Best Vacation Destinations for Families with Teens: Exciting Getaways for All
Traveling with teenagers can be quite tricky. Let’s talk about finding the best vacation destinations for families with teens. Picking a destination to please teens can be difficult so today I am going to share my best vacation destination recommendations for families with teenagers.
These destinations offer the perfect amount of adventure, relaxation, and excitement for the whole family to enjoy! Whether your family loves the great outdoors, thrilling theme parks, or bustling cities, there is a destination on this list that will suit your interests and create lifelong memories. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the best destinations for families with teens!
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Best Vacations for Families with Teenagers
Finding the perfect destination for a family vacation with teenagers requires striking a balance between adventure, relaxation, and engaging activities. Each of these locations offers a unique blend of experiences that can create lasting memories and keep your teenagers happily engaged:
Oahu, Hawaii
For a tropical beach vacation, head over to Hawaii. Oahu is a family-friendly island with stunning beaches for relaxation and lots of great activities for teenagers. Visit Kualoa Ranch, famous for being the setting of the Jurassic Park series, where you can tour the site, ride ATVs, and go ziplining. For avid snorkelers, head to Hanauma Bay, not far from Waikiki. This site offers you the chance to swim with tropical fish and maybe even see a turtle in their natural habitat. Come night time, head to Waikiki and enjoy great shopping, dining, and culture for the whole family.
Tip: Turtle Bay Resort is a popular choice for families due to the wide variety of amenities offered. This resort is known as an adventurer’s playground.
New York City, New York
Visiting New York is an experience any teenager will enjoy. Each season of the year will offer a different experience, and the holiday season is an amazing time to experience the city. Enjoy visiting iconic sites such as Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and Central Park. Teens will also enjoy seeing a Broadway show. (I highly recommend Wicked or Hamilton!) Enjoy viewing the city from high above at the Empire State Building or Rockefeller Center, and pay your respects at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.
Orlando, Florida
No family vacation suggestion list is complete without Orlando, Florida on it. The theme park capital of the world is the perfect vacation spot for families with teenagers. With the choice of so many attractions, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, there really is something for everyone. Teens will love the thrill rides at Universal Studios, and their water park Volcano Bay is a great day out for the whole family. Consider staying at Cabana Bay, located at Universal Studios Orlando, where you will be able to access Volcano Bay from your own private entrance and benefit from early theme park access.
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles offers something for teenagers with a variety of interests and is the perfect family destination. Teens will love the movie studio tours including the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Paramount Studios, and Universal Studios. Take a stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame and spot the star of your favorite celebrity. If you are looking for a more relaxing day out, head to Santa Monica or Venice Beach and enjoy the sun and sand.
Washington, D.C.
If your family enjoys learning and exploring on vacation, Washington, D.C. may be the perfect spot for you. With some of the most famous landmarks in the U.S. and a whole host of fascinating museums, your teens will be kept entertained here every day of your trip. No trip to Washington, D.C. is complete without visiting the White House and Lincoln Memorial, and teens will be fascinated by the National Air and Space Museum. If your family enjoys a bit of retail therapy, head to Georgetown for a great selection of shops.
More Family Vacation Ideas for Teenagers
Here are some additional vacation destinations that offer a variety of activities and attractions for families with teens:
Yellowstone National Park: A great destination for the whole family, offering stunning natural beauty, hot springs, and plenty of outdoor activities like hiking, wildlife watching, and exploring geysers.
San Diego, California: A wonderful place with beautiful beaches, Balboa Park, and family-friendly attractions like the San Diego Zoo. Ideal for families looking for a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences.
Grand Canyon, Arizona: Perfect for the whole family, this natural wonder offers breathtaking views, hiking, and opportunities for white-water rafting on the Colorado River.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: A great place for the whole family to enjoy water sports, amusement parks, and beautiful beaches. Ideal for a fun-filled family trip.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation, this park offers hiking, horseback riding, and opportunities for the whole family to explore the great outdoors.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada: A perfect place for skiing in the winter and water sports in the summer. The whole family can enjoy day trips, outdoor activities, and the stunning scenery.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming: Ideal for outdoor adventures such as rock climbing, mountain biking, and horseback riding. A great destination for the whole family seeking an active vacation.
Puerto Rico: Offers a blend of beautiful beaches, historical sites, and vibrant culture. The whole family can enjoy water sports, exploring the national parks, and experiencing local cuisine.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts: A family-friendly destination with plenty of fun things to do, including whale watching, visiting kid-friendly museums, and enjoying the natural beauty of the coastline.
Costa Rica: Known for its inclusive resorts and eco-tourism, Costa Rica is a great place for family adventures, including zip-lining, exploring rainforests, and relaxing on beautiful beaches.
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin: Famous for its water parks and family-friendly resorts, this destination offers plenty of fun things for kids of all ages, making it one of the best family vacation spots.
Dominican Republic: An ideal place for an inclusive resort experience with plenty of water sports, beautiful beaches, and activities for the whole family to enjoy.
St. Louis, Missouri: Home to top attractions like the Gateway Arch, fun day trips, and historical sites, St. Louis offers a mix of cultural and recreational activities for the whole family.
These destinations provide a mix of adventure, relaxation, and new experiences, ensuring lifelong memories for the entire family.
How to Pick Fun Trips for Teens
Choosing the perfect trip for teenagers can be daunting, but with some careful planning, you can choose a vacation that everyone enjoys. Here are some tips to help you pick fun and engaging trips for your teens:
Consider Their Interests and Hobbies
Are they adventure seekers who love the thrill of roller coasters and water parks, or do they prefer exploring historical sites and cultural landmarks?
Engage Them in the Planning Process
Let them have a say in selecting activities and destinations. This can increase their excitement and investment in the trip.
Balance High-Energy Activities with Downtime
Avoid burnout by mixing exciting activities with relaxation. Teens appreciate a blend of adventure and leisure.
Look for Variety in Destinations
Choose places that offer a range of experiences, such as cities with vibrant nightlife and serene parks, or resorts with both adventure sports and spa treatments.
Have Backup Plans
Prepare for unexpected changes in weather or interest levels by having alternative activities ready.
By following these tips, you can craft a fun and memorable trip that caters to your teenagers’ tastes and keeps the whole family happy.
