Families have long enjoyed Orlando for its theme parks: Between Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld and nearby Busch Gardens (located in Tampa), the city is known for family-friendly entertainment. While the amusement parks can be just as fun for parents and grandparents, sometimes you might want to get away from Mickey and Friends (as well as the hordes of children) while in central Florida. Take advantage of in-room babysitting if you have young children who might not appreciate the following suggestions, and give some of these ideas a try, either on our own or with older kids or teens:
Orlando Museum of Art
Are you a lover of fine pieces of art? Consider spending a day at the Orlando Museum of Art, where you can view all types of art originating in various countries from the Americas to Africa, ancient Aztec artifacts to contemporary American graphics. The exhibits change periodically; right now, there is a special focus on Florida, and also on American landscapes and portraits. The OMA is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4:00. The museum is closed on Mondays and on major holidays. Admission is a very reasonable $8 for adults and $5 for kids.
Kennedy Space Center
The Kennedy Space Center is located a short drive from Orlando, and is not to be missed if anyone in your party has any interest in space, astronauts or rocketships. If you time your trip right (and the weather cooperates), you might even be able to watch a rocket launch! While at the Center, you can meet a veteran NASA astronaut and view a film on the 5-story IMAX screen. Admission, which includes an IMAX film, a tour, admission into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and all exhibits and shows, is $45 for adults and $35 for children, and the complex is open daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove is a magical place where you can explore animals that you might have only dreamed of meeting up close and personal. Swim with dolphins, spend time hand-feeding birds and go snorkeling among rays and tropical fish. In between, you can relax on the beach and float or swim along a lazy river. Your admission to Discovery Cove also includes admission to SeaWorld for 14 days. Prices vary, depending on whether you want to include the experience of swimming with a dolphin, and some age restrictions apply to certain experiences (kids must be at least 6 to swim with the dolphins, and at least 10 to participate in a SeaVenture).
Downtown Disney’s Pleasure Island
When the sun goes down, grownups can kick up their heels at the clubs on Pleasure Island. From the Rock ‘N Roll Beach Club to the Comedy Warehouse to Pleasure Island Jazz Company, one admission price of $20.95 gets you into all of the clubs on the Island. Every night is New Year’s Eve on Pleasure Island, and this all-night party is not to be missed.
Shopping
Orlando offers various outlet malls where you can by lots of name brands at impressive savings. Stores include Aeropostale, Ann Taylor, Burberry, Coach, Juicy Couture, Kenneth Cole, Nautica, Tommy Hilfiger, Victoria Secret and more.
Dining
Orlando has wonderful dining options in every price range. Foodies can also try out popular restaurants owned by Celebrity chefs including Emril Lagasse, Cat Cora, Wolfgang Puck, Todd English, Roy Yamaguchi and Melissa Kelly.
Whether you go to Orlando with or without kids, you are sure to be able to find something to strike your fancy when you’ve had your fill of theme parks.
