LOCAL GETAWAY
15 ideas for planning an Orlando spring break staycation
As spring break season approaches for college students and families with school-aged children, questions about how to use the time well and stave off boredom might arise.
Luckily, it’s hard to feel bored in Orlando, where countless offerings are available to tourists and locals alike. Whether it’s heading to the zoo, taking a bike ride or heading to one of Central Florida’s indoor attractions, there are plenty of options for putting that time off to use.
While this is far from an exhaustive list, here are ideas for things to do during an Orlando spring break staycation.
Outdoor adventures
Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park provides an aerial obstacle course set in a natural pine forest meant to enthrall and challenge thrill-seekers of all ages. Navigate four separate courses that increase in difficulty; two separate courses are set out for kids. Finish the experience by enjoying a ride on a zip line more than 400 feet long. The attraction, with tickets starting at $34.95 for kids and $59.95 for adults (before tax, Florida resident discount available), is open daily at 8 a.m. at 7625 Sinclair Road in Kissimmee. More information: orlandotreetrek. com
Take a bike ride on one of Central Florida’s multipurpose trails, including the Orlando Urban Trail, Seminole Wekiva Trail, Cady Way Trail, Little Econ Greenway, West Orange Trail and Cross Seminole Trail. For some mountain biking action close to Orlando, head to Lake Druid Park, Markham Woods, the Mount Dora Trail, Soldier’s
Creek or Snow Hill.
Orlando Wetlands Park presents itself as one of Central Florida’s best birding destinations for visitors to the 1,650-acre man-made destination. The wetlands were built as a natural way to treat reclaimed water and now the space features a new 2,200-foot boardwalk for better access. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset at 25155 Wheeler Road in Christmas. More information: orlando.gov
Gatorland , which opened in 1949 and predates Disney, continues to captivate guests with reptiles of all kinds, cats, birds and more. Visitors can head on an off-road
for families to experience together (April 15). As a reminder, Fred Rogers — an alumnus of Rollins College in Winter Park — famously told us: “Play is serious learning.”
Children are also welcome at the Young Composer’s Challenge, which features the Philharmonic playing works by the next generation of music creators, and “Home of the Brave,” a play designed with those age 10-15 in mind (April 15). The show deals with the ideas of belonging and friendship and was inspired by interviews with children from military families who frequently had to relocate.
For even younger children, check out “The Day I Danced With Dinosaurs,” from Orlando Repertory Theatre (April 8). The 30-minute interactive, multisensory show is aimed at children 1-5 and encourages creative play.
In the other April 15 PBS programs, Manzano will discuss playing Maria since the 1970s and her new show, “Alma’s Way.” Woodruff will be joined by Central Florida news directors to talk about how journalism has changed over the years.
“Masterpiece” executive producer Suzanne Simpson will lead a visit to fan-favorite shows and give a sneak peek into what’s coming up on the iconic PBS drama.
“Broadway’s Brightest Lights” will close out the celebration at 7 p.m. in the arts center’s Walt Disney Theater. Hilty, who starred on Broadway in “Wicked” and on TV in “Smash,” will be joined by Michael Maliakel (“Aladdin,” “The Phantom of the Opera”), Nikki Renée Daniels (“Company,” “Hamilton”) and Luke Hawkins (“Xanadu,” TV’s “Annie Live!”) to perform some of the greatest show tunes of all time.
Luke Frazier will conduct the American Pops Orchestra, and the program
will be shown nationally in the fall.
Finally, if you like your art created under pressure, stop by “Creative Clash,” in which students and alumni from the UCF School of Visual Arts and Design — armed only with felt-tip markers — race against the clock to create art in front of a crowd. The competitors won’t learn the theme of their art until the race starts, and the audience helps choose the winner (April 8).
Remember: Sign up ahead of time for all events while viewing the full schedule at arts.cah.ucf. edu/celebrates, and get ready to celebrate the arts.
UCF CELEBRATES THE ARTS
When: April 2-15
Where: Dr. Phillips Center, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando
Cost: Varies by events Info: arts.cah.ucf.edu/ celebrates