10+ Things to Do in Orlando with Teens

It's never easy planning a vacation for older children and teenagers, but we think even the grumpiest ones will love this itinerary. There are tons of outdoor and gator adventures, not to mention theme park fun.

Published: July 18, 2024
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If you've got teenagers in tow, you'll know they can be, shall we say, a little bit picky about what they want to see and do. So, if you're in search of things to do in Orlando with teens that won’t make them roll their eyes, we've got so much in store for you and the family. These picks are bound to put a smile on everyone's face.

Check out our list of suggested teen-friendly attractions for ideas, including...

  • Gatorland
  • Kennedy Space Center
  • ICON Orlando (formerly Coca-Cola Orlando Eye)
  • WonderWorks
  • Ripley's Believe It or Not!
  • Congo River Adventure Golf tickets
  • The Cirque Magique Dinner Show
  • Fun Spot America
  • and more...

Save on admission to attractions teens will love

Many of these teen-friendly Orlando attractions are included on Go City® Orlando passes. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 50% on combined admission vs paying at the gate.

Roam the great outdoors

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Even if your kid isn’t the hiking type, there’s something to be said for giving the Everglades a shot. This National Park is absolutely gorgeous and filled with an amazing variety of wildlife, from the iconic Florida alligators to exotic plant life. The photos you'll be able to take in the Everglades will be simply stunning.

Visit Gatorland for an extended chance to meet the famous gators (and even see some gator wrestling!), or hop aboard a fun airboat tour for a more comprehensive overview of the natural world in Central Florida. 

Getting In: Gatorland Orlando tickets and Boggy Creek Airboat Tour tickets are included on the Go Orlando Card.

Explore the world of outer space

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For those aspiring astronauts or engineers out there, there's no better place in the world than the Kennedy Space Center. It's the home of all things space exploration and is filled to the brim with exhibits, artifacts, equipment, and even veteran astronauts ready to answer your questions. Check out one of the many included IMAX films, tour real launch areas, and train in space flight simulators just like the astronauts do! Your space-loving teens will be enthralled. 

Getting In: Kennedy Space Center tickets are included on all Go City® Orlando passes.

View the city from above

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While some sightseeing options may seem dull to your teens, ICON Orlando is anything but. See the amazing vistas of Orlando from 400 feet in the air, suspended in state-of-the-art capsules with interactive narration. It’s the tallest observation wheel on the east coast! You’ll be able to see the Orlando skyline, the area’s many theme parks, and even Cape Canaveral. It’s also a superb photo opportunity and a good chance for them to perfect that ideal Instagram post. 

Getting In: ICON Orlando is separately ticketed.

Explore the I-Drive Corridor

WonderWorks

There are so many attractions packed into one amazing neighborhood that you could basically confine your entire trip to the International Drive Corridor and never miss a thing. If you're looking for zany fun and excitement with a little educational twist, WonderWorks is a good spot (probably best for younger teens).

For the older crowd, and those who love all things weird and wonderful, Ripley's Believe It or Not! is an excellent option. It's filled with exhibits and artifacts that will truly fascinate visitors.

SEA LIFE Aquarium

For the animal lovers in your family, SEA LIFE Aquarium is the ideal destination. With more than 5,000 amazing creatures to marvel at, you'll never tire of this experience. Movie fans, don't despair; you don't need to travel to Hollywood to meet your favorite celebrities! Head to the astonishing Madame Tussauds to see all the top stars, from movies and music to history and politics.

Check out our post for some fun International Drive attractions. 

Getting In: WonderWorks Orlando and SEA LIFE Aquarium tickets are included on all Go City® Orlando passes, while Ripley's Believe It or Not! Orlando is separately ticketed.

Feel like a little kid again

Congo Adventure Golf

Even teens understand the value of nostalgia. Let them feel like a little kid again with a good game of mini-golf. This time, though, it's got a more exciting spin on it that will keep your teens captivated. Congo River Adventure Golf is more than just a mini-golf course, it's a whole new way to play the game. Your competitive teens will also enjoy searching for lost artifacts throughout the course to win some prizes. Afterward, let them loose in the Congo River Arcade for some more fun! 

Getting In: Congo River Adventure Golf tickets are included on all Go City® Orlando passes.

Visit a classic amusement park

There’s just something so exciting about the first rush of the roller coaster, or the thrill of being spun around at high speeds. Fun Spot America is so much fun for the whole family.

With several different ride options to choose from, from go-karts to Orlando’s only wooden roller coaster, we’re sure you’ll find something to satisfy even the most skeptical teen. If nothing else, you can give them some time in the arcade and some good old-fashioned cotton candy. After all, what do teens love more than some friendly competition and a sugar rush? 

Getting In: Fun Spot America tickets are included on all Go City® Orlando passes.

Dolphin Racer Speedboat Cruise

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If you're willing to drive a bit outside of Orlando to the Tampa area, the Dolphin Racer Speedboat Cruise is a great option for adventure-loving teens. This exhilarating speedboat ride combines the fun of a jet boat with the sightseeing potential of a marine life cruise. Dolphins love to play in the wake generated by this amazing vessel, so you'll get to see these playful pals follow your boat as you zip around! 

Getting In: Dolphin Racer Speedboat Cruise is separately ticketed.

Save up to 50% on Orlando attractions  

Discover our full line-up of Orlando attractions from Kennedy Space Center to Fun Spot America.  

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.    

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Rainy Day Orlando: Unmissable Attractions Whatever the Weather

Rain might not be on your Orlando vacation vision board, but here’s a secret: some of the city’s quirkiest adventures are found indoors! When the sky surprises you with a downpour, don’t just dash for cover. Orlando’s got a long list of standout attractions that swap ponchos for pure excitement—think mind-bending museums, underwater worlds, interactive theaters, and even indoor go-karts that’ll have you grinning ear to ear. Ready to discover a whole new side of the Sunshine State? We’ve got your ultimate rainy day itinerary right here, guaranteed to keep spirits high and your socks dry.  Orlando’s Best Things to Do When It Rains:  Our wet-weather favorites include:  Kennedy Space Center  WonderWorks  Madame Tussauds Orlando  SEA LIFE Aquarium  Museum of Illusions  The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show  Chocolate Kingdom  Shopping and snacking at Disney Springs  Discovering gems at Orlando Science Center  Brewery hopping (with a twist!) in Ivanhoe Village  WonderWorks: The Upside-Down Attraction  Ever seen a building that looks like it crash-landed on its roof? WonderWorks grabs your attention before you even step inside. This cutely chaotic, upside-down “edu-tainment” lab is a hit with families and anyone itching to discover something new and a little kooky.  The moment you enter, you’re welcomed by 35,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, ranging from hurricane tunnels (windy but dry!), to glow-in-the-dark ropes courses, to brain-bending puzzles and mind tricks. Want to lie on a bed of nails? Try your hand at virtual sports? Dance on a giant piano? The possibilities seem endless—and the rain, irrelevant.  One thing we absolutely love about WonderWorks is how it turns learning into a game. Kids can fire off virtual rockets, adults can get lost in an earthquake simulator, and groups can easily fill an afternoon racing against the clock in the physical and mental challenge zones. The best part? Every display sparks giggles, curiosity, and competitive family fun—all without a drop of actual rain indoors.  Madame Tussauds Orlando: The Ultimate Rainy Day Selfie Spot  Orlando’s Madame Tussauds isn’t just famous—it’s gloriously star-studded. Where else can you brush elbows with Aquaman, belt a tune with Ariana Grande, and share a secret with Oprah—all before lunch? Rain means crowds might be lighter, so you’ve got more space to snap that perfect ‘gram.  There’s something special about the Tussauds collection here: it blends pop culture, sports legends, history makers, and comic book heroes with playful backdrops and interactive sets. Orlando’s version even includes local legends and unique touches inspired by the city’s vibrant personality. The star power isn’t limited to statues; you’ll find fun photo challenges, themed props, and staff on hand to help stage the perfect pose.  It’s the kind of place you don’t just stroll through—you perform, pose, and play. Craft your own Hollywood walk of fame, recreate an infamous meme with your besties, or chill with big-screen icons. Madame Tussauds Orlando doesn’t just keep you dry—it sets you up for a hilarious, memory-making adventure that’ll outshine any rainy-day grumbles.  SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium: An Ocean Adventure Under Cover  Forget soggy shoes and misty glasses. SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium whisks you away on a magical underwater journey—no sunscreen needed. Start your exploration in the 360-degree ocean tunnel, where sharks, turtles, and rays glide silently overhead. You won’t find anyone reaching for an umbrella—just awestruck faces looking up.  The aquarium’s enormous tanks showcase everything from dazzling seahorses to mischievous clownfish, plus interactive touch pools where brave souls can handle starfish or horseshoe crabs. The educational displays are built for curiosity, with clever panels, playful signs, and fascinating keeper talks (ideal for both big and little kids with a million questions).  What sets SEA LIFE apart is the immersive ambiance. Moody blue lighting, bubbling tanks, and the gentle whoosh of water turn even the rainiest Orlando afternoon into a deeply calming escape. Whether you’re photographing weird and wonderful sea creatures or simply pausing to watch jellyfish pulse in their spectacular neon tank, every moment here feels like the best kind of underwater dream.  The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show: Dine, Laugh, and Gasp  Dinner and a show, but with a magical twist—Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show is Orlando’s answer to gloomier weather and growling stomachs in one hit. Hosted at WonderWorks (so double up for extra fun!), this 90-minute whirlwind features zany magic, stand-up comedy, audience participation, and all-you-can-eat pizza, salad, and drinks.  The show’s unique blend of illusions, quick-fire jokes, and improv keeps the audience in stitches—don’t be surprised if you end up on-stage! The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly with performers who read the room and play up the crowd’s energy. Whether you’re traveling with kids, on a group trip, or a solo explorer in need of a pick-me-up, this immersive experience gets everyone clapping, whooping, and leaving with a happy stomach (and a few magic tricks up your sleeve).  Set in an intimate dining room with a vintage vaudeville vibe, there’s not a bad seat in the house. We recommend showing up hungry—and ready for a barrage of “how did they do that?” moments from start to finish. At Outta Control, rainy evenings become a riot of laughter and old-school entertainment.  Chocolate Kingdom: Sweet Satisfaction for Every Age  Rainy days invite us to indulge—and Orlando’s Chocolate Kingdom delivers sweetness and smiles all under one roof. This family-run chocolate factory and museum walks you through the cocoa journey from bean to bar, complete with hands-on demos, samples, and the chance to become a chocolatier for the day.  Your guided tour is a multisensory treat: sniff cocoa beans, watch tempering at the chocolate river, and build (and taste!) your own dreamy candy bar. The storybook theme adds a friendly touch, with funny guides and interactive storytelling that keeps everyone involved, whether they’re gourmet fans or just eager nibblers.  Behind the scenes, you’ll see the art of chocolate making up close and learn about everything from ancient Mayan recipes to modern flavor fusions. The best bit? The shop. Stocked full of handcrafted, imaginative bars (try the signature Florida orange or chili chocolate for a taste adventure), it’s the perfect spot to get edible souvenirs or shelter from showers with a cup of the richest hot chocolate you’ve tasted. At Chocolate Kingdom, rainy days are always delicious.  Shopping and Snacking at Disney Springs: Retail Therapy with Extra Magic  Rain might close the pool, but at Disney Springs, the fun keeps flowing indoors. Shopaholics and foodies will both rejoice—this sprawling entertainment district offers everything from international boutiques and themed stores to creative cocktail bars and out-of-this-world snacks.  Dodge rainclouds as you dip between Disney Style for bold photo ops, Uniqlo for affordable fashion, and The Art of Disney for browse-worthy artwork. Orlando downpours are just an excuse to linger in stores bursting with exclusive merch, cool collectibles, and playful décor. Refuel at Gideon’s Bakehouse, famous for half-pound cookies loaded with chocolate chips, or settle into The Polite Pig for chef-driven barbecue and craft beers.  Disney Springs is more than retail—live performers work every corner with music, magic, and dance. Cozy up at Raglan Road for Irish pub vibes, hearty shepherd’s pie, and a pint of Guinness. Or escape to Splitsville Luxury Lanes, where you’ll find bowling, sushi, and retro cocktails all under one roof. The verdict? Rainy in Orlando just means more reasons to linger, shop, eat, and soak up that Disney magic.  Orlando Science Center: Four Floors of Hands-On Wonder  Moments from downtown, the Orlando Science Center proves that rainy weather boosts curiosity rather than dampens it. This multilevel museum is built for hands-on exploration, with gleaming exhibits that make science fun—think flight simulators, dinosaur fossils, tinkering labs, and live interaction with real scientists and animal keepers.  From the thunderous ‘Science Live’ shows (think fireballs, lasers, or liquid nitrogen experiments) to the planetarium dome that whisks you to distant galaxies, there’s a wow moment around every corner. Young visitors gravitate to KidsTown, a playful world of water play, building zones, and pint-sized experiments. Teen science fans love battling robots and diving into the Dig for fossils.  The center’s enormous windows and bright design make the rainy day feel almost sunny, with cozy nooks for reading, clever hands-on challenges, and educational staff always happy to share a story or experiment. Learning here feels like play—and you’ll stay dry and inspired for hours on end.  Brewery Hopping in Ivanhoe Village: Cheers to Cozy Sips  For grown-up travelers seeking shelter, a rainy day is your green light to tour Orlando’s eclectic breweries in scenic Ivanhoe Village. Start at Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company, where the industrial-chic taproom buzzes with local artists, trivia nights, and board games. Sip classics like the Joyland American IPA or unique Florida-inspired sours while rain drums against the mural-clad windows.  Next, detour to ten10 Brewing Co., known for laid-back vibes and small-batch creativity—grab a tasting flight and snack on local bites or sample their ever-changing food truck lineup outside. In between brews, stroll through vintage shops and indie art galleries lining Virginia Drive.  Ivanhoe Village is Orlando’s answer to rainy-day cool: relaxed, colorful, and full of friendly faces. Each brewery is unique but welcoming—staff are always keen to offer recommendations or spin a story about their latest experimental ale. If you’re feeling peckish, Gnarly Barley makes monster sandwiches, while The Yard’s food hall serves global street eats. Who says you need sunshine for a stellar afternoon out?    Orlando’s forecast might call for rain, but your vacation can still shine with excitement, discovery, and plenty of cozy treats. From floating in an underwater tunnel to striking a pose with Hollywood legends or crafting your own chocolate creation, the city transforms cloudy skies into an open invitation for fun. So tuck away that umbrella and dive into Orlando’s vibrant, weather-proof adventures—you’ll soon realize some of the best Florida memories happen when you least expect them.    Like this? Check out our guide to magnificent mornings in Orlando, and discover brilliant birthdays in the city.  Step up your sightseeing with Go City®  We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  See more, do more, and experience more with Go City®– just choose a pass to get started! 

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