What is there to do in Orlando for families? Obviously, there are some no-brainers here in the theme park capital of the United States. But Orlando also offers a fascinating, and perhaps unexpected, variety of natural, cultural, historical, and downright unusual activities--so many, in fact, that it would take you an estimated 67 days to see everything. Whether you're sticking to theme parks or venturing beyond, a visit to Orlando's Official Visitor Center (800/551-0181) at 8723 International Drive is a smart move.

For a head start, check out www.orlandoinfo.com for visitor information and to order an "Official Destination Guide" and "Preferred Visitor Magicard" (offering discounts on hotels, restaurants, and attractions). And of course, keep reading for FTF's picks for younger kids, older kids and teens, and the whole family for attractions in and around the country's number one family destination.

Fun For the Kids

(Toddler to Age 8)

Central Florida Zoo
3755 NW Highway 17-92
Sanford, FL 32773
407/323-4450
This community zoo is known for its conservation and education efforts. You'll find demonstrations and feedings with elephants, cheetahs, and other creatures with tested visitor appeal, as well as something distinctive in a smaller package: the state's only Insect Zoo. Stroller rentals are available.

Dinosaur World
5145 Harvey Tew Rd
Plant City, FL 33563
813/717-9865
Maybe your littlest ones like to point out dinosaurs in picture books, but aren't tall enough or bold enough to handle the atmosphere of Animal Kingdom's Dinosaur ride. Here's a possible solution--a parkful of over 150 lifesize dinosaurs that stand perfectly still! Like its sister park in Kentucky, Dinosaur World Florida allows visitors an experience not unlike walking through a prehistoric picture book. There's also a "fossil dig" activity that lets kids find and take home their own small fossils. The pathways are paved and though there are no food facilities, picnicking is allowed.

Green Meadows Petting Farm
1368 S. Poinciana Blvd
Kissimmee, FL 34746
407/846-0770
This guided tour-based attraction is designed especially with kids in mind, and makes an especially fun sidetrip for urbanite families seeking some country air. Two-hour tours run continuously throughout the day, allowing visitors a hands-on visit with a variety of farm animals. Kids will be able to try their hands at milking a cow and riding a pony, and everyone can jump on the hayride. This is another place to bring a picnic and there are abundant patches of shade around the grounds. Go in October, and you can find a future jack o' lantern in the pumpkin patch.

Gatorland
14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, FL 32837
800/393-JAWS; 407/370-1280
Another roadside attraction? Maybe, but this is one of Florida's largest and most elaborate, with 110 acres devoted to that toothy Florida icon, the alligator. After entering the park through a giant concrete gator head, fans of "Crocodile Hunter" style entertainment will love the alligator wrestling and jumping shows. Crocodiles, snakes, flamingos and many other species of birds, bats, and other wildlife also make an appearance. Little ones can get their faces painted, hop on the Gatorland Express Train, and hang out at the Lily's Pad playground. Four "Adventure Tours" are also available for brave families who want to try their hand at gator wrestling, explore behind the scenes, view gators at night or be a trainer-for-a-day. All of this was started in 1949 by Owen Godwin, a man with an alligator pit in his backyard and a dream.

Fun For Older Children

(Up to Age 18)

Discovery Cove
6000 Discovery Cove Way
Orlando, FL 32821
877/4-DISCOVERY; 407/370-1428
It's an investment, but if your family wants to get up close and personal with undersea life beyond the Shamu show, this could be the experience of a lifetime. Guests make reservations for this limited-admittance park, then check their clothes and shoes for the day upon arrival. Wetsuits in sizes all the way down to toddler are included in the admission price. Attractions within Discovery Cove include a dolphin training and swim session for ages 6+, a lagoon with rays and trainers ready to assist, and a lazy river that winds underneath an aviary. The all-inclusive price also covers continental breakfast, lunch, snacks, snorkel gear, towels, sunscreen, and admission to SeaWorld Orlando or Busch Gardens Tampa over seven consecutive days.

Richard Petty Driving Experience
Walt Disney World Speedway
Floridian Way
Walt Disney World
Orlando, FL 32801
800/BE-PETTY
Spring breakers and NASCAR fans know that Daytona is only about an hour's drive from Orlando, but you and your older teens won't even have to go that far to experience racecar driving. Located at the Walt Disney World Speedway near the theme park, the Richard Petty Driving Experience allows visitors 18 and over (with a driver's license and familiarity with standard transmission) to drive at a safe distance behind an instructor at speeds up to 140 mph, based on comfort level and ability. Those 16 and up who wish to ride along with an instructor will pay less and go faster, though they won't be behind the wheel themselves. Special seating is available for family members to watch, and those who take the plunge don't regret it--check out the website for an extensive list of celebrities who have tried their hand at driving.

Boggy Creek Airboat Rides
2001 E. Southport Rd.
Kissimmee, FL 34746
407/344-9550
The Central Florida Everglades aren't far from Orlando at all, and this unique tour experience is an interesting way to see a more natural version of the area. Tours depart every half hour, and airboat passengers might see gators, bald eagles, and other wildlife amidst the cypress-lined wetlands as they glide over the water.

Reptile World Serpentarium
5705 East Irlo Bronson Highway
St. Cloud, FL 34771
407/892-6905
This strange but locally treasured attraction is appealing for a few reasons: it's off the beaten path, it's cheaper than most any other tourist attraction you'll visit, and its focus on snakes instead of gators makes it unique, as Florida reptile collections go. Though probably not for the squeamish, the highlight of a visit to Reptile World is witnessing the daily scheduled "milking" of venom from poisonous snakes to be used in scientific research. Visitors claim that the snakes look more "alive" and active here than they tend to look in zoos, and iguanas, turtles, and the token gator also make an appearance.

Outlet Shopping
Various locations around Orlando; check individual websites for addresses and driving directions.
If there aren't any great outlets in your neck of the woods, teen shop-a-holics may want to hit one of the three major outlet venues in the Orlando area. Orlando Premium Outlets (407/238-7787) are the place to go for high-end names like Burberry and Kenneth Cole, with 110 stores to choose from. Prime Outlets Orlando (407/352-9600) is the largest outlet collection, with over 170 stores mixing everyday and designer brands. Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores (407/238-9301) have nearly 50 outlets--here you will find Old Navy, the Gap, Borders Book Store, and KB Toys. A shuttle leaves from many area hotels and coupons are available on the website.

Fun For the Whole Family

SeaWorld
7007 SeaWorld Drive
Orlando, FL 32821
800/327-2424
As a manageable but still major Orlando theme park, SeaWorld has appeal for family members of different ages. A new Shamu show entitled "Believe" promises to be the best yet, while dolphins, sea lions, and other creatures perform daily. Sharks and penguins are also crowd favorites. For thrills, SeaWorld boasts Orlando's only floorless roller coaster, "Kraken," but for smaller ones, "Shamu's Express" is a milder, family-themed coaster. Interesting extra-cost activities include the "Marine Mammal Keeper" program, which allows participants 13 and older to interact with the animals; "Sharks Deep Dive," which safely emerges participants 10 and up in a shark cage within the Shark Encounter exhibit; and for more shark viewing, dinner at "Sharks Underwater Grill."

Kennedy Space Center
Cape Canaveral, FL
866/737-5235
Located about 45 minutes away from Orlando, this NASA visitor center was built in 1967 for astronauts' families to view space center operations. Today, it's open to the public with behind-the-scenes tours, interactive activities, a huge IMAX theater and opportunities to meet an astronaut. Smaller children will have plenty to climb on between the Children's Play Dome and the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo replicas in the Rocket Garden. If you're really lucky, you might be able to visit on the day of a space shuttle launch and buy a ticket for prime seating--but this will require serious advance planning!

For a once in a lifetime adventure (priced accordingly!), Kennedy Space Center is offering "The Zero-G Experience" from destinations including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Jose, and the Kennedy Space Center, FL. This is the only FAA-approved weightless flight for the general public, priced at $3,950 a pop. Flyers are accompanied by a veteran astronaut and have a party with parting gifts after the flight is over. To learn and dream more about this unique program, visit www.gozerog.com.

Orlando Science Center
777 East Princeton Street
Orlando, FL 32803
888/OSC-4FUN; 407/514-2000
The highlight of this area Science Center is Body-Zone 3D, a movie that takes viewers in 3D glasses through the circulatory system with a red blood cell. Interactive displays on healthy living and measurement, a hands-on laboratory, a flight simulator, a planetarium, and an observatory round out the experience. Like any other city's science center, it's a worthwhile stop for inquisitive kids.

Blue Spring State Park
2100 West French Avenue
Orange City, FL 32763
386/775-3663
Every winter (mid-November through March), endangered Florida manatees move to the warm waters of Blue Spring. Ranger talks offer information and Q&A about these gentle giants, and the rangers know each manatee by name. When the manatees leave during the hotter months, humans can move back into the water for swimming, snorkeling, and tubing. Picnic areas, a hiking trail, camping, and river boat tours are also available. The park can get crowded on weekends, but it's still a natural escape from the Florida freeway.

Miniature Golf
Ah, miniature golf--there's no better way to bring out the competitive streak in various family members, and Orlando is no exception to the many family tourism areas around the country with a proliferation of campy mini-golf courses. Of course there is mini-golf available at Disney, and here are some other options for the active imagination: Hawaiian Rumble Adventure Golf (407/351-3311), Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf (407/352-7378), and Tiki Island Volcano Golf (407/248-8180).

All photos accompanying this article are courtesy of the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau.