[markmorris24@yahoo.com]

Pirate Park in Sumter Landing. My grandkids LOVE it..

[BlkBlt6]

Bull riding right on 466A just east of the villages. They do a great job of entertaining the audience.

[wsachs]

How about Mt Dora and a boat ride thru the Dora canal. The captain usually lets small kids pilot the boat! Lots of fun and walking around Mt. Dora is fun too.

[bruce213]

Homosassa springs is a great day trip 3 hrs round trip driving 3 hrs at the park/zoo. Another good one is the Orlando science museum a little pricey for adults but great for kids and it has AC.

[bruce213]

Tampa has a great zoo.

[dennisgavin]

Tree tops minature golf next to the American Legion on Rolling Acres Rd

[J1ceasar]

One of the downfalls of The villages is absolutely very little for children and teenagers to do. Has others have suggested if it's warm enough there are certainly family pools, the parks in Orlando of course if you can stand a few hours on your feet and the heat, I would also suggest even for a 5 year old Ocala has a very nice museum only 40 minutes away, and there's a great teaching museum / zoo in Gainesville where you get a docent to walk with you personally and teach you about the animals. Venetian gardens in Leesburg is about 20 minutes away from most of the villages and is good for a child. There are lots of diners in and around the villages as well that are child safe and friendly. Red lobster, Olive garden, and the chains are very good too. For the adults who can take a 60 minute ride you should go to Winter Park and visit the Tiffany museum, Mount Dora for walking around and exploring wonderful retail stores as well as several interesting French and German restaurants for the adults but lunch time it's okay for kids. Enjoy yourself and if I were you I would talk to your CDD board and try to get one or two kids parks built

[Dantes]

Airboat ride

[vitacr]

Pirate park at LSL near Sonny's, boat ride at LSL off boardwalk, Uncle Donald's Farm, music at the squares, family pools. Cracker barrel restaurant for a decent kid's menu. Enjoy

[Pkro13]

Uncle Donald’s Farm for the younger grandchildren. They get to feed the animals. You get a hayride where you go in the field and feed the cows. Take a picnic lunch and spend the day.

[reggiethurlow]

Originally Posted by Redsmom

Hoping that I can get some suggestions on places to go when our family visits us here in TV including a five year old grandson. Perhaps parks near the villages and casual restaurants with child friendly menu? Also, are there any children’s parks within the villages? Thanks in advance!

The wildlife park in Homosassa, Florida is an excellent place to take visitors. One high light is watching them feed the manatees, and feeding the hippo. It takes about an hour to drive there.

[TandHSTAR@AOL.com]

There is a playground at Lake Sumter Landing across the street from TooJays and BBQ place

[macawlaw]

Lots of good suggestions so far! I won't repeat any of those.

I don't know any child who doesn't like Five Guys Burgers.

Don't forget shuffleboard and corn toss. You also need things to do at home. Sidewalk chalk (drawing, 4-square, hop scotch), squirt guns, jump ropes, etc. would help keep kids entertained at home. My suggestion would be to go to the Dollar Store and pick up a bunch of dollar surprises to hand out when the kids need a diversion. I would also consider purchasing some inside family games. Operation, Trouble, Life, etc. are fun for all ages.

Have fun!

[Charsaunt]

Another great spot no one has mentioned is Weeki Wachee Springs State Park in Spring Hill (not too long a drive from TV). Would be a wonderful place to take younger kids and the highlight is the live mermaids who perform underwater. This would be something the kids won't see often and something to remember.

Enjoy their visit no matter what you do!!!

[Briand]

This is the BEST in the area - we always take our guests here - both children and adults!