When someone mentions Orlando, it’s likely the first things that pop into mind are castles and wizards, a mouse and sea life. After all, Orlando is the Theme Park Capital of the World. The theme parks are certainly huge draws for visitors to Orlando, so we thought it’d be fun to take a look at five other family-friendly attractions in and around the area for your family to enjoy the next time you’re in The City Beautiful.
Photo: Gekaskr | Dreamstime
Rock Springs Clear Kayak
Kayaking is fun for the whole family, made even more so with clear kayaks. Head out to Rock Springs Run State Reserve in nearby Sorrento and rent a clear kayak from Get Up & Go Kayaking to paddle the crystal-clear spring waters for a completely new paddling experience. For an adventure further afield, drive about 45 minutes east of Orlando to Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge just outside of Titusville for a bioluminescent tour in the clear kayaks and watch the water light up all around — and underneath — you.
Forever Florida – Ziplines & Adventures in the Wild
Fly through the air or stay on the ground and ride horseback through the Florida wilderness on a choose-your-own adventure with Forever Florida in nearby St. Cloud. For an even more adventurous fully-guided adventure, take on the Rattlesnake Zipline Roller Coaster, which launches riders through the treetops along a rigid zip-rail system, or slow down for a more relaxing experience on the Cypress Canopy Cycle, a reclined bicycle in the treetops, safely suspended from steel cables.
Indoor skydiving. Photo: Gunold | Dreamstime
iFly Indoor Skydiving
Another way to take flight — without taking off in an airplane — is at the new iFly Indoor Skydiving facility on International Drive, opened earlier this year. Gear up and “fly” in one of two all-glass wind tunnels, and your family can watch you soar from the outside.
Orlando Science Center
In downtown Orlando, the Orlando Science Center is fun for the entire family. Spend a day exploring, experimenting and discovering through hundreds of hands-on exhibits spread across four stories. A sky-watching observatory lights up the night sky and 3D theaters add to a day of fun.
Crayola Experience
Add some color to your family’s lives at the Crayola Experience at The Florida Mall, and learn at the same time. Color, chemistry and digital technology blend together in 25 hands-on activities, from naming crayons to bringing drawings to life. Your family likely never knew how much goes into creating the crayons with which you doodle.
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