Fun Things to do outside of the Theme Parks

[Mom2SamandJames]

We have already been on our main vacation, but we have the opportunity to stay in a condo in Orlando for up to 2 weeks. My husband will only be able to join us for a few of the days, but he wants the kiddos and I to go have a nice relaxing time. Our condo resort area has lots of activities daily so I know my boys will enjoy that. I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to some fun things to do that are not as expensive as the theme parks. My boys are 8 and 11.

I have Legoland tickets so that will be a fun thing for the boys. They want to do Gatorland also. We would like to see some of the unique or "roadside" things around Orlando. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[texaslady22]

We're doing the same thing! Not doing to Disney or Universal, but we have Legoland Season Passes (Merlin Adventure passes).

Here's what we're doing:
- Legoland (2 days)
- The beach (1 day)
- Orlando Eye, Sea Life, and Wax Museum

(Everything above is FREE! Yay!)

-Crayola Experience
-Airboat ride???
-Gatorland

 

[mel&me]

There is old town, not far from disney.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

A day at Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach

The Orlando Eye, Sea Life Aquarium, Madame Tussauds Wax Musuem (combo tix that include admission to all 3 attractions are just $39 pp)

Fun Spot (two locations, Orlando & Kissimmee....your all-day wristband gets you into both parks all day long) - I believe passes are being offered right now on Groupon at a pretty decent savings

Wild Florida (air boat tour and exotic animal park)

Rent jet skiis through Makaio Watersports and spend a couple of hours on one of the beautiful lakes

Gatorland

Showcase of Citrus (ride in a Monster Truck through a real working orange grove, and enjoy a fresh all-natural orange slushie from the country store afterward) - discounted passes are often offered on Groupon or Livingsocial

Discovery Cove (full priced admission also gets you complimentary 14-day access to both SeaWorld and Aquatica)

Mini golf....we love Congo River, Hollywood Drive-In Golf at Universal (they have a fabulous Meal & Mini Golf offer: Margaritaville for dinner then golfing afterward), and Pirates Cove.

All of the above we have done with our teenaged/young adult son, and they have been big hits.


Other ideas that are still on our to-do list....

One of the many escape rooms in the area

Zombie Outbreak on I-Drive

 

[Mom2SamandJames]

Those are great suggestions. I was thinking about a trip to Daytona Beach since my boys are history buffs like my hubby and myself. I would love for them to see the tallest Florida lighthouse at Ponce Inlet. They have been to St. Augustine's and Hilton Head's already and plan to hit Tybee Island's over Thanksgiving.

We have done Showcase of Citrus in the past, but we had a blast so we may do it again. I am sure we will miniature golf a couple times too. My boys love that.