Central Florida Nature Adventures (kayakcentralflorida.com) guides kayaking several trips near Mount Dora, including on the Dora Canal, and Rock Springs Run. They provide all required equipment and no experience is necessary. Trips vary from two hours to a full day, including the Paddles and Saddles tour that combines kayaking with horseback riding. Children must be at least 5 years old for all trips.
In 1923, a local fire department donated a collection of animals they were holding to the founders of the Sanford Zoo. Now known as the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens (centralfloridazoo.org), it is home to more than 400 animals and an insect zoo. The zoo is 30 minutes from Mount Dora, and it offers birthday parties, camps and a splash park for children. Additionally they host special events throughout the year including sleepovers called Snooze at the Zoo.
ZOOm Air Adventure Park (zoomair.us) is a treetop, zip-line attraction at the zoo. It features three courses, the Upland, Rainforest and Kids. Participants slide on zip-lines from tree to tree on this thrilling attraction. Children must be 4 years old, and at least 36 inches tall.
Each fall, many children are lost, and then found, at Scott's Corn Maze (longandscottfarms.com/fall_maze) is 10 minutes from Mount Dora. An annual tradition, the maze takes roughly two hours to complete. All visitors carry red flags to wave in case they have trouble finding the exit. The maze is wheelchair accessible, though some sections may be sandy. Hay rides and farm tours are also available. Scott's opening date varies each year, so check with the website or call before visiting.
Car buffs young and old may enjoy the Mount Dora Museum of Speed (classicdreamcars.com/ THEMUSEUM). In addition to the collection of classic muscle cars, the museum also displays an extensive collection of road signs, guitars and other vintage memorabilia. There's even something for the cat lover in your family; at the time of publication, two cats call the museum home.
