Mention Orlando, Florida and most travelers instantly think mouse ears, roller coasters, and Shamu. All are wonderful assets to the area, but when you are traveling to the area with teens you might want to have more on your to-do list than just meeting Mickey and Minnie (if that even makes the list in the first place).
If you live with adventurous adolescents who enjoy exploring the great outdoors and soaking in the local scene as much as they do taking in the thrills and chills of major amusement parks then consider visiting the following Orlando-area attractions:
Gatorland
This 110-acre park has been around since 1949 and is dedicated to all things alligator. Your teens can explore a breeding marsh, sample chewy gator nuggets, and scream their heads off at the alligator-wrestling venue. (There’s just something about watching grown men flip eight-foot gators onto their backs that gets a crowd going.) After the pros are done you can pay $10 to sit on the gator yourself.
Wekiwa Springs State Park
This haven for nature lovers is located 20 minutes north of downtown and is loaded with activities for the entire family. You can rent a canoe at the Wekiva Marina, paddle to the springs, and then jump in for a swim. Otherwise, you can just take a leisurely ride keeping your eyes peeled for turtles, egrets, and gators.
Orlando Museum of Art
Believe it or not there are some teens who actually appreciate art. If you happen to be related to one of them you might consider touring the Orlando Museum of Art. Located on the city’s north end the modern structure is home to airy halls and an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures, with a focus on American art from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Highlights include a richly detailed John James Audubon engraving of a great blue heron and a massive design by Dale Chihuly, which is composed of 434 pieces of handblown glass.
Universal Orlando
There’s no escaping it—the lure of major amusement parks is too hard to resist when you are in Orlando. However, if you are traveling with teens you are better off visiting one that caters to bigger kids with thrill rides like Dueling Dragons at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The popular theme park is also home to Universal Studios Florida, featuring the hilarious Shrek 4-D attraction and the brand-new Simpsons Ride.
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