Outdoor things to do

[GusGus77]

We will be going to Florida for two weeks end of October/beginning of November and staying at Bonnet Creek. We won’t be doing the parks, but will go to Disney Springs. Primarily we just want to get away, maybe drive to a beach. We also hope to see the space-X launch while we are there if it goes as planned. We are not interested in doing inside activities/dining as we are not comfortable with that, but looking for reasonably priced outdoor things to do (hiking, beaches, etc) within about an hour’s drive or less. I have seen a few things, but they were all way out of our price range (like $200 a person.) It will be myself, husband, and kids 10 and 12. What ideas/suggestions/advice do you have? Thanks!

 

[DaisyDuck001]

http://www.doracanaltour.com/https://bcairboats.com/

 

[Capt_BJ]

there's plenty in the Cocoa Beach area ..... zip lines, kayak tours (see manatee), air boat rides (see gators) Brevard Zoo, in addition to the beach (obvious) but not sure how many days you want to drive an hour each way .....

There are airboat tours between Orlando and Cocoa ...... and "Fun Spot" can offer a wee bit of 'ride' excitement. (p.s. if CAR people, 'Old Town' has car shows every Friday and Sat nite (or did before COVID . . .))

 

[Campari Spritz]

Wekiwa Springs State Park is gorgeous; check out more photos on Google maps.
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/wekiwa-springs-state-park
Anna Maria Island was my most favorite day trip when I was a CM back in the day. Words cant express the pure beauty of it.
https://annamariaislandchamber.org/

 

[MrKnight]

Here are a few options/recommendations:

Wekiva Springs State Park:
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/wekiwa-springs-state-park
Harry P. Leu Gardens
https://www.leugardens.org/
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens:
https://www.centralfloridazoo.org/
Canaveral National Seashore:
https://www.nps.gov/cana/index.htm
Hope this helps!

 

[BrinkofSunshine]

The natural springs may be open for swimming. Look at Rock Springs at Kelly Park, Blue Springs and Wekiwa Springs. There’s also canoe rentals at these places.

For walking there’s the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve, which is close to WDW.

 

[Lisa P.]

Sea kayaking in a preserve... not sure if the nighttime bioluminescent tour is in season then but it is absolutely amazing when it's available!
https://www.adayawaykayaktours.com/webapp/p/204/night-bioluminescene-tours
Bring a picnic to a state park, especially one like Blue Spring State Park where there's a nice boardwalk trail along a natural spring-fed river where manatees gather in colder weather. Rent canoes or kayaks.
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/blue-spring-state-park
Consider visiting the town of Celebration and walking a trail by the lake.
https://orlandoinsidervacations.com/celebration-florida/

 

[drazz75]

Check out the Lake Apopka Wilderness drive. It’s free and you’re sure to see gators!