25 Best Things to Do in Orlando with Teens

Orlando, Florida is one of North America’s top warm-weather destinations. With theme parks, top-notch shopping, and much more, you’ll find so many amazing things to do in Orlando with teens.

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When is the best time to visit Orlando?

Located in central Florida, Orlando sees summer highs in the 90s and hovers between the 50s and 70s in the winter. That summer heat can pack a lot of humidity, so if that’s when you’re visiting, bring lots of water and sunscreen.

Wondering about hurricane season in Orlando? While it’s technically June through November, Orlando rarely sees any hurricanes compared to other parts of the state! You may have to contend with an afternoon rain shower or humidity, especially in the last half of the summer.

Plenty of families visit Orlando for spring break, so you’ll have plenty of company! If you have the flexibility and want to beat the crowds (and pay lower prices), January through March is the best time to visit.

You’re perfect Orlando vacation might be exploring the Disney parks, Universal Studios, or everything else Orlando has to offer. We know you will find plenty of things to do in Orlando with teens!

25 Fun Things to Do in Orlando with Teenagers

There are so many things to do in Orlando that the whole family will enjoy. Take a cruise along International Drive and you’ll have easy access to all of the Orlando theme parks.

A bit further out, you can enjoy the natural environment, with protected lakes and swamps. If it’s a rainy day in Orlando there are endless indoor attractions and sprawling shopping malls to explore. Read about all of these ideas and many more below.

1. Wizarding World of Harry Potter

For Harry Potter fans planning to visit the Wizarding World while in Orlando, it’s important to keep in mind that there are actually two “towns” you’ll want to check out! Diagon Alley is in Universal Studios Florida, and Hogsmeade is in the Island of Adventure. That’s right, they’re in two separate parks. We recommend you start early and take the whole day to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

Diagon Alley is where to come for a fun, immersive experience. Hogsmeade is where to come for more thrilling rides (there are 3). You’ll find great shopping and eating options in both parks!

There’s an Ollivander’s Wand Shop at each location, in case you only get to go to one site. If you’re doing a full day between both parks, I suggest getting a 2 day Park ticket. Then you’ll just take the Hogwarts Express train between both! You should expect lines no matter what time of year, but get there as soon as they open, and you should have a good time.

2. Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Park

Volcano Bay is Universal Studios’ water park, and it’s without a doubt the best water park we’ve been to. It’s the perfect thing to do in Orlando with teens!

Everything centers around Waturi Beach, a giant lagoon pool where the volcano is located. There’s also a relaxing lazy river that winds its way through the park. If that’s too slow, head to the faster TeAwa the Fearless River, which was a huge hit with my kids.

There are also two splash pad play areas for little kids or an aqua coaster and several water slides for older kids.

I recommend calling ahead and renting premium chairs or a cabana. It’s so much easier when you have kids with you because you have a place to put all your stuff as you explore. There are tons of standard lounge chairs, but they fill up fast and don’t have the extra amenities.

There are lockers you can rent, or if you rent a cabana or premium loungers, you get a lockbox included.

Let’s talk about the Tapu Tapu wristbands! You can use them to hold your place in line, pay for things, unlock your locker, and more. It’s the water park’s version of an express pass so you can skip long lines to rides!

3. The Wheel at ICON Park

Close to downtown Orlando, ICON Park is a fun entertainment complex with a variety of things to do. It’s a great option for a multi-generational family with a variety of attractions, including a wax museum, an aquarium, a VR game room, and dozens of different restaurants. At the heart of ICON Park is The Wheel!

You’ll ride the 400-foot observation wheel in a stabilized, air-conditioned pod covered in thousands of LED lights! Enjoy views of the greater Orlando area, Disney World, Universal Studios, the sand lakes, Cape Canaveral, and more.

The 18-minute ride is a great option for seeing Orlando from a different perspective. Tickets are a bit pricey, but you can combine them with other attractions at ICON Park and get a discounted rate!

4. Escape Game

If you’re like my family, you love a good escape room! They’re a great way for the whole family to spend time together and work towards a goal. The Escape Game Orlando is a great location with seven differently themed rooms you can try out, like Playground where you have to solve problems based on subjects in school!

When you book your reservation you will be able to choose an escape room and a time. If you have extra time, it’s tons of fun to try multiple rooms.

Escape Game Orlando is right on International Drive, in between a variety of other attractions, including restaurants, fast food places, and an ice cream shop. Make an evening of it with dinner and games!

5. Gatorland

In south Orlando is Gatorland, the self-proclaimed “Alligator Capital of the World” and it’s definitely worth a visit while you’re in Florida!

Of course there are alligators and crocodiles, but that’s just the beginning of this cool place! It’s an educational program and wildlife preserve that houses endangered animals. They even have rare white leucistic alligators that you can see.

At Gatorland, you can also visit a petting zoo, see tropical birds, or get up close with smaller reptiles and insects like snakes, toads, tarantulas, and scorpions! There are capybaras, bobcats, tortoises, and more.

If you have brave teens, they can ride zip lines over alligator pits, go rock climbing, or go on guided tours through the park in off-roading vehicles! For a little less excitement, check out one of the park shows, animal demonstrations, or feedings.

6. Airboat Swamp Tour

An airboat tour in the Florida wetlands is a great way to do something unique to Florida while learning something new and having a ton of fun doing it! This 30-minute airboat ride tour includes a tour of the Florida Everglades, as well as a visit to a living history village.

You’ll meet your tour guide in Southport Park, Kissimmee, a little south of Orlando. Board the airboat and ride along the water at up to 45 MPH. On the tour, you’ll learn about the swamp and cypress forests of the Everglades and see wildlife like alligators!

Afterward, you’ll explore the museum where you can learn about the indigenous groups that used to call Florida home.

7. Kennedy Space Center

If you have the time, definitely get the 2-day pass to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. There are fun activities for kids of all ages, interactive exhibits, old rockets, an IMAX theater, guided tours, and more. Younger kids can enjoy the playground area, but there’s also stuff older kids will like, including a launch simulator.

If you can time it right, go on a launch day. You can take a bus to the Cape Canaveral launch site to watch a rocket blast off!

Also, the visitors’ center is set up like a park, with attractions spread across different buildings some being outdoors. No matter the time of year, this is a popular Orlando attraction, so get there early and plan to spend the entire day!

8. Fun Spot America

For a classic amusement park experience that’s more affordable than the bigger amusement parks in the area, check out Fun Spot America. There is one in downtown Orlando and another in Kissimmee with a cowboy-themed park.

It’s the perfect place for the entire family with roller coasters, bumper cars, go-karts, arcade games, and classic carnival food. There’s even a thrilling wooden roller coaster that’s perfect for teens!

9. Walk and/or Ride Bikes in Celebration

If you’re hanging out south of Orlando, you’ll want to check out Celebration. This is a master-planned community built by Disney in the 1990s.

Technically it’s a suburb of Orlando with a Kissimmee zip code with a pretty town center and direct access to the Walt Disney World resorts. You can rent bikes nearby and ride them through town, or just walk the neighborhood.

It’s neat to see the Disney-esque architecture of buildings like the post office and the Bank of America! You can walk down the tree-lined Water Street Park or ride through the neighborhood and admire the gorgeous mansions.

While you’re here, take the opportunity to grab a bite to eat or a treat at one of the spots along the idyllic Market Street.

10. Rent a Clear Kayak and Explore Rock Springs

Rock Springs is a treasured portion of land near Orlando that’s unlike anything you’ve seen! The diversity of the wildlife here is some of the highest in the state, and you won’t believe the crystal-clear water. Take a 2-hour glass-bottom kayak tour of Rock Springs Run to experience its beauty.

You’ll meet your guide at the park for your tour. Once you’re on your way, they’ll show you points of interest, including leftover props from movies filmed in the park! Keep an eye out for alligators, birds, turtles, and more.

11. Have a Nighttime Bioluminescent Experience

Many people have night kayaking on a bioluminescent lake on their bucket list, and you can mark it off yours right here in Florida.

Just over an hour from Orlando you can take this small group tour off Kiwanis Island, a wildlife sanctuary with sapphire-blue bioluminescent sea life! The tour company provides everything you need. You just show up, pick either a kayak or SUP board to paddle on the calm waters and enjoy the 2-hour experience.

12. Check Out Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park

One of our favorite family trip activities is trying out ropes courses, and Orlando Tree Trek is one of the coolest I’ve seen! It’s a fun way to get outside and enjoy the natural environment. This adventure park is perfect for the adrenaline junkie in your family, with courses for ages 6 and up.

Not only is there a 425-foot zipline high up in the pine tree forests of central Orlando, but there are 6 massive obstacle courses. Two of the courses are for kids, and you can complete each course to move on to the next increasingly challenging level! You’ll swing on Tarzan ropes, crawl through swinging logs, balance on hanging skateboards, and much more.

13. Shopping at Disney Springs

A must-do for anyone spending time at the Walt Disney World Resort is a stop at Disney Springs Mall. This sprawling shopping complex features elevated brands such as L’OCCITANE, Under Armour, Sephora, and more. There’s Build-A-Bear and the LEGO Store, too.

But there’s also a huge section just for Disney stores like Disney Pins Traders, Disney Days of Christmas, the Star Wars Trading Post, and more!

When you get hungry, there’s everything from Starbucks and the Earl of Sandwich to the Rainforest Cafe and the fine-dining STK Steakhouse.

14. Hang out at Universal CityWalk

While you’re at the Universal Orlando Resort, take a walk around Universal CityWalk and pick a few places to pop into. This attraction offers guests a wide range of places to eat and enjoy live shows.

The types of places run the gamut from Cold Stone Creamery and Panda Express to fun venues like CityWalk’s Rising Star, a karaoke bar with a live band, and The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium (with milkshakes that are out of this world)!

You can also find stores like Fossil and a Universal Studios gift shop. For more entertainment, there’s an escape room, a movie theater, and a putt-putt golf course.

15. Andretti Go Karting

Take the family to Andretti Indoor Karting & Games, where everyone will find something to entertain themselves! The main attraction at this indoor fun center is the winding go-kart track.

You’ll ride a designer electric go-kart along twists and turns and up and around! If you have younger children, there are Mini Mario Karts for ages 4 to 7 years old!

Everything at Andretti Go Karting feels larger than life. There are VR games, bowling, laser tag, and all the best classic arcade games. Guests also love the 7D experiences. When it’s time to eat, there’s a full grill and bar next to the bowling alley.

16. Ride the coasters at SeaWorld

One of the best things to do in Orlando is to go on a roller coaster tour! This is where you just look at the map and hit as many roller coasters as you can. SeaWorld Florida is a great place to do this, with a variety of thrill rides in every area of the park. There’s the bottomless Kraken roller coaster and Mako, a hyper coaster not for the faint of heart.

If you don’t mind getting wet, Journey to Atlantis is an entertaining medium thrill ride. Or turn things up a notch on the Manta, a high-speed coaster that skims the water! You can also try out Infinity Falls, which is unlike any rapid ride you’ve been on.

If you are traveling with little ones, there are even kid-friendly roller coasters and other rides in Sea World’s Sesame Street Land.

17. Mini Golf

With Orlando being such a family-friendly entertainment destination, it shouldn’t be a surprise that you can find a variety of mini golf spots all within a short drive from each other! You can truly take your pick, with quality places like Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf. This is a beautiful 18-hole course featuring suspension bridges, cave courses, waterfalls, and a pirate ship!

Congo River Golf is another popular mini golf course with an adventure theme. It’s a bit of a different feel, with live alligators that you can feed, scavenger hunts, and entertaining activities along the course.

Kids of all ages will love Orlando Putting Edge, a glow-in-the-dark golf course with different themes across 18 holes.

18. TopGolf

If you’re looking for something different to do while you’re in Orlando, check out TopGolf. Even if you’re not an avid golfer, this place is tons of fun! It has the feel of bowling, since you’ll get a hitting bay, and your group will keep score on a screen.

This is a high-tech golf course where you get to choose different games to play using microchipped golf balls and electronic lawn targets.

And don’t worry about the Floridian heat! The bays are temperature controlled for your comfort. While you play, you can enjoy menus from TopGolf’s restaurant and bar that are brought right to your hitting bay.

19. Outlet Mall Shopping

If you’re looking for a Florida mall to visit on a rainy day or just because shopping is a favorite family pastime, you’re in luck. There are two top-notch outlets located in the central Orlando area.

The Orlando Outlet Marketplace near downtown is a bit smaller but it’s the perfect place to find great deals on all the brand names you know and love. Shop stores like Nike, SKECHERS, Levi’s, GUESS, and more.

Further south on International Drive is the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets. This larger complex is where to come for a mix of high-end and mid-range brands.

20. Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios

Star Wars fans will want to plan at least half a day to visit the new Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge theme park inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

This immersive experience takes you to the wild-west outpost that is the planet of Batuu in the Star Wars universe. Everywhere you go, there are characters and interesting details. These attractions are some of the most creative in the park!

One of the most popular attractions in the park is Savi’s Workshop, where you get to make your own lightsaber. There are fun rides, too, including a flight simulator where you get to fly the Millennium Falcon!

You can try the famous Blue Milk at Oga’s Cantina or shop the market stalls for souvenirs. If you can visit at night, do it! It’s a completely different experience with everything lit up against the dark night sky.

21. Inflatable Water Obstacle Course

A fun way to try thrilling water sports and cool off in Orlando with teens is to head to a watersports park.

At Orlando Watersports Complex, guests of all skill levels can try the cables by wakeboarding, knee boarding, and water skiing, or check out a floating obstacle course.

Nona Adventure Park takes it to the next level with a towering ropes course, a massive floating obstacle course, and a rock-climbing challenge.

22. Eat Around the World at EPCOT

One of the best activities at the Disney World Resort is the World Showcase at EPCOT! It features 11 different countries through exhibits with entertainment, rides, shops, restaurants, and bars at each stop. It’s impeccably done and at each exhibit, you can pick up authentic items native to each country.

You can enjoy churros or tequila at the Mexico pavilion or meet Mulan and drink tea at the China pavilion. Eat at a Biergarten in Germany, watch an animatronic show at the American pavilion, or shop the bazaar at the Morocco pavilion. It’s an experience you’ll never forget!

23. Day Trip to Busch Gardens in Tampa

If you’re willing to drive a bit further out, you can enjoy a day at Tampa’s Busch Gardens. This vetted theme park is a must-see in Orlando for teens.

Busch Gardens is best known for its highly esteemed zoos across the world that strive to protect endangered species. You can go on safaris and visit animals at the park. But that’s just the beginning of all the fun things to do at Busch Gardens.

There are roller coasters or other thrill rides, a water park, and even high-quality shows. The children’s park has even more rides and attractions, and across the park, you’ll find restaurants, cafes, food stalls, and an ice cream parlor for your enjoyment.

24. Nighttime Helicopter Tour Over the Theme Parks

What better way to see Orlando and the surrounding area than from the sky? You can take a 40-minute helicopter night tour over Orlando, where you’ll see the city and all the theme parks lit up. Starting from Kissimmee, you’ll see Sea World, Fun Spot, and Disney Springs glowing far below.

Moving to downtown Orlando, your guide will point out landmarks like the Orlando Eye, Disney’s Magic Kingdom, and Universal Studios. Your guide will determine the best time for launch (with sunset being later during the summer months). Timed just right, you’ll see the parks’ fireworks displays from above!

25. Cirque du Soleil Show at Disney

If you’re a fan of Cirque du Soleil like I am, this is a great opportunity to see the moving Drawn to Life show at Disney Springs!

This tribute to Disney animation turns the entire stage into a giant animation table while you watch sketches come to life.

Just like any Cirque du Soleil show, costume, artistry, and acrobatics are used to reimagine Disney’s illustrations. You can get tickets most days of the week to see Drawn to Life at the bi-level La Nouba theater.

Check Out Orlando’s Most Popular Attractions with Teens

Orlando is known for its world-class theme parks and outdoor attractions, but this entertainment destination has so much more to offer! You can find endless things to do in Orlando with teens that will leave everyone in the family with a smile and some amazing memories.