What else can we do in Orlando besides WDW? (no theme parks)

[lpbm4]

We're going to WDW December 2nd. I'm hoping to spend our whole last day maybe siteseeing around the area. Dh's grandma lives in Lakeland...she's kind of an outcast in the family so we have never met, never met the kids. So we'd like to maybe do that. Our kids will be 5 1/2 and almost 4. I don't want any more theme parks. Is it worth a trip to Cape Canaveral? Never been there so I have no clue. We're doing Sea World while we're there, always wanted to go so that'll be done while we're there. Anyone else have suggestions?

Also any suggestions near Lakeland to meet dh's grandma?

BTW, we live in the northern 'burbs of Chicago where we have 2 large outlet malls within 15min of our house. So we don't really need to do the mall there.

TIA!!

 

[spiceycat]

give us some hints

there is fishing, golfing, boating, ballon rides, airplane rides, museums, shows, old towne - just what do you like?

do you like choclate
http://www.farrisandfosters.com/

there is also gatorland - boys definitely seem to like it.

cypress garden is about an hour away.

 

[MomPlanner22]

Downtown Orlando has a really nice Science Center but if you are in Chi-town, you already have access to one!

I agree with Gator land or an airboat ride. In December the Manatees will come in from the ocean seeking out the warmer water and you can see lots of alligators too. I know my children would enjoy that!

 

[lpbm4]

Ooh, the manatees or Gatorland sounds fun. Thanks!!!!

Yeah, we have museums and malls galore here!

 

[FLParadisevilla]

I have never done this but would love to do it.
http://www.floridamanateetours.com/index.html

http://www.manateetours.net/

 

[tink2dw]

Check ou this page! I can't find the really good site I had found but this we help.
http://www.nwf.org/everglades/tour.cfm
http://www.islandboatlines.com/IBL_WebSite/IBL_Index.html

 

[lpbm4]

Thank you so much for the replies!!!!

 

[madcoco]

A hidden gem if you really want to see the wild side of Disney and FL. No it's not AK. Or take a stroll through historic downtown Winter Garden, Ole Windermere or Winter Park. Enjoy your stay.

Disney Wilderness Preserve

 

[ggeorgiagirl]

I really liked Dixie Stampeed! I have done a few of the other dinner shows...I like that one the best! We take our 5th graders there as part of our field trip. I hope that y'all have a FABULOUS time!

 

[GotFids]

here's something that I was thinking of trying when we get there:

http://www.centralfloridaairboattours.com/locate.htm

Has anyone tried them? I think the kids would love this.

 

[lpbm4]

here's something that I was thinking of trying when we get there:

http://www.centralfloridaairboattours.com/locate.htm

Has anyone tried them? I think the kids would love this.

That is something I'm interested in too!

I just saw that there is a shuttle launch scheduled from Dec 7th through the 26th! So I'm hoping to maybe at least see the shuttle ready to launch! Thought that may be fun for the kids to see...and maybe go home and see the shuttle launch on TV.

 

[f7prez]

We are going to try orange picking for the first time on our trip in April.

I have found a nice place here http://www.showcaseofcitrus.com/

Like you we were looking for non theme park things to do since we will be in Florida for two weeks.

 

[5mins2disney]

Hey we're from Chicagoland too..Elmhurst here! We actually have a whole page on our website of fun things to do while in the Disney area...much of it is not theme park related!

From boating, to horseback riding, fishing, cycling, driving a Nascar car, seeing Gators or the Kennedy Space Center, to fishing, parasailing, rock climbing, spas, golf, mini-golf, shopping, tennis, volleyball, baseball, hmm....I think I need a vacation from a vacation like this!! LOL We even have a link to a certified child care provider if you and your significant other want to go out and tear it up at Pleasure Island for the evening!

Personally, I would suggest going to one of the Disney resort properties or Downtown Disney and renting one/several of the mini-speedboats for a couple of hours, we did this when I was a kid and it was the highlight of our trip! Total blast for the kids if you're into this kind of thing...and the adults too!! /GRIN

http://www.5mins2disney.com/thingstodo.htm