Off Site Attractions for Kids?

[It'sMe]

My family consists of me, dh, ds (8), ds (6), ds (3), dd (1). We are renting a vacation home and will be spending 5 days in Orlando. We are on a budget and basically will only be doing 1 Disney Park during our stay. That's over $200 for one visit to one park. Alot of $$ for us. But I do know that you don't have to spend alot of money to have a good time, especially with kids! What are some other off-site attractions that are suitable for children in our age range? I looked into Gatorland and we will probably go there. Any other suggestions? Thanks.

 

[It'sMe]

bump!

 

[BarryHom]

Do the Orlando Science Center. Tickets are around $15, but you can get a membership cheaper than if you bought tickets for each person in your party.

Check it out at: www.osc.org.

 

[IowaGirl]

I have 4 people in my family and we went to Gatorland the first full day we were in Orlando. We wanted a 1/2 day activity to rest after flying the day before. My 10 year old and 5 year old loved Gatorland. Have your kids wear their bathing suits because they have a water play area.(Be warned-it is what they like best about Gatorland--you can get this experience at your hotel for no extra admission fee)
Financially, it was no bargain. I used my 20% Orlando magic card discount and for the four of us, it was still around 70 dollars to get in with tax and the extra $1 per person you pay for their train ride.
They have photo ops with gators, but you can't sit with a gator unless you are paying them for a picture. They had a gator wrestling show, you looked at Gators in a pond and that was it. I was going out of my gord after one hour of this place in the intense heat.
So, 70 dollars for a few hours is no bargain compared to a full day at WDW. I know you said your budget is limited, but if your experience is like mine, you may feel bad for blowing your money at this place. I wish we would have went to the beach again instead.
If it was 20-25 dollars for us, like it is at our local zoo, I might have felt I got my money's worth.
DON'T PAY THE EXTRA FOR THE TRAIN RIDE!! My 85 year old grandma could walk faster than this train. Take my word for it----even if the train ride was free, or even if they paid me to ride it I wouldn't get back on it again.

 

[Jane E.]

When my sons were smaller they loved running around. We used to spend a couple of hours at Downtown Disney. They were several stores that they enjoyed visiting including the Disney Store, LegoLand (I heard its closed. I hope its reopens before you get there), the candle making store etc. In the past, I've noticed a kids play fountain there. They also were amazed by Rainforest Cafe which had live parrots outside. Also, my kids loved going to parks when they were small. Whenever we were on vacation we tried to find a nearby park or playground for them to play at. I also carried a stash of Disney lollipops & granola bars as well as juice paks in case they got the munchies. Have fun on your trip!

 

[It'sMe]

Thanks for the all the suggestions. Thank you for the heads up on Gatorland! I really appreciate the help I get on these boards.

 

[jsarge kook]

Hi! This is a corny suggestion, and it does not concern an "official offsite attraction", but it is free and I think your children might enjoy it. If you get a chance, visit the Peabody Orlando Hotel (407-352-4000) around 11:00 AM. The Peabody ducks (live ones) waddle down to the lobby fountain to swim the day away. My son and I watched this performance a few years ago and we thought it was hilarious. Whatever you decide to do, I hope you enjoy your stay!
P.S. The times for this event may have changed. You might want to call the hotel if you are interested.

 

[deena]

The Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum has lots of interesting things to see. Also next door is Guiness Book Of World Records Museum and nearby there's Wonderworks. Hope this helps some!