My kids don't wnt to go to Orlando!

[Anonymous]

I think we may have missed the boat -- they are 11 and 13. neither is a huge fan of rides, and while we emphasized the fun of Sea World, srping training, etc., they aren't psyched. Plus neither is looking forward to the long drive and I can't say that I blame them.

I don't mind changing plans, but what can we do that's within a couple of days' drive, not beachy or an amusement part, and yet fun for preteens/young teens?

We have put a few days in NYC on the table and they like that idea, but I'm looking for other ideas.

[Anonymous]

Have you thought about going anyway? My nephews are the same age and often love the activities their parents plan, even if they were down on it to start with. Not to sound all codger-like or anything, but I'm pretty sure that my parents didn't factor our views too much in planning vacations when my brother and I were those ages -- we went along with what they planned, willing or not, and usually had a grand ole time regardless!

[Anonymous]

What about Universal Studios?

[Anonymous]

Same here! Mine are 13, 14, and they think that they will not have fun. We are going to Disney. I think we will think of something fun to do -- they don't know everything. Disney is one of the most popular destinations in the world. There must be something for some teens to do. We told them it is up to them to look at the options and think of something. Good planning experience for them. (Their friends still go) Some people are regulars, and they are not the people I would have thought!

[Anonymous]

^^Seaworld is amazing, and Orlando is fun, even if you are taking it easy. We are flying, tho.

[Anonymous]

I am with your kids....I wouldn't want to go to Orlando either!

Is this for spring break or summer? any special interests your kids have (horses, outdoors stuff, city stuff?)

[Anonymous]

There are cruises depart from Baltimore to Bahama. We had a blast at Atlantis, swim with dolphin, snorkeling (and taking under water pictures). Cruise ship has entertainment for all age groups too.

[Anonymous]

How do 11 and 13 year olds not like amusement parks? I so don't get that...

Anyway, there are lots of places that have different things for kids that age to do that aren't amusement parks. I grew up going to Pittsburgh a lot to visit family, and I think that's a pretty cool place. Philly and Boston could both be fun - lots of historical stuff there.

[Anonymous]

Perhaps head to Vermont and try to catch the end of ski season?
That's a hard age to please.
They might even be happier if you left them at home with grandparents or a sitter for a few days while you and your husband have the trip you want...

[Anonymous]

My older kids love Universal. We live in Florida about 3 hours from Orlando. We go to Universal and Seaworld several times a year. There are tons of non-Disney attractions all over the area. My girls (19 and 17) still love Downtown Disney.

[Anonymous]

Why spend time trying to convince your kids to like Orlando? Be happy that you don't have to join the masses of people waiting in lines for rides, eating crappy expensive food, and pretending to be happy.

Go someplace where you can build some memories that you will all cherish.

Rent a beach house, go to city filled with interesting history and culture, go hiking together. Ask your kids what they would like to do and come up something that you would all enjoy. Or save the money, stay home for spring break, and plan to do a bigger and better trip during the summer.

[Anonymous]

11 and 13 are old enough to realize the horror of a drive to Florida. Go for a shorter period of time, fly, and stay at Universal.

You can fly to NY from Orlando-stay over 1 night-take the train home the next night.

[Anonymous]

Hey -- I wouldn't force them. I didn't think my family + I would enjoy all of the attractions in Orlando, but we did. But, I'm with an earlier poster who said to save yourself the trouble of standing in line and everything.

NYC is expensive OP -- I love it just like I love most of my other travel sites. But, if your kids are too cool for Orlando, I can't really think they'll think that some of the tourist stuff in NYC is that cool either. Why not save yourselves money + arguing and drive to Baltimore one day, and Annapolis the next. Then, use some of the bucks you saved to buy them each one more gameboy or whatever.

[Anonymous]

We have been to Orlando many times with our kids and they love it. However, this time we're doing a two nights in NYC with our 13 yo daughter. Planning on a Broadway show, some museums and shopping. The rest of the break will be hanging out at home. In terms of cost it's going to be cheaper than a week in Orlando.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are cruises depart from Baltimore to Bahama. We had a blast at Atlantis, swim with dolphin, snorkeling (and taking under water pictures). Cruise ship has entertainment for all age groups too.

I hate cruises. Trapped in a floating "world" with bacteria laden food and drunken, over eating passengers is not my idea of fun. Did it once, never again.