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Nighttime
Family Adventures
Family
DESTINATION
By Nancy DeVault
H
eat up family fun when the sun goes down! Classic
nighttime entertainment can always be found at
arcades, bowling alleys, community theatres, and
miniature golf courses, but we’re shining light on some other
attractions & adventures that are best enjoyed after dark!
Bioluminescent Boating During the cool months, bioluminescent comb jellyfish (which do not sting) congregate in the Indian River Lagoon. Rent a kayak or bring your own vessel for a two-hour bioluminescent eco- tour starting at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge to see these and other peculiar creatures glow in the water! Price: $34 adult, $34 youth 12-17, $26 child 5-11 ADayAwayKayakTours.com Gator Gazing Gator Night Shine takes reptile lovers, armed with a flashlight and hot dogs, along the winding wooden walkways of Gatorland’s Alligator Breeding Marsh. Hundreds of hungry, glowing red-eyed creatures watch as swamp educators shine light on the wonders of Florida’s alligators. Price: $19.99 Gatorland.com Moonlight Movie Enjoy an outdoor film on the stunning property of Leu Gardens. Guests are welcome to bring blankets/chairs and a picnic basket or purchase refreshments from onsite vendors. Some featured flicks are better suited for a date night, while others are ideal for families. Price: $6 adult, $3 child (K-12 th grade), free for Leu members LeuGardens.org Night Flight Get a bird’s-eye view of Central Florida when you take to the skies in the evening. Take in the picturesque beauty of the sun’s setting rays at 1,100 ft. above Earth on a 30-minute ‘sunset’ tour, or experience the bursting colors that ignite over local theme parks with the appropriately named ‘fireworks’ tour. Price: $129 FlyViaAirTour.com Night Hike Experience the sights and sounds of the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens during this exciting nocturnal adventure. Hosted on select nights during the year, families can venture alongside a guide and experience special animal encounters. Price: $20 adult, $15 child 5-12; discounted rates for pass holders CentralFloridaZoo.org Pirate Voyage Hop aboard and set sail with your crew from Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Enjoy pirate party snacks and watch as Captain Hook & Mr. Smee seize the ship in search of new recruits! While floating on the pontoon boat in the Seven Seas Lagoon, soak up the fireworks display booming over Cinderella’s Castle. Price: $69 adult, $41 child DisneyWorld.Disney.Go.com SeaWorld Slumber Party Ideal for scout troops or school groups, drown out the snores of fellow seaside snoozers with the sounds of turtles, manatees, dolphins, beluga whales, and other creatures. This wild adventure, from 6 pm to 9 am, includes a late night tour of the park, age-appropriate educationalORLANDO FAMILY MAGAZINE
JANUARY 2016
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