Florida, Beyond the Theme Parks
Florida is known far and wide as a family vacation hotspot. From Disney World in Orlando, to Six Flags in Tampa, there is no shortage of far reaching tourist activities in the sunshine state. If you’re looking to go beyond the statement theme parks, Florida has plenty more to offer. For a one of a kind family vacation, visit these spots instead.
Meet a real life Ariel
One of Disney’s most famous creations, Ariel the Little Mermaid, has long entranced kids of all ages. The Weeki Wachee Springs State Park takes this fascination to another level, offering a live, underwater performance of the movie, complete with swimming mermaids. It calls itself, “the only city of live mermaids”, and seeing them in action creates a magical experience that is well worth a flight to Florida.
Walk amongst the alligators
Florida is the “alligator capital of the world”, and there is no better place to see them than Gatorland. A 110 acre park only a few hours from Orlando, this attraction is filled with gators, crocodiles, giant turtles, and many other animals. You can pet some of the less dangerous animals, or even tour the Everglades on an airboat.
Swim with the manatees
A short 90 minute drive from both Tampa and Orlando, Crystal River in Citrus County is one of Florida’s best kept secrets. There are no theme parks or large attractions, instead the county relies on its natural beauty to attract visitors. Due to the temperate water, manatees flock to the coast, so much so that you can swim or snorkel with these sea cows.
Learn about the stars
The Kennedy Space Center may not exactly be an “unknown” attraction for visitors to Florida, but it really is an awesome place to visit. You’ll see parts of Atlantis, a shuttle that flew over 30 missions in space, and learn about the history of space exploration along the way. There are also two IMAX screens, playing footage of astronauts in space and far reaching star formations. It’s an attraction that’s sure to delight people of all ages.
From live mermaid shows to swimming with manatees, there is so much more to Florida than roller-coaster clad theme parks. All you have to do is decide what adventure you want to take.
I would love to swim with the Manatees. We didn’t get a chance to see them the last time we were in Florida, but… I think we will be going again in January and staying for 3 months.
I’d love to swim with the manatees. What a cool experience that would be. We’ve visited family in Florida before and somehow have always managed to avoid theme parks!
I’ve been to Florida once and yes, we only went to the theme parks. I can’t remember much of it though as I was only six years old. I would love to go again, but this time I would definitely be putting ‘Swim with Manatees’ at the top of my list. How cool is that!! 🙂
This is great, we spent last month in Florida and didn’t do the theme parks, I cant believe how much that state has to offer!
We love Florida! We visit every chance we get. Next time we come I’m adding these places to my lost of things to do.
The next time I’m in FL, I’m definitely going to visit an alligator park. I haven’t been since I was a kid!
I love living in Florida. There is so much too and so many places to see.
Weeki Watchee is AMAZING! I remember going to the water park next door and having the best time!