Attend the Epcot Food & Wine Festival (A bonus, because I said no Disney.). The Kennedy Space Center is just an hour east of Orlando near Titusville and well worth the drive! Plan out your visit. Lie on a bed of nails and learn about how the distribution of your weight keeps you from getting impaled, experience a 5.3-degree earthquake simulation, design your own roller coaster, feel the winds of a 74-mile per hour hurricane, and many other exhilarating activities! The dome homes can only be accessed via water. Little kids will love the kids town play area, with its art and climbing attractions. But if youre kids are big fans of Lego, like ours, then consider putting a visit to Legoland Florida on your itinerary. Kids adventure park that includes everything from a zip line, wall climbing to a mechanical bull. From Broadway performances to rockin concerts, theres a show for every age and interest; below are a few of the top shows in Orlando: These top shows are sure to bring entertainment and excitement to any vacation! There are multiple entry areas throughout Tampa Bay though. Located at Weeki Wachee Springs, a state park that is somewhat famous in Florida due to the live mermaids. If you like beaches or nature trails, this is one of the best places to take a day trip to. Be sure to budget in enough time to fully enjoy everything Congo River has to offer! But local and state regulators say there is nothing to worry about. It is known for its crystal-clear waters that you can even tube down a short lazy river in. You can walk, run, bike or even rent a scooters. View traveltasteclicks profile on Instagram, View stephanie-patterson-6b54a5a2s profile on LinkedIn, 6 Awesome Day Trips You Can Take from Orlando, 11 Reasons Youll Fall in Love with Anna Maria Island. Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling. Go for a spin on the spinning disc coaster, if your tummy can stomach it. Eat at the following Orlando restaurants: Pig Floyds, Yellow Dog Eats, Prato, Soco, Black Rooster Taqueria, 29. And if you are staying in Orlando anddont have a car, there is a shuttle that provides round trip transportation from Orlando to Legoland. This 50-acre botanical garden has a variety of unique flowers, plants and trees, in addition to a museum. You can also check out the short hammock loops for some pretty views. 5. About 15 percent of Florida homeowners have no property insurance, the highest share of any state, the Insurance Information Institute estimates. We went to the Strawberry Festival a couple of years ago and it was tons of fun. These will be fun for all ages and cost less than $50 per person. Cultivate your tan on the beach or a cruise. Star Wars fans can pose with life-size Lego models of Darth Vader and R2 D2. 22. Crenshaw Canopy Walk takes visitors on a journey through the trees at Bonnet Springs Park. Built by Bob Lee, a now-deceased retired oil producer in 1980. See why 1 Million+ Travelers visit our website each month. There is a concession stand, but I recommend bringing a cooler with your own lunch. Tickets cost $22 for adults and include both the zoo and the botanical gardens. In fact, Lego has evolved so much that it appeals to people of all ages, evidenced by my mom who loves buying herself Lego as a gift and playing with it, lol. The party doesnt stop when the sun goes down in Orlando! Ripley's newest Orlando attraction, Ripley's Mirror Maze, is adjacent to the Odditorium and priced at $16.99 for adults and $12.99 for children ages 3 - 11 (tots under 3 are free). May 2022 Family. Hurry, while still visible above the water today they will not be forever. This is because in the winter, hundreds of manatees flock here! If you're looking for things to do in Central Florida with kids, take your little swashbucklers to the Pirates Adventure Dinner Show for a fun-filled, immersive dining experience aboard an 18th century Spanish galleon! To experience natural beauty of the Tampa Bay area, check out the Hillsborough River State Park, just a short drive away from Downtown Tampa. . Inside visitors will find laser tag, a rope course, a 6-D motion ride, and lots more. The state is home to 700 springs. Visit the Kennedy Space Center and learn all about space, 32. Learn to paddle board somewhere in the gulf coast, 19. I know this sounds crazy, but it is true. There is a restaurant here with classic beach bites, but you can also use the picnic tables for your own lunch. Instead of focusing on big attractions like Disney World and Universal, I am sharing 22 lesser-known things to do in Central Florida. The house boasted three bedrooms and three bathrooms, Hurricane Andrew hit South Florida in 1992 and it damaged the windows and the Lee family left and sold it to John Tosto in 2005. On the southern side of the beach, Fort De Soto is the tropical spot to get some fresh air. When it comes to airboat tours in Orlando, you will typically be exploring the stunning Crystal River at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, or the Headwaters of the Florida Everglades! If you enjoyed all these fabulous Florida attractions save this post to Pinterest for your future travel planning. At the same time, you'll be able to dine on a casual but tasty meal of pizza, salad, dessert, and unlimited beverages. Looking for fun things to do in Central Florida beyond Orlando?. This guide goes beyond the usual stops like Walt Disney World, the Kennedy Space Center, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We went on a two hour customized vehicle safari that provided up-close encounters with wildlife such as ostrich,eland,zebra,kudu,water buffalo and other unique and endangered species in large herds! It only costs $6 per vehicle, but be sure to get there early on summer weekends when it frequently reaches capacity. Central Florida is a traveler's paradise - fabulous weather, delicious cuisine, and attractions to appeal to any and all visitors. 407-203-0727, Omelet Bar There are so many things to do in Central Florida, that you may just need to spend the night. Did you know that there are cars that can drive on water? Disney Springs. Whether you are an avid golfer or have never played before, TopGolf is fun regardless. As with many state parks, it costs $6 per car to enter. Airboat Tours. 12. If we've helped you in any way, you might want to, Copyright 2023 y Travel Blog Make sure to check out our master post on the Best Time To Visit Florida including a breakdown by month, weather, events, and more! 407-296-0609, Lazy Moon They put water bowls alongside the streets and many restaurants have dog friendly outdoor seating. Florida, while hot and humid is home to a winery that produces its own label. Bring your average trip to the zoo to the next level at the Safari Park, and get an up-close-and-personal wildlife experience as you cruise through the park in your own vehicle! Copyright 2020 The Florida Travel Girl | All Rights Reserved. Known for its pristine blue water and tubing, the spring head at Rainbow River Springs feeds the six-mile river run. Happy news for families, there are several accommodation options in Legoland, Florida. Be on the look out for rare bird and maybe even a gator or two at this beautiful state park. Cruising through the Safari Park is an Orlando, FL, family activity the whole crew will love and wont soon forget! Legoland Beach Retreat is conveniently located adjacent to the theme park and includes these benefits: Your other option of course is the Legoland Hotel, which they say is130 kid steps from the main entrance to the theme park. There are so many things to do here, but we'll name a few of our favorites: take advantage of 1,200 feet of zip lines for the whole family, participate in rookie gator wrestling for young visitors, climb an observation tower, take a train ride through the park, and step inside an aviary. This award-winning mini-golf course is beloved among visitors for many reasons. Finally, pay a visit to the City of Celebration, an ideal community designed by none other than Walt Disney himself. Also known as the 'Alligator Capital of the World,' Gatorlandis a must-see for anyone who wants to get a real feel for Everglades' nature, culture, and animals. You Can Spend Weeks Exploring All The Things To Do In Central Florida For Families Beyond Just Universal And Walt Disney World. 33. Even if theme parks are not your scene, there are great museums, world-class dining, rooftop bars, relaxing spas, sporting events, and more. Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly. There are so many fun exhibits, including the elephant, manatee and hippo areas. 407-704-1597, Yellow Dog Eats On your next trip to Orlando, try one of these fun family attractions, and make this vacation to Central Florida the best one yet! Another one of my favorite Central Florida attractions is the Bok Tower Gardens. Exploring the canals and waterways of Orlando and the surrounding areas is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture. For a garden experience with animals too, the Central Florida Zoo is open daily. If you visit Florida in the summer, you might want to explore Miniland first thing or later in the day as its wide open with no shade. 1. Here is what we recommend: Need more help planning your trip? Known for its pristine blue water and tubing, the spring head at Rainbow River Springs feeds the six-mile river run. So our kids were naturally excited to visit a Lego based theme park and get up close with some of their favorite life size Lego friends, and ride more rides of course! We recently visited for the first time and were blown away by how much there is to see at this enchanting garden. The ride is twenty minutes, which is plenty of time to enjoy the experience. There is a moat that runs from the basement of the house through to the gardens. Conrad opened his home to the public in 1934, and it became a popular local tourist attraction for about 30 years. 6. 11. Interested in seeing a real launch? This 260-acre preserve is surrounded by Floridas Green Swamp, an 870 square mile pristine watershed that is source to And these are my favorite things to do in Central Florida that offer alternative ideas. This said, they will swim up to you and so long as they come to you and you dont pet them or prevent them from swimming you can watch these amazing sea cows up close. You won't want to forget to bring a camera so you can capture some awesome memories, but if you do then don't fret, theMuseum of Illusions has a built-in photo experience in some of the key exhibits! You could probably cover most of this in a few hours, but if you want to spend more time, you can rent a kayak nearby. Designed by famed architect Milton B. Medary, the Tower houses one of the worlds finest carillons. 4192 Conroy Road, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32839 It costs $21 for adults to enter and there is enough to enjoy for at least a half day. ), 34. It's a no-brainer really. This five-story, 152 room hotel gives you the choice of four Lego themed rooms: Just like Legoland Beach Retreat, hotel guests enjoy: You can buy yourLegoland Florida ticketsonline through Undercover Touristand by doing so you can save money before arriving at the theme park. Im also looking to go places with my dog b/c Im a new dog mom. It only costs $8 per car and the drive down is even enjoyable with scenic views. The Florida Aquarium Museums and Cultural Experiences 12. The best place to see a concert in Orlando is Firestone Live. Sometimes all you need to do to bring the family together is to spend some quality time in the great outdoors! Lakeridge Winery also host many festivals and events throughout the year: In addition to festivals and events, you can also try out grape stomping! The Safari Park has a huge area set up for alligator viewings, and even a place where you can stop and hand-feed a giraffe! The Crystal River is the only place in America where it is legal to swim with manatees although it is a felony to approach or harass a manatee. Have donuts at the Orlando famous Valhalla Bakery (donuts soon to branch off into their own space at Valkyrie Donuts), 49. Some of the best Orlando, FL, family attractions, other than Disney and Universal, lie just outside the city limits. Not only is shopping a great way to beat the Central Florida heat, and the perfect rainy day activity, it is also just plain, old-fashioned fun! This was so cool and a fun way for our kids to learn the rules of the road and earn their own Legoland drivers license. Things to Do in Orlando. World-famous for their life-sized, realistic wax figures, Madame Tussauds Orlando is selfie heaven. Here you can play interactive driving range games rain or shine! Other activities include an informative boat tour, hiking trails and paddling at Lake Woodruff. The show actually dates back to when this theme park was Cypress Gardens which was known for its water ski show. Or do you have any questions on these Central Florida activities? Below are three places to visit in Central Florida, one with kids and the other two can be seen with or even without kids. Check out Best Beaches in Florida for Fun in the Sun. Bring healthy snacks and water to keep your kids and thirst in check even if you do choose to eat lunch on-site. Take the kids to experience a wonderful evening out they'll never forget! ), 6. Check out one of Central Floridas many state parks and gardens. Rent a canoe or two and take the family paddling around the 16-mile Wekiva River (yes, slightly different spelling). The possum monument. You can also marvel at magic tricks, watch your host predict the future, and even have your mind read. Plus there is an abundance of unusual things to do in Central Florida, here are ten of my favorites that I often recommend: Sometimes referred to as KP Hole, this spring fed river is the crown jewel of Central Florida. No visit to central Florida is complete without taking in some of the areas history. The best time of year to enjoy most of these is between October through May, as summers can be too hot and stormy for enjoying gardens, state parks and even beaches. Stumbling across a Manatee on the Crystal River is as sure as finding fish in the ocean they are everywhere. 2. For more tips on things to do in the area visit their. If you do plan to base yourself in Orlando whilst you do Disney and Universal, you can add on Legoland Florida as a day trip as you can see and do everything at the park in one day! Home >> Destinations >> North America >> USA >> Southeast USA >> Florida. Embark on a Boggy Creek Airboat adventure and explore the Central Florida Everglades, home to lots of alligators, turtles, birds, and other diverse Florida wildlife. If youre having trouble deciding where to start, check out this list with a few of our favorite restaurants that are sure to satisfy almost any craving! Read more here. There is an hourly cost that ranges from $30-$50, but that cost is for up to 6 players. Book a Tiki Boat Cruise. If youre ready to see these reptiles at close range, then a trip to one of these gator parks may be just what the croc, or should I say doc, ordered: {Read Reviews & Book Orlando Animal Encounters Online}, Image of the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center by Reinhard Link via Flickr. Dunnellon. Private Sail Boat Tour. And it was beyond awesome! Weve compiled a list of some of our favorite Orlando museums for your convenience: Pictured above is Lake Eola Park at night, one of the best parks to visit in downtown Orlando! Its entertaining and fast moving, but not too loud for any kids who dont like noise! (Amy Smith/Walt Disney Co.) By Dewayne Bevil | dbevil@orlandosentinel.com | Orlando Sentinel. If you want to know more, check out my trip report here to read all about our experience! Part of the I-360 complex along I-Drive, SEA LIFE Aquarium provides a glimpse into the future of aquariums. In 2017, hurricane Irma hit, and two of the original six domes sunk. If you buy one pass you can choose from dozens ofOrlando activitiesand save up to 50% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. First opened in 2015, this 400-foot observation wheel has quickly become an "iconic" part of the Orlando skyline and Orlando experience. Some of them gently touched our hands to get the grapes and they were playful yet polite. The Legoland theme park is geared towards children ages 2 to 12. All of these things to do are worth spending at least half a day at for less than $50 per person. If youre familiar with the old Cypress Gardens theme park, Floridas first theme park, thats the location of Legoland. And many technology marvels beyond it is time. Another place to get outdoors and see some wildlife is the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Sure, you can look at the pictures and get an idea. Not only do these attractions and events offer a great time. I'm Stephanie, and I'm on a mission to explore Florida and beyond in search of the best beaches, eats, sips and adventures the Sunshine State has to offer. ICON Park Nature Adventures 6. See a movie at the Enzian theatre and dine at the on site restaurant, 27. City tours allow you to explore the area, and rest assured knowing youre seeing the best of the best when it comes to Orlando. Go glamping at Westgate River Ranch. Check out one of the multiple shows scheduled daily. Things to Do in Central Florida, FL - Central Florida Attractions Things to Do in Central Florida Popular things to do Kid-Friendly Airboat Tours Parks Nature and Wildlife Tours Half-day Tours Theme Parks Day Trips Museum Tickets & Passes Day Cruises Self-guided Tours Bus Tours Dinner and Show Tickets Mountain Bike Tours Airport & Hotel Transfers Admission costs $27 for adults and includes a variety of exhibits including gorillas, meercats, bears, zebras and much more. Great meeting you at dirty pour!! Definitely a great area to roam and explore, especially on Saturdays during the Farmers Market. Things get wild in Dunnellon with the Rainbow and Withlacoochee Rivers running nearby, and along with them, a lengthy list of adventures. Play tennis, racquetball, get your run in, or just take walk at Northeast Regional Park. It runs for about 20-minutes which is a good time period in regards to keeping your younger kiddies attention. Disney Springs is locates in the site of Doentiwn Disney and Pleasure. This is one of the more relaxing places to go in Central Florida. Between the breweries and the beaches, I can never get enough of this gulf coast city. They have all the clubs you need and a variety of games that challenge distance or accuracy. But consider making it a longer trip, staying overnight in Legoland Beach Retreat and visiting the next two places in Central Florida listed below. Contrary to popular belief, Orlando and its surrounding areas have tons of fun things available that don't require you to have a drink in hand! Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment!! You never know what youll encounter on an adrenaline-pumping Orlando airboat tour. However, the Devils Den is a special and unusual one. 10783 Narcoossee Road, Orlando, FL 32832 You can also bring or rent a kayak and paddle through the St. Johns River all year as well. Orlando boat tours come in all shapes and sizes, meaning there is a tour to appease even the most critical commuters. By H1086XUruthb. Young travelers will especially appreciate the 100+ hands-on science exhibits at WonderWorks, while parents will love the educational elements. The 205-foot neo-Gothic and art deco Singing Tower carillon is impressive and a must see. His nephew faces a murder charge. Busch Gardens 4. Get carried away in a one-hour hot air balloon sunrise adventure with Bob's Balloons or Balloons & Beyond. You can use your own tube or rent one from several companies on the river. It is full of top notch exhibits all about fish, aquatic mammals and the oceans they live in. Considering this at least an hour drive from Orlando, I also recommend bringing a picnic lunch and enjoying a full day here. If you love the Strawberry Festival, I recommend a stop at the Parkesdale Market also. Best Things to Do in Central Florida Theme Parks Thrill rides and family attractions Exploring Pandora at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park Walt Disney World | Universal Orlando | Busch Gardens | SeaWorld | LEGOLAND You can take a tour through the winery which includes complimentary sampling of all the wines. Hop aboard a boat tour through the Winter Park waterways, and be amazed at the magnificent mansions and landscape. This activity is limited to a few participants per day so plan to book ahead. Enjoy the speed and thrills of skimming above the water's surface while getting an up-close look at plenty of native wildlife in Central Florida. Your email address will not be published. Gatorland 5. Of all the gardens on this list, the Sunken Gardens might be my favorite of the Central Florida Attractions. It will take a few hours to go through and then I recommend getting lunch at Sparkman Wharf nearby, before or after. The aquarium is broken up into nine different habitats to explore, each with different animals and fish. Sample craft beers at the Brew Hub off of I-4 and the nearby Two Henrys Brewing Co. 26. Netflix's co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters made $50 million and $28 million, respectively, in 2022, according to a company . Kennedy Space Center 13. This is a 2.4 mile stretch along the Hillsborough River with lots to see. This is a great spot for seeing manatees and gators, so nature lovers will be happy! While the town is full of enough treasures and attractions to spend a whole lifetime sorting through, the surrounding nature is truly outstanding and a sight to behold. You can either navigate to them yourself or take a tour to view them. If youre looking to take it one step further, however, you may want to check out one of the many area theaters for Broadway shows, ballet performances, symphony orchestras, and more! Insider tips and updates! While the town is full of enough treasures and attractions to spend a whole lifetime sorting through, the surrounding nature . Bok Tower Gardens 10. Afterward, grab a bite in Downtown Melbourne, located close by. I think its fair to say that most kids grew up with Lego in their lives. Walt Disney World 2. Follow Nicki at BritOnTheMove.com / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter. You can bring your own boat rent a boat, kayak, paddleboat or even take a tour to view these magnificent creatures. Zip line over alligators at Gatorland, 18. The Wonder House is in Bartow Florida and was the creation of Conrad Schuck. When it comes to finding the best Orlando, FL, family activities, other than Disney or Universal, that combine both learning and fun, a trip to one of the many area museums will definitely do the trick! Blue Spring State Park 8. ICON Park Take a ride on The Wheel at ICON Park for a fabulous view, then explore the oceans of the world at Sea Life Orlando Aquarium. This may well be Florida's most quirky roadside attraction: the possum monument. And its a nice way to sit down in the shade for a rest. Orlando has a ton of delicious eateries, offering everything from fresh seafood to massive, mouth watering steaks and burgers. After boating and driving school, we jumped on this suspended roller coaster and pretended to take flight.

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