Mayor Clayton’s WonderLab Is Open at Give Kids the World

Give Kids the World is an 89 acre storybook village that is located in Kissimmee, Florida. It’s just minutes from Walt Disney World. The focus is on Wish Kids and their families. By the end of 2024, over 200,000 families will have visited. They have come from all 50 states and 77 countries. The vacations are provided to the families without cost. Give Kids the World is the definition of magic.

There is much more to Give Kids the World than providing a place to stay and transportation to the theme parks. They hold Halloween and Christmas each week. Kids can have ice cream for breakfast. There are rides that are designed so that all of the children can enjoy them. Give Kids the World is home to the largest Candyland game that you will ever see! There’s even a spa that was designed with the parents in mind, so that they can have a few moments to relax.

The latest addition to Give Kids the World is Mayor Clayton’s WonderLab. (Mayor Clayton is GKTW’s mascot.) WonderLab is a STEAM Activity Center. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art, and math. It’s a program found in schools across the country. Since many of the children who visit Give Kids the World can’t participate at their local schools, they can create and let their imaginations run wild while on their visit.

The theme for Mayor Clayton’s WonderLab is “wonder, imagination, and possibility.” There are several different rooms where the children can create. Kids can learn about audio-animatronics, stop motion, circuits, and more. They can solve puzzles, make friendship bracelets, and even learn about 3D printing. There are plenty of rainy day activities, and WonderLab will change it up in the different rooms, so there is always something new to try.

I was invited to the ribbon cutting for Mayor Clayton’s WonderLab, and the space is beautiful. I was surprised by all that there is to see and do. The activities aren’t just for the Wish Kids. Many have siblings who come on the trip, and they can also learn and play.

One of my favorite things about my visit to WonderLab was the optimism in the air. The kids were having a great time, learning and creating. WonderLab gives them something to focus on besides treatments and doctor’s appointments. It allows them to just be children, which is what Give Kids the World is all about.