While Daytona Beach is better known as a spring break destination, car racing capital and Bike Week host, it also is a family vacation spot. Parents will find that there are plenty of kid-friendly activities and attractions that will keep children entertained.
Congo River Golf is an 18-hole miniature golf course, plus a bit more. The rain forest-themed course passes through caves and waterfalls. An added attraction at Congo River is the interactive gator exhibit. Using poles, kids feed more than 25 live alligators. For a change of pace, sift through a gem mine and search for arrowheads, gemstones and fossils. Air hockey and arcade games are also available. Congo River Golf is open seven days a week. As of April 2010, admission for children over age 10 is $10.95. One child under five is admitted free.
Congo River Golf
2100 South Atlantic Avenue
Daytona Beach, FL 32118
386-258-6808
congo river.com
The Children's Museum is part of the Daytona Beach Museum of Arts and Science and is a hands- on experience for kids ages 4 to 14. The interactive exhibits are geared toward teaching scientific principles. At the CSI-Criminal Scene Investigation exhibit, kids learn about DNA analysis and law enforcement. Younger children learn through play at the Early Learning Play Center. Other exhibits focus on food, radiology, gravity and electricity. The Children's Museum is open every day except Monday and is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. It is wheelchair accessible. Children under 5 are admitted free and ages up to 17 pay $6.95 as of April 2010.
The Charles and Linda Williams Children's Museum
352 S. Nova Road
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
386-255-0285
maos.org
The Daytona 500 Experience is an official NASCAR attraction. Young racing fans can take part in thrill rides and hands-on racing related experiences and can see racing-related exhibitions. The NASCAR IMAX experience and Speedway Tour offer fans young and old an up-close look at the sport. For an additional fee, guests can drive laps around the International Speedway course. The Daytona 500 Experience is open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Children under 5 are admitted free. As of April 2010 ticket prices start at $19.99 and increase with additional options.
Daytona 500 Experience
1801 W. International Speedway Blvd.
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
386-681-6800
daytona500experience.com
Kids can cool off at the Daytona Lagoon water park. It features slides, caves, a lazy river and a wave pool. Go-karts, rock climbing wall, laser tag, thrill rides and arcade are available for those who choose to stay dry. The admission price varies as each activity is charged separately. Children under 5 are free. Wristbands are available beginning at $24.99 per person. Daytona Lagoon is open seven days a week and hours differ seasonally and for the wet and dry attractions.
Daytona Lagoon
601 Earl Street
Daytona Beach, FL 32118
386-254-5020
daytona lagoon.com
