Vacation is just around the corner. Can anybody offer a good advice on where to go for a family vacation specifically in Florida area? I like to be one with the nature but not with pesky insects. I kept asking my husband to go camping, but then he would tell me about bugs, mosquitoes, crawling insects. We do not have a camper or tent so preferably a cabin. I also like spending time by the beach. We have gone to Clearwater, Daytona, Ormond, and Cocoa Beach. I wanted to go to Key West and seem like that would be a long way drive having children, ”Are we there yet?” We have been to Disney and Universal Studios and it has been a nightmare for my little one. I am hoping to find a place were the entire member can have fun and not worry about one of my youngling saying, “Can we go now?” or “What taking it so long?” Any advice on where to head is greatly appreciated.
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-lrivetz There are two theories about arguing with women. Neither one works.
Have you ever been to any of the natural springs in FL? We saw an article about them in National Geographic magazine and that inspired us to go. We did camp in our camper but I'm sure there are hotel accomodations nearby. We stayed at Rainbow Springs State Park. It was on a beautiful river that lead to the spring. We rented a canoe and paddled down to the spring head. Absolutely gorgeous! The water was cool but not too cold to swim in. Well not for us anyway! I think it stays a constant 70 degrees. That is warm to us. We are use to river water that comes straight out of the mountains. While we were there we took day trips to Crystal River where there was a nice little beach and not crowded. We also spent one day at Homossassa Springs State Park. It was great and cheap and had a great manatee show! One day we drove a little farther and went to Orlando to a huge water park. Our son was about 6yrs. old and he really enjoyed the trip. Hope this will give you some ideas.
Kelly
__________________ I think animal testing is a bad idea; they get all nervous and give the wrong answers!!
I took the boys in Homosassa State Park and that place is great. Did you go under where it looks like a boat and you could see the Manatee through the glass? I tried taking picture especially the fish because they were huge, but the light from my Camera keeps bouncing off. Did you see the two headed turtle?
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-lrivetz There are two theories about arguing with women. Neither one works.
I have never been to Rainbow Springs State Park. I have been to Ocala State Park and Alexander Springs. Also, I can’t swim and have phobia with water getting into my ear.
I could never figure out what is the big deal of putting a marshmallow on a fire. Have you done this?
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-lrivetz There are two theories about arguing with women. Neither one works.
Oh yes! I have put MANY marshmallows on a fire. I have been a camper since I was a child and we always roasted marshmallows around the campfire and still do! If you have never tried it you should. There is an art to it. And they taste so good. Have you ever tried s'mores? Graham crackers, chocolate bar, and roasted marshmallows. MMMMMMMMMMM good!
Yes, we did see the manatee through the glass in the underwater "boat". I don't recall seeing a 2 headed turtle but, it has been about 3 yrs since we were there. I may have forgotten but, I don't see how I could forget that! The hippo put on the best show. There was an area blocked off so people couldn't stand there. We found out why! Look out when he starts "twirling" his tail. My DS thought that was the funniest thing. But, you know how boys are. Anything gross is funny!
Kelly
__________________ I think animal testing is a bad idea; they get all nervous and give the wrong answers!!
Silver Springs sounds like it'd hit the spot for you. That's the original glass-bottom-boat park in Ocala, and it's lots of fun and educational, too. Be sure to make some mellow lay-back-on-the-benches time out front, the squirrels are so friendly, they'll practically come up and beg for food. Kids who adore animals will love Silver Springs. If you have older ones, especially boys, don't miss the snake shows! Not far from there is a water park, not as glitzy as the ones down in Orlando, but shorter lines and less expensive.
An hour or so east of there is Blue Springs (in Orange City, a lovely drive through the Ocala National Forest), where you can have a manatee experience. Daytona Beach is a hop-skip-and-jump north-east of there, up I-4, and that is fun for Nascar fans.
St Augustine is another place with lots to see and do, not too terribly touristy in the Disney mold, and less costly as well. The beach is fun, touring the old Fort is fun, and wandering around the Quarter is grand. Much to see, eat, and great for souvenirs. Be sure to take the kids to the First Schoolhouse in the US there. Also there are a bunch of interesting factories to tour, right outside of town, including a chocolate factory and a winery. Guess which one the kids will want to see? If you run out of stuff to do, go to the Ripley's Believe-It-or-Not Museum, which is lots of fun. There's one down in the touristy part of Orlando, also, if you end up down there.
Fort Desota in the Tampa area is a wonderful place to camp. It is very family friendly and there is a beach there. It is also close to Busch Gardens and lot of other fun places.
__________________ Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them and their value will never be known. ~ R Waldo Emerson
How about Ft Myers Beach, Sanibel, Lake Okechobee or anywhere south of Naples along 41?
I lived in Cape Coral for 16 years, so I know the SW are pretty well. There is also St James City and Bokeelia over on Pine Island, as well as Matlacha. I know there is a KOA on Pine Island that has the Kamping Kabins. Maybe you could check the KOA website to see what and where they have availability and make your plans from there.
__________________ Sharon
If you are coming to see me, come any time! If you are coming to see my house, make an appointment.
We really like Treasure Island or Fort Desota, for us it is cheaper to go to Florida than 4 hours away to Myrle Beach on vacation and their is a lot more to do with prettier wider beaches. Treasure Island is more laid back than Orlando or Daytona with Beautiful beaches. Fort Desota is a family favorite. It is according to if you want to go camping or stay in a hotel/resort. Just do not go around Tornado/Hurricane season if you do buy travel insurance, we found out the hard way.
