Hi Suzanne,
As a first step, you may want to read this "Mom Views" post on
off-the-beaten path activities. Some of the items listed are in parks, but many are not.
If you'll be spending lots of time away from the parks, the Animal Kingdom Lodge is a great home base. The Lodge itself has several animal-themed tours and activities. For example, you could borrow night vision goggles to observe the creatures on the savanna and their night time habits. Check at the front desk of your hotel for the exact offerings during the time of your visit. Other great non-park activities include:
- Bike or boat rentals at any of the resorts that have marinas.
- Fishing at Fort Wilderness or Port Orleans.
- Movies at Downtown Disney.
- The Lego Store at Downtown Disney has a great play area.
- Character meals outside the parks (Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary, for example)
- Horse drawn carriage ride at Fort Wilderness or Port Orleans
- The water parks.
- DisneyQuest.
- Evening poolside movies at your resort.
- Stroll the Boardwalk in the evening to see the free magicians and musicians
I'm sure you'll have no trouble keeping busy. Please let us know if you need more ideas or more details about any of the items mentioned.