10 Things To Do With Your Kids In Orlando BESIDES Theme Parks

There is so much more to living in Orlando than just Disney World and Universal Studios.  Orlando has so many fun things to do it could take you months just to explore everything.  I’m going to share with you 10 of my favorite things to do with my daughter as a local here in Central Florida.

1. Monkey Joes: This place is like your local birthday party on steroids! It’s a 15,000 square foot open room of nothing but gigantic bounce houses and a game area.  The kids go absolutely wild and it’s only $8 per kid to get in, adults are free.  They have several throughout Central Florida but the one in the Festival bay Mall is my favorite and you’re almost guaranteed they’ll take a pretty long nap afterwards.

2.  Fun Spot: It is exactly what it sounds like.  A Fun Spot.  They have two locations, one in Kissimmee and one off I-drive.  The one off I-drive has a huge go-cart track and indoor two story arcade, massage chairs for the adults, Ferris Wheel (that you can’t miss from just about anywhere on Kirkman and I-Drive),an outdoor kiddie ride section and so much more.  Admission is free and  It’s $14.95 for an unlimited all day bracelet for the kids or you can pay per ride. This is a definite must do for those looking for something other than theme parks.

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3. Festival Bay Mall: This is a really cool mall to take kids under 5.  They have a giant open area in front of the food court where my daughter likes to play and on weekends there is usually some type of children’s event going on.  In the back of the mall is a very phycadellic train ride that costs $2 to ride and next to that is an interactive dance floor that blows bubbles and does other neat stuff.  Monkey Joes is also located in this mall as well as a movie theater, Ron John Surf Shop and a Bass Pro shop.  Admission to the mall is free.

4. Leu Gardens: This place is really neat if you like nature.  It has a butterfly garden and some history behind it as well.  It’s a great place to go and relax, escape the busy lines and crowded parks.  Children under six or seven may get bored because it’s just a nature trails and gardens but the older kids could definitely appreciate it.  Children under 5 are free, K-12 are $2 and adults are $7

5. Dinosaur World: The coolest place for young children with a fascination with dinosaurs.  The park has a fossil dig, caves, skeleton garden, bone yard and museum.  There is over 150 life size dinosaurs and it’s also educational.  It’s not exactly around the corner but it’s within a reasonable driving distance from south Orlando, about 45 minutes.  Kids 3 and under are free, 3-12 are $9.75, adults $12.75 and seniors 60+ are $10.75

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6. Gatorland: If you’re not a native to Florida and you want to see some serious gator action this is the place visit. The park was recently renovated and has a pretty sweet splash park for the kids, live gator shows, a train tour of the facility, an aviary an much more.  It’s a lot of fun and you can probably see the whole park in less than 6 hours but if you wanted to could spend the whole day without getting bored.  It’s cheaper than a theme park but offers the same kind of fun minus the cool rides.  Kids 3 and under are free, 3-12 $14.99, adults $22.99 they also have stroller and wheelchair rentals.

7. The Central Florida Zoo: I hesitated whether to mention this or not because it’s not the fanciest of zoos however, they recently built a new splash park and it’s pretty nice.  As far as the zoo goes it has all of your usually zoo animals.  Monkeys, elephants, bears etc and the little ones are sure to like it but I recommend this to you because it not has the splash park, the price is inexpensive and it justifies the trip. The splash park at Gatorland is way better. . . just thought I’d add that. Kids 2 and under are free, 3-12 are $6.95, Adults are$10.95 and seniors are $8.95

8. Dr. Phillips Park: This a very local place to go.  You really won’t find many tourists here because they don’t know about it.  This park is so centrally located to all the action but yet so hidden in the midst of a residential area right off Apopka Vineland Rd. The park is totally futuristic and is not your typical slide and merry go round type park.  They also have a splash park for the kids that only $1 to get in and they will play for hours.  This is by far one of the best, free places to check out in Orlando.  Bring a lunch because they do not have a snack bar.  Definitely bring the kids here and let them run wild.

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9. Old Town: It’s like walking into a time warp.  It has a very 50′s feel to it but with lots of cool rides and things to look at.  Every Wednesday night theyhave an Elvis impersonator and every Friday and Saturday night they have vintage car shows and pretty much something going on every other night of the week also.  It’s a lot of fun and admission is free you just have to pay to get on rides.

10: Magical Midway: Recently opened back up again for business this amusement style park, similar to The Fun Spot, is located off I-drive right near the Chilis.  It has go-carts, extreme style rides, games and bumper boats.  It’s a cool little spot to check out if you’re walking the I-drive strip.  The kids will like it and it also appeals the the kid is us as well.  Armbands start at 22.95 or you can buy individual tickets for what you want to do.