| While Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld | | | | 5. Florida Aquarium: Opened in 1995, the Florida |
| Orlando are all essential ingredients for any family's | | | | Aquarium in Tampa is home to more than 10,000 |
| Orlando itinerary, you will definitely want to take at | | | | aquatic animals and plants from all over the world |
| least a day trip during your vacation to escape from | | | | such as alligators, tropical fish, sharks, stingrays and |
| all the crowds, hectic pace and total madness of | | | | sea turtles, as well as interactive exhibits. |
| these world-class theme parks. Fortunately, Orlando | | | | 6. Lowry Park Zoo: Approximately 1,600 animals can |
| lies within an hour or so of a variety of diverse | | | | be viewed in their natural habitats at Tampa's Lowry |
| attractions where you can spend an afternoon far | | | | Park Zoo, which also features a Florida wildlife center, |
| from the madding crowd. The following list features | | | | aviary, petting zoo, live shows and more. |
| 10 of the best Orlando day trips: | | | | 7. Canaveral National Seashore: One of just 10 |
| 1. Busch Gardens Africa: Sure Busch Gardens in | | | | National Seashores in the United States, Canaveral |
| Tampa is another theme park but it draws fewer | | | | National Seashore is the longest stretch of |
| visitors (4.3 million in 2006) than Disney World, | | | | undeveloped beach along Florida's East Coast. Popular |
| Universal Orlando or SeaWorld Orlando. In addition, | | | | activities here include sunbathing, swimming, surf |
| Busch Gardens features some eclectic thrill rides and | | | | fishing, surfing and hiking. |
| attractions such as SheiKra, Florida's first dive | | | | 8. Central Florida Zoological Park: Just a short drive up |
| coaster, which boasts two 90º drops at 70 | | | | Interstate 4 in Sanford lies the Central Florida |
| miles per hour. | | | | Zoological Park, which is home to hundreds of |
| 2. Cypress Gardens Adventure Park: Opened in 1936 | | | | animals, including alligators, cheetahs, leopards, |
| as Florida's first theme park, Cypress Gardens in | | | | elephants and monkeys. |
| Winter Haven still features its beautiful botanical | | | | 9. Daytona USA: Adjacent to the Daytona |
| gardens and spectacular water-ski shows, but has | | | | International Speedway, Daytona USA features |
| added thrill rides, live concerts and the Splash Island | | | | racing exhibits, motion simulator rides, the World |
| Water Park over the past few years. | | | | Center of Racing Visitors Center and |
| 3. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: Just 45 | | | | behind-the-scenes tours of the speedway. |
| minutes East of Orlando, the Kennedy Space Center | | | | 10. Salvador Dali Museum: Nestled in downtown St. |
| gives you and your family the once-in-a-lifetime | | | | Petersburg, the Salvador Dali Museum boasts the |
| opportunity to explore the incredible history of | | | | most comprehensive collection of permanent works |
| American space flight and view rockets and exhibits, | | | | by famous surrealist painter Salvador Dali. |
| tour launch areas, watch a 3-D space movie at an | | | | Orlando, Florida Guide, the most comprehensive online |
| IMAX theater and much more. | | | | guide to Disney World, offers discount Disney World |
| 4. Silver Springs: Billed as " Florida's Original Theme | | | | tickets, discount Universal Orlando tickets and |
| Park," Silver Springs lies near Ocala and boasts | | | | discount SeaWorld Orlando tickets, as well as |
| colorful botanical gardens, animal habitats, live shows, | | | | discount Orlando hotels and individually tailored |
| rides, specialty shops and the world-famous glass | | | | Orlando vacation packages. |
| bottom boat rides. | | | | |