Orlando's Backyard

Have you ever wondered what was in Orlando's backyard? Sure, we all know about Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World. We also know they have huge crowds of visitors each and every year. In fact, approximately 49 million people visited the Orlando area last year alone. Add millions more who travel here to enjoy our beaches and coastal sights, and you have a playground that is second to none nationwide. Just think, as a Florida resident (if you're lucky enough to be one) all of this and more awaits you, and it's all in your backyard. Let's take a look at some of the vacation fun things we can do which requires very little travel.

Wekiva Springs State Park

Have you heard about the beautiful Wekiva Springs State Park? Located 20 miles north of Orlando, this beautiful and natural state park offers picnicking, swimming, and canoeing. These are just some of the featured activities. Canoeists and kayakers can paddle along the Wekiva River and enjoy the serenity of the land and water. In addition, there are approximately 13 miles of trails for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. It's a great place to visit! Click here for more information

Everyone loves to go to the zoo! Orlando's Central Florida Zoo, located in historic Sanford (just outside Orlando) is an educational zoological park where hundreds of rare and endangered animals are on display. Among these are cheetahs, elephants, leopards and baboons to name a few. You will be able to see animals you've only been able to read about and explore hands-on exhibits. A miniature train circles the park and makes the tour a lot more fun. Click here for more information

Orlando's Central Florida Zoo

Orlando Science Center

A little further south of Wekiva Springs State park you'll find the phenomenal Orlando Science Center. Wow, you have to go and see this one. The Orlando Science Center is on of the largest facilities of its kind in the Southeast. It offers dynamic exhibits for all ages and has and overnight adventure program for kids, which includes an exploration of the center, two hours of work-shop, a large format film or planetarium show and more. Click here for more information

Let's go a little south of Orlando to the famous Kissimmee Florida where the tourists flourish and Old Town becomes an amusement park winner featuring a ferris wheel, go-kart rides and other fun things to do. When you visit Old Town on family day, which is Sundays, you can try your hand on the Windstorm Roller Coaster. Click here for more information

Old Town

Boggy Creek Air Boat Rides

Let's skim through the swamps and across lakes on this fun ride. Boggy Creek Air Boat Rides will take you on a tour you'll never forget. The captain will point out our native birds, turtles and let's not forget our alligators. If that's not exciting enough for you, check out Boggy Creek's swamp buggy tours on monstrous all-terrain vehicle. Click here for more information

This classic has been around for over 70 years and has provided a lot of joy throughout those years, but it's not the same old place. Located about 60 minutes from Orlando, Central Florida's Cypress Gardens has been redone. With over 40 rides, including six roller coasters and the world's tallest spinning rapids ride, daily ski shows that you just can't miss, and world renowned musicians from all walks of life makes this vacation spot an absolute must see. Click here for more information

Cypress Gardens

Orlando Beaches

You've been introduced to some exciting Orlando vacation options right here in our own backyard, and we hope you'll check them out whether you are an Orlando resident or visitor. Even though the beaches are not exactly in Orlando's backyard, they are in close proximity. Orlando sits only 50 miles from the Atlantic coast and about 75 miles from the Gulf coast. So, if you are looking for sunshine, ocean waters and a day to play in the sand, the Florida beaches are a relatively quick travel throughout the peninsula From Florida's Panhandle to Key West, we have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Click here for more information