If you’re taking teenagers to Florida this summer, then here’s some ideas on how to keep them entertained. Our friends at VisitFlorida.org have put together this Top 10 Florida activities for teenagers…
Fly Boarding in Winter Haven
Wannabe superheroes can take to the sky (and water) like teen hero, Iron Man, at Flyboard Central Florida – a fly boarding school for those looking experience the latest fly boarding craze. There is no age restriction for fly boarding experiences and under qualified instruction, riders will be soaring out of the water in just a few minutes.
Jet skiing in Panama City Beach
Teenagers aged 16+ can get high speed thrills aboard their own jet ski on a two-hour dolphin tour with Flippers. With Panama City Beach having one of the highest populations of bottlenose dolphins in the world, chances of spotting dolphin are high, as adventurers explore St Andrews Bay and the surrounding waters of Shell Island.
Zip-lining in Orlando
A two-hour zip line course just minutes from International Drive, will have teenagers racing for the treetops, for a sky-high adventure with Zip Orlando. For a bigger challenge, try the night tour and navigate the eight zip lines and 300ft long suspension bridges in the dark, 65ft in the air, with just a glow stick and a low-lit lantern carried by your tour guide.
Horse Surfing in Bradenton
Once paired up with their equine companions at BeachHorses, riders will take a gentle stroll along the beach, before heading into the warm waters of Palma Sola Bay. Once chest deep, it’s time to stand, for a taste of horse surfing; a unique experience that’s great for building confidence and trust. And it doesn’t matter if you fall in – it’s all part of the fun.
Kayaking in Crystal River
Adventurous teens will love exploring the twisting, jungle-like waterways of the Chassahowitzka River. Find picture-perfect swimming spots as you discover crystal clear springs and underwater tunnels that are short enough to swim through. You may even spot manatees! Children under the age of 14 will need to be accompanied by an adult.
Paddle Boarding in Daytona Beach
The gentle waters of the Halifax River in Daytona Beach offer the perfect conditions to learn to stand up paddle board. Every tour starts in the calm bay, with a ground demonstration and lesson, before setting off across the bay, under bridges and through canals, in search of Florida’s wildlife. Teenagers aged 16+ can join guided tours with Three Brothers Boards.
Diving in The Keys
The Florida Keys is home to the only living coral barrier reef in the USA and offers some of the best diving opportunities in the world. In just one day, anyone aged 10 and above, can go from learning basic skills in a swimming pool, to a coral reef dive with an instructor with the Islamorada Dive Center. Discover a variety of colourful fish, lobster, moray eels, and even nurse sharks.
Fishing in Clearwater
Head out into the Gulf of Mexico with Reel Deal Sportfishing; a local company offering deep sea fishing charter boats for groups of up to six – perfect for families. Baited rods attract a wide variety of fish from the Gulf of Mexico, including grouper, mackerel, barracuda, snapper and even sharks! Some restaurants will cook your catch, so keep hold of those fish.
Shopping in Fort Lauderdale
Hard-earned pocket money can be well spent at Sawgrass Mills; the largest outlet mall in the whole of the USA. It has 350 shops including popular designer names like: Adidas, Bath & Body Works, Converse, Levi’s, Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. Round off a hard day’s shopping with a bite to eat at one of the many on-site restaurants.
