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Orlando

Orlando is a great family destination.

Itty Bitty City

Located in Springfield, Missouri, Itty Bitty City is a creative play center designed for children ages 8 and younger. Youngsters can visit the grocery store, doctor’s office, and more!

Hours
Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission
You can pay for the day or sign up for a monthly or annual membership.

Visit Itty Bitty City’s official website for more information.

Gator Chateau

Located just 30 minutes outside of Lake Charles in Jeff Davis Parish, this chateau is home to rescue baby alligators. The Gator Chateau is a rescue, education and release program. The baby alligators come to the chateau for a variety of reasons and they are carried for and fostered there until they reach about 8 years old and can be released back into their natural habitat.

During your visit, you will learn all about alligators from what they eat to how they move. And get ready, because everyone will have a chance to hold a baby alligator, too! Public feedings also take place seasonally on Fridays at 3:30 p.m. between June and September.

Hours
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday

Things to Know/Do
This is a free program, open to the public to visit. Donations are welcome.

https://youtu.be/g-8wSaOJ2J4

1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center

This historic city all has been restored and transformed into a public art gallery for all to enjoy, at no cost. This multi-level cultural center showcases numerous art exhibits throughout the year. The rotating works of art in a variety of mediums (photography, paintings, drawings) have been created by famous artists like Pablo Picasso and Normal Rockwell as well as local and regional artists. Families could spend about an hour here exploring the artworks.

Hours
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday

Things to Know/Bring
This is a free museum. A weekly farmer’s market is also held every Saturday outside.

Herb Brooks Arena

Remember the “Miracle on Ice”—when the amateur U.S. hockey team beat the gold medalist Soviet Union in a historic upset—during the 1980 Winter Olympics? It happened at Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid, New York.

You can walk into the arena to see where the magic happened at any time, and are likely to catch kids or adults playing hockey. Ticketed events are also an option. 

The Herb Brooks Arena is located at the Lake Placid Olympic Center.

Uihlein Sugar Maple Research & Extension Field Station

Canada and Vermont get all the fame for maple syrup. But you’ll find some of the best maple syrup in New York, specifically at the Uihlein Sugar Maple Research & Extension Field Station in Lake Placid.

Part of Cornell University’s College of Life Science and Agriculture in Ithaca, the Uihlein Sugar Maple Research & Extension Field Station aims to educate visitors on maple syrup production, from tree to bottle.

Tours include walking through the sugar bush (sugar maple trees) to see how the sap is collected, visiting the sugar shack to see where some of the syrup production takes place, and—the best part—sampling different types of maple syrup. You’ll even get to taste syrup you buy at the grocery store (such as Mrs. Butterworth’s Syrup, which isn’t maple syrup, by the way), and compare it with the real stuff.

Purchase some syrup to take home—it’s the ultimate souvenir or gift! 

Tours
Tours must be scheduled in advance; call 518-523-9337 to make a reservation.

Keystone Nordic Center

The Nordic Center at Keystone also happens to be a golf course in the warmer months. In the winter months, the Nordic Center offers snowshoeing, skate skis and cross country skiing rentals. There are more than nine miles of groomed trails and even more nearby trails throughout the White River National Forest. Lessons and guided tours are also available here. A smaller snow tubing hill can also be found here. Considered more of a large sledding hill since visitors must walk their tubes up the hill before sliding down, this area is great for younger kids who may want to snowtube. The Nordic Center at Keystone also happens to be a golf course in the warmer months.

Hours
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily from December through March

Things to Know/Bring
Wear waterproof boots, pants and gloves if you plan to participate in any of the outdoor activities. No personal sleds or tubes can be used on the snowtubing hill. Tickets include the tube.

Dining
If you are craving soup during your visit to Keystone, head to the Nordic Center for steaming hot bowls of soup. The Nordic Soup Bistro features homemade soups and freshly baked breads, a bar, and light snacks, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.

Triple A Adventures


If you’re looking for a reliable tour operator to show you the Exuma Islands, we recommend Triple A Adventures. Barry and Larry (twin brothers) provide half- and full-day excursions, as well as private charters. Their friendly personalities and knowledge of the islands, coupled with unique activities, food, and music, make the day truly enjoyable.

Highlights include (responsibly) frolicking with pigs on Big Major Cay, petting nurse sharks on Compass Cay, visiting rare rock iguanas on Allen Cay, and snorkeling in Thunderball Grotto.

Full-day tours include a stop for lunch (additional fee), which is a buffet of home-cooked Bahamian favorites such as jerk chicken and mac and cheese. Snacks and drinks (including Bahama Mamas, of course) are also served onboard.

What to Bring
– Dry bag
– Hats
– Towels
– Swimsuits
– Sunglasses
– Sunscreen
– Bug Spray
– Windbreakers

For more information, visit TripleAdventures.com.

North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex

During this 1.5-hour segway tour, start at the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex until you are comfortable on the segway. Once you’re in control, the tour heads off into the woods for a spin through nature. Along the way, you’ll enjoy some fun photo ops. Riders must weigh 80 pounds to participate; for families with children younger than 16, call the facility first to discuss a tour.

Hours
Monday through Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. From December through February, the afternoon tour is at 1 p.m.

Inlet Point Plantation Stables

Enjoy time seeing North Myrtle Beach from a new point of view: on horseback. Take a ride down the beach, or relax during a shaded waterway trail ride. Pony rides are available for the littlest riders. Choose from a variety of one-hour tours that show visitors a different side of this popular destination.

Hours
Every Monday through Saturday, rides are between 8 a.m. and sunset each day.

Go Ape! Treetop Adventure

Spend some time climbing and zip lining among the trees at this fun outdoor adventure. Smaller kids with a minimum height of 3 feet, 3 inches can conquer the obstacles on Treetop Junior with adult supervision. Participants 10 years and older with a minimum height of 4 feet, 7 inches can take it to the next level on the Treetop Adventure. Make sure everyone is wearing closed-toe shoes.

Hours
Influenced by daylight hours, so check website for current operating schedule.

810 Billiards and Bowling

If you’re looking for a break from the rain or sun, hit the lanes and see who the best bowler in the family is. In addition to bowling, you also can try your skills at bocce, billiards, ping pong, foosball, darts, corn hole, shuffleboard and much more. The center also offers food and drinks, so you can make it a full family outing.

Hours
Open Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to midnight, on Friday from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m., on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m., and on Sunday from 12 p.m. to midnight.

Cherry Grove Pier

A part of the North Myrtle Beach scene since the early 1950s, the Cherry Grove Pier is one of the most fun places to go fishing. Bring your own gear, or find everything you need at the full-service tackle, bait and gift shop. Not interested in fishing? Sightseers and walkers also are welcome. Be sure to check out the views from the two-story observation deck at the end of the pier.

Hours
Summer hours are Sunday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to midnight and Friday and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. Hours are subject to change with the seasons, so call for exact hours.

Atlantic Watersports

For fun on the water, check out this local vendor for a variety of water sports. From parasailing and banana boat rides to kayaking, stand-up paddle boards and surfing, there’s plenty to keep families active during their vacation. Even those who don’t want to get in the water can enjoy a great time aboard a fun cycle as they peddle down the beach.

Hours
Operates on a seasonal schedule. See website for more information.

Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf Myrtle Beach

Hop aboard the train, and take a ride to the first hole atop the mountain, where you will start your “search” for the lost treasure. There are two courses to choose from when setting out on your journey. Challenge your family to see who can walk away with the gold and diamonds at the end—or, at least, the bragging rights.

Hours
Operates on a seasonal schedule. See website for current schedule.

House of Blues Myrtle Beach

There’s a lot happening at this longtime favorite in North Myrtle Beach. From movie nights and murder mystery theater to gospel brunch and, of course, live concerts, House of Blues continues to bring live music to the stage. In addition, it offers a full-service restaurant and bar where families can eat to the sounds of their favorite tunes.

Hours
Varies by show schedule and events. See website for current schedule.

Alabama Theatre

Opened in 1993 by the band of the same name, the Alabama Theatre produces some of the top musical entertainment year after year in North Myrtle Beach. Its signature show, “ONE The Show,” combines music, song, dance and laughter into a memorable night of entertainment. The theater also welcomes special guests throughout the year, with top acts from music, comedy and more.

Hours
Varies by show schedule. See website for current schedule.

Caladesi Island State Park

Caladesi Island, near Clearwater, is only accessible by private boat or ferry from Honeymoon Island State Park. The 20-minute ferry ride over calm waters has visitors arriving on the bay side of Caladesi Island. From there, families can explore the 3 miles of wooded trails or enjoy the 3 miles of beach on the Gulf of Mexico side of the island. There’s a large, shaded picnic area and playground, and kayaks are available to rent and explore the mangrove trails.

Hours
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily

Things to Know/Bring
Restrooms and showers are available on the island. The ferry runs every half-hour, but is adjusted seasonally and weather permitting.

Dining
A concession store sells food, beverages, beach supplies and more. You can also rent kayaks, beach chairs and umbrellas here.

Honeymoon Island State Park

Honeymoon Island got its name in the 1940s when a Life magazine editor ran a marketing contest for honeymooners to win a vacation to this remote Florida island near Clearwater. Fifty small honeymoon cottages were constructed on the island and in total, 164 couples enjoyed their honeymoon island before the idea fizzled as World War II began.

Today, families can enjoy 4miles of beach, 3 miles of wooded trails, a playground and picnic areas. Swimming, fishing, hiking, bird watching, kayaking and more are popular on today’s Honeymoon Island State Park. This is also the location for the ferry terminal to Caladesi Island.

Hours
8 a.m. to sundown daily

Things to Know/Bring
Restrooms are available.

Dining
A concession store sells food, beverages, beach supplies and more. You can also rent kayaks, beach chairs and umbrellas here.

Parking
Parking is available for a fee. Pedestrians must also pay to enter the state park.

BouYah Watersports


Located directly on Clearwater Beach in front of the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort, this water sports company is waiting to bring some excitement to your beach day. Families can rent WaveRunners, paddle boards or kayaks; ride a banana boat, or go parasailing with BouYah.

The WaveRunner tours, which run about 90 minutes, are ideal for families as everyone can have their own vehicle and follow the knowledgeable guide through the waterways. It’s a great way to see the Gulf of Mexico and you’re likely to see dolphins along the way!

Hours
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, weather permitting

Age or Height Restrictions
Children 6 and older can ride on a WaveRunner, banana boat, or kayak. Drivers must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license and boater safety education is required for those born after 1988. Children must be 16 years old for a paddleboard.

Things to Know/Bring
You must carry your driver’s license and boater safety ID with you while driving a WaveRunner.

Florida CraftART Mural Tours

Your teens and tweens will love the mural, street art tours with Florida CraftArt. This non-profit organization, headquartered in downtown St. Pete, is a retail art gallery that also provides studios for artists, and workshops and events for the public.

Every Saturday morning, a walking mural tour is available to the public and every first Saturday of the month a mural bike tour is offered.

Downtown St. Pete is covered in street art and murals on the sides of buildings. The creativity abounds with various size murals (from giant to even more giant), colors, abstract and literal works created by street artists from around the globe. During the walking and bike tours, families will learn the stories behind the murals and their creators.

These Instagram-worthy tours are an excellent way to experience art, culture and get some exercise while exploring the artistic side of St. Pete.

Hours
10 to 11:30 a.m. every Saturday for walking tours. The bike tours take place on the first Saturday of every month from 9 to 11:30 a.m. May through September and from 2 to 4:30 p.m. from November to April.

Age or Height Restrictions
Kids must be at least 18 years old to ride on the bike tour; however teens are permitted to ride if accompanied by an adult.

Things to Know/Bring
Children under 5 years old are free on the walking tours. On the bike tour, be prepared to ride a bike for about 10 miles on streets and alleys throughout downtown St. Pete. Bikes are provided by Coast Bike Share.

Safari Wilderness

You might think you’ve arrived at a faraway land when you climb aboard the safari vehicles at Safari Wilderness Ranch. But you’re actually in Central Florida.

Safari Wilderness, located between Orlando and Tampa, allows families to see and interact with animals you don’t get to see at your average zoo.

Safari Vehicle Tour
There are a few different experiences through the 260-acre Safari Ranch. The most popular is the Safari Vehicle Tour. The experienced guides will tour you through fields in an open-air, covered safari vehicle as you encounter large herd animals along the way. The animals, many of which have been born at the ranch, will wander right over to the vehicle to say hello and maybe “ask” for some food too. When the guides permit, guests can feed designated animals the appropriate feed that is provided (otherwise, feeding the animals is prohibited). Families will see water buffalo, deer, cattle, zebra, ostrich and much more along the way.  This tour takes about two hours.

Camel Expeditions
Camel Expeditions are another way to see the wild game animals. This 90-minute tour has visitors touring the ranch while riding a camel. Children under 3 cannot participate in the Camel Tour and children between 3 and 5 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

Kayak Safari
Kayak Safari has visitors paddling around the ranch’s wetlands to witness the animals. More water fowl and lemurs will be seen on this tour. This 90-minute tour also allows visitors to hand-feed the lemurs. Children under 5 cannot participate in the Kayak Tour and children between 5 and 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

Lemur Feeding
For an added experience or if you don’t have time for a full tour, families can experience the Lemur Feeding. Families will learn all about lemurs before entering the ring-tailed lemur habitat with your guide. The bright-eyed, eager lemurs will be waiting (not so patiently) for you to hand-feed them once inside the habitat. Most of the lemurs will politely welcome their visitors, line up to be fed and politely accept their treats. While visitors cannot touch the lemurs, the lemurs will indeed touch you as they are fed. This exclusive experience in limited to only a few guests per day so make sure to book in advance. The lemur experience is less than an hour long.

Hours
Safari tour times run at 9 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. daily

Things to Know/Bring
Reservations are required. No walk-ins. Tours run rain or shine.

Dining
No outside food or drink is permitted on the ranch. There’s a souvenir shop that sells beverages and snacks.

Beach Beads & Glass Studio

Whether you’re escaping the rain or looking for a break from the heat, this local store is the perfect spot to explore your creative side. Spend some time making your own “one of a kind” piece of beaded jewelry to take home, or sign up for one of the other jewelry-making classes. These include basic beading, aluminum wire, wire wrapping, bead weaving, macrame, glass and Kumihimo classes.

Shoreline Watersports

Make the most of the waters at Surfside Beach with a variety of water sports. Parasailing, banana boat rides, jet skiing, kayaking and buggy boards are available for hours of fun with the family.