Grandkids 4 and 7

[rjn5656]

Suggestions on what to do with my grandkids when they come to visit. No interested in Disney and Universal.

[Papa_lecki]

Are THEY not interested in Disney and Universal or are you not interested?

[Altavia]

This place is fun and the proprietors are awesome.

LunaSea Alpaca Farm - An alpaca farm located in Clermont, Florida owned by King and Lucy Lee Fowler. (https://www.lunaseaalpacafarm.com/)

[Bogie Shooter]

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/what-activities-do-11-12-year-old-grandkids-350213/?highlight=Grand+kids
Some of these might work.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Suggestions on what to do with my grandkids when they come to visit. No interested in Disney and Universal.

Same answer as everyone who asks similarly:

WHAT IS YOUR BUDGET? How long will they be here for? What time of year?

Central Florida isn't exactly "kid friendly" outside the big amusement parks. Pontoon rides might be great, but if your grands can't sit still then maybe not. There is only one playground in The Villages, at the edge of Sumter Landing Town Square. They MAY NOT play on the outdoor exercise machines in areas that have them, not even if they're supervised. Those aren't play toys, and they can be dangerous.

Make sure if you're using a golf cart, that you have enough seats to put one person in each seat. Just because YOU are a safe driver, doesn't mean the guy who hits you is a safe driver. The last thing you need is a 7-year-old flying out the side of the golf cart at 18mph because he wasn't able to sit security on a seat.

Family pools are great for little kids.

During certain seasons, Camp Villages offers activities for kids. They're part of the rec department, so you'd get in touch with your local rec center for details.

[Keefelane66]

Ask the parents what their interests are…

[Dlbonivich]

Lego land is a drive but is great for those ages. If it is still warm they have water park amenities. Much more laidback than the big parks. Air boats ride would be fun.

[askcarl]

All Florida....

Family Destinations Guide | Kid-Friendly Vacation Ideas for Families (https://familydestinationsguide.com/)

[rochellepfaff]

Suggestions on what to do with my grandkids when they come to visit. No interested in Disney and Universal.

Wonderworks in Orlando. It's great for small kids. And if you want to, they have a pizza dinner with a magician/comic appropriate for kids. (At least they did a few years ago) When you call for tickets they can explain it all to you.

[darkim]

We just had the 4 & 7 kids stay with us for a week. Don’t overthink it … they just want to be with you.

1. Gator hunting - get them dressed up in Safari gear and binoculars - Free
2. Family pools - bring snacks and drinks - Free
3. Town Center bands and dance - great way to burn off energy, especially if it’s Scooter DJ - Free
4. Walk the neighbors dogs for them - Free
5. Sumter Landing boat ride - $3
6. Visit some of the great regional rec centers. A great learning and teaching experience. Eisenhower, First Responders, Everglades for example.
If all else fails … all kids love riding golf carts.

[HairyBill]

Suggestions on what to do with my grandkids when they come to visit. No interested in Disney and Universal.

Lots to do, but I used to take ours to see the model airplanes flying at the POLO field. BUT, now The Villages won't let them fly anymore on the practice fields because of one incident. The flyers are using Wildwood community park now.

[Arch S]

I have two 6 year old twin grandsons. They visited here last Saturday. First we went to Everglades Rec Center and they raced their RC model cars on the racetrack. Then we went to Put and Play in Fenny for a few rounds of "putt - putt" golf. Then, at Bacall Rec Center, played Corn Hole. A full afternoon. Total cost: $0.

On previous visits they also enjoyed the kids playground at Sumter Landing, looking for fish and gators in Lake Sumter, and ice cream on the boardwalk.

On their next visit they want to swim at the pool in Fenny and walk on the boardwalk at Fenny springs and look for birds, fish and gators.

Future plans include playing at the newly upgraded playground near the Lady Lake library and video games at a couple of rec centers.

Total cost $0 (except for ice cream).

[asianthree]

Are THEY not interested in Disney and Universal or are you not interested?

Does it matter who isn’t interested in Disney or Universal? We aren’t a fan of roller coasters, so very little time at Universal. We find most young children can be extremely uncomfortable at parks, noisy, crowds in need of naps. Even the water parks at both can be overwhelming for a 4yo. Personally I wouldn’t take a 4yo to Disney, not about money for us we have free tickets, but too much stress on kids and family. But just an opinion that I see at the parks every 2-3 weeks.

OP family pools with zero entry is great for young kids. Sea World is little less intimidating for younger kids. Boat ride on LS is fun for younger kids, and as mentioned the playground in LSL, along with Middleton playground.

[MauldinEdward]

Take them fishing. Some of the recreation centers have fishing rods you can use if you don't have any.

[Regorp]

Suggestions on what to do with my grandkids when they come to visit. No interested in Disney and Universal.

Went to 2 kid friendly rec centers: First Responders and Saluki that are loaded with games like table shuffle, ping pong, foosball, pinball, basketball, pool, x- box, darts. And a family pool .

[jimjamuser]

Suggestions on what to do with my grandkids when they come to visit. No interested in Disney and Universal.
Please don't let them drive a golf cart unsupervised. If they are young, you need to do something that lets them express their HIGH ENERGY levels. Swimming at a family pool would be helpful. You could take them to a pickle ball court in the afternoon when it is too hot for adults. Also they might like to shoot basketball. Kids seem to like the outdoor exercise machines. They will like the music at the squares and will dance with their grandparents if the kids (and grandparents) are young enough. I have seen families show up in the afternoon at softball fields. You can get equipment at the rec departments. There are tennis rackets available there and in the late afternoon most courts are empty. The rec departments have table tennis available on certain days, also rackets. Also, there are golf putting greens everywhere and golf driving ranges outside The Villages. Some kids like to fish in lakes also.
.......There is probably much more to do that I have not thought of.

[Alarmed]

These are two unique places sure to leave lasting memories on them. They did for me!

Silver Springs is a short visit but plan for all-day at Homosassa. There is a boat ride to the main park then all kinds of animals and exhibits. Great places to ditch the phones and see the real world.

[ChristyLeah]

Suggestions on what to do with my grandkids when they come to visit. No interested in Disney and Universal.

They offer chocolate class at the chocolate store at Sumter Landing. Also, call Flippers, they offer Pizza camp. There is a indoor roller skating rink in Leesburg and also a playground there. Make up a scavenger hunt in the golf cart.

[Cupcake57]

Suggestions on what to do with my grandkids when they come to visit. No interested in Disney and Universal.

Weeki Wachee for the mermaid show (girls love it) its old time kitschy.
Fenney Pool has food (and Grandma Juice) available from the Fenney Grill.
I ordered cheap dive toys and swim goggles from amazon-that goes over big. A few pool noodles are a good investment, too.
Dancing at the squares-especially if its rained that day and there are no crowds.
Prima has make your own pizza on the kids menu
Go to Michaels and get some cheap craft projects for a rainy day-a lanai activity
Frisbee golf by Hogeye Preserve (I think you can borrow the discs at Everglades)-it can be a swamp if its rained; use bug spray and closed toe shoes as its a pasture
watch the RC cars and boats at Everglades
we make it a rule that there's ice cream every day!
have fun; they still think you are cool/interesting

[Freeda]

Uncle Donald's Farm in Lady Lake - fun petting zoo.

For a rainy or hot day go to Lake Square Mall in Leesburg - all indoor activities: two playgrounds (one free; the other has a charge); bus ride around the mall (call to chk on hours); indoor go carts; outstanding video game arcade; neon lit bowling; food court; AMC movies (recliner seating; deluxe theaters); Books A Million has books and toys; added special events for children (chk the mall's website or call); and seasonal activities. For example, soon there will be a Halloween store - if it isn't there already.