things to do for teens (Orlando, Winter Park: job, house, college)

[sunfun]

Hi! Well we did it - moved to Florida from Northeast PA with our two teenage daughters. Other than Disney related venues can anyone tell me what things are there to do - we are in Winter Park area. Where do kids "hang out", Are there any places where local bands play? School is great but are looking beyond -Thanks

[firefli76]

Universal Skating Center on Goldenrod Rd. They have skating on Friday and Saturday nights...RDV Sportsplex also has ice skating sessions.

[Brasstec]

Check out Aloma Baptist Church - large youth program, college/career program - many activities.

[rholborn]

New Smyrna Beach is a great place to go with the kids too!

[cmj_fla]

In my experience, growing up in Central Florida was great because of all the things to do. I commend you on the forethought of finding activities for your teenagers because I feel this is so important to keep them from getting bored because that is when teenagers get in trouble IMO.

Every community has programs set up for teenagers as well as the local YMCAs, Boys and Girls clubs and public libraries. The Orange County public library system has teen movie nights, book clubs, art clubs, even an anime club. Also, another great thing about Central Florida is that there are so many job opportunities for high schoolers. I got my first job at 14 at a water park and it was not only fun, it kept me out of trouble and made me money!

I wish you luck and let me know if you have any questions!

[THASPECIAL]

Don't know what they are into but they have a Vans Skatepark at the Festival Bay mall.........I know they have alot of teen nights at club Roxy in east Orlando too

[sunfun]

Thanks so much! all such good info - would love for the girls to work as they both are cerified lifeguards but school and ec's really keep them busy after school - maybe just a friday night or saturday would work. I'll let you know their impressions.

[cmj_fla]

I worked on Saturdays and some Sundays when I was in school and most of the summer's. I was also in many clubs and sports and made it all work while keeping good grades. All of this was great on college applications and kept me out of trouble.

[beckycat]

Welcome to FL. I moved from NEPA 8 years ago! My daughter likes to go to Roxy on teen nights. It's a dance club with all the latest dance and hip-hop music. Also, at the Groove at Citywalk, they have certain teen nights. My son is 13 and he likes to go to the movies with his friends and go to the high school football games. You can also buy season passes to Islands of Adventure. What do they like to do and I can point you in the right direction.

[THASPECIAL]

Originally Posted by sunfun

Hi! Well we did it - moved to Florida from Northeast PA with our two teenage daughters. Other than Disney related venues can anyone tell me what things are there to do - we are in Winter Park area. Where do kids "hang out", Are there any places where local bands play? School is great but are looking beyond -Thanks

Roxy Nightclub has teen nights every week...it is on East Colonial near Fashion Square Mall.......and If they can get a ride from someone or if they have cars they can go down to House of Blues ....there are always concerts going on there....There is also a really big bowling alley that has like 50 lanes and some pool tables and an arcade and snack bars.....i know lots of teens that used to just go chill out there and play pool or go bowling...that is on East Colonial drive too but I forgot how far it is going east of the Mall.....but i know that lots of teens go there though