5 Awe-Inspiring Activities for Central Florida Families

Staying safe is prudent, but seeking out awe is critical to your family’s well-being too. Here are some of the best ways we’ve found to do both.

Words by Chris Karel

Research suggests that experiencing awe together tightens family bonds and can make us not only happier but more generous and humble. Fortunately, awesomeness comes in all shapes and sizes around here, from a vibrant caterpillar munching on a leaf to a celestial display that puts theme park fireworks to shame. Here are five of our favorite awe-inspiring (and socially distanced) things to do and see around Central Florida:

1

ORLANDO WETLANDS PARK: It’s ironic that one of the best places to immerse yourself in our local flora and fauna is man-made, but you’ll quickly forget that as you bike or hike past sunbathing alligators and flocks of bright-pink roseate spoonbills. Bring your camera — when you reach the top of Oyler Outlook, you’ll be glad you did.

2

BLUE SPRINGS STATE PARK: In contrast to the wide-open spaces of Orlando Wetlands Park, the narrow spring run at Blue Springs wraps you in a verdant blue-green blanket. Awe-inspiring year-round, the manatees that congregate at Blue Springs in the winter make a kayak or SUP tour bucket-list worthy. Just be sure to get there early to beat the crowds!

3

PRE-DAWN ROCKET

LAUNCH: Night time rocket launches from Cape Canaveral are breathtaking, but when the familiar trail of white rocket exhaust is backlit by a sun that hasn’t yet peaked over the horizon, you’ll be treated to one of the most aweinspiring and otherworldly sights on Earth.

4

ORLANDO FROM ABOVE: While you can’t catch a ride on one of those rockets yet, there are plenty of other options around town for getting your awe with some altitude. At 400 feet, The Wheel at ICON Park is the second-tallest observation wheel in the United States. One full rotation in your private capsule will take 22 minutes. The Aerophile tethered balloon at Disney Springs is another leisurely choice that also ascends to 400 feet. Making the trip on a spacious, outdoor deck slung below the balloon just gives this ride a little extra thrill factor. Finally, for the adrenaline junkies, there’s the world’s tallest swing ride. The Orlando StarFlyer takes you up and back down a 450-foot tower while swinging you around at speeds up to 45 mph.

5

SPEED + WATER = AWESOME: Combine the rush of the StarFlyer with the water, wildlife and scenery of our first two entries in a loud, rowdy airboat ride at Wild Florida, south of St. Cloud. Prefer to ride in the water rather than just on it? Try water skiing and wakeboarding at Nona Adventure Park or the Orlando Watersports Complex.