grandchildren

[Pickle]

I am bringing my 2 boys to visit my mom at The Villages this winter. Can anyone help us to understand what they can/can't do? They will be 10 and 12. Does anyone have any suggestions for things to do that are close by or in the Villages?

[redwitch]

They can only go to the family pools. They cannot drive a golf cart. (If Grandma feels generous and thinks letting them drive is a good idea, remind the boys that if a police officer sees them driving, he can and will take their picture, issue them a temporary license on the spot, give them a ticket and then send that info to their home state. Age 15, no learner's permit; 16, no license. Have to wait until 18.) However, they're at the right age to just enjoy being a passenger in a golf cart, especially if it goes over the 441 bridge to the historic side (TV's version of a roller coaster). Otherwise, they can pretty much do what any other guest here does, including taking classes, participating in games, golfing.

Obviously, there are the amusement parks in and near Orlando. I'd definitely say they should go to Universal and check out the Harry Potter stuff. An airboat ride is fun, ditto the paddle boats in Mt. Dora. I'd offer more but my grandson just turned 5 -- I doubt your boys would like a petting zoo or the local parks. Sorry.

[MikeV]

If they like animals a trip to nearby Homosassa State Park to see the manatees and alligators etc.

[Lauren Sweeny]

A bit of a drive ; the Alligator Farm, an airboat ride, The FunSpot. In TV getting to choose ice cream/ yogurt from the many choices at Peach-wave or the place near Walmart on 466 ( cannot think of name,sorry) check out what will be going on inTV such as the car show or other event. You can rent a movie and have them make their own tacos or pizza. Teach them to cook something easy like,pancakes,Crepes, Mac and cheese,pasta sale .
Craft stuff is fun ,,the new non messy sand ,making a lanyard,teach them to knit,or macrame. I suggest you go to Michaels or JoAnnes and ask for ideas or craft books,tips for kids
They can do outdoor chalk on your driveway,squirt guns on the new packing noodles made of corn starch( they melt with water )Borrow bikes. Play card games,Phase 10 or Sequence is age appropriate. There is always checkers and computer games too! Start gathering colored markers, glue stick,magazines for cutting up,water color paint and other"cheap " art items in a Granny Mystery Box for a rainy day. Painting a mug kit,assemble a dinosaur ,grow crystals,can be found at CrackerBarrel.Poprocks,bubblegum,gummy worms candy can be found at Fresh-market. I just had kids stay with us they liked all the aforementioned activities. Hope this helps,PM me if you need more ideas.

[Mamaderby]

Wild Bills Airboat Tour is great. We took out GrandKids there and they loved it... We did also! Watch the Daily Sun for a discount coupon.

[Barboza]

Villages Kayak/Canoe club run 2 hr trips ( escorted) on Lake Griffin @ Lake Griffin Park. (Just outside the Villages on 441 towards Lady Lake) $15 great value, great fun, see wildlife etc.
Don't have any more info as we are back in UK currently.
However if you contact Kayak Club or Park they will let you know times/ dates etc