Kids and tweens outside WDW - what to do?

[mickeyfan0805]

We have a 9 night trip in October and part of our plan was 2 days at the water parks. We are now expecting that water parks might not work for us this year. So, we have 2 days that we might need to fill in other ways (we don't need more park time). What other area attractions/activities would you recommend for us with our three kids (12, 11 and 8)?

 

[powellrj]

My kids always enjoyed the Ron Jon shop and coco beach, shopping at the outlet malls, putt putt golf, state parks, ride the monorail to different hotels.

 

[100AcreWood]

I agree with the poster above. You could also add in a day at Kennedy but that is an extra expense.

 

[bankr63]

You don't mention boys or girls, but one of my fondest Orlando memories was a result of Tomorrowland Speedway. My son at around 9yo thought that it was the best thing ever, and I thought it was super lame. So on a down day, I took him to Fun Spot America on Irlo Bronson for some REAL go-carting fun. One of the best afternoons we have ever spent together. They have some fun tracks, and since he weighed about 1/4 of my weight, he smoked me every time. It wasn't a very expensive adventure in Orlando terms.

There are also some really good mini-golf spots throughout Orlando that are a lot of fun.

 

[Woodview]

Do you have a car ? If yes then let us know because there are many many places to visit

 

[mickeyfan0805]

To the above questions...

We have two girls (11 and 12) and a boy (8). We will have a car.

We are WDW vets and have done Universal and Sea World. We are just looking for other ideas that would fit well for anywhere from 2-8 hours that we would have otherwise spent at the water park.

 

[leahlefler]

What about taking an air boat tour? There are a few that operate out of the Kissimee/Orlando area. We have thought about doing a different type of Florida trip in the future and were looking at air boat tours and a trip to Crystal River to swim with manatees. Crystal River is a bit of a drive from Orlando, but is a pretty cool experience.

 

[spiceycat]

there was a farm you could visit - not sure if it is still open or not.

 

[powellrj]

How could I have forgotten Gatorland!

 

[Klayfish]

Daytona Beach. It's barely more than an hour away, you can drive literally onto the beach ($10) and have a blast.

 

[Sprockie]

We really liked GAtorland. I have a great picture of my boy sitting on top of a live gator.

 

[bankr63]

there was a farm you could visit - not sure if it is still open or not.

You mean like Showcase of Citrus? http://showcaseofcitrus.com/

 

[disneysteve]

Zip-lining!

https://www.foreverflorida.com/

They also have horseback riding and some other stuff.