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FTF's guide for enjoyable activities beyond the theme parks in Orlando, the country's number one family destination.

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).

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.

Kennedy Space Center
Orlando, FL 32815
321/449-4444
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.

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.