[rjn5656]

Grandkids (age 4 & 8) coming down in 2 week. Other than the normal (Disney, etc.) any suggestions for day trips would be appreciated

[Bizdoc]

It's a longer drive, but you should consider LEGOLAND (at the old Cypress Gardens). It's gotten some good reviews on the theme park sites.

[LI SNOWBIRD]

Originally Posted by rjn5656

Grandkids (age 4 & 8) coming down in 2 week. Other than the normal (Disney, etc.) any suggestions for day trips would be appreciated

I would suggest an airboat ride at a local company (Wild Bill's comes to mind) and Homasassa Park ( about 1 hour away). Good luck

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Not sure why you're looking for other than Disney, but along with four parks at Disney, Sea World and Universal are about and hour and fifteen minutes and Busch Gardens is about two hours.
Closer is Silver Springs. It is an older park and a bit run down, but not a bad take if you know what to expect. The glass bottom boat ride is cool.
You can also take them to Daytona Beach where you can drive on the Beach and there is a pretty cool old fashioned penny arcade. Although it's now a $.50 arcade and a concert shell.
The Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral is about an hour and a half.
If you want to take a longer drive, you can go to Lion Country Safari just West of Palm Beach. I've been there...meh. Not worth the drive in my opinion. If you were already down in that area it's worth a stop.

[kittygilchrist]

Originally Posted by LI SNOWBIRD

I would suggest an airboat ride at a local company (Wild Bill's comes to mind) and Homasassa Park ( about 1 hour away). Good luck

ditto that. two boat rides, wildlife, zoo-like. also has a public beach just s of Homosassa.

[rayschic]

Weeki Wachee Springs is nice for kids. Water slides, river cruise, beach, lazy river, animal shows, mermaid shows, etc.
Be sure to check the calendar. After Aug 18th, it is only open on weekends.
WeekiWachee.com - Thrilling Flume Rides
WeekiWachee.com - Mermaid Shows

[Country Dreamer]

Butterfly rainforest in Gainesville

[Bill32]

Nice water park at the seaplane dock in Tavares. Also train ride or seaplane ride if you like. Decent eating spots, ice cream bar......

[Indy-Guy]

Legoland is great for kids of that age! Below is a site to show you how to get a deal on tickets to Legoland. Buy one adult ticket a child gets in free. Home Depot promotion.

https://secure4.gatewayticketing.com...ot&c=homedepot

Try the link below for more information on many Orlando attractions.

MouseSavers.com - Your source for Disney discounts, codes & deals!

Also Wonder Works Orlando is great also. All inside and will take the greater part of a day to go through. Discounts are available if you look for them.

Things to do in Orlando | Orlando Attraction |WonderWorks Orlando

[kaydee]

Homosassa State Park is a great day trip

[babbs455]

Another thumbs up for homosassa you get to ride to the park via boat and meander down the river in the back country,,,lots of sites t o see of old fla...they have a little zoo inside as well as an underground viewing of the fish in the springs...hopefully they will be able to see some manatee as well..worth the trip and not expensive either!!

[babbs455]

there also used to be a nice zoo in sanford, its been years since we have been there not sure it is still there....