We are driving through Orlando in a few weeks and need something fun to do for a 1/2 day. What are your favorite things to do in the area that are not Theme Park related?
Lake Eola is in downtown Orlando. You can go walk around the lake, have lunch etc. I also 2nd going to park avenue, but if you have kids they might get bored. The Orlando Science center is really cool. Dave & Busters is on I drive ,that's fun, especially if you have kids. Downtown Disney has a brand new bowling alley that is supposedly really cool (haven't been there but I've heard good things!)
Walk on Park Avenue in Winter Park(there is the Mennello Museum there that has original Tiffany glass and lamps, etc. Reasonable entrance fee, eat at Tiffany Deli too right near there), take scenic boat tour thru chain of lakes in Winter Park. Blue Springs(north of Orlando), Sanford Zoo(not a huge zoo, but decent. Has a splash pad there), Wonderworks on IDrive. Orlando Science Center, Leu Gardens, Lake Eola. Downtown Disney and eat at TRex restaurant and go to Lego store. Green Meadows petting farm which is close to Kissimmee(South Orlando). Lots to do depending on age of kids.
Are you looking to not deal with most of the summer tourists?
Everywhere around Orlando/Kissimmee will be packed with people. This is the busy time here in central Florida. International Drive and 192 have lots to do (mini golf, Ripley's believe it or not, Wonder Works, water parks, Old Town, etc.). There are also two large outlet shopping malls just off the highway in Orlando/Kissimmee.
Just an FYI: It will take you half the day to get through the traffic in that area of I-4. This time of year both sides are always packed with travelers.
If you are going toward Tampa you will find Fantasy of Flight and Dinosaur world just off of I-4 in the Lakeland area.
http://www.fantasyofflight.com/
http://www.dinosaurworld.com/dinosaur_world_plant_city_fl...
I second the Green Meadows Petting Farm. You can find coupons on their website. You do a tour for about 2 hours which includes petting a lot of animals, milking a cow, riding a train, doing a hayride, and a pony ride. If your kids are younger and love animals, it's a great place to go. It's also pretty shady which is great if you're visiting during the summer. It's a good change of pace from a hectic theme park.
I heard great things about this place, and the prices are pretty good. We are planning a trip this fall.
It is called Zoomair and it has ziplines for kids and adults. Here is a weblink:
I would suggest Downtown Disney. They have theme restaurants like Rainforest Cafe, a Lego store, live entertainment sometimes, free chocolate samples in Ghiradelli, and a big Stitch above the Disney Store that squirts out water. Walk all the way to the end and take the free water taxi back.
