Orlando is a mecca for family travelers looking for thrills, chills and spills in the major theme parks in the area. The many Disney, Universal and SeaWorld attractions there can easily fill more than a week or two’s vacation time, and some people never tire of them through repeated trips. They are “the” major draws to the area, but they’re not the only games in town. Don’t overlook Orlando’s other options for entertainment and recreation. Some are old-school, most have less line-ups, a few are educational, a couple are nature-loving, others are budget-friendly and several are even (gasp!) free. Take a break from lining Mickey’s pockets and consider a few of these other Orlando activities when in the area.
1. Orlando Science Center
After rubbing shoulders with princesses and indulging in wild rides, a planned outing to the Science Center may illicit groans of despair from the youngsters. However, force them through it and they’ll quickly change their whiney tune. There are hundreds of hands-on interactive activities, curiosity-testing displays and in-depth demonstrations to engage all ages form Pre-K through 12th grade (even grown-ups). Exhibits, labs, an observatory, a giant domed theater, planetarium shows and live performances make for fun immersive experiences about nature, dinosaurs, astronomy, forces and more. You don’t have to tell them it’s educational.
