In Central Florida about halfway between Orlando and Tampa is the small city of Plant City. Named after the wealthy entrepreneur Henry B. Plant this hidden gem offers plenty of ways to make lasting memories. If you’re looking for a fun and family-friendly day trip destination, look no further! Home to lush conservation parks, roadside stands full of mouthwatering strawberry shortcake, and quaint museums that offer a unique insight into the city’s history, Plant City offers plenty of activities to keep your whole family entertained.
Here are 8 of the best things to do in Plant City guaranteed to give an unforgettable experience!
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Best Things to Do in Plant City, FL
Plant City is not a big city by any means but that doesn’t mean there is nothing to do. It is worth spending a day or two in the area to really experience all that it has to offer. There are fun activities for kids, couples and families a like.
Dinosaur World
The most fun thing to do in Plant City, FL with kids may just be Dinosaur World. Located right off of the highway this small theme park is easy to get to from Tampa or Orlando. From the moment you walk in you are transported to a world teeming with life size dinosaur models. There are interactive parts of the park where you can uncover a dinosaur skeleton and an area where kids get to talk to “paleontologists”.
For a small added fee there are other activities like a fossil dig or gem mining, plus kids get to take home the treasures they find.
The dinosaur themed park is a great place for kids to run and play. Then when everyone gets hungry there are several shady picnic areas with tables to stop and eat lunch at. There aren’t concessions though so remember to pack a lunch to bring especially if you plan on spending the entire day having a great time with the life-sized dinosaurs.
Read More: Guide to Plant City’s Dinosaur World in Florida
Strawberry Picking
Plant City is the winter strawberry capital of the world with many large scale farms that supply strawberries all over the United States during the winter months. Some of these large farms as well as many smaller scale local farmers open up their fields for u-pick. So one of the top things to do in Plant City is come on out with the whole family to pick fresh strawberries.
Strawberry season runs from December till March or early April. This is the perfect time to go fruit picking before it gets too unbearably hot! You can use your strawberries to bake a fun dessert or just to snack on during the day.
Read More: Easy Strawberry Poke Cake
Cow Creek Farm – Best Things to Do in Plant City, FL with Animals
Another great way to get outside and enjoy nature and the farmlands that surround Plant City is by visiting Cow Creek Farm. You do have to purchase a ticket ahead of time and space is limited with most tours only open on weekends. However, if you can grab a spot then you are in for an amazingly fun time.
Here they raise highland cows that are so cute and friendly. You are welcome to stay longer but your ticket gets you in for a one hour farm tour. Plus you get to feed all the animals such as bunnies, donkeys, alpacas, goats and of course the cows themselves. It is fun for the whole family especially if you have young ones that like animals or tractors.
Read More: Fluffy Cows at Cow Creek Farm in Plant City, Complete Guide to Farms in the Tampa Bay Area
Parkesdale Farm Market
The main attraction at this small gem in Park City is their world famous strawberry shortcake and award winning strawberry milkshakes. Served inside a legitimate farm stand on the side of the road Parkesdale Farm Market has a line out the door to try their desserts. Luckily they have the system DOWN PAT and the line moves super quickly! Then you can make your way to the left side of the building to sit among the garden flowers for sale at picnic tables while you enjoy your treat.
The strawberry treats are only available from December through early April during strawberry season. But they serve up other unique and yummy desserts the rest of the year that you can try.
More to Do in Central Florida:
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- Guide to Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, FL
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- Best Fun Things to Do in Tampa, FL
Keel & Curley Farms
This cute farm seems to have it all. From berry picking to farm animals guests are welcome to roam the 25 acre farm during their visit. You can pick blueberries and strawberries and pet goats to your heart’s content.
Then when you get hungry, head into their restaurant to try some delicious foods. They offer indoor seating or outdoor seating at the picnic pavilions. My favorite dish is their California Flatbread, it is absolutely delicious. If you are over 21 you can stop by the Curley Winery and try some unique wines, hard ciders and beers. They also offer daily tours where you can experience where the drinks are made.
Read More: Go Blueberry Picking in Tampa at these 13 U-Pick Fields
Edward Medard Regional Park
A great place to get outside for some exercise in Park City is Edward Medard Regional Park. The large 700-acre reservoir inside the park is the perfect place for boating, canoeing and fishing. For those that would rather stay on land you can enjoy one of the hiking trails. You can even bring horses into the park for some horseback riding if you want.
In fact, this is Hillsborough County’s largest regional parks. Other amenities in Edward Medard park worth enjoying are a disc golf course, a beach volleyball court, picnic shelters, a boardwalk, a playground for the kids, and an observation tower.
Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum
One fun and free thing to do in Plant City is visit the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum. This small museum is free to visit but it is a fun place to learn a little more about trains. Train enthusiasts will particularly enjoy the small observation platform as well where everyone can watch real trains go by on the still functioning train tracks nearby.
Read More: Free Things to Do With Kids Around Tampa
Annual Florida Strawberry Festival
Perhaps the thing that Plant City is most well known for is the Strawberry Festival that takes place every year in March. This fun festival celebrates the winter strawberries and the strawberry farmers that produce them along with their importance to the community. Here people can enjoy strawberry themed foods, live music, fair rides and so much more. Bring the whole family down for a fun filled evening celebrating this sweet fruit.
FAQ’s About Things to Do in Plant City, FL
What is the Closest Beach to Plant City?
Plant City is actually inland, to the east of Tampa so there are no beaches in Plant City itself. Ben T. Davis beach would most likely be the closest beach to reach if you were just looking for something nearby. There are so many amazing beaches in Tampa to choose from though, so make sure you pick the right one for you.
Fun Things to Do in Plant City, FL
As you can see, there are a lot of fun things to do in Plant City, FL. Certainly worth a half day or a full day to explore and experience everything it has to offer! Indulge in sweet strawberry treats, see a couple dinosaurs or trains and enjoy being outside together. Plant City is one of the best places to stop between Tampa and Orlando especially since it is at the halfway point. Which makes it easy to stop and enjoy if you are heading either direction.
