other things

[sbpebbles]

I was wondering what other things there are to do in or near Orlando for a family on a budget..I know there's Sea World, Busch Gardens, Universal, and of course we're going to Disney..but what other places can i take my kids (ages 7 and 14 months) to that won't cost a ton? my mother and i will be coming down to visit my sister and got airline tickets for dirt cheap ($35 per way) so we just want to keep the kids entertained..we'll be down there for a lil over a week..any help is appreciated! thanks!

 

[aras4007]

Friends of mine went to Gatorland. They said it was pretty cool. I'm not sure what the prices are but I know you can find coupons in the coupon books they offer at hotels. Also, the beach isn't too far away. I'm sure theres local aquariums and stuff like that too!

 

[sbpebbles]

do they only have coupon books at the resorts? or can i have one mailed to me ahead of time?

 

[JANNYANS]

Try

http://www.greenmeadowsfarm.com/

quite often you can find coupons for a free child admission with a paying adult .

 

[starrysky]

http://www.silversprings.com/index.html

We were there a few years ago, it was very nice and relaxing with lots to do and a total escape from the crazy theme parks.

 

[aras4007]

do they only have coupon books at the resorts? or can i have one mailed to me ahead of time?

I'm not sure. We saw the coupons from our hotel but I'm sure you can check it out online.

 

[dougsmom98]

I am not sure if this is too far away, but I always thought it would be cool to go here and swim in a natural spring.
http://www.floridastateparks.org/bluespring/default.cfm

 

[DVCconvert]

Also -- google the "orlando magic card". Lots of coupons there.

HTH

ps/ KSC is a great attraction as is gatorland

 

[Detailor]

I was wondering what other things there are to do in or near Orlando for a family on a budget..I know there's Sea World, Busch Gardens, Universal, and of course we're going to Disney..but what other places can i take my kids (ages 7 and 14 months) to that won't cost a ton?

Visit the "little" Disney attractions...
- BoardWalk entertainment area behind the BoardWalk resort
- ride the boat from BoardWalk to Hollywood Studios to Epcot and back - that's free and fun if you're going when you can sit outside at the back of the boat
- a couple of arcades in that resort area (inside one of the resorts and off the pass-through from the general public area of BoardWalk going to the pool area
- there are surrey bikes available for rent at BoardWalk, too
- visit Downtown Disney - lot's to see and the kids might enjoy the Lego play area, pin store is impressive - your seven year old might like a starter pack for trading
- mini-golf, though a little pricey for mini-golf, the Disney courses are well themed and fun - your seven year old might like that (Fantasia course is close to BoardWalk
- Disney water parks are fun, too, and well themed (discount tickets are usually available through www.ticketmania.com if you don't have the feature already added to your Magic My Way tickets)

Outside of Disney:
There are attractions on International Drive: Ripley's, Wonderworks, at least a couple of mini golf courses, probably more that I'm just not thinking of.
Lots of shopping opportunities everywhere you turn: outlet malls, the more traditional (and huge) Florida Mall, and plenty of traditional types shops.
We've always enjoyed the scenic boat tour that goes through several lakes out of Winter Park (just north of Orlando) - might be a little too peaceful and tame for the seven year old.
In Downtown Orlando, the Lake Eola park area is pleasant. There are paddle boat rentals, feed the birds there, I think there's a concert schedule for Lake Eola, and I think that there's a city playground on the property.

I'm probably not thinking of a lot more things to do and see but I'm sure others will come along and add to the ideas that other posters have already suggested.

Dick Taylor

 

[Gr8t Fan]

We love to visit the Orlando Science Center and always spend at least one day there. We have a museum membership here at home that offers free admission there which is an added bonus.

 

[sbpebbles]

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for all the help you have been..I think i have several great ideas for things we can do..I especially like the idea of going to a local park and feeding the birds since that's something my daughter enjoys doing here...

 

[Detailor]

I especially like the idea of going to a local park and feeding the birds since that's something my daughter enjoys doing here...

Please advise her to be careful of the swans, though. They can be a bit aggressive.

Dick Taylor