Lakeland -- Show up for a Critter Christmas Safari 2017 and you'll get to experience Safari Wilderness, one of my favorite Orlando-area destinations. This is an African-style safari on a massive savannah in Central Florida. The visit will be shorter than usual, but it will cost less and requires no reservation. Your kids will have a blast, but so will you -- and your parents. Really. You'll be back for the full tour later, guaranteed.

The Critter Christmas Safari 2017 will be held daily from December 17 through December 23, with tours departing hourly from 1pm to 5pm. As a bonus, employees will bring out small animals for demonstrations.

Prices: $39 for one person, $75 for two, $145 for 4. Pay extra for the lemur feeding, at least for your children. It's worth it.