Every year, on Saturdays from February 12 to April 23, Universal Studios takes to the streets for a party that rivals that of The Big Easy. Live shows by some of the biggest names in music, a spectacular parade, street performers, authentic Cajun and Creole street foods, countless strings of beads and more. Tweens will love it because it's all of the excitement of Bourbon street, but safe for all ages.
For theme park fun without the costumed characters, tweens will love the selection of water parks in Orlando. Wet n' Wild (wetnwildorlando.com) is a giant maze of lazy rivers, water slides, and thrill rides, like The Storm and Brain Wash. Orlando Watersports Complex (orlandowatersports.com) is designed for wakeboarding, wakeskating, kneeboarding and waterskiing for people of any age or level of ability. Disney also has three extensive water parks, including Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.
Tweens are at the perfect time in their life to start considering how they impact the world around them. Crystal River is home to one of the world's largest populations of West Indian manatees. The endangered species is at risk of losing their habitat, but tweens can still learn about and enjoy the company of these gentle giants during a supervised swim in their home waters. The tour continues with a 45-minute airboat ride on the Homosassa River and a trip to Homosassa State Wildlife Park where wild animals are rehabilitated.
Tween girls will enjoy a trip to one of the many spas in Orlando. Mandara Spa (mandaraspa.com) offers teen services, like the "Mother and Daughter Paradise Massage" or "Father and Son Chill-Out Massage", a Fruity Facial, or Magical Manicure. The Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes Spa (ritzcarlton.com) offers "Fizzing" manicures and pedicures, teen facials and massage.
Let tweens see Orlando from a completely different perspective. Hot air balloons take off early in the morning or at dusk to give visitors a bird's eye view of Orlando at sunset or sunrise. Helicopters soar and dip over the famous theme parks and attractions including SeaWorld, Universal Studios and the Walt Disney World Resort for a tour your tween will never forget.
