Suggestions for lowkey things to do outside of park

[Simba's Mom]

70's is the average with some 80s kow anf then. Warm enough for me!

That would be such a huge improvement from when I went last January. One day it got down to the 40s, with wind chills in the 30s. Didn't get into the 70s all week.
For things to do, there used to be cane pole fishing at Riverside. Is it still offered?

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I love antique malls and stores. When I have my own car or a rental, I go looking for one and explore.
This last trip, I went to Lakeland Antique Mall and ended up coming home with 2 lamps and a pillow from the Polynesian as well as some other antique items.

I also choose to go to one of the character warehouses sometimes for a break.

 

[bobbiwoz]

At least once every winter we head north to Blue Springs SP to see manatees and just enjoy the beautiful park.

https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/blue-spring-state-park

 

[nlharpel]

Do they still do the night vision goggle thing at AKL?

Yes! We did it this past July! Very cool

 

[bakerworld]

Sorry, 4p?

4p was the time the pool side activities start and I guess until we did our first limited park visit we were not there at 4p so we never knew they did pool side activities.

 

[vakamalua]

Take an Air Boat ride (there's a place near the airport) & see the real Florida

 

[leebee]

I second Blue Springs State Park. There is an elevated boardwalk through the woods overlooking the springs from which you can see manatee (if it's the right season) and all sorts of fish and birds. There were also picnic tables and maybe grills if you wanted to have a picnic or cookout, and I believe they also have boat tours of the springs and swings. We really enjoyed it and wished we'd known about this place for a non-park day when the kids were little.

There's also Showcase of Citrus on US Highway 27 in Clermont. It's about as schlocky and touristy as it sounds, but it was actually fun to ride in the monster truck out through the groves and marsh. Just north of SoC there is a pretty decent winery, which definitely was fun, too!

 

[Sam60]

Swim with (wild) manatees at Crystal River.

Ride on the Glass Bottomed Boats in Silver Springs State Park.

Visit the oldest European settlement (and old fort) at St Augustine.