Cool Places for Teens


1. Doswell - Kings Dominion's 16 thrill rides include the longest floorless coaster in the world and a 272-foot 72 mph drop ride! WaterWorks is a pretty fun time, too, with a 650,000 gallon wave pool and more!

2. Williamsburg - Busch Gardens has some pretty awesome rides, too. From repeatedly inverting spiral runs to a 200-foot, merciless drop, these thrillers aren't for pansies.

3. Wytheville - Jump behind the wheel of a go-cart at Galewinds Amusement Park. Spin around four tracks, or putt-putt your way through 18 holes of mini-golf!

4. Natural Bridge - The Haunted Monster Museum is bizarre and unique, like Scooby Doo meeting the Twilight Zone! Meet Professor Cline who has done special effects for Disney and other theme parks!

5. Williamsburg - Water Country USA boasts the most get-wet action. Check out the twistin', turnin', spit-you-out river rafting adventure, along with 415-foot flumes propelling you to a pretty quick 25 mph!

6. Virginia Beach - Excursion into the Atlatic Ocean with a Dolphin or Whale Watching cruise from the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. While you're there, check out the six-story-high IMAX® Theater!

7. Chantilly - National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center features several flight simulators as well as an observation tower to watch flights in and out of Washington Dulles International Airport. The IMAX® and Planetarium are pretty cool places to chill for a bit.

8-11. Kids who feel the need for speed (or so they think), will love taking in a NASCAR race at Martinsville Speedway or Richmond International Raceway (RIR). If racing isn't on the agenda, you can still see those 850 horsepower beauties at Morgan-McClure Motorsports Museum and Wood Brothers Racing Museum. Better yet, ride shotgun with the Richard Petty Driving Experience™ at RIR! Teens 14 and older can ride along for three qualifying-speed laps (that's up to 165 mph).

12. Petersburg - Live the life of a Civil War soldier when you enroll in the Civil War Adventure Camp at Pamplin Historical Park. Leave the Ipod and cell phone behind - those luxuries aren't welcome in the 1800s. Hop aboard a race car simulator at the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Musem.

13. Wallops Island - Virginia Space Flight Adventure Camp is only for those 11-15 years old, and is held at Wallops Island, an operational NASA base. See F-18s, C-130s and research aircraft while you take in the model rocketry, robotics and flight simulation.

14. Dinwiddie - Try your hand at some four-wheelin' at the VMP-ATV Family Trail Park. Receive full training of all-terrain vehicle usage and then take off on the 250 acres of trails!

15. Cape Charles - It's all the rage and you've got to get the knack of this one ... kiteboarding! Take lessons from the pros at SouthEast Expeditions on Virginia's Eastern Shore.

16. Portsmouth - Full of simulators and interactive courts to test your skillz, the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum showcases 20 sports and more than 200 Virginia athletes, coaches and other influential sports figures.

17. Danville - The Tank Museum boasts the most extensive collection of tank and cavalry artifacts collection found in the world. Dating from 1509 to present day with all nations represented, the Museums has over 103 tanks and artillery pieces, 150 mid size weapons, over 1500 Tank and cavalry uniforms, 1300 pieces of headgear, pins, patches, and other military memorabilia.



photo photo photo photo