[Joan Wentz]

Ziplining Ocala, Verse Holographic theater, Orlando; paint with primates, Webster at Chase Sanctuary; kayaking, Lake Sumter.

[Marmaduke]

Everybody should go to b the World Equestrian Center (WEC) in Ocala.
It is absolutely amazing.
Go into the Hotel and walk around. It's expected. Have lunch there for a treat. Definitely- See the Chapel.

Go on the weekend, never on the early part of the week.

[thevillager1988]

Kayak the Crystal River. E-biking in Inverness (there is a place that rents them and a marvelous bike path). Shopping in Mount Dora. Dora Canal boat rides (there are a few options).

[Nana2Teddy]

Originally Posted by Happydaz

We have had granddaughters visit numerous times. We have them fly down one at a time. Ages were 11-16. We take them to Rainbow River to float down the river in tubes. Go to UF at Gainsville to see the outstanding Butterfly Exhibit and Florida Natural History Museum. We go to Homassa Stare Park to see the animals. Or go to the Tampa Zoo. Another great place is Gatorland in Orlando. Also consider De Leon state park to make pancakes, take a hike and do the boat ride. On very hot days it is very nice to swim in the DeLeon spring. (We did this yesterday! Water was 72 degrees, not the 90 degrees plus you get in Village pools.) Go to the Kennedy Space Center. If they are readers and have read “The Yearling” take them to the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings farm at Cross Creek. If they love horses take them to the Word Equestrian Center in Ocala or visit the Gypsy Vanner horse farm. Can also swim in the huge pool in Wesley Chapel with its 30 foot slide So much to do around here. I am sure you can add to the list. Our granddaughters love coming down here. They stay for one to three weeks each. Every other day we take a road trip to these attractions and then a rest day to go on golf cart rides and swim in the pools. One granddaughter has swum in all the Village neighborhood pools.

Wow! Wish I was one of your granddaughters. LOL! Lucky girls! What’s the name of the pool in Wesley Chapel please? The Villages pools in summer are too hot to enjoy.

[Alarmed]

Homosassa Springs Park. A unique experience for animal lovers. Boat ride into the park. Great day trip.

[Regorp]

Originally Posted by rjn5656

Looking for ideas of things to do with my 15 year grandaughter coming for a visit. Not interested in Disney or Universal, did them way too many times.

Disney Springs is awesome for that age. Crystal River manatees. Paynes Prairie south of Gainesville is fun with wildlife like Bison

[garykoca427@gmail.com]

Gatorland in Orlando is very good. Very interesting, and not overly expensive compared to the other Orlando attractions.

Also Silver Springs and the glass bottom boat, near Ocala. Homosassa Springs in Homosassa. The Dora river cruise in Mt. Dora. Mt. Dora in general is a very nice town to visit. Lots of shops.

The two things mentioned in Gainesville, especially the butterfly museum. That should give you plenty of choices.

[garykoca427@gmail.com]

One more thing, already mentioned. A second for Disney Springs! Lots of restaurants, lots of shopping, and NO entry fee, unlike the parks. And free parking right on the grounds. You can't beat that for a 15 year old.

[petela]

try sugar mill pancake house- deleon springs....their website will get you to go

also alongside to the sugarmill is a swimming hole-75 degrees year round

[Swedish]

Originally Posted by rjn5656

Looking for ideas of things to do with my 15 year grandaughter coming for a visit. Not interested in Disney or Universal, did them way too many times.

Discovery Cove in Orlando is great place, you can choose your adventure - swim with the dolphins, interact with flamingos, swim in their pools, not cheap but definitely an adventure to remember for kids.

[kendi]

Lots of good suggestions posted. Make a list and ask her for input.

[OhioBuckeye]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

Sports (if it is not too hot) our 16 year old niece likes bowling, golfing, went to the summer program for archery and pickle ball. Outside TV there are many local sites to visit, air boat rides, glass bottom boats, if you do not mind driving, the gulf shores like clearwater are nice.

You mentioned lots of neat things to do, but maybe she’s a tipical teenager, she likes to be around kids her own age, maybe rock bands or maybe just hanging out with kids her own age. I would love to do some of the things you mentioned but then again I’m a boy also I’m from a different time, she’s young enough to be my Great Granddaughters!

[LoisR]

Hello Bob and Cheri,
Ocala has an interesting art museum and a Science Center as well as Silver Springs boat tours. An airboat ride to see gators would also be interesting. Some nearby lakes offer kayaking.
There is also zip lining and horse back riding (same place)in Ocala.
No problems next year. Just give her the car keys.
Regards. Gary

[ndf888]

Originally Posted by rjn5656

Looking for ideas of things to do with my 15 year grandaughter coming for a visit. Not interested in Disney or Universal, did them way too many times.

She may enjoy airboat rides. Also check out Eaton’s Beach in Weirdsville. They have water jets etc.

[Barkriver]

Originally Posted by rjn5656

Looking for ideas of things to do with my 15 year grandaughter coming for a visit. Not interested in Disney or Universal, did them way too many times.

Homosassa has a small zoo worth visiting. We always took our kids to The Freezer for a meal afterwards.

Also, Google EARS, (Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary) near Citra. They have many exotic animals.

A boat tour through the Dora canal was always a hit. Lots of good restaurants in Mount Dora. Our kids always opted for one of the two Cuban places.

Good luck!