Things to do outside of parks?

[karenbaco]

Going to Orlando late August and have no desire to pound the pavement at the parks with the crowds and heat. Any suggestions on what to do in the area? What about free things too? I have boys ages 13 and 15.
Thanks

 

[NinaBella]

State Parks are low cost and good for teens. Swimming, canoeing, tubing, fishing, hiking, and biking.

Your other post about water parks... any of the water parks are fine for teens.

My boys are 14, 22, and 23. We live in Tampa. My boys rarely go Orlando as nothing really interest them there. When they were younger they liked the 5th grade field trip to Disney Quest.

You can find the Orlando City calendar online to see if there are any local festivals or events.

Schools in Tampa start back August 15 and a lot of college kids preparing to head out to college. I would think late August isn't as crowded as July and early August.

 

[karenbaco]

Thank you....I hope the crowds have quieted down by then.

 

[Mr & Mrs DD]

GATORLAND! I would think most young boys would love that place. We enjoy it and it is in the Orlando area. I took this photo last time we were there.

 

[100AcreWood]

We're planning a pool day during our next trip. Do you live near a beach? If not a quick one hour drive will take you to Cocoa Beach. That would be fun for a non-park day.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

A day at Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach

The Orlando Eye, Sea Life Aquarium, Madame Tussauds Wax Musuem (combo tix that include admission to all 3 attractions are just $39 pp)

Fun Spot (two locations, Orlando & Kissimmee....your all-day wristband gets you into both parks all day long) - I believe passes are being offered right now on Groupon at a pretty decent savings

Wild Florida (air boat tour and exotic animal park)

Rent jet skiis through Makaio Watersports and spend a couple of hours on one of the beautiful lakes (due to ages of your kids, mom and dad would drive and the boys would ride as passengers)

Gatorland

Showcase of Citrus (ride in a Monster Truck through a real working orange grove, and enjoy a fresh all-natural orange slushie from the country store afterward) - discounted passes are often offered on Groupon or Livingsocial

Discovery Cove (full priced admission also gets you complimentary 14-day access to both SeaWorld and Aquatica)

Mini golf....we love Congo River, Hollywood Drive-In Golf at Universal (they have a fabulous Meal & Mini Golf offer: Margaritaville for dinner then golfing afterward), and Pirates Cove.

All of the above we have done with our teenaged son, and they have been big hits.


Other ideas that are still on our to-do list....

One of the many escape rooms in the area

Zombie Outbreak on I-Drive

 

[EvilQueen2018]

Old Town in Kissimmee has car shows on the weekends