spots located near most vacation rentals. One such spot is the Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve, a quiet area near a marsh. Take a short stroll down a wooden boardwalk and climb up to the observation platform for an idyllic view. Bring along binoculars to spy on local birds in the area. Because it gets hot at the preserve, keep kids hydrated with water during your excursion. The nearby dog park is another source of animal entertainment.
8. Picnic at Lake Griffin State Park
Pack all the fixings for a nice picnic lunch and drive to Lake Griffin State Park for a day of lakeside frolicking. Fishing and boating are popular activities at the park, and watching boats launch and drift on the water is visually enjoyable. Walk the half-mile scenic nature trail, snapping photos of local fauna and scenic views. There‘s also a children‘s playground to keep youngsters happily preoccupied before and after the meal.
9. Go to the Playground
Get some fresh air with babies, toddlers, and school-age children at Millennium Playground. This is a spacious playground park with two play sections for different age groups. One section is for preschool age children, and another section is ideal for older kids who want to romp, swing, and slide. Play equipment is contemporary, and the area is fenced in for security.
10. See Swamp Wildlife and Wetlands at Inverness, Florida
Nearby Inverness, Florida has plenty of swampland for vacationers to explore, and seeing the swamp by boat is a fun way to check out the beauty of these unspoiled areas. Wild Bill‘s Airboat Tours take family groups on a wild adventure in open-air boats, giving you close-up views of critters living in the Withlacoochee River wetlands. Keep phones and cameras at the ready to snap pics of alligators and birds.
11. Visit the Petting Zoo
All sorts of cute and friendly animals live at Petting Zoo Ocala, and this is a safe place where your kids can meet traditional farm animals and a few exotic animals, too. Kids can pet and feed goats, cows, lemurs, chickens, sheep, and may see monkeys, llamas, and a camel. Most of these animals are rescues and visitor fees help keep them fed and sheltered. The farm is open six days a week during good weather days.
Ready to go? Check out these amazing The Villages vacation rentals on Tripping.com.