Florida's other theme parks

Check out this fantastic advice from the Atlanta Journal Constitution about the alternatives to the sometimes crowded, huge theme parks for which Florida is famous. There are some real gems in here, so thanks to Kim Ware for the advice.

Dinosaur World
For a Jurassic Park-like experience, look no further than Dinosaur World in Plant City, Fla., about 25 miles east of Tampa. The prehistoric becomes the present with more than 150 life-size dinosaurs, a boneyard, museum, caves, skeleton garden and fossil dig, where you can sift through sand in search of authentic fossils. One of the more affordable theme parks, Dinosaur World also offers various pricing specials throughout the year.
5145 Harvey Tew Road, Plant City, Fla.; Phone: 813 -717-9865; Web: http://www.dinoworld.net/. Admission is $12.75 for adults, $9.75 for children ages 3 to 12, $10.75 for seniors over 60.

Wannado City
Wannado City, an indoor role-playing theme park in South Florida’s Sawgrass Mills Mall, allows children to experience their grown-up professional dreams. Choices run the gamut from dance club DJ to ER doctor and everything in between. Kids—-or “kidizens,” as they’re called in Wannado City —- can also set up a bank account and receive payment for their work, in “Wongas,” the park’s official currency. The park is indoors, making it a great option for rainy days. 12801 W. Sunrise Blvd., Sunrise, Fla.; Phone: 954-838-7100; Web: http://www.wannadocity.com/; Admission for children ages 3 to 13 is $35, and for adults (over 14) and children 2 years and under is $5.

Silver Springs
Silver Springs celebrates the beauty of Ocala’s clear, natural springs, giving visitors an up-close view through glass-bottom boats. Animal lovers will appreciate the opportunity to observe birds, alligators and crocodiles around the river, as well as learn about a variety of animals in the wildlife exhibits. The Silver Springs gardens are rich with natural beauty and provide a lovely setting for photo opportunities with the family. And finally, if the kids are in need of a little more excitement, check out Silver Springs’ new waterpark, Wild Waters, featuring a variety of slides and wave pools.
5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Silver Springs, Fla.; Phone: 352-236-2121; Web: http://www.silversprings.com/; Check the Web site for information on special offers or to purchase tickets. Admission to Silver Springs is $34.99 for adults, $30.99 for seniors age 55 and older, $24.99 for children ages 3-10. (Online purchases are discounted $5.) Pricing for the waterpark is $25.99 for adults/visitors 48 inches and over, $22.99 for children under 48 inches ($2 discount online).

Flea World/Fun World
One might not expect a massive flea market and amusement park to coexist, but that’s exactly what visitors find at Flea World/Fun World in Sanford, Fla. Rides, mini-golf, go-carts, arcade games and plenty of fair food highlight this entertainment extravaganza for kids. The park also hosts various shows, such as animal acts and jugglers, and young children can enjoy the Kids World area that features smaller rides.
4311 S. Orlando Drive, Sanford, Fla.; Phone: 407-330-1792; Web: http://www.fleaworld.com/. Free parking. Wristbands for rides are available for $6 (ages 6 and under), $12 (includes one go-cart ride) and $15 (includes unlimited go-cart rides).

Weeki Wachee Springs
Known as the “City of Live Mermaids,” Weeki Wachee Springs is different from your typical aquatic attraction, as it features underwater mermaid shows in addition to its spring-fed waterpark, Buccaneer Bay. Since 1946, the theme park has served as the setting for several movies, television shows and music videos and will be featured in an upcoming edition of the Travel Channel’s “Extreme Roadside Attractions” as well as Animal Planet’s “Into the Wild.” In 2008, the park joined the Florida State Parks system.
6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, Fla.; Phone: 352-596-2062; Web: http://www.weekiwachee.com/; Weeki Wachee is open year-round. Admission to the park when Buccaneer Bay is open is $24.95 for adults and $16.95 for children ages 6 to 10; when Buccaneer Bay is closed, admission is $13.95 for adults and $10.95 for children ages 6 to 10. Children 5 and under are always free. Parking is $3 per vehicle and $10 for buses/RVs.

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