This town in Florida offers the charm of a small town while still packing in a variety of unique and interesting activities close to your Lake Placid vacation rental to keep the family entertained. Located centrally in Highland County, Lake Placid earned the nickname of The Caladium Capital of the World thanks to its abundance of the elephant ear flowers. Consider these activities when visiting Lake Placid with kids.
1. Visit the Clown Museum
Don your red nose and floppy shoes for a visit to the American Clown Museum & School. The fun museum is filled to the brim with clown memorabilia, and the kids enjoy learning about the history of clowning. Take clown classes with Toby’s Clown School, or watch a live show in the small theater. Before you leave, stop by the gift shop to pick up your very own clown costume.
2. Go Shopping
Whether you need to pick up some essentials or you just want to browse the racks, Lake Placid offers plenty of shopping destinations in proximity to your vacation rental. Stock up on groceries at Fiesta Mexican Supermarket, find women’s clothing at Chic Chick Boutique, or peruse the unique souvenirs at The Blueberry Patch. Browse the treasures at Two Friends Antique and Estates.
3. Take a Walk
Take a stroll along the streets of Lake Placid to take in another of the town’s claims to fame — the spectacular murals. The buildings downtown are decorated with as many as 50 colorful murals, earning Lake Placid the nickname “Town of Murals.” Begin your tour with a stop at the Lake Placid Mural Gallery within the Chamber of Commerce, where you can watch a short informational film and pick up a mural tour book to guide you on your visual journey.
4. Go to the Archbold Biological Station
Delight your little science lovers with a trip to Archbold Biological Station. This research institute sits on more than 5,000 acres and is open to visitors. Stop by the main office to register, and check out the educational displays. Take a walk on the half-mile nature trail, and bring some sandwiches from your vacation rental to enjoy at the picnic tables.
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Take a break from preparing meals at your vacation home, and take the family out for a meal in Lake Placid. Sit on the patio at Jaxson’s while you dine on cheeseburgers and hush puppies or the catfish dinner. For spicy Latin flavor, head to Havana Nights Cuban Cafe, or grab some lunch from Good News Juice & Smoothie Cafe. Stop by Cow Pie’s Country Store and Creamery for homemade ice cream before calling it a night.
6. Attend an Outing
Lake Placid hosts events year-round, so it’s easy to find a fun festival or activity to entertain the family. Visit in February for the Lake Placid Country Fair, or attend the bass fishing tournament in March. April brings a golf tournament, and the Caladium Festival in July offers crafts, food, and lots of flowers. The town hosts BarktoberFest in October and holds a Christmas parade at the end of the year.
7. Take an Airboat Tour
For an exciting trip, the whole family can enjoy, book an airboat tour with Bullfrog Airboat Tours. See birds, alligators, and plant life as you glide across the water as the knowledgeable Captain Lee tells you about some of the best fishing spots in Lake Placid. Florida Alligator Empire takes you on an airboat tour of Lake Istokopoga. Kids love checking out the site of a crashed smuggling plane.
8. Stop by a State Park
Enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Placid when you visit one of the area’s state parks. Highlands Hammock State Park has been open to the public since 1931. Rent bikes and ride the three-mile loop, or explore the swamp from the elevated boardwalk. Lake June in Winter State Park offers a quarter-mile hiking trail through the sand scrub habitat. Be sure to bring bottled water for everyone in the family.
9. Check out a Museum
One of the hidden treasures of the town, Lake Placid Historical Society Depot Museum displays exhibits that tell visitors about the area’s history. Step back in time as you browse the large rooms containing interesting artifacts, and get the answers to all your questions from tour guides that volunteer here. This converted train depot makes a great stopping point during your mural tour.
10. Have Fun on the Farm
Visit Henscratch Farms to treat your kids to a little slice of country. The little ones love to feed the free-range chickens, and you can browse the open-air store for butters, jams, pickles, wines, and more to take back to your vacation rental. Check out the entertainment schedule so you can visit when the farm is hosting a band.
11. Go to the Theatre
Entertain the kids with a trip to Circle Theatre. From ballet performances to folk music festivals, this quaint little venue has something to suit every taste. Family-friendly performances delight audiences of all ages, and the locations Sweet Shoppe is open during most, offering ice cream, popcorn, and other snacks.
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