courtesy of Lee Bennett
If you are looking for family friendly activities in Orlando aside from Disney, there's much more available than you might think. Skip out on those long lines at Disney and enjoy the fun destinations outlined below. They won't chew up the majority of your day like Disney does and most are much more affordable.
Harry P. Leu Gardens
Take the family out to Harry P. Leu Gardens for an Orlando attraction that most tourists overlook. You'll have plenty of space, fresh air, and beautiful greenery to check out. These botanical gardens house over 1,000 rose bushes. They are in season between April and January. You'll also find the largest group of camellias in North America at the gardens. They are in bloom mainly from November to March. The kids will love the butterfly garden and citrus grove. So bring your camera and spend the afternoon at the lovely Harry P. Leu Gardens.
Lake Eola Park
Lake Eola Park features a fountain show each night, beautiful swans and much more. The family can enjoy paddle boating or rent a swan boat for the afternoon. The swan boats are really modified paddle boats that carry occupants to an enormous fountain in the center of the lake. The view from this vantage point is absolutely unbelievable. It's quite soothing to cool off beneath the fountain on a hot Florida day. Once you've taken to the water, head on over to the park's cafe where you can enjoy lunch.
Rebounderz
Rebounderz has more than 15,000 square feet of trampoline surfaces for your family to go wild and crazy on. The facility also features a foam pit, dodge ball games and trampoline basketball. Trampoline Basketball lets you and your youngsters slam home some basketballs on regulation height basketball rims like you've always wanted to do.
Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum
This museum is open year round until midnight. The exterior of the building is sure to capture your kids' attention right away. It looks as if it is sinking right into Orlando's hot asphalt. Everything about this facility is unique and awe inspiring. It really is the perfect place to bring your children outside of the mouse's house. You'll find all sorts of strange exhibits and photographs. It'll take you at least a few hours to tour the entire museum. You'll leave wondering if you can really believe all that you've just seen.
Dinner Theater
Dinner theater is incredibly popular in Orlando for good reason. The entire family can enjoy live entertainment during a tasty dinner. The kids will be especially interested in the costumed actors. There's all sorts of shows that include princesses, medieval knights and live stallions. You'll see some dramatic scenes acted out right in front of your eyes in between forkfuls of steak and swigs of your favorite beverage. Look for discount coupons for dinner theater at car rental vendors and local hotels.
Orlando Magic NBA Basketball
While the Magic aren't exactly an elite NBA team, their games are still enjoyable for people of all ages. Magic games, are full of entertainment, fun, action and noise. They play in the 20,000 seat Amway Center in downtown Orlando. The team's best players include Nikola Vucevic, Victor Oladipo and Elfrid Payton.
Gatorland
Gatorland is a very affordable alligator breeding grounds. Watching alligators, crocodiles, iguanas, birds and turtles will surely thrill your kids. They'll learn all about the history of these animals and what it takes to properly care for them. Gatorland also has a small water park where families can cool off after observing the animals.
courtesy of Robert Linsdell
