A closer look at O-Town’s lesser-known family-friendly destinations.

Mega theme parks like Universal Studios, and Disney World have helped Orlando, Florida, become the family-oriented vacation destination it is today. However, Orlando and nearby areas offer other lesser-known attractions, restaurants and area hotels.

To Play
Discovery Cove offers a unique experience with dolphins, thousands of fish, rays, and birds. A one-day, all-inclusive ticket features a 30-minute dolphin swim session, snorkeling with tropical fish in the Coral Reef, hand-feeding birds in the free flight Aviary, and wading with rays in a special lagoon. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are offered.

Check out the Orlando Science Center, which gives you a glimpse of the hu­man body from the perspective of a red blood cell.

To View and Pet
Another outing is Gatorland, a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve. Witness some of the largest alligators in the world jump four to five feet out of the water during the Gator Jumparoo Show. Kids will also enjoy the Upclose Animal Encounters Show, where creatures from around the world—including some of the most dangerous snakes—are within touching distance.

Kissimmee is home to the Green Mead­ows Petting Zoo. A two-hour guided tour features over 300 farm animals. Kids can milk a cow, take a pony ride or a tractordrawn hayride, or just pet livestock.

To Eat & Entertain
Arabian Nights Dinner Show has a prime rib dinner enhanced by the roman­tic and magical story that unfolds in front of you. You’ll meet a handsome prince, a beautiful princess, and a genie; and be entranced by stunts with an array of stun­ning horses, charioteers and unicorns.

The Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament is set within a huge European style castle and features tournament games of skill, jousting and sword fights.

One restaurant you can count on kids loving is McDonald’s and the World’s Largest PlayPlace. McDonald’s is found on International Drive. Kids can zoom down a 60-foot super slide, play some of the 60 arcade games, or run around the play area.

To Sleep
If your stay in Orlando lasts more than a day, the following accommodations are worth considering.

Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn boasts brightly hued, non-stop action that can make you feel like your favorite Nickelodeon characters (AAA Three Dia­mond).

Nick Hotel’s Lagoon Pool boasts a four-story interactive water tower with several slides, water jets, climbing nets, and a 400-gallon dump tank. Daily poolside interactive games hosted by the energetic recreation team add another level of fun.

The Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center, rated AAA Four Diamond, includes a 4,000-square-foot La­Petite Academy Kids Station. Older guests will appreciate the Coquina Dunes golf course, the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, and the shopping and dining options.