Vacation With A Teenager
Well, we have one week of vacation for us to spend time with our kids. My kid is a teenager and he wants to invite his friend along but I am not happy when I hear this idea.
My wife, Tara, and I have had a goal for the past few years to improve our relationship with my son and daughter. That is why we find ourselves planning a vacation to Springdale, UT later this month. With our busy schedules, it can get difficult to plan quality time, but we knew that we needed to take advantage of this opportunity. We had done research on the area and knew that there were opportunities for hiking, biking, canoeing and other outdoor adventures. My wife knew that because we are in the northwest part of Canada, our family would fit right in with the lifestyles there. It was important to us that our children would not be bored while they were away from school and activities they normally participate in back home. The infographic below is an example of what you might find on Pinterest or travel websites.
It’s easy for you to take your teen on a vacation. What about when it isn’t so easy, like when you don’t want to be around them?
If you follow me on Twitter, you know that I’ve been in Mexico visiting family with my son. My daughter comes down later in the week.
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.
Vacation With A 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.
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 oceanfrontor 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.
