Fun Spot America — Orlando

Fun Spot America is Orlando's best-kept secret for families looking for amusement park fun without the budget-busting prices and planning headaches of the major parks. Located on International Drive, this locally-owned park operates on a refreshingly simple model: admission is free, and you pay for rides individually or buy unlimited ride armbands.

This model is particularly family-friendly because it eliminates the pressure to get your money's worth that comes with a $150+ theme park ticket. If your toddler only wants to ride three things, you pay for three things. If your teenager wants to ride go-karts all night, the unlimited armband (around $55) covers everything.

The go-kart tracks are Fun Spot's signature attraction and are legitimately impressive. The multi-level concrete tracks wind up to four stories high, offering elevated turns with views over International Drive. The Quad Helix track features spiraling turns that feel like a mini roller coaster on wheels.

Younger kids (at least 44 inches) can ride as passengers with adults, and the kiddie track lets small children drive their own cars.

For coaster enthusiasts, White Lightning is a standout. This wooden roller coaster is the only one of its kind in Orlando and delivers surprisingly strong airtime moments — the kind of floaty, out-of-your-seat feeling that coaster fans crave. Freedom Flyer is a suspended coaster where your feet dangle, and the Mine Blower at the Kissimmee location features an inversion.

These are not Disney-level productions, but they are solid, fun rides with minimal waits.

The Fun Spot Jr. area caters to younger children with age-appropriate rides including a mini Ferris wheel, kiddie coaster, swinging boats, and spinning teacups. For kids ages 3-6 who are too small for the major rides, this section provides genuine entertainment for an hour or two.

Fun Spot shines as an evening activity. After spending a full day at Disney or Universal, families often arrive at Fun Spot around 6-7 PM when the park is lit up with carnival lights. The atmosphere is festive and relaxed — cotton candy, arcade games, and the sound of coasters overhead. It feels like a county fair meets a permanent amusement park, and kids love the energy.

The park also features a SkyCoaster (bungee-style swing — extra charge), bumper boats, and a large arcade. A new gator-themed attraction partnership adds an animal encounter element. With late closing times (often midnight), Fun Spot is one of the few Orlando attractions where families can enjoy nighttime entertainment without a special ticket or upcharge event.

For families staying on International Drive, Fun Spot is within walking distance of dozens of hotels, making it an easy add-on to any Orlando itinerary without requiring a car ride or parking hassle.