Non theme park activities

[conniehar90]

We have been to WDW many, many times - we go at least annually and always stay offsite.

Looking for something new to do that is not a theme park. We typically take a couple days away from the theme parks and really enjoy those days.

One day is usually a beach day (Cocoa) but last March it was so cold that it was really not enjoyable and felt like a waste of time. We are planning to go to the beach one day this trip but I am trying to get some ideas of other things to do that day in case it is cold again.

Even though these are theme parks, I will mention that we have been to Universal and Sea World already.

We already have planned an air boat tour so we are really looking forward to that.

We don't mind driving an hour or more if there is something cool to do.

Any other suggestions?

 

[jaykorf001]

Assuming the manatees are still there, we are planning to go to Blue Spring state park. We are also going to go to Gatorland. Our son loves animals.

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[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Good choice on the airboat tour, OP . That's always my first recommendation.

I will also second jaykorf001....Gatorland is a great half-day attraction, and very reasonably priced too.

A few other suggestions that come to mind....

Showcase of Citrus (monster truck ride through the orange grove)
http://www.showcaseofcitrus.com/
Then have a pure orange slushie when you're done. So good.

The Outta Control Dinner Show is awesome.
http://www.wonderworksonline.com/orlando/experience/outta-control-magic-comedy-dinner-show/

Are you history buffs? We really enjoyed the Titanic Experience.
http://www.titanictheexperience.com/orlando/

Discovery Cove is incredible (but I'm not sure what your budget it is). We also love the waterparks (Aquatica and Typhoon Lagoon being our favourites) and mini golf (top marks go to Congo River as you can also feed the gators and koi fish, making it more than just a mini golf outing....plus, the courses are fun and very well themed).

The Florida Aquarium is also on our future to-do list, and within a fairly easy drive from Orlando. As is tubing down the natural springs at Kelly Park.

 

[Ametista]

You could do a manatee snorkel at Crystal River
http://www.groupon.com/deals/manatee-tour-and-dive-22

You could go to St Pete Beach and take a ferry to Shell Key. FYI the gulf water is a lot warmer than Atlantic beaches, esp in the spring. We have been swimming at Gulf coast beaches even in February and its plenty warm enough for Colorado people and Canadians. Anyway, St Pete Beach is also one of the best beaches.

Here is the ferry link
http://shellkeyshuttle.com/

 

[BrinkofSunshine]

Go tubing at Rock Springs at Kelly Park in Apopka. Just remember to pick up tubes from one of the places on the side of the road before you get there the water is crystal clear (and cold) and it's so beautiful.

 

[conniehar90]

Thanks for the great suggestions!!

 

[Caseheidi]

One of our favorites is the Kennedy Space Center, and be sure to take the bus tour. There are a few, but I think they all go out to the Saturn V center. It is very impressive, and a great break away from the parks.

We also enjoy the mini golf courses on property, but have heard some great things about some of the others around the area.

 

[SEA333]

We went to FL as a destination rather than just DW a couple years ago with our kids ages (at the time) 6th grade, 2nd grade, and Kindergarten. Here is what we did:

Day1: Arrival and pool time at the Hilton Orlando Convention Center just off of I-Drive. Absolutely hands down the BEST resort and pool area we have ever stayed at.
Day 2: Gatorland Zip Lining and park. OMG..this was SOOO fun!
Day 3: DTD and Disney Quest - my kids were young or on the young side of tween...they had a blast. Not so sure my now 14 year old would be as impressed as he was when he was 11. I think he would still have tons of fun there though!
Day 4: Cocoa Beach - slight chill in the wind, but hey....it was March and snowing in Chicago and we were on the beach sunbathing and swimming and collecting seashells in FL, so who were we to complain!! LOL
Day 5: Hotel Day at the fantastic pool
Day 6: Magic Kingdom
Day 7: day trip to Lakeland FL to watch the Detroit Tigers vs Washington Nationals preseason baseball game. SUPER fun! Even if you are not a fan of the Tigers or their opponent, it is such a small, intimate baseball stadium that it was really fun to practically sit at field level to watch a pro baseball game. The players really interacted with the fans and signed tons of autographs...it was awesome! And, as a bonus, if you *happen* to be a Tigers fan, there are tons of people there from the Detroit area, and we ended up sitting with a family who had kids my kids' ages and lived in the general area we lived when we were still in Michigan. (we have since moved to IL). SOOO fun!!
Day 8: I-FLY Indoor Skydiving. This was the catalyst for the entire trip - DS saw this on a TV show and was dying to try it. I didn't care for it, but both DS's loved it and do did DH. DD and I did not like all of the air rushing into our faces (made me feel like I was suffocating!), but DH told me after the fact that he found that if he breathed thought his mouth and kept his teeth closed, he could control the airflow and he was fine. Too bad he gave us that little tip AFTER the fact!! There is an IFLY being built here in Chicago and DS and DH cannot wait for it to open so they can do it again!
Day 9: Departure Day