Activities in Orlando

• Visit Orlando, it will be an unforgettable getaway tropical sunset image by nTripp from Fotolia.com

  Everyone has heard of Disney World and Universal Studios Theme Park, but what else is there to do in Orlando? In Florida, the weather is usually beautiful, the people are usually friendly, and the opportunities for fun and excitement are, more often than not, bountiful. Think outside the Disney box and indulge in some of the lesser known activities in Orlando.

Orlando Science Center

• The Orlando Science Center offers a fun, hands-on, educational experience. NatureWorks is an exhibit that features exotic reptiles. DinoDigs allows guests to discover fossils. The Science Park delves into the world of electricity and magnetism with the use of lasers and soundwaves. KidsTown is an interactive exhibit where kids pick oranges, build dams, and float boats in the waterfall. Live Programming is a feature that brings life to the exhibits, with shows, volunteering and exploration. Florida's largest retractable telescope is featured in the Crosby Observatory. The cost of admission, as of October 2010, is $17 for adults, $12 for kids three to 11, $16 for senior citizens, and $16 for students.

  Orlando Science Center

  777 East Princeton St.

  Orlando, FL 32803

  407-514-2000

  osc.org

Discovery Cove

• Discovery Cove is a park that offers day-long packages for guests. By purchasing a pass for the resort, guests receive 30 minutes swimming with the dolphins, an opportunity to go snorkeling with the fish, a chance to feed exotic birds, and access to relaxing beaches. Other features include floating down the Wind-Away River, complimentary breakfast, and admission to SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica or Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Only guests over the age of six can partake in the dolphin swim experience. As of October 2010, the basic package starts at $149, but prices vary depending on the date; to add the dolphin swim the price will go up to atleast $249 per person.

  Discovery Cove

  6000 Discovery Cove Way

  Orlando, FL 32821

  877-557-7404

  discoverycove.com

SkyVenture Orlando

• Want all the fun of skydiving with none of the risk? SkyVenture Orlando is a skydiving simulator that brings the real-life skydiving feel to those training for a real jump or just curious what it's like. They offer a wide array of packages depending on the quantity of flights desired and the level of experience. The flier stands in a vertical wind tunnel and prepares to take flight. The tunnel blows large quantities of air upwards, which causes the flier to soar inside the tunnel as if they were actually skydiving. With the Earn Your Wings package, first time fliers receive hands on training, use of all flight gear and two flights in the wind tunnel. A personalized flight certificate comes with the package.

  SkyVenture Orlando

  6805 Visitor Circle

  Orlando, FL 32819

  800-759-3861

  skyventureorlando.com