Best Vacations for Teenagers that Parents Will Also Love

Once the kids are in their teenage years, we only have a few summers left to adventure with them before they’re off to their next big chapter in life — college, career, marriage, family. So, do something fun and adventurous like hiking, snow-skiing, sailing the Caribbean, or touring historic cities. Here is a list of 25 vacations that teenagers will love, and the bonus is, so will you.

Time flies by so quickly that we often don’t notice how fast these children grow up right before our eyes. But, it won’t be long until those little sweethearts are out of school uniform range forever. So, make sure this isn’t just another ordinary vacation and plan a fantastic trip where both parties get fresh air, have tons of fun, and build memories that last a lifetime.

Affiliate Disclosure: There are affiliate links throughout this post. This means if you click on a link and purchase a product through that link, then I will receive a small commission for the referral. And that is kinda cool.

Teenagers. You know the ones, grumpy, bored, eye-rolling, moody teenagers. Typical teens prefer to be with friends. Mom’s not cool. Brother is annoying. Is there wifi? Vacations are boring.

It is possible to have the best vacation with teenagers, but it takes patience, flexibility, and love.   

An important first step is to pick the perfect destination that the teenagers will be excited about, and you will, too. Curious which destination is right up their alley but don’t know where to start? We’ve put together this list of the top 25 best vacations teens will, without a doubt, enjoy — a list of options that are adventurous, fun, educational, relaxing, delicious, and a whole bunch in between.  

But, first, 15 tips for having the best vacation with your teenagers.

These tips will help you get along, have fun, and make memories that last forever.

1. Include them when choosing your destination and the activities you are planning.
2. Let them pack their bags. Start them young with a packing checklist. By the time they are teenagers, they will be packing ninjas.
3. Let them have their beauty and cranky sleep. You will be happy you did.
4. Allow them to communicate with their friends while on vacation.
5. If they want ice cream, give them ice cream.
6. Include a variety of activities on your itinerary, but don’t overbook.
7. Let them relax, even if you cannot.
8. Give them space and privacy.
9. Release some of those boundaries placed on them at home.
10. Do something active with them every day.
11. Teach them how to read an old-fashion map.
12. Always have a change of clothes, a jacket or a hoodie.
13. Everyone, including parents, needs headphones.
14. Take pictures of your teenagers AND with your teenagers.
15. Share with them your love of travel.

The best vacation ideas for teenagers that I list here provide something for everyone: history, education, culture, cuisine, and memorable, and sometimes daring, adventures.

Isolate in the mountains in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

It is 2020, and the buzzword is social distance. There is no better way to accomplish this than hiding in the forest in the mountains of north Georgia. Blue Ridge, Georgia, is nothing less than spectacular. An abundance of family activities including white water rafting, endless hiking, fly-fishing, tubing, mining for rubies, biking, picking apples, and chasing waterfalls.

Fireside Retreat is a cabin secluded in the woods and is perfect for kids, and you can bring your pup; he loves a family vacation, too.

And don’t miss Grumpy Old Men Brewery; the Aska Pale Ale was my favorite. But if you’re into hops, this taproom is the place to be. And your pup is, of course, invited. I know it’s all about the teens, but mom has to have fun, too.

Stargaze in Sedona.

Tuck your family into the Red Rocks of Sedona, Arizona, where you will discover so much more than stargazing and yoga in a vortex. Sedona offers the perfect amount of finding peace and experiencing adventure. And a bonus—authentic Mexican food, and tequila, the real thing.  

The best vacation for teenagers must include adventurous activities that teens will find entertaining such as exploring ancient ruins on an ATV and climbing the Red Rocks on a Pink Jeep Tour (the adventurous option, obviously). Or sliding down a 30-foot natural waterslide, watching the sunset from a hot air balloon, and mountain biking the endless trail options.

They’re never too old for Disney World.

Keri from Bon Voyage With Kids.

One of the best family vacations for teenagers is Walt Disney World! While often thought of as a place for younger children, there are so many “cool” things for teens to enjoy.

Each of the four theme parks includes amazing thrill rides, interactive park experiences, unique dining, and evening shows teens will love. The two water parks – Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach – are day-long fun spots where teens can spend the day. Backstage tours are both educational and inspirational, where teens can learn about the magic behind the magic!

From imagineering behind thrill rides to how animals are cared for, there are tours for various aspiring interests. And of course, remember Disney Springs for an NBA Experience, bowling, movies, and a ride in an amphicar; teens will love their cool vacation to Walt Disney World resort!

Sailing throughout the islands in the British Virgin Islands (BVI’s).

If you love to sail, the BVI’s are a dream. Each island offers up something unique, and something for all tastes and desires.

For example, the green seagrass in the bay at Cooper Island makes an ideal snorkeling spot for swimming with turtles. White Bay’s claim to fame is creating the Painkiller, an adult beverage perfected in the 70s at the World Famous Soggy Dollar Bar. Search for buried treasure at Norman Island. Go on a magical hike throughout the enormous boulders brought to the surface by volcanos at The Baths in Virgin Gorga.  

The best vacation for teenagers should include activities such as water sports—standup paddleboarding (SUP), sailing a Hobe Cat, snorkeling, kayaking, or just floating around in the crystal blue warm Caribbean waters on your pool noodle (a glass of champagne is optional).  

How to Avoid Seasickness and How to Treat. Learn More Here.

Kitesurfing the Kenya coast.

Submitted by Nadine from  The Expat Mummy.

The Kenyan coastline is 500km of white sand, palm-fringed tropical beaches fronting the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. For the entire length of Kenya’s coastline, a reef runs a mile out to the shore, leaving a shallow, safe bay ideal for watersports. You can windsurf, dive, snorkel, surf, kayak, and sail, but by far the most popular sport is kitesurfing.

There are kitesurfing schools all along the coastline, teaching people to harness the power of the wind and ocean to scoot along the waves or fly up into the sky with only a board and a kite. Teenagers are well suited to learning to kitesurf; you can start as young as 12 and keep going until you run out of energy.

It’s thrilling, exhilarating, sometimes terrifying, and loved by everyone that tries it. 

National Geographic Cruise in the Galapagos, the trip of a lifetime.

An adventure to the Galapagos is the trip of a lifetime. Your family will learn a ton about photography, birding, sea lions, and animal life, and even how to make moonshine from scratch (ok, maybe that was just for me).  

Nat Geo with Lindblad Expeditions offers the perfect way to learn about the islands by attending daily educational meetings and experiencing the islands with naturalists dedicated to preserving the land.  

The ship Endeavor holds about 100 passengers and included a gym, lounge, library, spa, and restaurant. With many unique activities, the kids won’t want to miss any of it—daily excursions, educational sessions, and photography classes. They also provide all of the tools your family will need to explore, including zodiacs, kayaks, stand up paddleboards, wetsuits, scuba gear, equipment for underwater photos, and videography.

I mean it when I say the trip of a lifetime, and possibly the absolute best vacation for teenagers.

Snow skiing in Breckenridge.

For this Florida family, Breckenridge was totally out of our comfort zone. However, with a few adjustments and a little extra time, we grew to love this quaint small ski town and the multitude of outdoor activities it had to offer.  

Before you head up to Breckenridge, which is about 10,000 feet above sea level, consider learning about altitude sickness and taking a few extra precautions. Altitude sickness is for real. It will ruin your day, maybe two, until your body adjusts. But, it doesn’t have to, and here’s how to avoid it and how to treat.

Snow skiing isn’t the only exciting activity in Breckenridge. Steer a dog sled or horseback ride through the mountains and streams. Add mountain biking, snowshoeing, sledding, and tubing to your itinerary. Tour a gold mine, taste delicious local brews (adults only), and eat the trout and the crepes.

California National Park Road Trip.

Margie from DQ Family Travel.

California has more national parks than any other state. For outdoor-loving families, a California national park road trip is the perfect adventure trip, especially if you have teens. 

Fun-loving teens will enjoy 4-wheeling or ATV driving on dirt roads in Joshua Tree, snorkeling in the Channel Islands, and snapping selfies in the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the world at Death Valley. They will also enjoy the panoramic views hiking up to Moro Rock and walking amongst the giant trees in Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Yosemite Valley offers waterfall hikes, swimming areas, and bike rides. 

For the daring teens, consider taking a rock climbing class. Redwood National Park has kayaking and rafting trips available in addition to the world’s tallest trees. Finally, Lassen Volcanic and Pinnacles, although not as well known, offer unique hiking rim trails and geological areas like geysers and caves. 

California is the perfect state for families with teens to visit and explore all that the national parks offer. 

Adventures in Interlaken.

Shared by Alanna Koritzke from Periodic Adventures.

My family traveled extensively when I was a kid during every school break we had, and one of my favorite destinations as a teenager was Switzerland. I was blown away by the dramatic landscapes with massive mountains and waterfalls around every corner, just spilling out of every crack. 

The best adventurous activities for teens are paragliding or hang gliding, most popular in Interlaken, the many speedy luges and toboggan runs that descend down the mountainsides, Zermatt’s high ropes course complete with ziplines and thrilling challenges, and Trummelbach Falls, a series of waterfalls in a cave-like walkthrough. 

I went paragliding, and it was the most memorable part of our trip. It reinforced my love of travel and adventure, so much so that I just went hang gliding in Georgia (USA)!

Tour the Big Apple.

New York City is the city of dreams, the city that doesn’t sleep, the most populous city in the United States. You have to see it to believe it. Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, eat the giant pretzels, see a Broadway Show (may I recommend Lion King), shop til you drop.

Watch an NBA game at Madison Square Garden, stroll through Central Park, and stand and take in the craziness of Times Square. Ride the subway; it’s fun. Walk over and back on the Brooklyn Bridge.

I know it sounds funny for teens, but the New York Public Library is stunning and is a must-see during your visit. And the American Museum of Natural History may take a couple of days to get through.

Mindful in Slovenia.

By Lucile Hernandez Rodriguez from Lucile HR.

Pokljuka Plateau in Slovenia is an ideal location to disconnect from technology with your family. Sure, putting aside the gadgets may be a challenge for teens. Still, with the many sports activities, fun things to do, and breathtaking views in Pokljuka, they will appreciate and remember this trip of a lifetime. 

Part of the country’s only national park – the Triglav National Park, the plateau’s unspoiled rural beauty is not heavily promoted. This makes Pokljuka perfect for the family to slow down and relax. 

The place provides a great opportunity to engage in mindful activities, such as:

• Strolling around the pasture and having an authentic taste of homemade cheese and sour milk made by farmers in the area.
• Exploring nature by visiting nearby mountains.
• Enjoying the flora and fauna as you go on a mindful hike along the Pokljuka peat-bog nature trail.
• Mountain biking adventure.
• And winter sports activities (around December to April).

As the day ends, everyone can relax in their chosen accommodations – many of which are chalets and adorable cottages surrounded by lush forests for that peaceful and dreamy experience.

Monuments, food, and culture in Delhi, India.

Shared from Rachita Saxena from MeanderWander.

Delhi is one of the most amazing places to visit in India that has a lot to offer for the entire family. You can explore the beautiful monuments in India such as India Gate, Red Fort, Jantar Mantar, etc. and marvel at their historical significance. Or you could gorge on some delicious street food in Chandni Chowk and Hazrat Nizamuddin lane or pay a visit to some reputed restaurants here to try the delicious Indian cuisine.

There are several amazing destinations on the outskirts of Delhi that you can visit for an even more fun time. Visit the Kingdom of Dreams, where you can enjoy the stage performances with your kids, or Worlds of Wonder, for enjoying some thrilling rides in the theme park.

There are several amazing graffiti streets where you can click amazing photographs with your kids and make the most of your time here. With so many diverse things that Delhi has to offer, a trip with your kid here is bound to be interesting and fun for you all.

Visit Historical Boston.

Boston is a city that offers something for everyone, whether you’re into sports, history, shopping, eating, or just want to relax. The best thing about Boston is that it’s not too big or too crowded, it’s safe, and it’s a super walkable city.

Here are the ten things to do in Boston with your teenager.

1. Visit Fenway Park, the oldest and most iconic ballpark in America. Take in a Red Sox game if it’s baseball season.
2. Or check out TD Garden for a Celtics game.
3. Walk around Harvard Square and visit the bookstores, eclectic shops, fine dining restaurants, and cute little cafes.
4. Visit the New England Aquarium.
5. Stroll through Boston Common. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park or try ice-skating in the Boston Common Frog Pond, if you dare.
6. Visit Quincy Market, where you can find delicious food from all over the world.
7. Ride on an old-fashioned trolley car in historic Beacon Hill.
8. Go on a Ghost Tour.
9. Go shopping at Newbury Street, full of boutique shops for teenagers to browse, and a two-story Nike store. Warning — this may cost you.
10. Walk the Freedom Trail and learn about Boston’s history.

There’s more to the Bahamas than the beach.

Submitted by Kyle from Via Travelers.

Nassau makes for a great vacation for families with teenagers. First, Atlantis resort features a number of awesome things to do to keep both parents and teenagers busy. The resort features fine dining, shopping, boating, and a casino for the parents. Then, the epic water park is sure to keep the kids entertained with water slides, a lazy river, and even slides that go through shark tanks!

Outside of Atlantis, there are plenty of water sport activities that can be done as an entire family, like snorkeling, sailing, and cruising to the many islands.

Finally, the city of Nassau is filled with Bahamanian culture and food, so there will be no shortage of things to keep you busy.

Take them on a road trip.

The 3 ½ hour drive from Miami to Key West is one of the most famous family road trips in the United States. And it includes a bridge that is seven miles long.  

Take your time to visit a few famous spots on your way down to the Southern Most City in the United States. It is obvious from the get-go that the vibe changes from a big city’s hustle and noise to the swaying palm trees and low key, casual vibe of the Florida keys.  

A perfect first stop in the upper keys is for nature lovers, John Pennekamp State Park, where you can kayak throughout the mangroves, hop on a glass-bottom boat tour, snorkel, or scuba dive. A little further down, and you have the fishing capital of the world, Isla Morada. Charter a fishing boat from Robbie’s, learn to fish, and eat your catch for dinner.

Stop at the Aquarium in Marathon Key for an up-close and personal experience with stingrays, sharks, tarpon, starfish, and a gigantic grouper. Time for the Seven Mile Bridge and a super cool visit to the remnants of a railway built over 100 years ago.

Key West, Florida, is eclectic, charming, artsy, casual, and laid back. The food is delicious—fresh seafood, tropical fruits, Key Lime Pie, and umbrella drinks. And the sunset at Mallory Square is a perfect ten.

Relaxation in Punta Cana.

Shared from Chris from Punta Cana Travel Blog.

I love adventures! As soon as there is a waterfall, a crazy outdoor experience, or a unique nature highlight, I am always IN. But sometimes you just need a place to relax, to unwind, and to enjoy the beach, pool, sun, and delicious food. That’s exactly what you get in Punta Cana when booking an all-inclusive resort for your family. 

While teenagers can enjoy the large pool areas, water slides, and the youth club, the adults get spoiled with delicious cocktails, top-notch service, and casual dining – all included in your room rate, which is great for the travel budget. If you pick a family-friendly resort, your kids will love the huge waterparks with up to 10 water slides and other children-themed activities.

Once you have relaxed enough (if this will ever happen), you can still go on an adventure. Punta Cana offers many exciting excursions and day-trips, such as a catamaran cruise to Isla Saona, a trip to the beautiful Los Haitises National Park to see local wildlife, or a hiking tour to the highest waterfall in the Dominican Republic – everything is possible.

Chasing Waterfalls in Maui, Hawaii.

Shared by Jordan at The Homebody Tourist.

With MILES of beaches, epic hikes, and perfect weather, Maui may be the perfect destination for your stubborn teenager.

Start out your vacation by heading to a local beach shop to rent a couple of boogie boards for the week and spend your first day at the beach. You can look in any direction and find a beach to relax on.

After your relaxing day, get ready for the drive of a lifetime. Wake up early and head out on The Road to Hana; a 55 mile stretch through Maui’s lush rainforest. You will encounter over 600 hairpins turns, 59 bridges, and countless beautiful waterfalls along the Road to Hana. It would be impossible for your teen to be bored with the amazing scenery, waterfalls to jump in, and roadside food stands.

At the end of the Road to Hana, you will be met with the most amazing hike. Pipiwai Trail is a 4-mile hike through a bamboo forest and to a massive waterfall.

Suppose you are still looking for more adventure. In that case, I recommend visiting IAO Valley State Park, driving to the summit of Haleakala National Park to watch the sunset, and snorkeling at Molokini Crater.

You and your teenager will be able to make memories that will never be forgotten.

Experience London, The Most Famous City in the World.

London, a city filled with history, royalty, and adventure, is a top destination for families.  And at the top of the list of the best vacation for teenagers. 

Where do I begin? London is super easy to navigate with the buses and the tube. There are many free things for families to enjoy. The food is delightful. And the people of the city are kind and helpful to tourists.

Here are the top things to add to your bucket list itinerary for your London experience.

• Witness changing of the guards.
• Tour Westminster Abbey.
• Walk the green spaces of St. James Park and Hyde Park.
• If you like spooky, go on a walking ghost tour or visit the London Dungeon.
• Stroll across Towed Bridge.
• Visit these historical landmarks: St. Paul’s Cathedral, Kensington Palace, and the Tower of London.
• Purchase lunch or souvenirs at a local market.
• Walkabout trendy neighborhoods like Nottingham, Shoreditch, Soho, and Greenwich.
• Grab lunch at a pub.
• Take a picture in a red phone booth.
• Don’t miss Afternoon Tea.
• Catch a view from above at The Shard, said to be the best view in all of London.
• And finish each day with hot whiskey or mulled wine.

Surfing in Wales.

Joe Francis from The Surf Atlas.

The Gower was the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and it continues to draw huge crowds with its pristine beaches and rugged shorelines. Families come during the summer months to pitch up at the Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park – unzip the canvass, and you’ll be staring and one gorgeous dash of golden sand with gorse-covered cliffs from there.

When it’s time to get active, the jaw-dropping beach of Llangennith has what’s arguably the best surfing in Wales. Look for affordable rentals at Guts Surfboards in the village of Bishopston.

Alternatively, you could go running dunes in Oxwich Bay, where a huge nature reserve hosts soaring sand mountains where the little ones can go free.

Throw in strawberry picking at Beynon’s farm and the legendary ice-cream parlor in close-by Mumbles town, and you’ve got a doozy of a family destination.

Puerto Rico Has It All.

Picture this.

A palm tree-lined white sandy beach, kids competing in a heated game of paddleball, the waves splashing, the salty air on your sunscreen covered face, and a sweet umbrella drink made with the local DonQ rum.

And that is just the beginning.  

You can do all the water sports in Puerto Rico, including scuba, snorkel, stand up paddleboarding, and parasailing. Then go hiking in the rainforest, kayaking the bioluminescent bay, tubing through the caves, horseback riding the sugar cane farms, and zip lining the longest zipline in the world.  

Add a hefty dose of American History at El Morro in Old San Juan, then taste the unique culture on your plate. Everything you need for the best vacation for your teenagers.

Stunning Queenstown.

Written by Jennifer Parkes from Backyard Travel Family: Active Family Travel Specialists in New Zealand.

There are so many things to do in Queenstown with kids and teens, as this is New Zealand’s adventure capital. So if your teenagers are up for a bit of adrenalin, then you can all have an absolute ball together.

On the tamer side, try Jet Boating down the Shotover River, the Hydro Attack shark boat, and Ziplining on the Ecotrek track through the forest.

Or if your teens are real adrenalin junkies, then you absolutely cannot miss skydiving over Queenstown or the famous Ben Nevis Bungy jump. It is the highest bungee jump in New Zealand, with a 134m drop and 8.5-second freefall. 

If you are keen to get in on the action, then take your kid on the Nevis Swing and swing 300m over a canyon together. There is nothing better than facing your fears together, and the endorphin high will last you all day! 

A foodie tour of New Orleans, Louisiana.

There are many cities around the United States and the world with unique cuisines. Since teenagers are beginning to appreciate the experience of trying different foods, try to incorporate cultural cuisine into your travels.  

New Orleans is our favorite city in the United States for a foodie tour. The best advice ever is to plan your day around where you will be eating your meals. NOLA cuisine is a mouth-watering infusion of French, Spanish, Native American, and African influences. Add the local seafood, coffee, and desserts, and it’s on.  

Add these delights to your list.

Start your day with a beignet and dark roasted coffee and chicory at Cafe du Monde, established in 1862 in the French Market. After a morning of ghost hunting in a cemetery, stop by The Central Grocer for their famous Muffuletta, a rich and filling sandwich made with ham, salami, mortadella, and swiss cheese (sometimes provolone) and topped with an olive dressing.  

After lunch, hop on a steamboat and tour the Mississippi River for a couple of hours, where the kids will learn local history, and the views are cool, too. Then straight into the Audubon Aquarium for some hands-on wildlife experiences. Our favorite was Parakeet Bay. There is also an Audubon Zoo that has a safari ride and a swamp train (the littles love the Swamp Train).

Snack on pralines (if no nut allergies) to stave off the afternoon hunger. For dinner, order an appetizer of crawfish. You will have to look at a youtube video to learn the correct way to eat a crawfish. And for dinner, red beans and rice, Jambalaya, Gumbo, or an Oyster Po’ Boy.

And the finale is a close competition between bread pudding and Bananas Foster, or alternate between the two.

Dreamy Dubai.

Shared from David from The Visa Project.

Dubai is a destination that has something for every teenager. For starters, any teenager will love the desert safaris that comes with the opportunities of riding a camel, sand-boarding, belly dancing, and a lot more.

If they are into water sports, they will have a blast in the Atlantis’ Aquaventure Waterpark, a huge water park along with a private beach. At night, they can hang out at the Marina, a lively area full of shops, restaurants, and the starting point for lots of Dhow boat rides. 

And we all know how crazy big Dubai’s malls are. I would totally recommend the Dubai mall (which has its own aquarium) and Emirates mall where you can ski. And how about going speed boat sight-seeing to explore Dubai’s gorgeous water after leaving Dubai mall? 

And here is how to get a Dubai visa, in case you need one. 

The Country’s Oldest City, St. Augustine.

Get some Florida history on and visit the nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine. Sip from the Fountain of Youth, tour the oldest wooden schoolhouse built in the 1700s, climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, and tour Castillo de San Marcos. Shock them at the strange yet enchanting and beautiful Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum. Stroll St. George Street, full of shops, restaurants, and find the perfect bench for people watching.

Ok, enough history. It is necessary, but time for some teenage fun.  

How about ziplining over the alligators at the Alligator Farm? I bet you’ll get their attention with that type of daring activity. Or a ghost tour? A voyage on a Pirate ship? Or deep sea fishing for shark, cobia, red snapper, and king mackerel.  And of course, there is always a day at the beach.

Kayak the Mangroves in the Turks and Caicos.

The Turks and Caicos are a group of islands located in the Caribbean, southeast of the Bahamas and Northeast of Cuba. With year-round beach weather and the Caribbean Sea’s warmth, Turks and Caicos is a tropical paradise that teenagers (and their parents) love.

Teach the kids a new skill like sailing a Hobie Cat, stand up paddleboarding, or scuba diving. Hop on a snorkeling tour or a glass-bottom kayak through the mangroves. Or if they are extra adventurous, sign them up for parasailing. I couldn’t talk my kids into this, too much for them (thank goodness).   

And the Caribbean food, always unforgettable. It’s conch everything—conch fritters, conch bisque, conch ceviche, curry conch, coconut conch, cracked conch. I sound like Forrest Gump, now.

Teenagers can be a lot of fun, and remember, we only have them a few more summers, so let’s make the best of it.

With all of these exciting destinations, it should be easy to plan a vacation with your teen that they will enjoy. Let us know where you’ve been and what your teenager loved about the destination in the comments. In addition, we would love to hear from other parents about how they made their vacations memorable for their teens.