When the children are getting restless, and you are wondering how to entertain them for a couple of hours, or before you head off to the airport at the end of your holiday why not head out for a round of Mini-golf, great fun for all the family, and a reasonable price too.
You can find them dotted along US192, and on International Drive, near Wet ‘n’ Wild. They are easily spotted by the cascading coloured waterfalls and dramatic scenery – crashed aeroplanes, jeeps, Zulus, masks, totem poles - each has a different theme.
We visited Tiki Island Adventure Golf on International Drive and Congo River Golf on US192, just before Medieval Times, heading eastwards.
You get to choose from an easy or more difficult course, we chose the easier one (Stanley) as we had our 4 year old with us, and it was still quite challenging for all of us. They have standard golf putters and child-size ones, and you are each given a different colour ball to play with. You make your way up ‘the jungle’, and then down again on your way back, following the rivers and waterfalls.
You are given a score card, and to add to the fun, a list of things to spot on your way round, such as masks, totem poles, canoes etc. Make sure you don’t miss any and mark them all off on your card as if you have them all at the end you can win a prize, such as a free round of golf on your next visit. The little ones weren’t forgotten either, they were each given a toy lizard, which they loved.
At both Tiki Island and Congo River one of the highlights for the children was the chance to feed the baby alligators in the alligator pond. To do this you just ask at the entrance for a ‘rod’ and some food. The food is in fact pieces of hot dog sausage! The sausage fixes to the fishing rod and you can dangle the sausage down towards the alligators and watch them snatch it from the rod – the alligators certainly never go hungry with so many sausages in a day!
There is also a pond/river where you can feed the fish and ducks and at Congo River some paddle boats you could hire, as well as a small games arcade.
Refreshments are available from vending machines, which are particularly welcome on a hot day – don’t forget the sunscreen.
The courses are open all day and close late at night, so you can choose a time that suits you. We found the best time was late afternoon/early evening when it was getting cooler, as it is all outdoors and with very little shade.
We found this a great family activity and a great treat for the kids after our shopping day break from the parks.