Make your summer vacation
wildly different.
If you’re dreading long lines at the theme parks, fighting big city traffic and paying through the nose for accommodations, plan a vacation in Seminole County this summer for a refreshing change of pace. From paddling pristine rivers to swimming in natural springs, you’ll find exciting ways to reconnect with nature – and each other. Enjoy a less crowded, more relaxing environment that’s still close to all of the Orlando action. Best of all, you’ll find some of Florida’s finest hotels priced lower than other Central Florida hotels and save even more with
Wild Card deals. Here are some fun ways for your family to get into the wild.
Meet the Senator.
The 3,500-year-old “Senator” in
Big Tree Park was once the oldest Bald Cypress tree in the world. Standing 118 feet tall and nearly 18 feet wide, it was also the largest Bald Cypress in the U.S. and the largest tree of any species east of the Mississippi River. Centuries ago, the Senator was a landmark for the Seminole Indians and other Native American Indians who lived throughout Central Florida. During the late 19th century, visitors would jump from log to log through the swamp to reach the Senator. Now, a boardwalk through the natural hydric hammock swamp takes you there. A few other interesting facts in the tree’s long history: in 1925, a hurricane destroyed the top of the tree, reducing its original height of 165 feet to its present height of 118 feet. In 1927, the Senator received its name from Senator M.O. Overstreet, who donated the tree and surrounding land to Seminole County for a park. Sadly, on January 16, 2012, a fire ignited within the tree's hollow interior, bringing this once lofty landmark down to a mere 25 feet. The Senator served as an amazing piece of history for thousands of visitors and residents alike.
Play hide and seek with Captain Tadpole.
Embark on a two-hour Hide & Seek Private Tour from
Tadpole Boat Tours, which specializes in family bonding adventures. Relax and enjoy a tranquil river excursion that captures the essence of the St. Johns River’s unique natural beauty. Spot alligators, rare birds and other wildlife and learn more about them in your free copies of Captain Tadpole’s guidebook. This exclusive private guided cruise holds a maximum of six passengers and departs from historic Sanford on a ‘by-request’ basis, offering complete flexibility. They can even provide catered box lunches from Sanford’s popular Taste of Thyme Cafe.
Give your little monkeys a real monkey perspective.
As if seeing 400 animals at The
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens isn’t enough, now your family can zip through the treetops at ZOOm Air Adventures located at the zoo. Several aerial adventure courses offer an exciting immersion into the canopy of the forest using rope bridges, zip lines and suspended disks. A kid’s course is also available for heights of 36” to 60”. Other highlights at the zoo: the largest collection of venomous snakes and non-venomous reptiles in the Southeast and the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground – a fun way to cool off so pack or wear swim suits. You can also enjoy a
Wild Card deal of 20 percent off admission to the zoo when you show your Wild Card. Print yours out by clicking
here.
These are just a few of countless exciting nature encounters you can enjoy in Seminole County. For more family fun without the long lines,
click here. And don’t forget to check out the great
Wild Card hotel deals for savings as wonderful as the scenery.