Best Places for Kids on International Drive

1. The Peabody

The Peabody Duck March is not only fun for the family...it's free. Each morning at 11 am the five mallards leave their penthouse suite, ride down the elevator and waddle, in time to Sousa's King Cotton March, into the hotel's Atrium Lobby. Accompanied by their crimson-jacketed duckmaster, they parade to the marble fountain in the center of the lobby where they spend the day splashing and frolicking. At 5 pm the procession is reversed as the ducks return to their suite for the evening.

2. Wet 'n Wild

Photo © Wet 'n Wild

3. Monkey Joe's

Monkey Joe's indoor play area, located in Festival Bay Mall, is a good place for kids to run, bounce, slide and simply burn off pent-up energy. Snacks can be purchased at the concession stand. The facility is open for walk-in play time seven days a week. This is a good option to keep in mind for a rainy day. More on the Festival Bay Mall.

4. Putting Edge Fun Center

Glow-in-the-dark mini-golf at Putting Edge, is mini-golf with attitude. Once you grab your glow-in-the-dark golf ball, the experience begins. Making your way around the course with its pulsating music and black-lit everything, is a truly unique experience. Wear a white shirt and you'll glow in the dark, too. The Fun Center also has a small arcade. More on the Festival Bay Mall.

5. Vans Skatepark

Vans Skatepark is the second largest indoor skateboard facility in the world. Beginner's to professionals can hone their skating skills on a wide array of ramps, jumps, and chutes. An elevated walkway provides easy viewing for those who would rather watch than jump. Safety gear is mandatory. Skateboards and safety gear are available for rent.

6. Congo River Golf

Congo River is a jungle themed course featuring 36 holes of challenging play. Divided into two courses, the Stanley (easier) and the Livingston (more difficult) have many fun features like waterfalls, water hazards and tunnels. In true adventurer mode, you can win prizes by playing the Exploration Game, looking for lost treasure while golfing. There is also a gator pen where visitors can see baby gators up close and have the experience of feeding them. Miniature Golf at Disney's Winter Summerland and Fantasia Gardens.

7. WonderWorks

Wonderworks is easy to spot. It's in the upside-down building on I-Drive. Kids of all ages will enjoy the many hands-on activities within this amusement/science center facility. The hurricane ride (65mph winds), the earthquake ride (5.2 magnitude), the virtual coaster and the bed of nails are just a few of the popular features to be found. Most people enjoy the many interactive arcade-like science stations located throughout the exhibits. Also at Wonderworks is the nightly Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show...a mix of high-energy comedy, improvisation, magic and audience participation....suitable for the whole family.

8. I-Drive YMCA & Aquatic Center

YMCA members from out of town can complete an AWAY guest membership registration and use the facilities at this YMCA and aquatic center located right on I-Drive. In addition to the 3 heated pools, there is a state-of-the-art wellness center, 4 wall racquetball courts, spinning and much more.

9. Fun Spot Action Park

Tony Conboy III

10. Ripley's Believe It or Not!

World traveler, Robert Ripley spent over 40 years in search of the unusual and inexplicable. His amazing collection is housed in over 27 museums in 10 countries, each with unique and different exhibits. The Orlando Odditorium, located a building that looks like it's falling into a sinkhole, houses 16 themed galleries with many outrageous and interactive exhibits to entertain and inform.