Metro-Orlando Recreation
My name is Dora Marrero and I am a Realtor®.
If you scroll down over the sections below you'll see we have five categories: Offbeat Attractions & Special Interests, Parks & Outdoor Activities, Budget Entertainment & Shopping, Miniature Golf & Amusement Centers & General Discounts. We have tried to feature information about places that are affordable and edifying. Visit their web sites or telephone for more information.
Offbeat Attractions and Special Interests
Features the work of the Czech-American sculptor in a studio, two galleries, a chapel and a three-acre (1.2-hectare) garden. The galleries house 200 of his works with more than 400 pieces dispersed around the world. Cost: Free 407-647-6294
Explore the Central Florida Everglades!
Features a 205-foot (61.5-meter) Singing Tower with 57 bronze bells in the center of the sanctuary set among reflecting pools and winding pathways. The 157-acre (63.5-hectare) gardens are located on Iron Mountain, the Florida peninsula's highest point at 298 feet (89.4 meters). Cost: $4 adults, $1 children; Pinewood Tours: $5 adults, $3 children 941-676-1408
BRADLEE-MCINTYRE HOUSE
Built around 1885, is the only surviving cottage in Orange and Seminole counties. The exterior of the house rises to three floors and features an octagonal tower and "ginger-bread" verandah. It typifies the flamboyant houses of the Victorian period featuring a Grand Salon, the "Blue Parlor" and a library, used for the ladies and gentlemen respectively. Cost: Free
407-332-0225
BREVARD ZOO
Located in Melbourne, features more than 400 animals and a walk-through aviary. "Paws on" provides a unique interactive learning adventure for children and adults. Cost: $5.50 adults, $3.50 children 407-254-9453
CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOOLOGICAL PARK
With 21 acres (8.4 hectares), is part of a 109-acre (43.6- hectare) forest with palms, cypress trees and oaks. The zoo houses hundreds of native and exotic animals, including birds, primates, mammals, felines and reptiles. Cost: $7 adults, $3 children 407-323-4450
THE CHARLES HOSMER MORSE MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART
Is home to the world's most comprehensive collection of Louis Tiffany glass. Tiffany's 1893 chapel is scheduled to open at the museum in April 1999. The museum also features paintings, furniture, etc. primarily from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Cost: $3 adults, $1 children 407-645-5311
CITRUS TOWER
Located in Clermont, offers a panoramic view of rolling hills, spring-fed lakes and citrus trees, from any of three Tower Observation Decks. It also features a restaurant and gift shop. Cost: $3.50 adults, $1 children, 352-394-4061
The famous beach of Central Florida. Watch out for Major Anthony Nelson and his lovely wife Jeanie.
Located at Rollins College, boasts more than 6,000 works -- one of the largest and most distinguished collections in Florida. It also offers a number of educational programs, including public lectures and gallery talks. Cost: Free 407-646-2526
CREALDE SCHOOL OF ART
Located in Winter Park, offers more than 70 visual arts classes for children, teens and adults. The Jenkins Gallery, Community Gallery and Outdoor Sculpture Garden feature exhibitions by regional, national and international artists. Cost: Free 407-671-1886
DON GARLITS AUTO ATTRACTIONS
Located in Ocala, showcases the sport of drag racing from its origins to today. On display are more than 150 field drag racing cars, including Don Garlits' "swamp rats" and more than 40 antique cars. Cost: $10 adults, $3 children. 352-245-8661
EATONVILLE
Just north of Orlando, is America's oldest African-American municipality and was home to Zora Neale Hurston, a famous author of African-American culture. The town's historical significance is portrayed through churches, key buildings and the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts which rotates exhibits by artists of African descent. Cost: Free 407-647-3307
ENZIAN THEATER
Showcases the best in American independent, foreign and alternative cinema in plush surroundings and offers a full menu ranging from pizza and beer to pasta primavera and fine wine. It is also home to the Florida Film Festival in June. Cost: $6.75 407-629-1088
FLYING TIGERS WARBIRD RESTORATION MUSEUM
Features displays of airplanes, structures, armament and equipment as well as tours which highlight the restoration process and major reconstruction projects of airplanes. 407-933-1942
FORT CHRISTMAS HISTORICAL PARK
Recaptures the history of the Seminole wars when Florida was a territory. The park includes a replica of a fort, pioneer homes and exhibits on the Seminole Indian wars and Florida pioneers. Cost: Free 407-568-4149
HARRY P. LEU GARDENS
Boasts 50 acres (20 hectares) including the largest Camellia collection and formal Rose Garden in the South. Guided tours through a restored house museum, on the National Register of Historic Places, are available. Cost: $4 adults, $1 children 407-246-2620
HISTORIC WATERHOUSE RESIDENCE AND CARPENTRY SHOP MUSEUMS
Located in Maitland. Built in 1884, the Waterhouse residence and Carpentry Shop have been restored to reflect life and livelihood during the late Victorian period. Cost: Free 407-644-2451
HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL RESOURCE AND EDUCATION CENTER
Features exhibits that illustrate pre-war Jewish communities in Europe, Hitler's rise to power, the concentration camps and the lives of survivors. A Memorial Wall made from stone imported from Jerusalem is also a focus. Cost: Free 407-628-0555
The Unique Biblical Theme Park of Central Florida.
On your way to the Kennedy Space Center or Cocoa Beach, be sure to say hi to "Swampy," the world's largest alligator structure! He's 200 feet long, made of rainbow plaster, and suns himself right on Colonial Drive (County Route 50). Jungle Adventures is a 20 acre wildlife preserve with interactive features for families and groups.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER VISITOR COMPLEX
Invites guests to experience the past, present and future of America's space program. Take a walk through history at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, catch an up-close view of the Space Shuttle at the LC 39 Observation Gantry, see actual space station modules at the International Space Station Center and view a thrilling IMAX® film. Cost: Free; Bus Tour -- $14 adults, $10 children; IMAX -- $7.50 adults, $5.50 children 407-452-2121
KLASSIX AUTO ATTRACTION
Located in Daytona Beach, has the largest and most complete collection of rare and valuable Corvettes anywhere. Its exhibits include the Era of Speed, motorcycles from the early 1900s to the Harley years and beyond and dramatic motor vehicle history displays. Cost: $8.50 adults, $4.25 children 904-252-3800
Promotes American art and artists by providing changing exhibits of contemporary art in its galleries and instruction by professional artists in its studios. Its unique architecture and attractive grounds offer a stimulating creative atmosphere. Cost: Free 407-539-2181
MAITLAND HISTORICAL MUSEUM AND TELEPHONE MUSEUM
Contains artifacts, textiles and historic photographs that tell the story of Maitland. Also on display is a fine collection of telephones and memorabilia. Cost: Free 407-644-1364
MENNELLO MUSEUM OF AMERICAN FOLK ART
Located in the newly renovated Howard Phillips home in Loch Haven Park, is one of the few museums in the nation dedicated to folk art. It features the nation's most extensive permanent collection of Earl Cunningham paintings, Paul Marco sculptures, John Gerdes paintings and sculptures, Virgil Norberg flat steel sculptures and Gary Yost carvings of Uncle Sam. 407-246-4278
ORANGE COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Traces Orange County's past with exhibits of a pioneer kitchen, picture gallery, 1880 parlor and antiques, renovated 1926 Orlando Firehouse No. 3 with antique fire trucks, traveling exhibits and hands-on activities for kids. Cost: $4 adults, $2 children 407-897-6350
ORLANDO CITY HALL TERRACE GALLERY
Presents a changing series of exhibitions and accompanying programs within City Hall, the first venture of its kind in the state. The exhibitions enable contact with images that educate and provide an insight into Florida's growing cultural diversity. Cost: Free 407-246-4279
ORLANDO MUSEUM OF ART
Holdings include a growing permanent collection of 19th- and 20th-century American art, pre-Columbian artifacts and African objects, plus traveling exhibits. Informative gallery tours, educational programs and unique hands-on exhibits are also featured. Cost: $4 adults, $2 children 407-896-4231
ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
Support our world class artists.
Support our work class singers!
Offers hundreds of interactive activities for all ages in its 10 highly themed permanent exhibits. Peer into a sinkhole, use simple machines to lift a car and journey to distant planets. Images also surround visitors on the eight-story CineDome Screen, the world's largest domed theater and planetarium. Cost: Exhibits: $9.50 adults, $6.75 children; CineDome Film: $6 adults, $4.50 children 407-896-7151
ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER
Local history.
Located in St. Petersburg, is an experience into the surreal and houses the world's most comprehensive collection of works by the late Spanish artist. Cost: $9 adults, children under 10 free 727-823-3767
SCRIPTORIUM CENTER FOR BIBLICAL ANTIQUITIES
Is a tremendous attraction for Christians in Central Florida. It is the repository for The Van Kampen Collection of ancient artifacts, manuscripts, and rare printed materials. The collection consists primarily of biblical texts in all representative forms and is supplemented by secondary resources and the personal library of Eberhard Nestle, a leading nineteenth-century German biblical scholar. Call for tour and seminar schedules: 800-844-9930
The works of Shakespeare performed here in Orlando.
Visit Winter Garden's premiere Arts & Crafts Entertainment Center! Take the entire family to make memories and memorabilia, enjoy a gourmet snack, or rent the space for parties and functions.
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA ART GALLERY
Presents approximately six exhibitions each season (August - May) of primarily contemporary art in all media. The gallery also has a small permanent collection which focuses on contemporary works on paper. Cost: Free 407-823-2676
THE WALT DISNEY WORLD WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS
Is a state-of-the-art facility that hosts professional-caliber training and competition for more than 30 teams and individual sports. It is the training site for the Harlem Globetrotters and the Atlanta Braves baseball team. Cost: $8 adults, $6.75 children which includes a guided walking tour and the NFL Experience, an interactive football activity (premium events are extra) 407-363-6600
WINTER PARK SCENIC BOAT TOUR
Cherished Winter Park tradition for over sixty years! The relaxing, narrated, one-hour cruise showcases the beautiful lakes and canals of historic Winter Park, Rollins College, Kraft Azalea Gardens, magnificent mansions and more. Cost: $7 adults, $3 children 407-644-4056
WITHERS-MAGUIRE HOUSE AND MUSEUM
The former home of Gen. William T. and Martha Withers, David, Maggie and Lillian Maguire, was built in 1888 in Ocoee and was the first home in the area to have concealed wiring. Its features include a living room with original furnishings, 1910- and 1940-styled kitchens, a Community History Museum, a Pioneer Family Museum and a School History Museum. Open Saturdays and Sundays from 2-4 p.m. Cost: $3 adults, $1 children 407-656-2051
Parks & Outdoor Activities
Softball, frisbee, golf practice facility, soccer, tennis, basketball, fishing, picnic area, playground, boat ramp and recreational programs. 407-858-2295
Is home to one of the oldest and largest trees in America. This 3,500-year-old, 138-foot (41.4-meter) bald cypress tree is named "The Senator" after Senator H.G. Overstreet who donated the land which included the tree. Cost: Free 407-788-0405
Manatee refuge. Swimming, snorkeling (equipment for rent in the park), fishing, pickniking, hiking and camping. 386-775-3663
Explore the Central Florida Everglades!
The famous beach of Central Florida. Watch out for Major Anthony Nelson and his lovely wife Jeanie.
Swimming, boating, canoeing, biking, hiking, nature trails, volleyball court and playground. 904-985-4212
Obtain your license with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission! Than call Parks & Recreation for more information: 407-836-6200
Search by region.
Accessible by Ferry service. Boating, fishing, hiking, camping and rental cabins. 904-736-5309
Nestled in Apopka, this park has many activities for a day of fun and sun including tubing, swimming, camping, as well as nature trails, volleyball courts, horseshoes and pavilions with picnic tables and barbecue grills. Noted for its free flowing natural spring, always a cool 72 degrees. Rent inner tubes and just float! Full service concession. Cost: $1 adults, Free children 407-889-4179
Located in downtown Orlando, is a serene getaway with the city skyline serving as its backdrop. It features a cascading fountain in the middle of the lake, paved pathways for strolling or jogging, fields for picnics and relaxing, playground, a fish pond and swan boats available for rental. Entertainment includes FunnyEola, an Orlando City sponsored professional comedy and concert series held on the second Tuesday of every month. Cost: Free, $5 per half-hour for swan boats 407-246-2827
Canoeing, fishing, boating, picknicking, camping and playground. Reportedly the biggest bass in the whole USA is found in these waters. See osprey, bald eagles, anhinga, ibis, alligators and otters. 352-360-6760
Swimming, fishing, boating, canoeing, picknicking, horseback riding, camping and birdwatching. Home to osprey, bald eagles, blue heron, anhinga and ibis. Park has a white sand beach, shaded picnic area plus a bathhouse with showers. Public boat ramp. 863-394-3969
Large park with 2 boat ramps, two playgrounds, camping, volleyball, swimming, soccer, nature trail and picnic area. 407-273-2327
Official directory!
OSCEOLA COUNTY PARKS: KISSIMMEE PARKS
Official directory!
Picknicking, playgrounds, fishing, boating, tennis, racquetball, volleyball, basketball, softball, soccer and jogging/walking trail. Softball leagues for adults. 407-695-7113
Official directory!
Borders St. John's River in East Orange County. Hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding and fishing. Home to some endangered species. 407-568-5893
Offers 125 picnic tables, a three-mile (4.8-kilometer) bicycle trail, hiking trails, two beaches, a swimming pool, camping areas, a 200-foot (60-meter) wooden fishing pier, canoe rentals and a petting zoo on its 300 acres (120 hectares). Cost: $2 adults, $1 children 407-299-5594
Camping, boating, picknicking, swimming, hiking and horseback riding. Home to bears, gray foxes, bald eagles, owls, deer, alligators, turtles, otters, white ibis, and egrets. 407-884-2008
Offers bike riders, walkers and skaters 19 miles (30.4 kilometers) of paved walkways that extend from the Lake County line near Winter Garden to Apopka. West Orange Trail Bikes and Blades Co. provides bikes and in-line skate rentals, in-line skating lessons and light refreshments. Cost: Free (Bike Rental: $5, In-Line Skate Rental: $6) 407-877-0600
Budget Entertainment & Shopping
DISNEY'S BOARDWALK ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Has the charm and flavor of the 1930s Mid-Atlantic coast. This waterfront village offers restaurants, entertainment, recreation, shopping, hotel and residential-style accommodations and meeting facilities. Cost: Free 407-824-4321
DISNEY'S TOWN OF CELEBRATION
Is full of small town appeal, not to mention a great selection of restaurants, a movie cinema, 16 unique shops, a lake for a scenic walk and rocking chairs for relaxing. Entertainment is also featured periodically on the community stage. Cost: Free 407-566-3448
DOWNTOWN DISNEY
Encompasses three distinct areas: Marketplace with a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment including Fulton's Crab House, Portobello Yacht Club, The Wildhorse Saloon and Rainforest Café, A Wild Place to Shop & Eat®; Pleasure Island nighttime entertainment complex; and the all-new West Side featuring some of the world's most exciting nightclubs and restaurants including Bongos Cuban Café, Wolfgang Puck Café, Planet Hollywood and House of Blues. Cost: Free 407-939-7727
FARMERS' MARKETS
Search the Official Directory of Florida State Community-Run Farmers' Markets! Find Farmers' Markets in Avalon Park, College Park, Eatonville, Winter Park, Orlando, Celebration, Kissimmee, Mill Creek Mall, and Sanford. Fresh produce, baked items, steaming coffee and an assortment of plants and flowers as well as other goods available weekly.
A Festive World Marketplace, is a retail and entertainment center in a unique village setting featuring more than 60 specialty shops which can be found along ambling cobblestone streetscapes. It also features five full-service restaurants; The Cricketers Arms Pub & Eatery; a rock 'n roll piano bar, Blazing Pianos; a food court and live entertainment nightly in the courtyard. Cost: Free; Blazing Pianos: $5 adults only 407-345-9337
OLD TOWN SHOPPING, DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT ATTRACTION
Features eight restaurants including the new Damon's Clubhouse; 75 specialty shops; and 15 amusements rides. Visitors can also enjoy classic car shows every Friday and Saturday. Cost: Free, Rides: $2-$5 (407) 396-4888
ORLANDO'S ANTIQUE ROW
On Orange Avenue in downtown Orlando offers a variety of exquisite collectibles. Visitors looking for specialty items can also stop by the nearby Ivanhoe shops which boast antiques, fine gifts and collectibles. Cost: Free 407-895-6111
PARK AVENUE
Located just north of Orlando in downtown Winter Park, combines shopping with beautiful scenery. Experience the upscale ambiance of this scenic and peaceful European-style avenue dotted with small boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, gift emporiums and outdoor cafés. Cost: Free
407-644-8281
POINTE ORLANDO
Has everything and more in one complex: attractions, nighttime venues, themed restaurants, 21-screen movie complex including an I-MAX 3-D theater, as well as 65 specialty retailers, including its flagship FAO Schwarz. Cost: Free (individual venues have admission prices)
407-248-2838
Enjoy "berried treasure" at the annual harvest!
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS CITYWALK
Is a major component of Universal Studios Escape, the world-class vacation destination resort, which includes Universal Studios Islands of Adventure, resort hotels and the highly successful Universal Studios Florida. The expansive, 30-acre CityWalk complex is built to become the soul-stirring, entertainment core of Orlando where guests can taste, touch, see and hear great entertainment with a distinct attitude. The venues include Hard Rock Café Orlando, Hard Rock Live, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, Universal Cineplex, NASCAR Cafe, Pat O'Brien's, Bob Marley - A Tribute to Freedom, Motown Cafe, the groove, NBA City, CityJazz, and Latin Quarter. Cost: Free
407-363-8000
Celebrate the harvest!
Miniature Golf & Amusement Centers
Is a state-of-the-art, multilevel go-kart and action park for the whole family. Visitors can chose from four incredible tracks, high energy Bumper Kars, Bumper Boats, Ferris Wheel and Paratrooper rides, as well as Awesome Kid Spot rides. The park also features a 10,000-square-foot (900-square-meter) Winner Circle Arcade and Oasis Snack Bar. Cost: Varies 407-363-3867
FUN WORLD AT FLEA WORLD
In Sanford boasts more than 40 amusement rides and attractions, mini-golf, midway games, batting cages, three go-kart tracks, a 350-game arcade, as well as a restaurant and party patio. Cost: Varies 407-330-1792
PIRATE'S COVE ADVENTURE GOLF
Offers two challenging 18-hole courses at both of its locations. Visitors test their putting skills in a fun-filled setting of natural wonders, lavish landscaping and delightful pirate themes that offer swashbuckling fun for the whole family. Cost: Captain Kids Course: $7 adults, $6 children; Blackbeard's Course (challenge course): $7.50 adults, $6.50 children
407-352-7378
Slides, pools and wild rides.
We recommend this site for disount tickets to famous Orlando attractions. Click above.
This page is dedicated to the promotion of wholesome family activities for the Glory of Jesus Christ and the benefit of our community. Please invite your little ones (and especially your teenagers!) to explore and anticipate how you will enjoy a precious day of family recreation. Ask the Lord Jesus to grant you the grace to fully appreciate your unique family during the planning of the activity, the activity itself, and the sweet memories afterwards. As Joseph welcomed the Christ Child into his carpentry shop, invite your child into your world.
