As parents of middle school- and high school-aged adolescents know, traveling with teenagers can often present a range of challenges. While of course not an across-the-board rule, children in this age group tend to have age-specific interests that might not align with those of the grown-ups and any younger kids in the travel crew. Further, kids at this age can also tend to be more independent and adventurous than their elder and junior travelers.
But with the right planning and a well-thought-out destination choice, every traveler in your vacation party — no matter how young, old or experienced at traveling — can find plenty of activities and attractions to keep them interested and entertained during your getaway.And in a bit of good news, the Daytona Beach area offers a long list of options that can keep visitors of all ages happy — even the sometimes-hard-to-please teenagers.
During your next visit to the Daytona Beach area with teenagers in tow, consider these six local activities and attractions that are sure to be a hit with the teen set:
An off-putting outing: At Congo River Adventure Golf, about a block from the oceanfront on South Atlantic Avenue in Daytona Beach Shores, 18 holes of award-winning mini golf await — complete with mountains, waterfalls, streams … and even live alligators that the bravest of visitors can feed! Other on-site activities include an arcade and gem mining.
A thrilling adventure: The SlingShot and other rides at Screamer’s Park, a short walk from the Main Street Pier in Daytona Beach, provide high-speed, high-thrills excitement for adventurous riders. Billed as “the ride the astronauts feared,” the 165-foot-tall Vomatron hits speeds of as much as 70 miles per hour while treating riders to a 3-5 G experience. And standing at 365 feet tall, the SlingShot launches riders to speeds of as much as 100 miles per hour.
Explore the aquarium: At the Daytona Aquarium and Rainforest Adventure, experience an interactive educational experience featuring animals from both land and sea. Visitors to the 55,000-square foot facility are able to explore close to 40 separate exhibits including a 100,000-gallon shark exhibit and two touch pools including a 12,000-gallon stingray touch pool. There are also habitats for alligators, frogs, and lizards.
A high-speed highlight: If you are searching for high-speed thrills, look no further than K1 Speed Daytona for indoor go-kart racing. K1's state-of-the-art electric go-karts can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, giving you the ultimate adrenaline rush on a large, elevated indoor track.
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park also features indoor go-kart racing in addition to a wide variety of activities including laser tag, jump zones, ropes course and rock climbing.
A lofty experience: At Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, visitors who climb the 203 steps to reach the top of the tallest lighthouse in Florida are treated to 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the charming town of Ponce Inlet, all from 175 feet above the ground. History buffs can also visit the adjacent museum for a look into lighthouse life, local shipwrecks, Fresnel lenses, and more.
Take a track tour: Venture behind the scenes at Daytona International Speedway with a track tour where you will take a ride through the infield, see the 31-degree high banks, and pass through the garages as you learn about the history of the “World Center of Racing.” Travel along Pit Road and discover how NASCAR's top drivers prep for the largest motorsports event of the year -- the DAYTONA 500. All tours conclude with access to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and a close-up look at the winning DAYTONA 500 car.
Escape to an escape room: Escape rooms are a popular fun indoor entertainment opportunity for the whole group. There are several escape rooms in the destination, including Wild Puzzle Escape Room on beachside. Go be challenged with themed experiences with puzzles and tasks that must be completed in order to escape.
Hit the water: Whether it’s going on a Dolphin and Manatee tour with Ponce Inlet Watersports or heading offshore for deep sea fishing with Sea Spirit Deep Sea Fishing, there’s plenty of fun to experience on the water in Daytona Beach.
A pedal-powered adventure (or cart-worthy cruise): For those looking for outdoor fun on wheels, the bike rental and golf cart rental options are abundant in the Daytona Beach area, as are the opportunities for scenic coastal rides. And for those in your vacation crew who have yet to reach driving age but are eager to get behind the wheel or take to the streets, neither of these awesome activities require driver’s licenses to get the fun rolling!
Ready to get away to Daytona Beach with your full family in tow? Start planning your all-ages coastal adventure today! We’ll be looking forward to seeing you and your vacation crew soon.
