Different things to do

[erimus86]

Hi,

we will be going to orlando next year for 3 weeks, spending the last two weeks doing the usual tourist attractions such as disney, universal, seaworld, Busch gardens and NASA.

However we need suggestions for what to do the first week. We have already decided on Gatorland, Legoland, Brevard Zoo and a state park as these are things we haven't done before.

We have 2 young children who by then will be 2 and a half and 16 months so wherever we go will need to be suitable for them. We don't mind driving to somewhere, so it doesn't have to be right in orlando, but would not want to drive more than around 1 and a half hours to get there. Also, we aren't really into beaches, although I'm sure orlando has lovely beaches, but it's just not our thing.

Any suggestions for different or unusual things to do in orlando or within driving distance would be appreciated.

[steph_goodrum]

Green Meadows petting farm would be ideal for children of that age. If you sign up for Orlando Groupon you often find they have vouchers but often give you ideas for other places.
Kissimmee lakefront park is another good one for toddlers as well as the fountains at Celebration when it is hot.

[Lizb]

Legoland is another alternative to consider.

[chris c]

I know that you have already listed Brevard Zoo as somewhere you plan to visit, but I can highly recommend Lowry Park Zoo at Tampa. We have been several times and always enjoyed it. If you are going in the warmer months then they have some water fountains that the children can use to cool down!
There is also Lake Eva Park in Haines city if you are planning to go between Easter and Thanksgiving. There is a large pool and water play area as well as swings etc. Entry to the park itself is free and last time we went the pool/flume entry was $3 each.

[steph_goodrum]

I'm curious as to why the last 2 weeks are the parks etc. We always try and do the more relaxing things towards the end of the holiday otherwise we come back shattered, you could split the difference and have a couple of days at the beginning and end, althouh youu will probably find to get the best out of the parks for children of that age you may may prefer to have a couple of days out then a "rest" day or bit more low key as it is very tiring, even though they will be in buggies I assume.
Don't forget to make use of the parent swap on rides, so if either both parents want to ride or both children but only one parent then there is generally a separate queue (you may need to ask cast members) to avoid the need for queuing twice for the same ride.

[msmiff]

Silver Springs has a glass-bottomed boat trip up the Silver river....
2 & 1/2 year old should be enthralled, doubt the 16 month old would rate it !!!!!
Nice relaxing day out....

[Big_Momma]

Silver Springs has a glass-bottomed boat trip up the Silver river....
2 & 1/2 year old should be enthralled, doubt the 16 month old would rate it !!!!!
Nice relaxing day out....

I can second that- very relaxing, but good animal/wildlife stuff!! Very olde worlde!

[Jill]

We would also second a vote for Lowry Zoo. It is not too large and very child friendly.

[vickk]

Homosassa park is about 1.5 hours away(just north of newport richey). well worth a look. One of the attractions is a sunken observatory in the lake that lets you have a good look at the Manatees.

[Jill]

Not sure what time of year you are going but during the winter months the manatees congregate at Blue Springs State park and is wonderful to see them all in the waters. The Rangers also give interesting talks about the creatures throughout the day. At certain times of the week the Thursby house is open for viewing so you can get an idea of what life was like.

Another park we like is De Leon Springs State Park. We take the boat trip first and have always found the commentary very informative and seen some wonderful wildlife and then follow it up with a trip to the Sugar Mill Restaurant where you can cook your own pancakes on a griddle at the table. This park does get very busy as does the restaurant.

[Val]

If you fancy a boat trip I would highly recommend Blue Heron River tours a trip on the St.Johns river from Hontoon Landing and Marina at Deland a great way to see a different side of Florida with plenty of birds, gators and manatee to see on the way.
Have a look at their website www.blueheronrivertours.com

Val