Mini Golf and More: What's Near Congo River Adventure Golf

Spotted the alligators? Here’s where to keep the fun rolling near Congo River Adventure Golf!

Published: March 9, 2026
Child Playing Mini Golf

So, you’ve conquered the caves and tackled the tricky 18th green at Congo River Adventure Golf. Now what? Turns out, the fun doesn’t slow down when you set down your club. Whether you’re feeling full of fresh-air energy or you’re ready to chill out and regroup with snacks and sights, Orlando’s got plenty to offer just a stone’s throw from your last putt. From live gators and jaw-dropping stage shows to quick foodie fixes and serene parks, we’ve rounded up the best ways to level up your Orlando outing. Let’s find your next adventure! 

Our favorite things to do near Congo River Adventure Golf include: 

  • Gatorland 
  • The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show 
  • Orlando Magic basketball game at the Kia Center 
  • TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition 
  • Old Town Kissimmee 
  • Fun Spot America 
  • Lake Eola Park 
  • Universal CityWalk 
  • Chocolate Kingdom – Factory Adventure Tour 

Gatorland: Orlando’s Original Alligator Adventure 

If the baby gators at Congo River put you in the mood for more reptilian encounters, you can amp things up at Gatorland. Known as the “Alligator Capital of the World,” this lively wildlife park lets you meet thousands of alligators and crocodiles—from hatchlings the size of your hand to 14-foot bruisers with legendary smiles. 

Brave the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line as it soars over the main breeding marsh, catch the infamous Gator Jumparoo Show for a dose of thrills and laughs, or wander the boardwalks that wind safely through marshes and swamps, where you’ll feel like you’re on a safari right in the heart of Orlando. The vibe is relaxed, a little cheeky, and always engaging. It’s one of those old-school Florida experiences that leaves you grinning—and maybe double-checking your shoes for baby gators. 

The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show: Dinner and Delights 

After a sun-soaked mini golf session, slipping into air-conditioning and kicking back with dinner and a show is bliss. The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show, just a quick drive from Congo River, promises laughs, illusions, and, crucially, all-you-can-eat pizza. 

We love the high-energy hosts who fill the night with classic close-up magic, mind-reading, and interactive tricks that’ll leave the kids (and adults) scratching their heads. With unlimited salad, beer, wine, and soft drinks, and a family-friendly feel, this is an Orlando staple that never takes itself too seriously. By the time you go, you’ll be stuffed with good food and even better memories. 

Orlando Magic Game at the Kia Center: Slam Dunks and Big City Vibes

Basketball

Let’s swap your putting stance for a slam dunk! Catching an Orlando Magic game at the Kia Center is hands-down one of the best ways to scope the city’s electric sports scene. The stadium sits right downtown—an easy trip from Congo River—and the basketball action is only the start. 

From the moment you step inside, you’ll feel the community energy: music, half-time contests, and food vendors slinging everything from classic nachos to local craft beers. The crowd brings kids, superfans, and everyone in between, so the vibe is inclusive and full of city pride. You’ll head home hoarse from cheering, clutching a souvenir cup and a night’s worth of unforgettable memories. 

TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition: Travel Back in Time 

Orlando’s got its share of theme park glitz, but TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition offers something surprisingly heartfelt nearby. Explore full-scale recreations of the ship’s interior—from grand staircases to elegant staterooms—while hundreds of real artifacts tease out stories of the famous voyage. 

The exhibitions are interactive and immersive; there’s even an “iceberg” you can touch (spoiler: it’s cold). The mood blends awe and wonder—a great option for history buffs, kids working on school reports, or anyone in the mood for a change of pace. Plus, it’s fun to see just how big your luggage is compared to a real Titanic trunk. 

Old Town Kissimmee: Retro Fun and Classic Cars 

Old Town Kissimmee sits just a quick hop from Congo River Adventure Golf and delivers a slice of Americana with vintage flair. Think tree-lined streets, neon signs, classic diners, and weekly car shows. 

This spot is perfect for taking a break from the big crowds. Duck into quirky shops for souvenirs or retro candy, then try your luck at old-school arcade games. On weekends, the live music and car parades give the place a block party feel, especially at sunset. Snap photos under the ferris wheel or grab a root beer float and stroll the brick streets—easy, nostalgic, and incredibly welcoming to solo travelers and families alike. 

Fun Spot America: Go-Karts, Coasters, and Endless Thrills 

Calling all adrenaline junkies—Fun Spot America makes an energetic pitstop after your mini golf adventure. This local amusement park punches above its size with high-flying roller coasters, multi-level go-kart tracks, and splashy bumper boats. 

Unlike bigger Orlando parks, Fun Spot is all about easy access: free parking, pay-as-you-go rides, and a friendly, laid-back atmosphere. The signature wooden coaster is a rickety delight, and the arcade is packed with ticket-fueled games. Younger kids can tackle smaller rides while adults get a rush on the more daring spins. There’s just enough old-school charm to make you feel like a kid again. 

Lake Eola Park: Orlando’s Scenic Breather

Lake Eola Orlando

If you’re looking for some chill time before or after your mini golf round, we recommend a trip to Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando. This leafy green space pairs skyline views with wandering swan boats, shaded walking paths, and pop-up farmers’ markets. 

The park buzzes with locals and visitors alike—joggers, yogis, food truck lovers, and folks sunbathing on the lawn. Bring a picnic, take a lap around the lake, and look out for live music events if you time it right. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, snack, and recharge before your next adventure. 

Universal CityWalk: Food, Fun, and Nightlife 

Orlando’s not just about roller coasters—sometimes you just want to eat, dance, and people-watch. Universal CityWalk makes the case for trading your golf club for a fork and a show. Part dining hub, part entertainment district, CityWalk sits between Universal’s theme parks and hums with activity until late. 

Slide into Voodoo Doughnut for wild, over-the-top treats (the Bacon Maple Bar is legendary) or Hard Rock Café for towering burgers with a side of rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia. Street performers and live musicians keep the energy upbeat, and the open-air space means you can stroll, snack, and soak up warm Florida nights. If you’re traveling with a mixed-age group, it fits everyone’s agenda—plus, it’s a great stop if you’re headed to Universal Studios the next day. 

Chocolate Kingdom – Factory Adventure Tour: Sweeten Your Day 

Why not end your Orlando adventure on a sugar high? Chocolate Kingdom is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth or a curiosity about the art of chocolate-making. This isn’t your average gift shop—Chocolate Kingdom draws you right into the magical world of cocoa, from the bean all the way to the bar. 

Guided tours blend fun storytelling with hands-on demonstrations, letting you see machinery whir, smell melted chocolate, and even sample fresh confections along the way. Your guide keeps you laughing (and tasting), but you’ll also pick up genuinely interesting tidbits about how cacao is grown and transformed in the factory’s micro-batch process. The grand finale? Customize your very own chocolate bar with toppings as wild or classic as you like. The experience is playful, sensory, and full of smiles—plus, it’s hard to leave without an armful of sweet souvenirs.

 

And there you have it: a whole menu of unforgettable things to do near Congo River Adventure Golf. Whether you keep the competitive streak alive at another attraction, sample Orlando’s food scene, or simply soak up some lakeside sun, this corner of the city packs in more fun than a hole-in-one. Get ready to score major memories! 

Enjoyed this? Check out Where to Stay in Orlando or Everything you Need to Know about Go City’s Orlando Passes 

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Sweet and Free: Top Spots Near Chocolate Kingdom

You’ve planned the ultimate chocolate adventure at Orlando’s Chocolate Kingdom, surrounded by the aroma of melting cocoa and the promise of delicious memories. Now what? Thankfully, the world outside those dreamy chocolate doors is packed with free experiences to round out your day. Orlando steps up with creativity, green spaces, quirky parks, and moments of true local flavor—all without reaching for your wallet. Whether you’re here for the sweets, making every penny count, or just eager to soak up Orlando off the beaten path, we’ve scoped out the best free things to do nearby. Bring your sense of adventure (and perhaps, your stretchy pants). Here’s how to keep the fun going for free near Chocolate Kingdom.  Our favorite free things to do near Chocolate Kingdom include:  Lake Eola Park  Disney Springs  ICON Park Courtyard & Entertainment  CityArts Orlando  The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art’s Friday Evenings  Leu Gardens Free Admission Days  Dr. P. Phillips Community Park  Winter Park Farmers’ Market (Saturdays)  Universal CityWalk Free Hours  Scenic Walking Tour of Downtown Celebration  Disney Springs  The phrase “free Disney” isn’t a fantasy. Just a few miles from Chocolate Kingdom, Disney Springs welcomes visitors with zero admission charge and plenty of magic to go around. You don’t need a park ticket to get swept up in the music, color, and excitement—this vast entertainment district is perfect for window shopping, dining, and imaginative exploration.  Step onto the waterfront promenade and you’re immediately surrounded by live bands, street performers, and vibrant themed architecture. Browse the LEGO Store, with its outdoor displays (giant fire-breathing dragons, anyone?) or lose yourself inside the World of Disney, the world’s largest Disney retail store. Even if you don’t plan to buy, the displays alone will keep you mesmerized.  If you’re lucky, you’ll stumble upon a pop-up dance party or seasonal festival—think lively holiday shows or open-air art exhibits. The dockside is a great spot to watch boats drifting by and enjoy performer-packed evenings. Live music pours out from multiple venues, and many acts play weekday shows at no cost.  As the sun goes down, the Disney Springs boardwalk becomes a perfect spot for people-watching and taking in the glowing lights. Whether you’re sipping a complimentary sample from nearby chocolate shops or cooling off with free mist sprayers in summer, the atmosphere here is pure delight. Pro tip: parking is free too, just one more reason to swing by.  ICON Park Courtyard & Free Entertainment  Orlando’s ICON Park may be anchored by The Wheel and other ticketed attractions, but the sprawling open-air courtyard at its heart is yours to explore, charge-free. Located minutes from Chocolate Kingdom right on International Drive, this area hums with entertainment and tons of people-friendly energy.  The best part? There’s always something happening. Take in the little surprises, from classic car displays to unannounced live performances by local musicians and entertainers. Snap a photo with larger-than-life sculptures or join in casual lawn games set up around the plaza.  Fountains cool down the summer air, and colorful lights splash across the walkways by dusk. The courtyard is lined with cozy nooks and shaded benches—perfect for soaking in the vibe or letting kids run off their energy. You can window shop at dozens of quirky boutiques and pop into the world’s most photogenic candy and gift shops for fun free samples.  On weekends, expect family movie nights and cultural celebrations, often accompanied by food trucks. ICON Park’s festive backdrop—complete with jumbo LED screens and regular public events—makes visiting here feel like joining a neighborhood block party, all for free.  CityArts Orlando  Hidden in the heart of downtown, CityArts is a shrine to creative energy, hosting a rotating collection of galleries and installations by local artists. Strolling in is always free, and what you find inside changes constantly: bold paintings, quirky sculptures, digital art, and experimental pieces that challenge you to see Orlando in a different light.  The airy, urban galleries are welcoming, never intimidating. Staff and volunteers love chatting about the latest exhibits, and many artists are present to discuss their inspiration during Friday night openings. If you’re in town for the first Friday of the month, don’t miss the Downtown Arts District’s Gallery Hop—free to all, complete with live music and pop-up workshops.  Wander through all seven galleries and you’ll discover an eclectic mix. One might house local photography snapping Orlando’s hidden corners, another could feature whimsical murals or immersive digital light shows. The vibe is fun and friendly, drawing locals and travelers alike for a cultural recharge.  It’s a great way to see the creative pulse of the city—just a short ride from Chocolate Kingdom—and an inspiring prelude or finish to your day spent indulging in sweets.  The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art (Friday Evenings, Nov–April)  Let’s talk glass—beautiful, colorful, dazzling glass. The Morse Museum in Winter Park holds a world-class collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany masterpieces. The best part for budget explorers? Admission is free on Friday nights between November and April.  This is your chance to take in glowing mosaics, detailed stained glass windows, jaw-dropping blown glass lamps, and entire chapel interiors. Roam the peaceful galleries with themed rooms that evoke historical American glamour and old-world craftsmanship, all with that comforting hush found only in great museums.  On free Friday evenings, the vibe becomes even more welcoming. You’ll find live classical music performances in the central atrium, complimentary art talks, and a gentle buzz of conversation among visitors. If you’re aiming for a date night or family adventure with a twist—this is your move.  Even the approach to the museum is lovely, down Park Avenue’s leafy sidewalks, with street musicians and indie shops to window browse on your way. All in all, this stop pairs perfectly with the area’s chocolatey indulgence.  Dr. P. Phillips Community Park  For travelers who like their cocoa with a side of playground fun and wide-open space, Dr. P. Phillips Community Park is just the ticket. This family-friendly hangout is less than fifteen minutes from Chocolate Kingdom, tucked along the shores of Big Sand Lake.  The top draw? The massive, modern splash pad—open and always popular with kids (check if it’s operational on the day you visit). Adults can relax in the tree-shaded picnic pavilions or stroll the walking loop with views of the lake and local birdlife.  Athletic fields, a dog park, and plenty of free parking make this spot wonderfully hassle-free. On weekends, local food trucks add a tasty, low-cost bonus, and the wide lawns are made for soccer games, frisbee, or just a nap under the sun.  The park’s easygoing, energetic flow offers the perfect follow-up to a chocolate-infused afternoon, especially with young travelers or anyone itching to burn off a few dessert calories.  Winter Park Farmers’ Market (Saturdays)  Every Saturday morning, the historic train depot in Winter Park bursts to life with one of Central Florida’s best farmers’ markets. Entry is free, and wandering the market is an experience in itself—think friendly faces, live acoustic music, and the scent of fresh flowers and produce in every aisle.  Stroll the outdoor lanes and you’ll find fresh oranges, sample bowls of local honey, spiced nuts, and tempting bakery treats (with plenty of free tastes if you smile and chat nicely). Local artisans set up beautiful craft stalls, and there’s always a fun surprise—perhaps a local chef demo or a pop-up painting lesson.  The sociable, dog-friendly vibe makes the market a Saturday staple for locals and an ideal way for visitors to feel instantly at home. If you’re not loading up on groceries, no problem—the people-watching is top-tier, and the old depot backdrop is perfect for photos.  Pack your morning full of local color, good music, and delicious scents—without spending a thing unless you fancy a cup of fresh-pressed juice or an irresistible pastry.  Universal CityWalk Free Hours  Universal CityWalk brings together bright lights, music, and energy—the liveliest stroll just outside the gates of Universal’s theme parks. Admission is completely free after 6pm, with parking fees waived in the evening (a pro tip for budget-minded planners).  Arrive as the sun sets and step right into a nonstop party. You don’t need a theme park ticket to wander CityWalk’s dazzling plazas, filled with neon signage, open-air bars (peek in for live music—no cover!), and some of the most creative people-watching in town.  Browse funky boutiques, watch street performers, or join in a public salsa dance if there’s one happening when you arrive. Cool off by the splash fountains, or just take in the glow of the lagoon with some of Orlando’s best views. On weekends and holidays, CityWalk stages free concerts and DJ sets—collaborative, energetic, and full of life.  This is the perfect spot to soak up that Orlando excitement after the Chocolate Kingdom closes up shop for the day.  Scenic Walking Tour of Downtown Celebration  Add a pinch of storybook charm to your itinerary with a self-guided ramble through Celebration, just minutes south of Chocolate Kingdom. Created by Disney, this planned community looks like a retro postcard—pastel-painted houses, brick sidewalks lined with lanterns, and a leafy, walkable Main Street.  Pick up a free walking map at the Celebration Welcome Center and choose your own adventure. Meander past lakeside boardwalks with swaying palmettos, cross stone bridges, and venture into neighborhood parks where kids sail miniature boats or locals practice tai chi.  The centerpiece lakeside promenade offers birdwatching, peaceful benches, and frequent outdoor art festivals or pop-up movie nights (especially in spring and fall). Eclectic shops and bakery windows line Main Street, while nearby lawns host weekend yoga or live jazz. And yes—you might just stumble on a wedding or a holiday parade, for that full “life in a movie” experience.  Celebration feels like Orlando’s cheerful, whimsical front porch. It’s free, it’s fun to explore, and it’s an unbeatable way to round out your chocolatey day.    Orlando’s world of chocolatey delights extends far beyond the sugar rush of Chocolate Kingdom. Surrounding this cocoa haven, you'll discover lush parks, creative hubs, picturesque walking trails, vibrant public events, and magical pockets of entertainment—all without opening your wallet. Whether your ideal day involves lakeside sunsets, swan sightings, art discoveries, street markets, or the warm buzz of free concerts, there’s a sweet adventure waiting for you close to Chocolate Kingdom. For your next trip, pack your curiosity and get ready to savor every free moment. Orlando is serving up memories—no ticket required.    Like this? Check out our guide to magnificent mornings in Orlando, and discover brilliant birthdays in the city  Step up your sightseeing with Go City®  We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  See more, do more, and experience more with Go City®– just choose a pass to get started! 

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