What You’ll Learn in This Guide

• The best International Drive Orlando attractions for families (including ICON Park, Dezerland, and Ripley’s)
• Indoor options for hot afternoons or rainy days
• What you’ll actually do at Topgolf and why it works for mixed ages
• Easy, family-friendly dining stops
• Where to shop nearby, plus what kinds of stores you’ll find at each outlet
• Simple tips to keep the day smooth, flexible, and low-stress

First Things First: What is International Drive

International Drive is a busy entertainment corridor near many of Orlando’s biggest draws (including the convention center and major theme parks). The best part for families: so many attractions are close together, which means less driving and more time to enjoy all the area has to offer, together.

ICON Park: One Stop With Something for Everyone

If you want a place where there’s something for everyone, from toddlers to teens, grown-ups to grandparents, ICON Park is a great way to spend your day. It’s walkable, photo-friendly, and has multiple attractions right on-site.

Top Family Picks at ICON Park:

• The Orlando Eye at ICON Park (20 minutes): A slow, smooth ride with panoramic views across Orlando. Everyone gets to sit, cool down, and enjoy a wow moment without it feeling intense. Plus, it’s ideal for a group photo.
• SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium (1–2 hours): An indoor, stroller-friendly aquarium with walk-through exhibits, big tanks, and lots of underwater moments to thrill the little ones. This is a good option if you’ve got a stroller and a snack bag, or you need A/C, a calmer pace, and something the whole family can enjoy together.
• Madame Tussauds Orlando (45 minutes to 1 hour): A walk-through wax museum where you can pose with lifelike celebrity and character figures. This is a perfect spot for easy entertainment, lots of giggles, and a guaranteed camera-roll upgrade—especially fun for kids who love a selfie.
• Museum of Illusions (30–45 minutes): A hands-on, interactive museum packed with optical illusions, trick rooms, and photo setups that make everyone look twice. It’s quick-moving, super engaging, and a big hit with tweens (and adults who love trying to figure out how’d they do that?).
• Pro tip: start with an indoor attraction like the aquarium or museum, then save The Orlando Eye for later when the sun begins to set.

Dezerland Park: The Rainy-Day (or Too-Hot) Hero

Rain in the forecast or 95 degrees and climbing? When the weather threatens to derail your plans, Dezerland Park (2-4 hours) comes to the rescue with a massive indoor space packed full of energy-burning options. This is a great one when your crew is under umbrellas or overheating.

While you’re here, don’t miss:

• Go-karting for big-kid energy
• Arcade games for some friendly competition
• Bowling to do something fun that’s also a break
• Pinball for some old-school gaming
• The Orlando Auto Museum for something that you’ll enjoy even if you’re not a car person

It’s also a great spot for splitting up: one parent can take older kids go-karting while the other enjoys arcade games with the little ones.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando: Weird, Wonderful, and Kid-Approved

If the words “strange, hilarious, and a little bit gross” are the kind that grab your kids’ attention, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando (1.5 hours) is an easy yes. It’s an indoor walk-through attraction filled with odd exhibits, unexpected facts, and plenty of interactive moments—so it’s not just reading signs while the kids get bored.

You’ll see everything from strange artifacts and unbelievable collections to hands-on displays that keep the pace moving. It’s a great midday stop when you want A/C, a break from the sun, and something that feels different from the usual Orlando lineup.

• Best for: school-age kids, tweens, and families who want something fun that isn’t a full-day commitment.

Topgolf Orlando: A Real Hole in One

Even if no one in your crew has ever picked up a club, Topgolf Orlando (2-3 hours) is designed to be beginner-friendly and high-energy, with food and comfy seating built in.

At Topgolf, everyone takes turns hitting real golf balls off a mat toward huge circular targets out in the field. The balls are tracked by technology, so your screen keeps score automatically based on distance and accuracy.

You can play different games depending on your group (some are simple point-scoring, others feel more like challenges), and the vibe is upbeat and casual. Best of all, no one has to be good at golf to have fun.

• A win for parents: it’s contained, organized, and an easy activity everyone can enjoy together.

Escape rooms (for your puzzle-lovers)

If you’ve got older kids who love clues and teamwork, Escapology Orlando (1.5 hours) is a popular option on/near International Drive.

• Pro tip: book earlier in the day if your kids fade fast at night—escape rooms are way more fun when everyone’s fresh.

Beyond International Drive: LEGOLAND Florida Resort

Not far from International Drive, you’ll find the perfect spot for kids in their LEGO era. LEGOLAND Florida Resort is in Winter Haven, about an hour from Orlando (drive time varies with traffic), so it works best as a planned day trip rather than a quick pop-in.

LEGOLAND is designed specifically for kids ages 2–12, with lots of rides they can actually try, plus plenty of playtime built into the day.

What you’ll do there:

• Ride kid-friendly coasters that feel exciting but not overwhelming
• Try interactive rides like LEGO NINJAGO and other hands-on adventures that keep kids engaged (not just watching)
• Explore Miniland’s tiny cities and scenes built from LEGO bricks
• Lots of opportunities to build and play with LEGO (It’s right there in the name, after all)

Dining on International Drive: Easy Picks for Hungry Families

All this fun is sure to work up an appetite. Luckily, International Drive is packed with options. Here are a few reliable, family-friendly ideas to keep things simple.

The World’s Largest Entertainment McDonald’s

Sometimes, you just want something everyone is going to like. But this isn’t your typical drive-thru stop. The World’s Largest Entertainment McDonald’s on Sand Lake Road (right by I-Drive) is a multi-level location that feels more like a family pit stop with options. Along with the usual classics, it’s known for extra menu items you don’t normally see at McDonald’s (hello, brick-oven pizza, pasta, Belgian waffles, and custom omelets!).

Upstairs, there’s a large indoor PlayPlace where kids can climb and burn energy while adults grab a seat, regroup, and actually finish a drink while it’s still cold.

• Why it’s handy on an International Drive day: it’s an easy, familiar meal when you don’t want to gamble on a long sit-down restaurant.

Pointe Orlando: One Location, Lots of Choices

Pointe Orlando is a walkable dining and entertainment complex right on International Drive. You’ll find everything from Italian comfort food at Maggiano’s to Cuban flavors at Cuba Libre, Greek at Taverna Opa, plus casual spots for quicker meals.

ICON Park Dining: Easy to Combine with Attractions

Dining at ICON Park is all about convenience. If you’re already there for The Orlando Eye, SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, or the Museum of Illusions, it’s an easy spot to grab a meal without breaking your flow (or relocating the whole family).

You’ll find a range of sit-down and casual options on site, so you can choose based on your crew’s mood:

• Need a dependable, everyone-will-find-something option? Places like Yard House lean into big, crowd-pleasing menus and are easy for groups.
• Want some Barbecue? Make your way to Brother Jimmy’s BBQ for legendary North Carolina slow-smoked barbecue.
• Pairing dinner with a show? Try Tin Roof: A Live Music Joint for a few tunes to go along with your meal.
• Parent-friendly tip: You can check out the full list of dining options at ICON Park here.

Shopping on International Drive (and Nearby)

Need a little souvenir to remember your big Orlando vacation? Whether it’s a trinket or a new outfit, you’ll find plenty of shopping options near International Drive.

Orlando International Premium Outlets

A major outlet stop close to International Drive for deal-hunters and brand browsing. You’ll find plenty of shops at Orlando International Premium Outlets, including:

• Nike Factory Store
• adidas
• Under Armour
• Coach
• Calvin Klein
• Kate Spade New York
• Michael Kors
• Polo Ralph Lauren
• Saks OFF 5TH
• Tommy Hilfiger

Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets

Another popular outlet option nearby, Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets leans more luxury/designer, with storefronts for:

• Prada
• Burberry
• Jimmy Choo
• Bottega Veneta
• Carolina Herrera
• Brunello Cucinelli
• Polo Ralph Lauren
• Pro tip: Vineland also has plenty of quick bites on-site, so you can refuel without cutting your shopping short.

Keep the Sunshine Going at Surf & Splash

After a day exploring International Drive Orlando, you’ve earned a day that’s pure splash, sunshine, and kid-approved fun. It’ll be one where the only agenda is cannonballs, coconut-scented air, and laughter spilling over the pool’s edge. Pack the sunscreen, bring the smiles, and let the kids play while you actually get to relax.

Explore our special offers and learn more about Surf & Splash today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Surf & Splash from International Drive?

International Drive is about 4.4 miles from Surf & Splash, so it’s an easy drive or rideshare when you want to mix attractions with a more laid-back splash day.

How do we get to International Drive?

International Drive is easy to reach in a few different ways, depending on where you’re coming from:

• By car or rideshare: Most families find this the simplest option, especially with strollers or tired kiddos.
• I-Ride Trolley: A convenient way to hop between restaurants, shops, and attractions along the I-Drive area without constantly re-parking.
• From Orlando International Airport (MCO): If you’re using public transit, LYNX Route 42 runs between the airport and the International Drive area.

Is International Drive walkable with kids/strollers?

Parts of it, yes. All of it, not really. International Drive is a long, busy corridor, so it’s best to think of it in walkable pockets rather than one big strolling strip.

Is the area around ICON Park and Pointe Orlando walkable with kids/strollers?

Yes. The areas around ICON Park and Pointe Orlando tend to be more pedestrian- and stroller-friendly, with wider sidewalks and crosswalks—so you can park once and walk around that area.