Orlando Travel Guide for Teens & Tweens: Top Must-Do’s

The ultimate guide to traveling with teens in Orlando.

Nobody is too old for a fantastic family vacation — even the pickiest teens and tweens in your group. As someone about to leave their teenage years behind, I know a thing or two about the many spots in Orlando for the budding shopping addicts, arts aficionados or thrill seekers in your group. Let’s dive in!

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Where to Stay

These resorts are vibrantly themed and positively Orlando, offering a variety of price ranges and amenities fit to suit every budget and family. They are packed with fun for kids and kids-at-heart — playful and immersive without feeling too juvenile.

Discover: Places to Stay

Margaritaville Resort Orlando

You’re on island time now! Step into this tropical oasis located less than 5 miles from Walt Disney World® Resort with luxury amenities like a spa, lounge and restaurant on-site. Included with your Margaritaville stay is unlimited access to the exhilarating Island H2O Live! water park, just a short walk from your room.

Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort

Adventure through the cosmos at Universal Orlando Resort’s expertly themed sister hotels Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort. Complete with plenty of amenities, spaceship-style decor and themed dining options, there’s no shortage of cosmic fun at these conveniently located resorts near Universal Epic Universe.

Discover: Universal Orlando Resort Hotels

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers a unique safari-style experience where you and your family can view exotic wildlife from your balconies and enjoy rich, African-inspired architecture, cuisine and culture.

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Retail, Dining & Entertainment Districts

The Florida Mall®

The Florida Mall® is the biggest mall in Central Florida and offers over 250 stores featuring teen-approved brands like lululemon, Sephora, Hollister and Crocs, plus a vibrant food court that’s sure to satisfy every craving.

Discover: Orlando Shopping

Disney Springs®

As the retail, dining, & entertainment district of Walt Disney World® Resort, there’s infinite magical fun to be had with the whole family at Disney Springs®. Explore the iconic World of Disney store and shop a variety of unique and familiar retailers. Then, indulge in whimsical delights like the M&M’S® store and themed dining like T-REX™ Cafe that bring joy to all ages. You’re never too old for chocolate and dinosaurs, right?

Discover: Things to Do at DISNEY SPRINGS

Pointe Orlando

The Pointe is an open-air shopping center in the I-Drive District, just minutes from the Orange County Convention Center and Orlando’s theme parks. Dive into the trendy atmosphere at JoJo’s ShakeBAR, where indulgent milkshakes and Instagram-worthy aesthetics rule. With a 4DX movie theater, a comedy club, and a virtually endless list of restaurants and shops, your teen may be asking what “the point” in leaving is.

Discover: Things to Do at Pointe Orlando

ICON Park®

ICON Park® is an entertainment complex located on I-Drive, offering a diverse mix of attractions, dining, shopping and live entertainment. Key attractions include SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, the renowned Madame Tussauds wax museum, the Museum of Illusions, and The Orlando Eye, a 400-foot observation wheel. If your crowd is hungry, there’s plenty of exciting dining. The complex boasts over 40 restaurants, bars and eateries. From casual bites to Mediterranean-inspired cuisine at the upscale Helena Modern Riviera, ICON Park offers dining for every taste.

Discover: Things to Do at ICON Park

Universal CityWalk

Universal CityWalk pulses with nonstop entertainment, from extraordinary dining and eclectic shopping to blockbuster movies, mini golf adventures, and live concerts at the iconic Hard Rock Live Orlando. Indulge your sweet tooth with whimsical, steampunk-inspired treats at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium or savor the enchanting taste of Butterbeer™ at a new kiosk in the Universal Studios Store. It’s all part of the unforgettable fun of Universal Orlando Resort.

Discover: Things to Do at Universal CityWalk

Authentic Neighborhoods

Orlando’s historic and contemporary neighborhoods are its true hidden gems, especially for those interested in the city’s rich culture scene, shopping local or an Instagram-worthy mural.

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Winter Park

Winter Park is known for its charming brick-lined streets, upscale boutiques, scenic lakes, and vibrant cultural scene. The naturally beautiful neighborhood makes for a picture-perfect day trip.

Discover: Things to Do in Winter Park

Audubon Park Garden District

The Audubon Park Garden District is a creative and culture-forward neighborhood north of downtown Orlando. It’s home to thriving local vintage shops, coffee shops and markets, plus Harry P. Leu Gardens, a beautiful and charming 50-acre botanical garden.

Discover: Things to Do in Audubon Park

The Milk District®

The Milk District® buzzes with creative energy. It’s where colorful street art, live music, and an ever-evolving array of local bars and eateries create a distinctly Orlando vibe.

Discover: Things to Do in The Milk District

Attractions Beyond the Parks

Orlando might be the theme park capital of the world, but there’s plenty of entertainment waiting for you beyond the coasters and popcorn stands. You and your teenager will discover fun at every turn with these dazzling and unique attractions.

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Dezerland Park

As Florida’s largest indoor attraction, Dezerland Park offers virtually endless fun away from the sun. It’s Orlando’s ultimate playground, featuring high-speed go-karts, a massive arcade, a vintage car museum, and a movie theater all under one roof.

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American Ghost Adventures

At the locally owned American Ghost Adventures, join real paranormal investigators on family-friendly tours that take you inside historic buildings, where you’ll use ghost-hunting equipment and uncover behind-the-scenes stories of Orlando’s haunted past.

Discover: Orlando Walking Tours

Escape Rooms

Solve puzzles, look for clues and work together to break out of highly themed escape rooms throughout Orlando. You’ll find options for all tastes and skill levels, including movie-themed escape rooms at Universal CityWalk, immersive challenges on International Drive, and even more near Walt Disney World.

Discover: Orlando Escape Rooms

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

You’re never too old to play pretend, and your whole family can do just that at Medieval Times. At this dazzling dining show, kingdoms come together to perform a live jousting show, complete with horseback riding and sword fights. Will your noble house be the champion of the kingdom? Come find out!

Discover: Orlando Dinner Shows

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Explore the past, present and future of space travel at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as you witness rocket launches, come face-to-face with an authentic space shuttle, and even real meet astronauts.

Discover: STEM & STEAM Attractions

Outdoor Adventures

If you’re visiting a place with great weather and year-round scenic views, you’ll want to take advantage of it. Luckily, Orlando has both in spades! Whether your teenager wants to come face-to-face with gators or jump into crystal-clear water, the Orlando area has an outdoor adventure for them.

Discover: Outdoor Adventures

Gatorland

At Gatorland, experience up-close gator exhibits like nowhere else in the world. The park’s Screamin’ Gator Zip Line launches you on a 1,200-foot-long adrenaline rush, soaring over 7 stories high. In case the height wasn’t enough of a thrill for you, you’ll be happy to know that the zip line zooms directly over real-life alligators and crocodiles.

Discover: Things to Do at Gatorland

Wild Florida

Located just 30 minutes outside of Orlando, Wild Florida invites adventurers to ride, walk or drive through an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s exploring the gator park, soaring on an airboat, or cruising through a drive-thru safari, there’s something for everyone in your group.

Silver Springs

Silver Springs is located about 90 minutes from Orlando in north central Florida and has been a beloved natural landmark for generations. It offers unforgettable experiences like its iconic glass bottom boat tours on Silver River.

Discover: Natural Springs

Arts & Culture

For your blossoming cultural critic, Orlando has plenty to offer in the arts & culture scene, from orchestra concerts to anime conventions.

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts hosts world-class live theater, concerts and performances in a stunning downtown venue. It’s part of Orlando’s City District.

Discover: Things to Do in City District

Orlando Museum of Art

The Orlando Museum of Art features rotating exhibitions and a permanent collection that celebrates American, African and contemporary art.

Discover: Museums & Galleries

Conventions and Trade Shows

Orlando has several iconic anime, comic and pop culture conventions throughout the year, perfect for your trend-obsessed teenager. MEGACON and Holiday Matsuri are two fan-favorites that draw passionate crowds for their focus on pop culture, cosplay and fan experiences.

Discover: Orlando Events

Theme Parks

After-Hours Events

If you have a night owl in your household, check out Disney After Hours for late-night, separately ticketed fun where your family can experience the magical thrills with lower crowds. This seasonal offering is typically available from spring to early fall.

Save on discount tickets: Orlando Theme Parks & Attractions

If your family prefers a night of frights, check out Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld® Orlando or Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort. These horror-themed, separately ticketed events run on select nights from August through November, and feature exclusive Halloween scares, activities, food and drinks.

Exclusive Tours

At the Walt Disney World® Resort Keys to the Kingdom tour, your family can experience closed areas including the legendary Utilidor tunnels that run beneath the park. In addition, learn about Walt Disney’s vision and the history behind the creation of Magic Kingdom® Park. Guests must be 16 years or older with a valid photo ID to participate in this exciting tour.

Discover: Theme Park Tours

For the animal lover in your group, SeaWorld Orlando’s Trainer for a Day program allows you to go backstage and help prepare food for various animals, engage in an enrichment session with dolphins, and help set the stage for their performance, Dolphin Adventures. With your ticket, you’ll also get early entry into SeaWorld Orlando and an exclusive tour of the world-class rescue center.

Water Parks

For some classic fun in the sun for the family, Orlando has no shortage of whimsical water parks.

Discover: Orlando Water Parks

At Walt Disney World, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park offers a tropical paradise with a giant wave pool, lazy river, and thrilling water slides set in an island theme. Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park features winter-themed themed water rides like Summit Plummet, which is one of the world’s tallest and fastest free-fall slides.

The aptly named Universal Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando Resort features a towering volcano and exciting water rides, including the Krakatau Aqua Coaster.

Aquatica® Orlando at SeaWorld Orlando has it all — from high-speed thrills to serene beaches. And Discovery Cove® offers an all-inclusive, intimate experience where you and your teens can swim with dolphins, snorkel among tropical fish, and relax in a resort-like setting.

Discover: 10 Ways to Stay Cool

Immersive Theme Park Worlds

Orlando’s theme parks excel at building fully realized themed lands, including these standouts.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge — aka Black Spire Outpost on Batuu — lets fans live their own Star Wars story, from piloting the Millennium Falcon to encountering real Resistance and First Order characters. It’s part of Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World.

Discover: STAR WARS: Galaxy’s Edge

Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park

Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park at Walt Disney World transports you into this mystical land set in the Avatar film universe. Complete with high-tech, immersive attractions and great food options, your teenager might never want to return to Earth.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ at Universal Orlando Resort

All three Universal Orlando theme parks transport you and your teen into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. Discover Hosgmeade™ Village (Universal Islands of Adventure), Hogwarts™ Castle (Universal Studios Florida), Diagon Alley™, the Ministry of Magic™ (Universal Epic Universe) and more with spellbinding attractions, themed shops and of course, Butterbeer™.

Discover: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ at Universal Epic Universe

At Universal Epic Universe, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ brings the vibrant world of Mario and friends to life with interactive games, themed dining and cutting-edge rides like Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge and Mine-Cart Madness™, a coaster with a Donkey Kong theme.

Discover: Guide to Universal Epic Universe

Celestial Park at Universal Epic Universe

Also at Epic Universe, Celestial Park invites you and your family on a cosmic adventure with Stardust Racers, a dual-launch racing coaster where you can zoom through space at 60+ mph. While you’re there, don’t forget to visit the enchanting Constellation Carousel, a starry, dreamlike ride whose stunning design captivates visitors of all ages.

Pleasing the whole crew — teens and all — is a breeze in Orlando. With something exciting for every taste, age and energy level, your only challenge will be fitting it all into one trip!

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