Bok Tower Gardens – Located in Lake Wales, Bok Tower Gardens is a beautiful garden and bird sanctuary that is great for the whole family. At $17, it’s an affordable day spent outdoors with stunning views. Kids ages 5 and under are free and dogs are welcome too! Also, Bok Tower Gardens is recognized as an ‘Autism Friendly’ business by the Center For Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD) at the University of South Florida.
Blue Springs – Located about one hour north of Orlando, this state park is home to natural springs that maintain a 70-degree temperature all year round. Bring your swimsuit and goggles to check out the crystal clean spring water and plant life for yourself! Be sure to check the hours and wait times since Blue Springs has gotten much more popular since Covid, and be prepared for hours-long waits to park during peak manatee viewing season in the winter!
Kennedy Space Center – Located on the east coast of Florida, Kennedy Space Center is the site where NASA launches rockets into space. Visitors can enjoy the museum/exhibits as well as take a tour of the facility or even participate in watching a live launch!
Mount Dora – Located about 40 minutes north of Orlando, Mount Dora is an antique collector’s dream. With charming architecture and an old-world feel, Mount Dora is a perfect escape that feels miles away from the craziness of Disney/Orlando.
St. Augustine – Located 2 hours from Orlando, this historic city is known for its Spanish colonial architecture, charming streets and museums. Spend the day (or night) and be sure to visit Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum.
Farms – There are several farms located within driving distance from Orlando depending on where you’d like to go and the season! For early in the year, check out Southern Hills Farms or Pappy’s Patch to pick your own strawberries. For goat yoga, visit Alaska Farms or Wildflower Farms (Wildflower also has other special children’s activities such as story time). Beck Brother’s Citrus offers blueberry picking in April and May. Green Acres Farm has animals such as chickens and ducks and Painted Oaks Farms near Oviedo is perfect for festivals and getting out to experience horseback riding, even for the littlest riders.