Gatorland (gatorland.com) bills itself as the alligator capitol of the world, and as such has thousands of alligators and crocodiles as well as related educational programs and reptile shows. Gatorland is also home to Allies Barnyard, a petting zoo in which the little ones can meet ducks, deer, sheep and get to know a goat named Gracie. The Gatorland Express carries passengers through the park where they can see the bird marsh, alligator breeding grounds and the alligator wrestling stadium. Face painting and other creative activities are available at the Gatorland Express Station. Later in the day the little ones can visit Gatorland's Gator Gully Splash Park where they will find giant egrets spraying water, play alligator-mounted water guns and a bucket tree that splashes everyone.
The Orlando Science Center (www.osc.org) is a hands-on science center that offers visitors dozens of exhibits as well as filmed shows and a planetarium. The center's 'Kid's Town' exhibition gallery is designed as a miniature town in which toddlers can play with water tables, pick oranges in a miniature grove, play with boats in a waterfall and even discover what lies beneath our city streets. On the second floor toddlers will find the All Aboard gallery which houses child-sized planes, trains and cars. There is space shuttle as well, and kids can climb on the Let's Play Railway, a large-scale version of the well known BRIO brand wooden train sets. The center also features a Dino Digs gallery where budding archeologists can dig for mock fossils and dinosaur eggs.
For those who would like to spend a little more time outdoors when the weather isn't too hot, there is the Green Meadows Farm (greenmeadowsfarm.com) petting farm. Just 23 miles and 30 minutes from the center of Orlando, Green Meadow farm offers kids and families alike the chance to have a hands-on experience with ducks, geese, turkeys, goats and cows. There is an Asian water buffalo for those who prefer their livestock a little larger, and everyone is invited to take a turn milking the cows.
Fun Spot Action Park (funspot.tutengraphics.com) is an amusement park that caters to the whole family. In addition to rides such as bumper boats and go-kart tracks, the little ones can enjoy the six different activities at the "Kid Spot." The Kid Spot features a train ride, a carousel, a tea cup ride, and a mini super-truck ride, among others. Fun Spot Action Park also offers a number of party packages for those celebrating birthdays or other special events.
