Hello!
Some family members of mine (two adults and a nine-year-old) are going to Orlando for a week at the end of April. They want to do the Disney thing, but are looking for a few no or low cost things to do to supplement their time there. Can anybody help?
Thank you!

What kinds of things do they enjoy? Outdoors, art, window shopping?

A poster named starrsville made this recommendation on another thread. We've never done this but it looks so nice that we've logged the information for our next trip to the Orlando area -

"Wekiva Springs State Park.

I don't usually mention this because most people come to Orlando to "do" the amusement parks. For something you will really enjoy and remember forever, go to Wekiva Springs SP (northern part of Orlando - Altamonte Springs area.

Google for more information but...

Wekiwa Springs State Park comprises approximately 7,000 acres of wild scenery that offers an opportunity to see how areas of central Florida looked when the Timucuan Indians speared fish in the spring-fed creeks and stalked the uplands. They left a number of mounds that are still visible today. The main spring pumps approximately 42 million gallons of water each day.

I'd rent canoes or take a canoe guided trip. It is truly an amazing experience. You feel like you are canoeing through "Old Florida".

There's an official website and here's the website of the canoe company working in the park. www.canoewekiva.com. They also have horseback riding.

For a low key experience (and much less expensive!) but one your kids will enjoy and remember forever, pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a quieter alternative - and much more real."

Also, for people watching, a quick snack, City Walk is fun
So is Old Town

Rock Springs is also nice, it's just off the interstate. There used to be a swimming hole called San-lando btwn. Sanford and Orlando but I don't know if it still exists. Also, go to Winter Park to the Morse museum of Tiffany glass. Have lunch in Winter Park, great old historic town. Really interesting. There is a chain of lakes in Winter Park that they have boat tours on.

The Winter Park boat tours are great - you go from lake to lake via canals - very beautiful and relaxing.

The beach is always fun and free! Cocoa Beach is the closest. Try Lori Wilson Park there - playground, restrooms/showers, picnic facilities, etc.

Leu Gardens in Orlando is beautiful and only $5 adults/$ children. www.leugardens.org

Central Florida Zoo in Sanford and Brevard Zoo in Melbourne are good possibilities, too. If you are a member of your hometown zoo, check with these zoos to see if your membership entitles you to free or reduced admission.

There's always the Downtown Disney area too.

How about getting a Go Orlando Card they are on sale for their last day today and include attractions like mini-golf, Wonderworks, Gatorland, Animal Farm, Kennedy Space Center, and Cypress Gardens and the there are children's cards and prices so your nine-year old won't cost too much. I used this card when my sister's husband, her and her child came to visit and it really amused them, plus it was at a low cost to me.

http://www.goorlandocard.com

I was going to suggest CityWalk also-parking is free after a certain tim (6pm I think) and you can wander and look at things..Old Town is fun too, especially if you go on the weekend as they have a classic car show and play 50's music etc...