LEGOLAND Florida

LEGOLAND Florida Resort is a theme park built for younger children — roughly ages 2 to 12 — on the grounds of the historic Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven, southwest of Orlando.

Rides, building zones, and shows are scaled for kids, and Miniland USA recreates American landmarks in millions of LEGO bricks. A water park and botanical gardens round out the day, and it's often a calmer, less overwhelming option than the bigger parks.

It's a bit farther out than the Disney and Universal parks — about a 45-minute drive from our Orlando homes — but a rewarding day for families with little builders.