Sure, retiring around the corner from Disney World will make you the coolest grandparent ever. You will never have to remind those grandkids it’s time for a visit. And let’s not forget park discounts for Florida residents.
But grandchildren aside, Orlando’s real appeal is much less commercial. For starters, fabulous outdoor spaces, 170 challenging golf courses, and mild, balmy weather. Seriously, that’s the stuff of retirement fairy tales.
Check out these Orlando attractions for adults.
Kennedy Space Center
Hop in the car and in under an hour you can explore the mysteries of space. From interactive exhibits and dialogues with astronauts to getting up close and personal with spacecraft and space telescopes, the Space Center is a totally immersive intergalactic experience. Literally out of this world.
Crystal River Manatee Adventure
Take a swim on the wild side. The warm waters of the Crystal River provide sanctuary for Florida’s manatees. The adventure starts with a scenic cruise and culminates in a swim with these gentle playful creatures. An experience not to be missed.
Museum of Illusions
Do your eyes deceive you? If you are visiting the Museum of Illusions, the answer is probably yes! When it comes to things to do indoors in Orlando, the Museum of Illusions is in a class by itself. Filled with exhibits that will illuminate, enlighten and challenge your visual perception, this gem of a museum is one giant brain teaser. Make sure to visit the area called the playroom, which features intriguing and educational games and puzzles.
Gatorland
Wanna wow the grandkids? Veer off the beaten trail and head to Gatorland. Featuring more than 2,000 American alligators, plus crocodiles, birds, and a plethora of assorted other wildlife, Gatorland is a treat for the young – and the young at heart. Translation: You don’t need kids to get a kick out of the experience. Though you may prefer to leave the Gator Zip Line over the alligator breeding marsh to them.
West Orange Trail
Step away from the theme parks and you will find a treasure trove of actual nature parks and preserves in the Orlando vicinity. One of the most popular areas to explore is the West Orange Trail. Featuring 20 miles of paved trails, and complete with picnic and restroom facilities along the way, West Orange Trail provides opportunities for hiking, biking, or just hanging in the outdoors. If you just want to bike for a day, West Orange Trail Bikes and Blades Co offers easily accessible bike rentals.
Tibet-Butler Preserve
For more outdoor activities in Orlando, head to the Tibet-Butler Preserve which offers over 400 acres of pristine wilderness, and seven different ecosystems. It’s the perfect spot for hiking and both wildlife and people watching.Walt Disney World Resort
With so many other activities for seniors in Orlando, you might just forget there are literally 14 world-renowned theme parks at your fingertips. It only makes sense that every now and then you’ll want to drop in and catch up with Mickey or check out what’s new at Epcot and Universal Studios.
Schedule your tour of Orlando’s Overture Dr. Phillips active adult community today. Your own personal magic kingdom awaits.