[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.

[Bogie Shooter]

What activities to do with a 11- and 12-year-old grandkids?
Some of these might work.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by rjn5656

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

[rochellepfaff]

Originally Posted by rjn5656

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]

Originally Posted by rjn5656

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]

Originally Posted by Papa_lecki

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]

Originally Posted by rjn5656

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 .