Nature Vacation ideas?

Question

We have not been on a vacation in 5 years. I have two DYS type kids, DD7 & DS10. I was thinking about something like SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, Aquatica, SeaWorld's Water Park in Orlando. It's very open but it might be nice to go during winter or spring break. We have some Marriott points for Hotel.

My daughter is reading the Dolphin Daires books and would love to swim with the dolphins. This can be done at Discovery Cove. My kids and I love going to the beach.

We are not great planners so everything included and close by makes it simplier. If we can walk out our Hotel and go to the beach - great. All of the above is very close to the Hotel.

I was wondering if anyone has been to these places and if they are very crowed? Is there a best time to go?

Is there some place else that we should consider?

MaxxKingston · Accepted Answer

We did Discovery Cove once, and while it was fun, it was also packed. If you’re into nature, I’d suggest checking out the Keys or even taking an airboat ride in the Everglades. It’s a great way to explore without dealing with huge crowds. Also, if you’re flying there, upgrading to https://travelbusinessclass.com/ might be worth it. I tried it on a long trip with my kids and it made a huge difference – more space and just way less stressful.

OleviaRomero · Answer

I agree that Florida is generally warm-ish during winter or spring breaks - although that can vary greatly. Places like Discovery Cove are fun, but I will warn you - they can be very pricey. It seems most places in Orlando are not for the budget-conscious. Orlando is also crazy around the times of usual breaks from school, including the week of President's Day in Feb. and December break. Spring break is traditionally busy everywhere in Florida.

How about further south in Florida - the Everglades, Biscayne, the Keys? There are plenty of nature activities that are less expensive. Parts of the Everglades have well-groomed hiking trails and alligators in the wild (not to swim with, of course!).

The beach can be chilly, even in south Florida (except say, Key West), but you may get lucky. I've been to central Florida at the end of December and wished I'd had mittens. Then again, I've been on the beach in a bathing suit in December, too.

Nature Vacation ideas?

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