Beyond Disney… Family Fun in Central Florida
Agrotourism
Visitors can pick seasonal citrus fruits right off the trees at these scenic groves featuring an old-timey country store. They also have monster truck tours and an outdoor play area and petting zoo. Don't forget to try the orange creamsicle float!
76 locals recommend
Showcase of Citrus
15051 US-27Visitors can pick seasonal citrus fruits right off the trees at these scenic groves featuring an old-timey country store. They also have monster truck tours and an outdoor play area and petting zoo. Don't forget to try the orange creamsicle float!
This family-owned, "u-pick" strawberry farm operates seasonally from December until April and has the BEST bright red strawberries you've ever tasted. Check their Facebook page before leaving…sometimes they are picked out for the day: https://www.facebook.com/pappysstrawberries/
Pappy’s Strawberry Patch
501 Florida AvenueThis family-owned, "u-pick" strawberry farm operates seasonally from December until April and has the BEST bright red strawberries you've ever tasted. Check their Facebook page before leaving…sometimes they are picked out for the day: https://www.facebook.com/pappysstrawberries/
City/town information
Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Tarpon Springs is the "sponge capital of the world." Fishing boats line the canal of the quaint town where divers still go down into the gulf daily to cut sponges and sell them to local gift shops. There are also a ton of Greek restaurants and bakery…did someone say baklava?
340 locals recommend
Tarpon Springs Castle Winery
320 E Tarpon AveLocated on the Gulf of Mexico, Tarpon Springs is the "sponge capital of the world." Fishing boats line the canal of the quaint town where divers still go down into the gulf daily to cut sponges and sell them to local gift shops. There are also a ton of Greek restaurants and bakery…did someone say baklava?
The picturesque town "founded by Disney" makes a great day trip, especially during Christmas when residents have fabulous light displays.
384 locals recommend
Celebration
The picturesque town "founded by Disney" makes a great day trip, especially during Christmas when residents have fabulous light displays.
Food scene
Even a native New Yorker will love the pizza at Bruno's. Order the larger size…it might be even better the second day.
34 locals recommend
Bruno's
8556 W Irlo Bronson Memorial HwyEven a native New Yorker will love the pizza at Bruno's. Order the larger size…it might be even better the second day.
The. Best. Cookies. Ever. The hype is true. The wait is worth it. Yes, they're now open in Disney Springs, but why wait in that long line when you can visit the original location?
24 locals recommend
Gideon's Bakehouse
3201 Corrine DrThe. Best. Cookies. Ever. The hype is true. The wait is worth it. Yes, they're now open in Disney Springs, but why wait in that long line when you can visit the original location?
Delicious Mexican overlooking the Lake Rianhard in picturesque Celebration, Florida.
6 locals recommend
Avocado Mexican Grill
715 Bloom StDelicious Mexican overlooking the Lake Rianhard in picturesque Celebration, Florida.
Le Macaron
671 Front StAuthentic (but a bit pricey) macaroons and other delicious French pastries.
Entertainment
The large ferris wheel stands out in the distance, but the charm is in the kitchy one-of-a-kind shops that line the main street. You can buy gag gifts, crystal jewelry and everything in between. Or just hang out at the garra spa (where fish nibble on your feet).
621 locals recommend
Old Town
5770 W Irlo Bronson Memorial HwyThe large ferris wheel stands out in the distance, but the charm is in the kitchy one-of-a-kind shops that line the main street. You can buy gag gifts, crystal jewelry and everything in between. Or just hang out at the garra spa (where fish nibble on your feet).
Forget a boring coloring book…this is an entire fun-filled experience in a facility that's bigger than an NFL football field! You can see how crayons are made, create wax drip art, meet n' greet characters, climb on the playground and more.
101 locals recommend
Crayola Experience
8001 S Orange Blossom TrlForget a boring coloring book…this is an entire fun-filled experience in a facility that's bigger than an NFL football field! You can see how crayons are made, create wax drip art, meet n' greet characters, climb on the playground and more.
Sightseeing
The exhibit on the space shuttle Atlantis literally brought me to tears. It's inspirational and larger than life…a must see. You can also see a rocket launch from the complex, but it gets really crowded on those days.
772 locals recommend
Kennedy Space Center
The exhibit on the space shuttle Atlantis literally brought me to tears. It's inspirational and larger than life…a must see. You can also see a rocket launch from the complex, but it gets really crowded on those days.
Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve known for family fun as "The Alligator Capital of the World." It has a free-flight aviary, petting zoo, one-of-a-kind animal shows, thrilling Screamin’ Gator Zip Line and new Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure.
40 locals recommend
Gatorland Drive
Gatorland DriveGatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve known for family fun as "The Alligator Capital of the World." It has a free-flight aviary, petting zoo, one-of-a-kind animal shows, thrilling Screamin’ Gator Zip Line and new Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure.
Wander among hundreds of life-sized dinosaurs in a natural setting. There are also interactive exhibits capture your kids’ imaginations, plus dino-themed playground featuring slides, swings and all-around family fun.
99 locals recommend
Dinosaur World
5145 Harvey Tew RdWander among hundreds of life-sized dinosaurs in a natural setting. There are also interactive exhibits capture your kids’ imaginations, plus dino-themed playground featuring slides, swings and all-around family fun.
Nature
Playalinda Beach is located inside Canaveral National Seashore, one of America's national parks. It's an undeveloped beach known for its serene environment and pristine shoreline. Just beware: the 13th and final beach entrance is the nude section.
102 locals recommend
Playalinda Beach
Playalinda Beach is located inside Canaveral National Seashore, one of America's national parks. It's an undeveloped beach known for its serene environment and pristine shoreline. Just beware: the 13th and final beach entrance is the nude section.
As a national wildlife refuge, you're sure to see alligators, birds and all sorts of other Florida wildlife on the beautiful trails around the visitor center or Black Point Wildlife Drive (a drive-thru sightseeing loop).
49 locals recommend
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
As a national wildlife refuge, you're sure to see alligators, birds and all sorts of other Florida wildlife on the beautiful trails around the visitor center or Black Point Wildlife Drive (a drive-thru sightseeing loop).
Shopping
80s/90s moms can relive their childhood and pass on their love of American Girl dolls to their own daughters in this large store that also has a doll hair salon, bistro and party room.
American Girl Orlando
8001 S Orange Blossom Trl80s/90s moms can relive their childhood and pass on their love of American Girl dolls to their own daughters in this large store that also has a doll hair salon, bistro and party room.