Are you searching for new and exciting ideas for your next family trip? You may not realize it, but spring is the perfect time of year for a Central Florida vacation! If you have a dedicated sports fan in the family, you can really knock one out of the park with your family vacation this year. Not only is the weather pleasant in the spring, but baseball fever officially takes over the city of Lakeland! Every spring, 15 Major League Baseball teams migrate to the Sunshine State for Spring Training - and Lakeland is right in the middle of the action. For the past 76 years, Lakeland has proudly hosted the Detroit Tigers during their exhibition season. In addition, the RussMatt Baseball Collegiate Invitational takes place each spring, providing the unique opportunity to check out the nation's top college teams in competition.

Be Part Of A Beloved Tradition

Catching a spring training game is a great way to experience a completely different side of Major League Baseball. The venues are smaller, the environment is easygoing and the players are more accessible than at regular season games. You can even attend practices and just might have the chance to snag an autograph or two! Even better, by catching a Tigers exhibition game, your family can become part of a tradition that dates back more than 75 years. 2012 marks the 76th season that Lakeland has hosted the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers begin their exhibition season on March 4 when they face off against the Atlanta Braves and conclude the season on April 2 with a match up against the Toronto Blue Jays. Plan your Central Florida vacation carefully to ensure that you don't miss a minute of the action!

Watch The Country's Top Collegiate Baseball Teams

Can't get enough hot dogs and cotton candy? Why not step up to the plate and plan a completely sports-themed Central Florida vacation? The 2012 RussMatt Baseball Central Florida Collegiate Invitational will take place February 18 - March 30 in cities across Central Florida including Winter Haven, Auburndale and Lakeland. This year's competition will include more than 200 of the nation's top college teams in all divisions (NCAA D I, II, III, NAIA and JUCO) and is set to take place in state of the art venues, including a former major league spring training stadium.

Check Out All The Sports-Related Things To Do In Central Florida

After watching all of those exhilarating baseball games, you may be inspired to get out there and participate in some sports action of your own! Polk County offers a wide range of athletic activities to suit any sports enthusiast, including golfing, fishing, water skiing, cycling and hiking. There is no shortage of lakes, golf courses, batting cages and scenic parks in the area. If you're looking for athletics of the less traditional variety, check out Off the Wall Adventures in Lakeland. Paintball, kayaking and scuba diving are just a few of the exciting activities offered at this spacious sports complex. From crowd pleasing professional sporting events to laid back recreational activities, Polk County offers the ultimate Central Florida vacation for the entire family.