Our first household journey to Orlando was when our daughter was solely three, however we’ve got Orlando with youngsters to be much more enjoyable, which is why we hold going again. On that first journey, every part was magical and thrilling and all she wanted was a princess wand to make her glad. Teenagers are a bit more durable to impress and it’s possible you’ll have to suppose past the theme parks, however fortunately there are many enjoyable issues to do in Orlando with teenagers.
On each journey, we sort out one other theme park expertise, however we additionally attempt to get off the crushed path and away from the Disney bubble.
Enjoyable Issues to Do in Orlando with Teenagers
Be aware: This put up might comprise affiliate hyperlinks. When you click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I’ll obtain a small fee. All opinions are my very own.
These are a few of our prime picks for issues to do in Orlando for teenagers.
Andretti Indoor Karting and Video games
When you want a break from the warmth or need to keep away from Orlando’s frequent afternoon thunderstorms, head inside for a full day of enjoyable at Andretti Indoor Karting and Video games. It is a gaming utopia for teenagers. You will see go-karting (in fact), bowling, digital actuality video games, arcade video games, a 4D trip, and even an indoor ropes course.
Plan to spend some time, however to not fear, there may be additionally a full restaurant and two bars on-site when you want a break. For the go-karting, it would be best to reserve a time slot early. The course is cut up into a number of tracks and the grownup observe is proscribed to these 15 and over with at the least a driver’s allow. There are additionally junior and intermediate choices, and for all tracks, the sector is proscribed to not more than 12 drivers at a time.
Prime Golf Orlando
Only a three-minute stroll away from Andretti Karting is Prime Golf Orlando. When you haven’t tried Prime Golf but, you’re in for a deal with. It takes the aggressive enjoyable of mini-golf and combines it with a driving vary to make a singular leisure vacation spot.
Every group will get its personal stall, the place you’ll be able to order meals and drinks, after which let the video games start. The target is to not hit the ball so far as you’ll be able to, however slightly to hit completely different targets throughout the vary. Win or lose it’s numerous enjoyable for aggressive teenagers!
Studio Film Grill for Dinner in a Film
The Promenade at Sundown Stroll is the eating and leisure district adjoining to the Margaritaville Orlando resort. It is a nice space to let your teenagers discover, with loads of purchasing and snack choices together with It’sugar and Chilly Stone Creamery. Nonetheless, for one thing completely different (particularly when you can’t get this at dwelling), strive Studio Film Grill.
You’ll be able to watch a film on the massive display in comfortable armchair seating and have your meals and drinks delivered to your seat tray desk. The American grill menu surpasses what you will see at commonplace movie show snack bars.
The Wheel at Icon Park
Icon Park, previously referred to as I-Drive 360, is the leisure and eating district positioned proper on Worldwide Drive. You’ll be able to see The Wheel at Icon Park (previously the Orlando Eye — just like the London Eye), which anchors this space, from throughout. There are different points of interest there, such because the Sea Life Aquarium and Madame Tussaud’s wax museum, however teenagers will benefit from the birds-eye view from the highest of The Wheel.
After a full rotation, they may doubtless spy the Shake Shack down under so plan on a cease there for lunch for the SmokeShack burger — it’s the greatest! You should utilize Undercovertourist.com to get a reduction on a combo ticket for The Wheel and the Orlando StarFlyer!
Orlando StarFlyer
In case your teenagers need slightly extra of a thrill, the Orlando StarFlyer ought to do the trick. For anybody who loves the swing trip at amusement parks, the Orlando StarFlyer is analogous, simply taller. 450 toes excessive to be actual. Every swing is a double seat so you’ll be able to go together with a good friend and maintain their hand if you get scared. The swings transfer at speeds as much as 45 mph, nevertheless it isn’t as scary because it appears (at the least in accordance with my teen!)
Escape Recreation Orlando
I do know there are escape rooms all over the place today, however not all are created equal. And typically you simply want a enjoyable household or good friend problem to stability lengthy, tiring days in theme parks. The Escape Recreation Orlando was the most effective escape rooms we’ve got tried. The theming was nice, it was difficult however we nonetheless managed to flee, they usually have loads of issue ranges to select from. Plus, it’s only a quick stroll from ICON Park.
Gamers ought to reserve their most well-liked time slot and recreation choice upfront, as every recreation varies relying on how many individuals are concerned and the way troublesome it’s to flee. Three of us took on the Gold Rush and escaped with nearly two minutes to spare. We will’t give away any secrets and techniques however our host did give us props for ending because the room is usually designed for as much as eight folks and the three of us conquered the puzzles to earn our launch. The sport was a lot enjoyable that we have been tempted to ebook one other recreation on the spot (they usually provide reductions when you do!)
Wizarding World of Harry Potter
As a lot as we like to do issues past the theme parks, let’s face it, the theme parks are the explanation why Orlando is what it’s at the moment. And it was a love of all issues Harry Potter that drew us again to Orlando after declaring that Disney Princesses have been for little children. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a part of Common Orlando. As it’s possible you’ll know, Common Orlando is cut up between two theme parks (three when you rely the water park and one other on the best way), Islands of Journey, and Common Studios Florida. Every theme park has its personal Harry Potter “land” so to talk.
In Islands of Journey, you will see The Wizarding World of Harry Potter that includes Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. Then in Common Studios Florida, you’ll be able to discover The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. Each parks function Harry Potter-themed rides and immersive experiences that make you’re feeling like you’re on the set of a Harry Potter film. You’ll be able to even trip forwards and backwards between the 2 on the Hogwarts Specific — that’s assuming you’ve a Park-to-Park ticket which supplies entrance to each parks in in the future.
Make sure to learn our full suggestions for visiting Common Orlando. After all, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is only one a part of the parks and there may be a lot extra enjoyable available, particularly for teenagers that love thrill rides.
Disney’s After Hours Occasions
When you’ve got teenagers who love to remain up late and need to trip all the massive rides at a selected park with out the customary lengthy waits or restricted entry to Lightning Lane passes, investing in a Disney After Hours Occasion at Walt Disney World generally is a nice particular deal with. After Hours are particular ticketed occasions that give ticket holders entry to a selected park after it has closed for the evening for frequently ticketed guests.
These particular ticketed occasions often open at 5 pm and usually run till midnight. As soon as the common company depart the park, solely particular occasion ticket holders stay and you’ve got just about the run of the park. When you eat earlier than you go and time your go to to hit the most important points of interest proper when the opposite company depart, you’ll be able to slot in fairly just a few rides on each earlier than the park closes.
These occasions are particularly nice to do with teenagers who get pleasure from staying up late and using thrill rides. Plus, you probably have a couple of, it’s straightforward to allow them to discover on their very own with out worrying about discovering them once more in big crowds. And the park is so enjoyable to discover at evening!
We attended Animal Kingdom After Hours, which isn’t at the moment accessible. After Hours occasions are provided at completely different parks so test availability.
Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios
Since our Star Wars fandom is the same as our Harry Potter love, in fact, we have been thrilled when Disney introduced the opening of Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios. Even earlier than this new “land” opened, we have been giddy with pleasure on the current Star Wars points of interest (I obtained to hug Chewie!!) My good friend Rob from 2TravelDads has an ideal information to the greatest issues to do in Galaxy’s Edge.
Teenagers will love an opportunity to trip Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run and expertise Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. And possibly for a particular memento, you’ll be able to construct a lightsaber in Savi’s Workshop and drink some funky drinks (or blue milk) in Oga’s Cantina.
Save on tickets to Walt Disney World utilizing Getaway At this time!
Volcano Bay
Shifting past the theme parks to Orlando water parks, there isn’t one other that may rival Common Orlando‘s Volcano Bay. From the eye to element given to the theming to the combo of thrills and chills — Volcano Bay is a spot to flee the chaos that surrounds it. The concept behind Volcano Bay is the story of the Waturi folks — a fictional Polynesian-type tradition that “Water is Life and Life is Pleasure.”
The kids beloved the Krakatau Aqua Coaster and utilizing the Tapu Tapu wristbands to “test in” at a trip after which get alerted when it was their time to get in line — versus simply standing in limitless queues all day. I beloved hanging out on Waturi Seashore in entrance of the huge wave pool and namesake Krakatau Volcano and pretending I used to be in Hawaii as a substitute of Orlando. Earlier than you go, simply be sure you learn my Volcano Bay suggestions in your go to.
Island H2O Waterpark
Teenagers love waterparks and the extra thrilling and adventurous, the higher. There are many waterparks in Orlando to select from, and Volcano Bay is the very best relating to theming, however the Island H2O Waterpark at Margaritaville Orlando is available in second (open March by way of November.) Learn my Island H20 full overview for all the main points, however H20 affords large thrills and enjoyable expertise.
Company are given a Good Band after they arrive that hyperlinks to the H20 app, which tracks your location all through the park (nice for fogeys to have the ability to discover teenagers that may wander on their very own.) Utilizing the app, you can too personalize the expertise by letting you select your music on some rides, and then you definitely use the Good Band to “check-in” to the trip for personalization.
The Good Band can also be used to seize images and movies each on rides and at many photograph spots across the park that you may then buy and obtain by way of the app. We went pondering we have been going to solely spend just a few hours and ended up staying all day!
SeaWorld
In case your teenagers love large thrills, then SeaWorld is the theme park for you. Past the animal reveals, SeaWorld persistently has among the tallest and quickest coasters on the town like Mako, Kraken, Manta, and The Icebreaker. The IceBreaker options 4 airtime-filled launches, each backward and forwards, culminating in a reverse launch into the steepest beyond-vertical drop in Florida – a 93-foot-tall spike with a 100-degree angle. Yikes!
After all, if coasters aren’t your factor, there are many tamer points of interest or you’ll be able to ebook a singular one-of-a-kind alternative to swim with dolphins, snorkel with rays and tropical fish, and hand-feed unique birds at Discovery Cove.
Disney Springs
Don’t underestimate the enjoyable that may be had at Disney Springs. Along with the good purchasing and eating places (might I like to recommend tapas at Jaleo?), there are such a lot of leisure choices. You may also take a drive (float?) in an amphicar / amphibious car, fly excessive in a tethered Aerophile balloon, or have an upscale bowling expertise at Splitsville.
After all, Disney Springs can also be an excellent place to present your teenagers slightly freedom to discover collectively. Give them some spending cash and allow them to wander by way of all of the enjoyable retailers or seize snacks at Everglazed Donuts, Ghirardelli Chocolate Store, Sunshine Churros, or one of many many meals vans and carts.
Kayaking at Shingle Creek
Simply outdoors of Orlando in close by Kissimmee, you’ll be able to benefit from the outdoor on the Shingle Creek Recreation Heart, on the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. It’s a great place for bird-watching, biking, fishing, and picnicking. However your teenagers will most get pleasure from an eco-kayaking tour with The Paddling Heart at Shingle Creek.
Spend a few hours paddling by way of the dense cypress forest in search of wildlife together with alligators, herons, and turtles. You may also hire kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards and discover by yourself (however I’d extremely suggest a guided tour.)
Theme Eating
There are a ton of nice eating choices in Common’s CityWalk, however our favourite with teenagers is the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. Decked out in steampunk trend, the restaurant options inventive consolation meals and actually decadent milkshakes and chocolate delights. We’ve got additionally had a little bit of a wild time on the energetic Taverna Opa, which is the place to go if you wish to find yourself dancing on the tables.
Sizzling Air Balloon Experience
Everyone knows that Orlando is a spot the place needs come true. However do you know you can test off a bucket checklist merchandise like scorching air ballooning? You’ll be able to ebook a non-public balloon trip over scenic Central Florida. The one draw back with teenagers may be the early morning wake-up name, however possibly you’ll be able to persuade them that this once-in-a-lifetime expertise is value it.
Tree Trek Journey Park
My teen and her pals love zip-lining and tree-top journey programs. On our final journey to Orlando, we tried to suit this into our schedule however the climate didn’t cooperate. Nonetheless, my good friend Concord took her children to Tree Trek Journey Park in Orlando and had a good time.
The Tree Trek Journey Park affords 4 ranges of challenges from newbie to superior, with 97 aerial challenges and a 425-foot zip line. There are additionally two children programs if you’re taking youthful children as nicely.
Wild Florida Airboat Experience
You often take into consideration taking an airboat trip in South Florida, so it’s possible you’ll discover it shocking to seek out a number of airboat excursions accessible simply outdoors of Orlando. There are Spirit of the Swamp airboat excursions, Marsh Touchdown adventures, Wild Willy’s airboat excursions, and Kissimmee Swamp Excursions.
If you need slightly little bit of every part, Wild Florida affords airboat excursions, a drive-thru safari with greater than 100 native and unique animals unfold over 85 acres, and an alligator park. I do know my teen would like to ebook a sloth encounter with one in every of their two-toed sloths.
Safari Wilderness Ranch
Talking of drive-through safaris and animal encounters, the Safari Wilderness Ranch has tons of of animals, primarily hoof inventory, together with scimitar-horned oryx, Defassa waterbuck, eland, Crimson Lechwe, zebras, fainting goats, ostriches, llamas, camels and extra.
To see the animals, you’ll be able to take a lined open-air safari, or view them from horseback or camelback. I believe your teen would possibly go slightly loopy for among the particular animal encounters, like feeding grapes to lemurs. This is without doubt one of the greatest safari experiences I’ve seen, with a lot open house that you can think of you’re on the plains of Africa.
Westgate River Ranch Rodeo
I guess you didn’t know that there was a dude ranch not removed from Orlando the place you’ll be able to ebook a glamping keep, go horseback using, and even attend a Saturday evening rodeo. Certain, Orlando stands out as the theme park capital of the world and residential to each chain restaurant and household attraction you’ll be able to dream up. However Central Florida additionally has its share of cattle ranches.
The Saturday evening rodeo is all about good instances and cowboy enjoyable. You’ll see athletes compete in trick using, barrel racing, and bull using. You’ll be able to even strive using a mechanical bull and see how lengthy you’ll be able to keep on!
Beginner and Skilled Sports activities
For sports activities followers, Orlando attracts so many tournaments and sporting occasions on the ESPN Broad World of Sports activities. You may also take the youngsters to see an Orlando Magic basketball recreation. For a extra hands-on expertise, there are many fishing and {golfing} alternatives within the Orlando space.
The place to Keep in Orlando with Teenagers
There are many lodging selections in Orlando, from luxurious villas to rental condos to household resorts and luxurious accommodations. These have been a few of our favorites and you can too take a look at the greatest Orlando resorts for households:
Encore by Reunion Resort
Final summer season we spent a multi-generational household trip at a luxurious 12-bedroom dwelling in Encore by Reunion Resort. This trip rental neighborhood affords luxurious properties starting from 4 to 13 bedrooms. Our rental included a movie show, a recreation room with full-size arcade video games and a bowling lane, a media room with a pool desk, an indoor sauna, a steam room, a scorching tub, a health room, and a stunning pool and out of doors kitchen. The kids beloved all of the room to unfold out and everybody may discover one thing to do to make them glad.
Discover a trip rental in Orlando on vrbo
Margaritaville Resort Orlando
One among our favourite stays has been on the Margaritaville Resort in Orlando. Regardless of its handy location close to Disney in Kissimmee, the Margaritaville Resort has such sturdy island vibes you’re feeling like there should be a seaside someplace, and never simply one other lagoon crawling with alligators. The resort is recent, with island seaside decor and all these refined (and never so refined) tributes to Jimmy Buffett.
My teen beloved hanging out within the pool (particularly evening swimming when nobody else was round). The zero-entry sand entrance to the pool and poolside bar actually make it appear to be you’re within the Caribbean, or at the least the Florida Keys.
Waldorf-Astoria Orlando
In case you are in search of a extra luxurious choice, however don’t need to splurge on the 4 Seasons Orlando, the Waldorf-Astoria Orlando within the Bonnet Creek neighborhood is an efficient choice. They provide free shuttles to Disney, making it handy to get to the parks. The rooms are giant and what you’ll count on from a luxurious resort, with some even providing views of the Disney fireworks from a distance.
My teen beloved hanging out on the pool, particularly as a result of we got a cabana to make use of for the day, which was excellent for ducking into to keep away from these typical afternoon showers. The good factor in regards to the Waldorf Astoria Orlando is that you may additionally make the most of the pool on the Hilton Bonnet Creek subsequent door, which has a lazy river and a few small waterslides.
Cabana Bay Seashore Resort
For a price range choice on Common Orlando property, which supplies you early entry to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, we discovered the Cabana Bay Seashore Resort handy and cozy. They provide a free shuttle to CityWalk, and you’ll stroll over to Volcano Bay. This retro-style resort additionally has an ideal pool advanced, with a sand seaside and a lazy river. And the family-size suites give your teen slightly privateness in comparison with your typical two-queen visitor room. Learn my full overview of the Cabana Bay Seashore Resort.
Visiting Florida?
When you’ve got extra time, it’s possible you’ll need to proceed extending your journey to incorporate:
Save this on Pinterest
Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Writer of We3Travel. A former advertising government and journey advisor, Tamara is an award-winning journey author and acknowledged skilled in household journey. Tamara is a member of SATW, NATJA, IFWTWA, and the Journey Journey Commerce Affiliation, and serves on the Board of the Household Journey Affiliation. She can also be the writer of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Trip Professionals journey podcast.