10 Great Central Florida Day Trips

Blue Spring State Park is located north of Orlando FL. in Orange City, it has become one of our favorite adventures. This park is great to visit all year long. In the cooler months you can get a close up look at manatees and the warmer months you can jump in the springs for a swim. They do offer some learning programs and you can even take an eco tour on the St John's River.
There are many learning opportunities in this park from the wildlife to plants, the history and spring, our environment, and on and on.

Activities this park offers:
Boat tours, Camping, Cabins, Canoeing & Kayaking, Swimming, Picnic Area, Playground, Interpretive Exhibit, Nature Trails, and Wildlife Viewing.

We found this park to be a great value as admission is only $5 a car load.

Photo credit: Flipflopnana

Blue Spring State Park Official Website

Blue Spring Boil by flipflopnana

If you are in Central Florida and want just an awesome learning experience, Kennedy Space Center is a MUST. You can find it just east of Orlando. If you are lucky enough to be able to see one of the launches, do so, they are amazing.

Here are just a few of the hands on experiences:
* The Apollo/Saturn V Center, where the incredible accomplishments of the Apollo moon program return to life
* IMAX® theaters, where you can feel the thrill of space exploration on five-story screens as you "float' alongside NASA astronauts.
* Guided tours into exclusive areas for a behind-the-scenes look at Kennedy Space Center's working space flight facilities
* Interactive space flight simulators at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®

The cost of a trip can add up if you add all of the tours, but it is still well worth the experience. If you live nearby, you can get an annual pass for only $50 for adults plus get a discount on guest passes.

If you ever wanted to train like an astronaut, you could even reserve a spot in the half day Astronaut Training Experience. Sounds like fun!

Kennedy Space Center Official Website

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You can find the Marine Science Center just south of Daytona Beach in Ponce Inlet. The Marine Science Center offers a wide variety of programs for children and adults throughout the year.

Visitors can observe turtle and seabird rehabilitation in action, if you are lucky you may be able to catch a turtle or bird being released. There are also many fascinating marine exhibits and interactive displays., You could participate in a classroom lab, walk through beautiful nature trails, climb an observation tower for a spectacular view, and visit a unique gift shop.

You will find the Marine Science Center another great value for your money as admission is only $5 per adult and $2 for children.

Photo credit: Flipflopnana

Marine Science Center Official Website

Right next to the Marine Science Center you can find Ponce Inlet's Lighthouse and Museum. This is Florida's tallest lighthouse and the view is amazing from the top.

This is a great education trip as you learn the history of the lighthouse, the lenses that were used, and a little about the area. You can climb to the top of the lighthouse and all of the grounds buildings have been turned into a museum.
If you visit their website ahead of time you can download some fun pre-visit activities.
Be sure to check out the gift shop if you are a lighthouse collector or need a gift for one.
Admission is only $5 for adults and $1.50 for children.

Photo credit: Flipflopnana

Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Official Website

This wildlife refuge consists of 140,000 acres and shares a boundary with The Kennedy Space Center. the refuge manages a variety of habitats for more than 500 species of animals, including 21 that have been listed as endangered.

Plan your visit to start at the visitor information center where you will find exhibits, movies, programs, and all the info you need to become aquainted with the park and what it has to offer.

There are many ways to view wildlife in this park including a 7 mile wildlife drive, nature trails, canoeing/kayaking, and a manatee observation deck.

You can expect to see alligators, manatee, turtles, snakes, wood storks, and much more.

Photo credit: Merritt Island Wildlife Center

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Official Website

This is a wonderfully unique historical village. Each visitor is provided with a guided tour of all of the structures which shows life in rural Florida in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Florida history comes alive here through demonstrations of early industry, trades and arts. There are more than 100 historical demonstrators, artisans, and trade people.

The Pioneer Settlement hosts events all through the year such as a fall jamboree and an outdoor extravaganza. A summer camp and a Saturday Jam/Workshop are offered over the summer months. Children's activities are always available.

Photo credit: Barberville Pioneer Settlement

Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts Official Website

The Orlando Science Center is an amazing learning adventure. They have packed so many exhibits into this building you may not be able to fit it all into just one day.

Some of the exhibits include:

NatureWorks, which will have you up close and personal with some of nature's most fascinating reptiles.

At DinoDigs you'll step back into the prehistoric age.

KidsTown is an interactive world dedicated to our smaller explorers.

Xperience Factory is part education, part entertainment, their shows will provide you with a hands-on, interactive look at science.

Dr. Phillips CineDome: Experience the wonders of the deep ocean or the sensation of flying on our majestic 8-story screen.

Crosby Observatory: Explore the mysteries of the outer limits through the largest publicly accessible refractor telescope in the state of Florida.

Special Events: Throughout the year, the Orlando Science Center offers a variety of special events to keep you engaged and entertained.

Photo credit: Orlando Science Center

Orlando Science Center Official Website

The Central Florida Zoo is not only a great learning adventure but also a relaxing and entertaining experience.

Discovering animals is just the beginning, the zoo also offers year round educational programs focusing on conservation.

Need a break from learning? Then take a break at Tropical Splash Ground. It is a fun water playground kids of all ages can go to cool off. Or you could enjoy an aerial adventure course at Zoom Air Adventure Park.

You can pack a picnic and make a day of it.
Don't forget to visit their website and see if any special events are being offered.

Photo credit: Central Florida Zoo

Central Florida Zoo Official Website

Green Meadows Farm in Kissimee, FL provides hands-on guided tours to educate visitors about farm animals. You will have a chance to learn about over 300 animals.
On the tour you will enjoy:
* Information about pigs, cows, goats, sheep, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, donkeys, Elmer the Asian water buffalo and more!
* A chance for everyone to milk a cow.
* Train Ride.
* Pony rides for children.
* Tractor-drawn hayride.
* Picnic areas for those bringing a lunch.
* Beverages and snacks available at The General Store.
* Free Souvenir for all Spring and Summer visitors.
* Everyone picks their own FREE pumpkin in Fall.

Photo credit: Green Meadows Farm

Green Meadows Farm Official Website

Forever Florida is a 4700 acre eco-ranch and wildlife conservation area boasting beautifully untamed wilderness, natural streams, wetlands and dense cypress forests. Choose your own fully-guided adventure: Coach Safari, Horseback Safari or soar over it all on Florida's only Zipline Safari.
You can visit the Crescent J, a picturesque Florida ranch featuring a living museum of Spanish Colonial Cattle and Florida's unique Cracker Horses.
Additional opportunities to spend more time are available with extended 2 and 3 day overnight horseback adventures. Camp out in wild Florida under a beautiful night sky full of stars.

Photo credit: Forever Florida

Forever Florida Official Website

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