Fun Vacation With Teenager
A vacation, any vacation, is a stressful time for you and your spouse/partner. “How will we ever get on the same page?” you ask yourselves, as you begin making plans. But wait, do you have kids? Oh, now it gets better. It is not just about getting on the same page anymore, now it is about getting the kids on the same page. I have been thinking a lot about this lately because my wife and I are taking our kids on a surprise trip to Florida next month. And while I am sure we will never truly get on the same page (how can you?). Just trying to make sure everyone gets through the trip is an exercise in patience and tolerance.
Many people dread the thought of traveling with teenagers. The stress free vacation time is over and there is nothing to look forward to except for the kids screaming over a video game, late meal times, and terrible hotel rooms. God forbid you try to go on any excursions during your stay! But in reality vacationing with teenagers doesn’t have to be as bad as most people make it out to be. When planning a trip with teens consider making these small changes while keeping things fun and exciting for everyone involved.
Traveling with a teenager isn’t the easiest thing in the world. For starters, they’re too young for adult fun and too old for the plethora of activities geared toward the easy-to-please 12-and-under crowd.
Fun Vacation With Teenager
But just like there are plenty of places to take the kids before they’re grown, there are several destinations — both national and international — ideal for families with teens. Many could be considered bucket list spots, but why not splurge for the occasion? It may be the last family vacation before your kid(s) fly the coop — forever. From budget-friendly beach resorts to Northern Thailand, here are several teen-friendly places to visit as a family.
Best vacation spots for families with teens
Best for ages: 13-18
Here’s why: The is a must for families with teens who want to play in the mountains but have big city amenities.
Do this: Social media mavens can start the day at thewhere the backdrops are just as Insta-worthy as the surrounding Rockies. Or capture those tricks for TikTok at the 60,000-square-foot Denver Skate Park. Aspiring artists will want to check out the myriad collections at the(18 and under are free). In the winter, adrenaline junkies can’t skip a trip to Ruby Hill Rail Yard, an urban terrain park and snowboarder’s paradise.
Stay here: For the culture maven of the family, thehas a package including two tickets to eitheror Immersive King Tut. It also has a “Grip It and Rip It” package for golf fans and is within walking distance of most of Denver’s downtown sites.
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Best for ages: 16+
Here’s why: Practically crime-free, extremely cheap and small enough to be walkable,is the perfect European city to give teens a taste of independence. Located where the Douro River meets the Atlantic, its proximity to the beach and the Douro Valley ensures there is plenty to do.
Do this: Visit the world-famous “Harry Potter library” —. Teens not afraid of sharks can learn to surf with. Take a scenic boat or train ride to the Douro Valley, the world’s oldest demarcated wine region where teens (16+) are legally allowed to taste wine and — more importantly — learn how it’s made.
Stay here: The breakfast buffet atwill satisfy any growing teen, and its picturesque outdoor pool is a rarity in this city founded in 1123.
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Best for ages: 13-18
Here’s why: is a year-round vacation destination and convenient home base for exploring two of the country’s most popular national parks. With its small-town setting (population 10,500) where everything is within walking distance, teens can easily explore on their own.
Do this: Ski or snowboard together at, one of the most iconic ski resorts in the world. Rent bikes and ride 56 miles of paved paths or 115 miles of mountain bike trails, most with striking valley views. Since a family who rafts together stays together, battle the rapids on the Snake River or go for a scenic floating safari in search of moose, elk, bears and more. No trip to Jackson is complete without venturing into Yellowstone National Park via the equally stunning Grand Teton National Park.
Stay here: Located at the base of, Snow King Resort is Jackson Hole’s best option for families who want immediate access to all kinds of outdoor adventures. Ski, snowboard, tube or — if you visit outside of winter — ride the mountain coaster and alpine slide. There’s also a massive mountain-top ziplining course, fly fishing and stargazing readily available for the curious teen.
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Best for ages: 13-18
Here’s why: Whether or not you agree with its nickname “America’s Finest City,” you’ll agreehas beautiful year-round weather and so much to keep your teen(s) happy they’ll ask about going to college there.
Do this: Beach hop your way around the city’s nearly three area beaches, or. Take a self-guided street art tour, stopping to pose in front of massive murals — often illustrating important messages — for pics for the ‘gram. Ride the Giant Dipper roller coaster at the oceanfront or watch an interactive film in its 7-D high tech theater. Other must-consider attractions include the, , and the newly opened Comic-Con Museum.
Stay here: The Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay welcomes RVs in addition to its fully-furnished tiny home rentals complete with fire pits and front porches. Between the on-site arcade, food trucks, poolside movie screen, basketball courts and indoor/outdoor fitness center, teens will never find themselves bored on vacation.
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Best for ages: 13-18
Here’s why:is the waterpark capital of the world. Families can stay for two weeks and still never ride all the slides.
Do this: Visit the bottom of the ocean (or outer space) thanks to the underwater virtual reality experience at, one of the country’s largest indoor waterparks. Race each other on the Raja king cobra-themed, side-by-side slides at. (It’s six stories high!) Visitto take on the nine-foot-tall waves at Poseidon’s Rage, one of the world’s largest wave pools or float on The River Troy, the world’s fastest manmade river. Tired of water-based activities? Attempt the Wizard Quest, the first fantasy team-building (or family-bonding) game in the country or unleash your inner Viking at.
Stay here: While several area resorts boast their own waterparks, the top-rated property on TripAdvisor is the family-owned and operated. All guests get free admission to and a Wild Fun Zone attraction pass.
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Best for ages: 13-16
Here’s why: This best of the Midwest destination proves that even inner-city teens can have fun in flyover states.also makes for a great halfway point for families coming from different coasts.
Do this: Teens who identify as foodies will love the aptly namedwhere they can get their donut passport stamped at each of the funky boutique donut shops along the trail. (There is exactly a baker’s dozen!) Teens who collect all 13 stamps can collect a free T-shirt. Aspiring equestrians can get their horse fix at any of the area’s stables where they can rent horses or join a group ride. Teens who want to learn or practice wakeboarding will have a blast at. With its unique cable-tow system, no boat is required and beginners can learn at slower speeds. And for the ultimate rush, drive 30 minutes south to Cincinnati for indoor skydiving at .
Stay here:is just a few minutes by car from Miami University — one of the oldest public universities in the U.S. Guests can enjoy archery, community bonfires, badminton, nature trails and access to Acton Lake and Heuston Woods State Park.
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Best for ages: 13-18
Here’s why: There are several reasons Myrtle Beach welcomes nearly 20 million visitors annually. For starters, there are more than 50 beaches to choose from, several world-class golf courses to conquer and one of the country’s biggest boardwalks selling limitless fun.
Do this: Teens anxious to drive can get behind the wheel of their own go-kart and race on six different tracks at the. Teens aspiring to join the PGA Tour will want to play at one of the area’s 90 golf courses which host junior opens throughout the year. (There’s also aif you can’t get a tee time.) Meanwhile, young fans of “The Walking Dead” won’t want to miss, and fans of “The Simpsons,”. Teens wanting to hang out with other teens can easily do so on the, home to one of the country’s tallest Ferris wheels. Of course, there are also plenty of beach activities including surfing, wakeboarding and horseback riding to choose from.
Stay here: Homewood Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach has an on-site waterpark with different areas for young and old kids. Meanwhile, the beachfronthas 10 pools and four on-site restaurants.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach
Homewood Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach
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Best for ages: 13-18
Here’s why: A trip tois a rite of passage for most European teens. American teens will love the Island of Eternal Spring and its lively beaches, ethereal national parks and top-rated zoo and waterpark for the same reasons.
Do this: Ride the cable car up to the top of Teide, the world’s third-tallest volcano and crown jewel of. Snorkel while on a SUP or kayak tour in the shade of the cliffs at Los Gigantes, home to dolphins and sea life galore. Ride the zero gravity slide at , the #1 rated waterpark in the world according to TripAdvisor, or head out on a quad safari en route to Spain’s highest village. Of course, there are also miles of beaches to explore (made of white sand imported from the Sahara or local, black volcanic sand).
Stay here: Families with older teens will enjoy the adults-only (16+) atmosphere at Iberostar Selecion Sabila, where luxurious, minimalist design meets beachfront all-inclusivity. Families with younger teens with small siblings can stay up the road at Iberostar Selecion Anthelia which boasts six pools and a kids’ camp.