Want to hold a real live alligator? Give it a try at Glades Adventure, where after an exciting one-hour airboat ride in a comfortable six-person craft you'll be given the chance. Or if horseback riding is more your speed, spend a morning or afternoon at Horse World Riding Stables where you have 750 acres of sandy trails to explore with one of 40 featured horses.

If getting up close and personal with animals isn't your thing, you might try a ride in a biplane with the service of Fantasy of Flight, or a hot air balloon ride with Orange Blossom Balloons, an attraction that's open seven days a week, where kids can fly for free (they even offer free hotel pick-up, too)!

As you can see, the Orlando area is home to some of the most exciting, breathtaking, and downright fun attractions around--and we're not talking about theme parks. The opportunities for outdoor adventure in Central Florida are endless, but we've listed some of our favorite nature and outdoor-oriented options below.