A big city (museums, shows, etc) or something outdoorsy (camping, hiking, swimming, etc).

Hershey Park?

If they like roller coasters, then Islands of Adventure (I think it includes the Harry Potter World) would be fun. Akso, Universal Studios is pretty good, and not kiddy-oriented like Magic Kingdom. Epcot is also a good suggestion.

Otherwise what about hiking in the Smokey Mountains and clubbing it with Asheville NC?

Anonymous wrote:Someone else mentioned Kennedy Space Center and that's a great trip. You could easily spend two days there. The surrounding area is not that great, but there must be some other places to visit nearby.

Are they interested in wildlife? Dolphins? Alligators? Turtles?

we took our kids for a half day trip to Kennedy Space Center and it was awful. Huge lines, lots of time waiting to take buses to each site on the space center. The exhibits were not that great. Air and Space has much better exhibits.

Two days there. I would have gone nuts.

Your kids are smart - avoid FL at all costs! Do something more cultural instead.

I love Disney and I look forward to Universal when DS is older, but I wouldn't drive there (especially not when I usually pay <$200 to fly nonstop, but things are probably more expensive around spring break). If the kids are interested in NY, why not do that? Or combine with another urban destination, maybe Philly or Boston as others have suggested...

Anonymous wrote: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.

I don't think you "missed the boat. If they dislike Orlando you must be doing something right.

And P.S. Seaworld Orlando isn't that "amazing" especially when its crowded (and it usually is). Everything there is centered around the shows. People start lining up for the shows an hour or so in advance (so if you show up 15 minutes prior to showtime, you won't get it). Most of the exhibits (ie. touching the dolphins) were pushing and shoving matches. Big waste of time and money. Probably not so much at some of Seaworlds other venues....

mean pretext

Time to sneak in some college visits under the context of visiting New England.

Someone else mentioned Kennedy Space Center and that's a great trip. You could easily spend two days there. The surrounding area is not that great, but there must be some other places to visit nearby.

Are they interested in wildlife? Dolphins? Alligators? Turtles?

I'd be celebrating!!!

They can always go to Williamsburg. Builds an appreciation of Orlando.

Disney is not only about the Magic Kingdom (which may be what they are thinking of). Epcot is great for technology/games, they have a bunch of movies/shows instead of only rides, although some of the rides are better than others. Also, if they like video games and such, you have to take them to Wonder Works (the upside down house), which is basically like a fantastic explorateum with 4 stories of interactive games. Kennedy Space Flight Center has a pretty incredible visitor center. Orlando Grand Prix has go-kart racing that many kids enjoy. There are many non-amusement-park attractions in central Florida.

You don't say what your teens actual interests are, but here are some suggestions. If you provide their interests, some of us can provide more targeted information rather than general suggestions.

If inside games/etc are not their thing, but outdoors, take them somewhere where they can go hiking. The Poconos and Skyline Drive both come to mind as fantastic hiking locations.

During the warmer weather, you can rent a cabin or condo on Deep Creek Lake in Western MD and then rent jetskis or have someone take you out waterskiing (there are a couple of companies that do this). There are also hikes near Deep Creek Lake.

Take a biking tour in various parts of the US. While looking, I saw some incredible looking ones up in Vermont, but there are also ones closer to home.

Anonymous wrote: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...

Hahahahh ha haaaa. Not everyone has a mother who would do this. Mine wouldn't--neither would MIL. They're both in their 80's. And 11 and 13 yo's with a sitter? For a week? I can imagine that the cost would be choke-worthy. And during Spring Break--the mild ski season Vermont had will be over.