[Bobcuse]

I am looking for ideas for day trips for the kids next month other than the theme parks. Kids are 12, 13 and 17. We have previously taken them (in 2008) to Silver Springs, Wild Bill's Airboat rides, Daytona Beach, Tampa Aquarium, Sponge Docks, and Dead River boat tour. Thinking about Homassassa Springs State Park and Fort Island Beach. Would appreciate any ideas. I also heard there was a better air boat ride than Wild Bill's somewhere in the area...anyone have any experience with one? Thanks for any help you can give.

[jblum315]

bump

[cabo35]

Last year we took our grandsons, 7 and 9, fishing on the Ocklawaha River near Silver Springs with Capt. Nick. Went about 5 miles up river. Caught 14 largemouth bass. Had a blast. Kids want to do it again. Was $400-450 I believe.

We're going to try the Spanish fort in St. Augustine this year. Castillo de San Marcos. Most kids love forts. There's also a pirate ship cruise in St. Augustine. Anybody taken it?


http://www.outdoorupdate.com/reports.../captain-nick/

[rayschic]

How about this ? Leesburg Arts Festival March 2nd and 3rd

Leesburg Center For the Arts, Leesburg, Florida

[delima2000]

We went to fort island beach last weekend to check it out on our way to homosassa springs and didn't like it. There were a lot of bird droppings on the beach. Water looked ok but it is a small beach. A big yes to homosassa springs.

[buggyone]

I would also say that St. Augustine is a great place to visit. The Castillo San Marcos dates to around 1560. It is a National Park site so you can use your Golden Age Passport for free admission.

Homasassa Springs State Park is also a good choice but is more expensive. I think that adults are $16 - unless you are a disabled veteran and then you can get a lifetime pass - thank you, Florida.

[delima2000]

There is a AAA and AARP discount for homosassa springs. It was a total of 21.00 for my husband and I. We rounded off the cents to give back to the park.

[Kirsten Lee]

Ziplining at the Sanford Zoo. Hubby, daughter (19), sons (16 and 13) and I went during Christmas break 2011. It was a lot of fun. My sons have gone with their Grandpa Kayaking and to the air-gun range in The Villages. My daughter and I saw Manatees at Blue Spring State Park in January 2011. The park websit has a link to the daily count of Manatees.

[asianthree]

our 16 year old grandson would be happy playing video games and anything with lego. 12 year old grandaughter would just be happy sitting at the pool since she dances 26 hours a week, and the 9 year old would be happy what ever anyone chooses, think it depends on the kids

[Indy-Guy]

I would suggest Wonderworks in Orlando. Took grand kids there last year and it was a big hit. Link below.

Things to do in Orlando | Orlando Attraction |WonderWorks Orlando

[Judith Ann]

The Canyon Ziplining by Ocala sounds amazing! There are 9 ziplines, and the reviews are fabulous. It is in my "bucket list".