*NEW* Beyond the Parks - Attractions / Activity list

[BONZO]

Hi gang,

As suggested this *sticky* will hold a list of attractions and activities that are "Beyond the parks" that are alternatives to the main Theme Park attractions.

*NEW STUFF*

Explorations V

Three floors of mind-stretching, kid-powered exhibits featuring art, science, literature, math, health, life skills and cultures from around the world!


Kid City - Tampa

Childrens Museum

Museum of Science & Industry - Tampa

Recently voted Florida's best museum

Imaginarium - Ft. Myers

Hands on fun for kids

Dino World

Between Orlando and Tampa








NATURE PARKS & GARDENS

Full listing of all Florida State Parks at this link

Cypress Gardens

Silver Springs

Wekiwa State Park

Disney Wilderness Preserve

Weeki Wachee Springs

Mermaids in an underwater show, water park in season

Bok sanctuary and garderns


Homosassatour National Park

A very natural park combines a boat trip with a wild life park. See the manatees underwater too.

Blue spring State Park



ZOOS AND ANIMALS

Big Cat Rescue

Horse World riding Stables

Florida Zoo

Green Meadows petting farm

Gatorland

St. Johns river cruise @ Blue Spring State Park

Thunderhawk big cats show

Lowry Park zoo - Tampa


Brevard Zoo

Brevard zoo
8225 North Wickham Road,
Melbourne, FL 32940

Admission Prices:
Adults - $10.50
Seniors (60 & up) - $9.50
Children (2-12) - $7.50
Children under 2 - FREE


Manatee swimming links

savethemanatee/

americanprodivingcenter/

viator/tours/Orlando/...Adventure-Tour

fun2dive/

sunshinerivertours/


TRAINS, BOATS, PLANES ETC

Blue Water Ballons

Air florida helicopters

Warbird Adventures

warbirdadventures

Walk in off the street and become a pilot of a T6 Fighter Trainer aircraft, This is a real aircraft flying in the real sky, not a simulator, just you and the flight instructor.
You have full control of the flying including doing some aerobatics.
Or you can take the controls of a MASH style Helicopter.

Fantasy of flight

Fantasy of flight

This is being expanded this year and has a great collection of old aircraft and they all still fly.

Richard Petty driving experience

1800bepetty/home.aspx

Attention all racing fans! Have you ever dreamed of driving a race car just like your favorite NASCAR driver? Now you, too, can “start your engine” in your own stock car at the Richard Petty Driving Experience. No experience is required, but you must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive a standard transmission to participate in a driving program. If you’d like to experience the thrill without actually driving, the Ride-Along program is for you. You’ll get to ride shotgun in a two-seat stock car driven by one of their professional instructors and experience a simulated three-lap NASCAR qualifying run at speeds exceeding 150 mph. All riding program participants must be at least 14 years of age.


Boggy Creek airboats

bcairboats

Inland lakes Railway - Mount Dora & Eustis

Inland lakes Railway

Fun Spot go-karts

Fun Spot

Old town Car Parade

old-town/index.shtml

Kayaking

Kayaking nr Tampa

Wallaby Ranch Hang Gliding Flight Park

Wallaby Ranch Hang Gliding Flight Park

Want to get away from it all? Wallaby Ranch Hang Gliding Flight Park will let you do just that when you’re gliding 2,000 feet in the air for 15 to 20 minutes. But don’t worry—you won’t be alone! The flight takes place in a two-person hang glider (with an instructor by your side) that’s pulled by a small tow plane. Best of all, just about your entire family can do it—anyone ages 4 and up (weighing more than 35 pounds) can hang glide! If you aren’t crazy about the idea of flying, there’s also 15 miles of hiking and mountain bike trails on property to explore.

Ron Jon Surf Park @ Festival Bay - coming soon

Ron Jon Surf park @ Festival Bay

Surf’s Up at the Ron Jon Surfpark, opening in early 2007. The indoor facility, located at Festival Bay Mall at International Drive, already home to Ron Jon Surf Shop, will consist of three wave pools developed for surfers (or wannabes) with all levels of experience. The largest pool is for intermediate to pro-level surfers and will create four-to-eight-foot waves and have ride lengths from 60 to 100 yards. The smaller training pool is for beginner and novice wave riders and will have three-to-four-foot waves. There’s also a special boogie boarding pool if you’re not quite ready to surf.





OTHERS

Kissimmee Rodeo

ksarodeo/

Every Friday Night at 8:00 PM
The rodeo started as a competition between ranch hands whose job it was to break in the new horses and cattle. At Kissimmee Sports Arena they celebrate the heritage of the skills it took to survive in the early days. Not only will you have a chance to enjoy the exciting events, but you may learn a thing or two about life in the early days of Florida.



Buena vista watersports

bvwatersports/2005/index.shtml


Sky Venture

skyventureorlando/



PLACES TO VISIT

Titanic exhibition

titanicshipofdreams/

Orlando science center

osc/

Celebration

celebrationfl

Dunedin

Dunedin

Winter Garden

Winter Garden

Winter Garden is a great place to visit for a half day or so.
Only 30 minutes from the hub-bub of Mouseland...but a world away in character.
Beautiful parks...the squirrels will happily eat from your hand...a great and amusing 40 minute boat trip round Lake Apopka..with a great captain ... and look at the multi million$$ houses belonging to the rich and famous. Nice museums too.

Great coffee shops and excellent shopping... but beware of some VERY pricey designer shops!

House of Blues

House of Blues

Check out the link and see the great upcoming concerts

NON - DISNEY MINI GOLF

Pirates Cove

FISHING

Please keep in mind that this is last years prices and they could have changed.

See the websites for actual pricing.

Also, please note that I do not know these people I just knew how to find the information. Although it is not shown below Boggy Creek Airboat Rides also have a fishing option. They are expensive but have always had a good experience wth them.


Sea Spirit Fishing – Daytona Beach - 386-763-4388 (Barry)

seaspiritfishing

Half Day - Half day trips leave the dock at 8:00 a.m. and return at 12:00 noon or 1:00 p.m. and return at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On your half day trip we will be fishing closer inshore on any one of the natural or artificial reef sites located off the central Florida coast. A typical half day will may produce Sea Bass, Lanes, Small Grouper and Red Snapper. Rates for this trip are $40.00 +tax for Adults.

Full Day - On your full day we are able to run further offshore fishing the rock piles or ledges that hold a variety of fish like Amberjack, Jew Fish, Larger Grouper and Snapper. Full day trips leave the dock at 8:00 a.m. and return at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Rates for the full day trip are $60.00 +tax for Adults.

*Fishing rods, reels, tackle, bait and licenses provided.
*If not fishing – pricing is at a child’s ticket price. (Half Day - $25 / Full Day - $40)

Hooked Up Charters

Capt. Clint Cassioppi will be your guide on your one-on-one confrontation with redfish and spotted sea trout while fishing the flats of the Indian River, Indian River Lagoon and Mosquito Lagoon on Florida's beautiful Space Coast in Titusville, the city otherwise known and proclaimed as the "Redfish Capital of the World."

In these water systems, the water will be shallow . . . and the fish will be BIG!

Specializing in catching Redfish and Spotted Sea Trout, Capt. Clint is a U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captain and has fished the Indian River and lagoons for over 20 years, stalking the seagrass flats for the "Big Reds" and "Gator Trout." He knows the area well and will provide you with a fun and exciting day of fishing.

Forget about all those big, off-shore charter boats where your lines get all tangled up. You'll be fishing on a 15' 6" flats boat equipped for just two people -- Capt. Clint and YOU! So your fishing trip is strictly a one-on-one situation, and Capt. Clint's only priority is to get you "Hooked Up!"

Rates . . .

Half Day 4 Hrs. $150
3/4 Day 6 Hrs. $200

To get "Hooked Up" and book your one-on-one fishing charter, call Capt. Clint at 321-431-5780 or email hookedup@cocoabeach.com

Departure Areas . . .

Parrish Park
1 Max Brewer Cswy.-SR 402 (406), Titusville. The 36.6-acre park provides convenient access to the Indian River for fishing, water sports, sunbathing and shuttle viewing.

Kennedy Point Park
4915 S. Washington Ave. (U.S. 1), Titusville. This is a county park located between the Kennedy Point Yacht Club and Holiday Inn Hotel, on U.S. 1 just south of the SR 50 stoplight.

What I will provide for your fishing charter . . .
-- Fishing License
-- Bait & Tackle
-- Rods & Reels
-- Sunscreen
-- Ice
-- Drinks
-- 20+ Years Experience


What you should bring . . .

-- Sunglasses (preferably polarized)
-- Hat with brim (for shade)
-- Snacks / Lunch
-- Cool Clothing – dress according to weather
-- Camera

Miss Cape Canaveral

Best Deep Sea Fishing at the Space Coast

When we started in 1953. our goal was to offer the public a safe, low-cost way to enjoy Florida deep sea fishing. Today, we have Miss Cape Canaveral, a 85 foot Lydia Yacht, coast guard approved for 100 persons. She is Central Florida's largest deep sea fishing vessel.
Located at the space coast, we are minutes from the dock to the Atlantic ocean and easily reached from Orlando, Daytona and anywhere else in Central Florida.
We catch Red Snapper, Grouper, Cubera Snapper, King Mackerel, Cobia, Bull Dolphin, Bonito, Greater Amberjack, Yellowtail Snapper, Black Sea Bass, Vermillion Snapper, Triggerfish, Sailfish, Wahoo, Blue Marlin and Blackfin Tuna.


Come join us for a day of exciting deep sea fishing. We sail 7 days a week, leaving at 8 a.m. returning at 5 p.m.

Going 20 to 35 miles off-shore in the enclosed air-conditioned or heated lounge will be comfortable and enjoyable. We have cushioned seating in the Full Galley & Bar. Combined with freshly prepared breakfast and lunch onboard, makes this a great event for the whole family. Who knows, you may even catch a rocket or shuttle launch.

Rates:

Cash or Travelers Checks only...(Sorry no personal checks or credit card accepted)

Full Day 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets: Boat Trip With Pole *Daily Special
Adults $50 $55 $65
Seniors $45 $50 $60
Observers $40 $50


To Contact Us Please Call:
Port Canaveral Tel: (321) 783-5274
Orlando Tel: (407) 648-2211



The Sea Wrangler

Experience the deep sea fishing trip of a lifetime aboard the 2003 custom built 29ft Sea Vee charter boat known as the Sea Wrangler. Based in Port Canaveral, Florida, where the waters are teeming with dolphin, wahoo, king mackerel, grouper, snapper, sailfish, tuna, and cobia, our crew is committed to making your fishing expedition the most memorable, enjoyable and safe sport fishing day on the deep blue waters of the Atlantic as possible. Yes, it is easy to catch the excitement aboard the Sea Wrangler where either the quest for a rod bending giant grouper or the thrill of landing a soaring sailfish will most surely yield a catch to be proud of.


Rates: (Up to four persons)
A full day (approximately 9hours) is $525.
A half day (approximately 5 hours) is $425.
Special trips are available at your request.

What is provided:

State of the art rods and reels, tackle, bait, ice, fishing license, fish cleaning and very friendly and professional personnel.

What to bring:
Food, drinks (no hard liquor please), towels, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and rain gear.

Payment Policy:
We must receive a deposit or credit card number to hold your reservation. If you cancel prior to 72 hours there is no charge. Cancellations less than 72 hours there will be a $100 charge and less than 24 hours or a "no show" there will be a $200 charge. If we cancel due to bad weather (for your safety), there will be no charge.

It is customary to tip the mate or captain at least 15-20% just like any other service industry. Remember their day is 3-4 hours longer than the actual trip.

The Sea Leveler

Jump aboard for a Florida deep sea fishing experience of a lifetime! The custom 30' Island Hopper, known as the Sea Leveler, is conveniently located in Port Canaveral (the safest port on the east coast) near Cape Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center, Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island, Sebastian, Titusville, Daytona, Melbourne, Orlando, and the Disney/Universal Studios area.
We promise you that no one will try harder or be more motivated to show you Florida's finest offshore fishing than our crew.

The Sea Leveler offers a wide variety of fishing experiences, which includes:
Targeting hard pulling fish such as Grouper, Snapper, and Amberjack,
Trying to tame the fast and furious Wahoo, Kingfish and Barracuda,
Enjoying the excitement of high jumping Sailfish, Marlin and Dolphin,
And basking in the thrill of site fishing for Cobia, Tripletail and Tuna.

WHAT'S PROVIDED:
Rod & reels, tackle, bait, ice, large icebox, fish cleaning and excellent service with a great attitude

WHAT TO BRING:
We suggest that customers bring fishing clothes, food, drinks, beach towels, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen

WEATHER POLICY:
No fishing under small craft advisory
Weather shortened days will be prorated

AVAILABLE TRIPS:
Full Day: 9 hours $650
Half Day: 5 hours, morning or afternoon $500
Special trips are available upon request (i.e. in port, 12 hour, shuttle, overnight, shark, funerals, site seeing, bird watching, etc.

RESERVATION/PAYMENT POLICY:
It is customary to tip the mate 15-20% for excellent service
A $200 deposit or credit card number is required to book a reservation (MasterCard and Visa only)
If the customer does not show or does not cancel 24 hours in advance, the deposit will not be refunded
If Sea Leveler cancels due to unavoidable circumstances, the customer will be refunded the full $200



No Fish, No Pay!

Fishing Orlando / Kissimmee (Disney Area)
Specializing in Big Bass & Black Crappie (Speck - Perch)
Year Round Fishing Day or Night
USCG Master Captain's License

"Catch a Trophy"
Come see why Central Florida is known as the world's best Trophy Bass Fishing destination. Captain Bill Long has fished these Central Florida waters for over 30 years. Bill specializes in both artificial and wild shiners to catch BIG BASS and black crappie (Speck Perch).
Private charters - you and your party - plus the guide!
Custom rigged, fully equipped Bass Boats - safe, comfortable and dependable!
Fishing half days, full days and night fishing


*Free - Second person free - Bring Friends!
*Free - Refreshments
*Free - Tackle and lures of the best quality!
*Free - Photo of your fish.
*Free - Transportation from most area hotels.
*Free - Advice and instruction.


Great Central Florida Location!
Our central location in the Orlando - Kissimmee area puts you 30 minutes or less from all major attractions such as: Disneyworld, Sea World, MGM, Epcot, Universal Studios and other major attractions.

Featured In:
Florida Sportsman
Outdoor Life
Field and Stream
Appeared on ESPN - Wayne Person Ultimate Outdoors

Rates - $190 Half Day / $280 Full Day

Bring your camera as you will see old cypress trees, Spanish Moss, water hyacinths, birds, wildlife and alligators. See Central Florida's inner beauty by boat. (Call or e-mail about special site seeing boat tours.)
Having you land a big Trophy Bass is our number one priority

A#1 Bass Guides Services


As we all know the Orlando Central Florida area has some of the best largemouth bass fishing the world has to offer. When fishing with A#1 Bass Guide Service and Capt. Pete Matson you have a choice of fishing half, three quarter, full day and night charters. We give you a choice of fishing a variety of different lakes in the Orlando Disney World area. You can fish the popular scenic crystal clear waters of the Butler Chain. The wild open spaces of the famous Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. Lake Toho, Lake Walk in the Water, and the Stick Marsh Farm 13 areas, Also available private lakes and many other great fishing spots in the Orlando Central Florida area that may give you that trophy dream fish of a life time. While fishing you will see and experience first hand a wild variety of birds and wild life including the Florida Alligator, Bald Eagles and all different kinds of waterfowl.


A#1 Bass Guides Services was established by National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame inductee Captain Pete Matson in 1991. Capt. Pete owner and operator of has over 20 years experience as both Professional Guide and tournament angler. Winner of Regional and Local tournaments. My experience and fishing knowledge will help you have one the best and most memorable fishing experiences of your life.

Half-Day Trips (approximately 4-5 hours)

Two Fisherman: $200.00
These charters include: Professional rigged Bass Boat, Guide, All Fishing Tackle, sodas, and ice.

Full-Day Trips (approximately 8-9 hours)

Two Fisherman: $300.00
These charters include: Professional rigged Bass boat, Guide, All fishing tackle, sodas and ice.


Miscellaneous

Live bait: shiners are extra (approximate price $12-$15 per dozen)

Fl. Fishing License: Non-Resident 7-day $18.00 per person

Pick Up Available: From Motel to Lake and Back


Call: (352) 394-3660 - OR - (800) 707-5463

a1bassguideservice

Lake Ridge winery by Flikflak

lakeridgewinery

We ended up here one day whilst driving up the 27. We had a really nice morning there and the tour around the winery is free. You also get to have a tasting session at the end.

We came back with a few bottles of wine. It has a really distinct taste and one of their red wines is sweet - really good chilled on a hot day.

So if you have a spare morning/afternoon pop up and have a look. You could maybe combine it with a visit to one of the big lakes.

[BONZO]

So, How can you help?

(1) Add you suggestions to this thread

(2) Include web link, address, costs or other information

(3) Give a brief outline or review

(4) I'll add to this "master list" and delete your post

[BONZO]

*List updated*

Keep the info coming folks!

[J1WYX]

Brevard zoo
8225 North Wickham Road,
Melbourne, FL 32940

Admission Prices:
Adults - $10.50
Seniors (60 & up) - $9.50
Children (2-12) - $7.50
Children under 2 - FREE


Went here in March and thought it was really good and not expensive.
It was a good way for the kids to get close to animals you wont see here and they found it really intresting.

It took us about an hour to drive to and was easy to find (although we did have Tom Tom---it was basicly a straight run)

Would reccomend this especially if llike us you've been to Florida a few times as its something away from the hussle n bussle

[Cheryl P]

Pirate's Cove - International Drive

Hours: 9 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. Every Day

Location:On International Drive between Mercado and the Castle Hotel, approximately 1 mile from the Convention Center. [Google Maps]

Course Info:
Captain's Course Adults $9.95 - Children $8.95
Blackbeard's Challenge Adults $9.95 - Children $8.95
36-Hole Adventure Adults $13.95 - Children $12.50

Come aboard mates! Make us part of your Orlando vacation. Voted "Best in Florida" by Orlando Magazine, our adventure golf courses are renowned for their innovative hole designs, lush landscaping, and entertaining pirate theming.

The adventures and legends of infamous pirates come to life as you enter our world of 18th century buccaneers-- sunken ships, cascading waterfalls, dreaded pirate dungeons and lush, tropical vegetation. And watch out for stray cannon shots from the wily skeleton lofting cannon fire from his old raft!

Our manicured courses are specifically designed to provide maximum enjoyment for kids and adults alike. Discover the fun!

[Guest]

Link for above Pirates Cove is piratescove/location/5 :-)

[TRACEYA89]

mount dora is a nice little town about one hours drive away from orlando.

[DIBBadmin]

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