August 20, 2025
Traveling with tweens (ages 10–12) requires finding destinations that offer just the right balance of thrilling experiences and opportunities for independence. At this age, kids crave interactive adventures and rides that push their comfort zones without going too far. Herschend properties specialize in attractions tailored specifically for tweens, delivering exhilarating rides, engaging activities and unforgettable experiences.
Explore our curated guide for tweens, and make your family vacation a memorable journey filled with confidence-building thrills, fascinating explorations and plenty of opportunities for fun and friendship.
Tweens (Ages 10-12)
Tweens are ready for more independence, self-confidence, and interactive excitement, enjoying rides that are bold—but still grounded for their age and height.
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Wind Chaser, a high-speed coaster featuring a barrel-roll drop from a 100‑ft lift—ideal for tweens experiencing their first full-inversion (48″+ minimum).
Deep Water Dive at Hurricane Bay, a near-vertical plunge that offers a thrilling splash, just the right level of daring for ages 10–12.
Lightning Rod, Dollywood’s record-breaking hybrid coaster offering rapid speeds and steep drops, perfect for thrill-ready tweens (48″+), and consistently ranked among America’s top coasters.
Wild Eagle, a flying wing coaster (50″+), giving tweens the sensation of soaring above the Smoky Mountains.
Splash Country’s RiverRush water coaster and TailSpin Racer deliver fast-paced, competitive rides.
Outlaw Run, a wooden coaster with inversions (48″+), giving tweens their first intense wooden airtime thrills.
Time Traveler, the world’s fastest spinning coaster (48″+), combining quick launches and dynamic spins for high-energy excitement .
Flooded Mine, featuring ride-on water guns, letting tweens challenge friends in whimsical mine-themed scenes.
Marvel Cave tours combine underground exploration with natural history and storytelling, ideal for curious tweens interested in geology and science.
Twisted Typhoon, an inverted coaster with multiple loops, giving tweens their first inversion thrills.
Gator Bridge, a safe suspension walkway above live alligators, encouraging bravery and providing photo-worthy moments.
Sky Twister, offering panoramic views and moderate thrills high above the park, perfect for building height confidence.
Splash Island Nights, transforming the water park into a lively evening party zone with lights and music, creating social, memorable experiences for tweens.
Adventure Aquarium offers engaging school and scout group programs featuring behind-the-scenes tours and interactive marine encounters, perfect for aspiring young marine scientists and ocean enthusiasts.
Newport Aquarium’s Camp WAVE engages tweens with marine biology, conservation projects, and backstage learning tailored specifically to their growing curiosity and passion for the ocean.
Pirates Voyage and Dolly Parton’s Stampede combine stunt performances and theatrical storytelling, offering tweens showtime entertainment with dramatic flair.
There’s fun for the whole family at our properties. Click below to explore options for kids of all ages.
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