Recommend activities outside Disney for 9 year old boy

[jlnten17]

We will be at Disney over New Years. We go often so the kids have ridden all of the rides, stayed at most of the resorts and experienced most of the resort activities (horseback riding, boating, etc). We have also been to Universal and Legoland. I am looking for something new for my son in the area but not necessarily at Disney. He likes hiking and wildlife, ATV's, minigolf (specifically glow in the dark), lasertag, and anything having to do with gaming/arcades. We will have a car and are willing to drive a distance. Does anyone have any recommendations? TIA

 

[MICKIMINI]

Though you mention your 9 yo is big into gaming, I would suggest heading out to Lori Wilson State Park in Cocoa Beach. We often brought our young son (now 36) there to walk the beach and old Florida boardwalk. There are nice bathrooms and an outdoor shower to rinse off feet. Enjoy!

 

[kwdw]

Kennedy Space Center is a nice day trip and a nine year old should enjoy it. Do browse their website pretty well in advance and learn your choices and a typical schedule of events for the day. We did no planning and went with no prior knowledge and had a blast, but we did miss an activity we would have liked to have done because of our time management for the day.

If you have never been to an Atlantic Ocean Beach, you could likely make that on the same day…just think about when it will get dark when you go.

 

[Nicnicnic.nic]

Following

 

[Woodview]

On Hwy 50 heading towards Titisville Visit " Christmas "

and explore the replica Fort there

Then visit, about 4 miles on, a Airboat trip ( was / is called Midway airboat

tours )

As others have said a visit to Kennedy Space Center is a Must

 

[rdaky]

Dezerland Park has indoor go carts, laser tag, auto museum, trampolines, glow in the dark golf, a flight simulator, arcade, and a few other things. You really could spend a whole day there if you do multiple activities.

 

[BarlowFamily]

Have you tried footgolf over at the Oak Trail Disney course? DS9 loves this on every trip.

 

[hertamaniac]

Andretti Karting is located right by Epic Universe, is indoors, and has plenty to do besides racing. I live local and this really isn't well known/utilized.

https://andrettikarting.com/orlando/attractions

For wildlife, and since you have a vehicle, I would highly recommend Homosassa State Park. The have a great nature boat ride to the entrance of the park. Who doesn't like to see manatees above and below the water in a Florida natural spring? They also have a plethora of other wildlife to see with a really nice layout.

https://www.floridastateparks.org/p...chiller-homosassa-springs-wildlife-state-park

 

[SL6827]

I wanna visit Rock Spring State Park the next time we are in Orlando. Google that.

 

[jlnten17]

Have you tried footgolf over at the Oak Trail Disney course? DS9 loves this on every trip.

We did this last year and my daughter loved it. My son was tired at the end but it was a hot day. Highly recommend to others reading the thread.

 

[GoldenAfternoon]

Our family had a great time on our very first airboat ride during our last trip. We highly recommend
https://spiritoftheswamp.com/ in Kissimmee

 

[kathy884]

Have you been to SeaWorld? It's a wonderful park for all ages. I'm guessing your nine your old would love it and that you'd really enjoy it too. It's my son's second favorite park in Orlando right behind the Magic Kingdom. The shows, animal exhibits, and coasters are all world class.

And OMG, they will be doing their special Christmas Celebration till January 5th when you are there, and they own Christmas IMHO. I find their Christmas decorations better and more festive than Disney or Universal. And their special Christmas shows are incredible!

 

[migirl]

The world’s largest McDonald’s is near Disney. This is something my 11 year old wants to visit but unfortunately I haven’t been able to fit into any of our trips.

 

[kathy884]

Here's another idea for you too with your son's wildlife interest since you have a car and don't mind driving out of the immediate Orlando area: an eco paddleboard tour (seeing some of the natural side of Florida). Here's a link to the website for the company, "A Paddle in Paradise". They do a great job with family groups on their tours. https://www.apaddleinparadise.com/

 

[GetGlowing]

Airboat ride. There are a few companies that offer them in the Orlando area.
Or drive over to Christmas and check out Jungle Adventures animal Park. It's very old school Florida. The website pictures might oversell it a bit, but we had fun.

 

[DisneYE]

We will be at Disney over New Years. We go often so the kids have ridden all of the rides, stayed at most of the resorts and experienced most of the resort activities (horseback riding, boating, etc). We have also been to Universal and Legoland. I am looking for something new for my son in the area but not necessarily at Disney. He likes hiking and wildlife, ATV's, minigolf (specifically glow in the dark), lasertag, and anything having to do with gaming/arcades. We will have a car and are willing to drive a distance. Does anyone have any recommendations? TIA

Your son likes wildlife? OMG, Gatorland! the best place to visit outside of the theme parks in Orlando. Tons of wildlife, one on one experiences with gators, capybaras (I love them so much), a zipline and a nice nature trail to walk at... its relatively cheap compared to the main parks.. if you go, don't miss the bird enclosure where you can buy food and the birds will perch on your hands and arms to eat.. I have a newfound love for Gatorland and I can't recommend it enough.

 

[Liastaob]

Your son likes wildlife? OMG, Gatorland! the best place to visit outside of the theme parks in Orlando. Tons of wildlife, one on one experiences with gators, capybaras (I love them so much), a zipline and a nice nature trail to walk at... its relatively cheap compared to the main parks.. if you go, don't miss the bird enclosure where you can buy food and the birds will perch on your hands and arms to eat.. I have a newfound love for Gatorland and I can't recommend it enough.

I grew up going to Gatorland when we visited my grandparents in St. Cloud, I highly recommend it. It makes me happy that they're still around after all these years.