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21 Vacations With Teens And Tweens In The United States That Are Sure To Impress

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Have you ever worried about finding a travel destination that will actually impress your tweens or teens? There are so many wonderful places to visit in the United States, and it can be tough to narrow down the options when traveling, especially with tweens or teens in tow. Have no fear! You’ve finally found a guide for US vacation destinations that will impress even the pickiest or the coolest of teens. With the help of our family travel community ( 56K+ strong on Facebook ), we’ve curated this list just for you. From stunning national parks oozing with adventure to vibrant cities filled with culture, there’s something for everyone on this list. So start planning your next family vacation – your tweens and teens will thank you for it (just maybe not out loud!). Keep reading to discover 21 Vacations With Teens and Tweens In The United States That Are Sure To Impress .

Best Vacations for Teens and Tweens on the East Coast

If you’re looking for ideas for East Coast vacations with teens and tweens, you have no shortage of options. Families will love traveling to these East Coast cities, from trendy New York City to historical Washington DC. Keep reading to discover some of the best vacations with teens and tweens on the East Coast!

Discover 11 Unique NYC Restaurants and Dessert Spots that teens will love!

New York, New York

There is no shortage of things to do in New York City with tweens and teens. No matter what your teens are into, they’re sure to find something to their liking here. From art, culture, and museums to shopping and age-appropriate nightlife, NYC has it all!

If your teen is into fashion, they’ll be in heaven shopping on Fifth Avenue . Here, they can discover new trends at stores like Louis Vuitton, Zara, and Sephora. Then, for art lovers, a visit to The Metropolitan Museum of Art and MoMA is a must. If you have history buffs in tow, Museum Mile is sure to please. Spend your days exploring museums like El Museo del Barrio . And if your teen is looking for a little bit of everything, a tour of Central Park is the perfect way to see some of the city’s most famous landmarks. Finally, don’t miss out on destinations like Times Square , the Empire State Building , and the Statue of Liberty . These iconic, Instagram-able destinations are sure to excite your teen travelers. Indeed, no matter what your teen or tween is interested in, they’ll have a blast in New York City!

Looking for more NYC inspiration? Read this Exciting 7-Day NYC Itinerary With Kids of All Ages .

Where to Stay in New York City with Teens and Tweens

Families looking for somewhere to stay in New York with teens and tweens have their fair share of options! In Lower Manhattan, we recommend the Millennium Downtown New York Hotel in the Financial District or the trendy Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca. In Midtown Manhattan, try the Loews Regency New York or Omni Berkshire Place . Or, for a true luxury experience, visit the nearby St. Regis New York . Remember to check out other NYC hotels with pools and spacious suites . NYC also has many affordable Airbnb and Vrbo options in and around the outer boroughs. With so many options for accommodations, NYC is undoubtedly one of the top destinations for teens and tweens in the US!

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is a great place to travel with your teens and tweens. From art to culture, there is so much to see and do in this historic Massachusetts city. Indeed, Boston is a haven for everyone, from foodies to sports fans. Here are the teen hot spots in Boston!

To start, museum-loving teens and tweens will love exploring the Freedom Trail . This 2.5-mile trail takes you to 16 different historical sites, including Boston Common and the USS Constitution Museum . Then, be sure to add visiting the Museum of Fine Arts and Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum to your itinerary too. Alternatively, get a fright aboard the Boston Ghosts & Gravestones Night-Time Trolley Tour . Sporty teens can catch a baseball game at Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. Or, see the New England Patriots play at Gillette Stadium . Families with a foodie in tow can meander through “ Little Italy ,” where authentic Italian bakeries line the streets. Plus, Boston is filled with a scrumptious array of fresh seafood (including lobster!). Finally, there are plenty of trendy places to shop for your family’s fashionistas, from high-end Newbury Street stores to unique finds in the South End .

Don’t miss adding these 25 Amazing Things to Do in Boston with Kids to your itinerary!

Where to Stay in Boston with Teens and Tweens

As one of the best vacations for teens and tweens in the United States, Boston has plenty of family-friendly hotels! For the most convenient locations, stay at the Fairmont Copley Plaza , Kimpton Nine Zero Hotel , or the Boston Marriott Long Wharf. All boast kid-friendly amenities such as pools and are located near the city’s best attractions. For more suggestions on where to stay at one of the top vacation ideas with teens, consult our list of the best hotels in Boston for families !

Washington DC

Tweens and teens love Washington, DC ! Here, teens can witness history come to life before their very eyes. Certainly, tweens and teens will love exploring all the different monuments, landmarks, and museums in DC – especially on wheels! No wonder this is one of the best vacations for teens and tweens in the United States.

It is well-known that Washington, DC is a great place to learn about history. Tweens and teens will appreciate seeing information from their textbooks become more real with context, experience, and connection. Firstly, check out some of the Smithsonian museums to learn about different topics like science, art, and culture. Whatever your teen is interested in, the Smithsonian has you covered with its many museums and galleries. Afterward, families can also tour the White House or the Capitol Building to see where the President of the United States and other politicians work and make history in real-time. Families can book a bike or segway tour to explore Washington DC on wheels to add a little whimsy to their learning. Finally, don’t miss wandering around Georgetown. Here, teens can shop til they drop and munch on trendy eats .

Looking for more teenager vacation ideas in DC? Use this Exciting Washington, DC, Field Trip Itinerary For Families With Tweens and Teens .

Where to Stay in DC with Teens and Tween s

Washington, DC, is home to an array of family-friendly hotels that are perfect for trips with teens and tweens! For an indoor pool, consider The Watergate Hotel . Meanwhile, The Ritz-Carlton Washington DC includes fun activities like a scavenger hunt around the city. Families can also stay near famous attractions like The White House or the US Capitol Building by booking a stay at the Hyatt Place Washington DC. Or, venture to DuPont Circle and stay at The Darcy . For more hotel suggestions, check out our list of family-friendly hotels in DC. Or, if you want a home and apartment rental, check out our Airbnb, Vrbo , and our recommendations for the best neighborhoods to stay in while visiting DC.

REALTED: Best Museums In NYC By Age For Families

Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor offers one of the most adventurous destinations for teens and tweens. This low-key but charming town is located on the coast of Maine and is home to Acadia National Park . Here, families will discover plenty of things to do, including hiking, biking, kayaking, and more.

Start your adventure in Acadia National Park. Teens can embark on exciting hikes like Beehive Loop and Cadillac Summit Loop . Exploring tide pools, kayaking, and wildlife tours are also available. Coastal Kayaking Tours is one option to get teens on the water and having fun! Then, Bar Harbor is also a great place for teens and tweens to learn about history. In fact, the town was once one of the busiest ports in the US and was a major shipbuilding center during the Civil War. Several museums in Bar Harbor tell the story of the town’s past, including La Rochelle Mansion and Museum . Finally, if your teen or tween is looking for a place to relax, Bar Harbor is the perfect spot. There are several beaches where they can sunbathe or swim. When they get hungry, plenty of restaurants also serve fresh seafood.

Don’t miss these Amazing Things to Do in Bar Harbor with Kids !

Best Vacations for Teens and Tweens in the South

While the South may not be the first trendy vacation idea with teens that comes to mind, don’t overlook it! From New Orleans to Sedona, there are a few places in the South that are sure to WOW your tweens and teens! Here are the top three Southern vacations for teens and tweens in the United States.

Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are two great Tennesse cities for trips for teens and tweens. Located in the Great Smoky Mountains , they both offer plenty of activities to keep teens from uttering the dreadful “I’m bored” line.

Start your Tennesse adventure in the Great Smokey Mountains . Outdoorsy teens will love hiking to view Grotto Falls and Laurel Falls . White water rafting is another popular itinerary item near Gatlinburg with teens. Then, teens who aren’t afraid of heights can get a bird’s-eye view at Anakeesta Theme Park . Have a country music fan in your family? You can’t miss a trip to Dollywood , where families can enjoy amusement park rides and unique musical acts. Alternatively, Mysterious Mansion offers teens a thrilling scare as Gatlinburg’s year-round haunted house. Another excellent opportunity for teens and tweens in this area is exploring the Titanic Museum to learn about the ill-fated ship and its passengers. Finally, parents will also love that these cities offer very affordable destinations! In fact, you can usually find several deals on hotels and attractions if you plan your trip in advance.

Looking for more teenager vacation ideas to fill your days in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg? Check out this Exciting Family Itinerary For Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge .

New Orleans, Louisiana

Teens can often be fickle travel companions, preferring screens to scenes. However, New Orleans is sure to get them off their phones and enjoy a family vacation with you. Whether your tweens or teens are into foodie culture, haunted sights, or natural wonders, New Orleans has what you need for your next adventure together.

Start your family trip to New Orleans in the French Quarter , where foodie teens can munch on Cajun and Creole foods. Don’t miss the beignets at the iconic Cafe du Monde . After hours, meander the city at night on a haunted tour . Get your teen’s adrenaline pumping with spooky tales of vampires, pirates, and ghosts. Then, music lovers will adore hearing a show at Preservation Hall , which has been playing traditional New Orleans jazz since the 1960s. Looking for a change of pace? Airboat tours offer a thrilling day out for families. Alternatively, wildlife enthusiasts can embark on a bayou tour to see gators, birds, and more with Happiness Bayou Tours or Cajun Encounters .

Finally, there’s nothing New Orleans loves more than a great festival or party. Check their events calendar to see what unique upcoming events will pique your teen’s interest. Indeed, New Orleans ranks among the top vacation ideas with teens!

Add these 19 Exciting Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids to your itinerary!

Where to Stay in New Orleans with Teens and Tweens

Planning a trip to New Orleans with teens and tweens? Families love Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, for its central location in the French Quarter and luxury hotel amenities. Then, Loews New Orleans Hotel is another option near the French Quarter. Or, stay within walking distance of Jackson Square in a historic building at Grenoble House .

If you’re looking for pool vacation ideas with teens in New Orleans, try Omni Royal Orleans . We also love Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans , Bourbon Orleans Hotel , and The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel . For more information, please read our article about family-friendly hotels in New Orleans. Families seeking additional room to spread out (with kitchen or outdoor space possibilities) can try Vrbo and Airbnb too.

Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is a great place for trips for teens and tweens. The area is filled with natural beauty, including its iconic red rocks and canyon views. Plus, there are plenty of activities to keep your teens and tweens entertained, from hiking and biking to exploring the local shops and restaurants.

Science-minded teens will have a blast in Sedona. Not only can they learn about the area’s unrivaled geology, but they can immerse themselves in pristine, natural beauty. Explore the area by hiking trails like Bell Rock Pathway , a 7-mile round-trip hike with up-close views of Sedona’s iconic rock formations. Don’t miss Palatiki National Heritage Site , the largest (and perhaps most famous) cliff dwelling in the area. Or, see Sedona with speed on a Pink Jeep tour. One of the most popular tours is the Scenic Rim Tour , a 2.5-hour adventure that teens will adore. Teens interested in astronomy will appreciate taking an out-of-this-world tour with Evening Sky Tours , a Sedona Stargazing Tour , or visiting Lowell Observatory . Plus, if you’re looking to broaden your adventures, you can take a day trip to the Grand Canyon. Finally, if your teens are into spiritual healing, Sedona is known for its many energy vortexes.

Use this Exciting 5-Day Sedona Itinerary For Families to plan your Sedona adventures!

Where to Stay in Sedona with Tweens and Teens

For somewhere to stay in Sedona with teens, check out the Enchantment Resort , a luxury hotel located in the heart of Boynton Canyon. In addition to an outside pool, a kids’ camp, and organized weekly activities for families, it provides an incredible view of Sedona’s stunning red rocks. Tucked in the red rock canyons, L’Auberge de Sedona offers a choice of rooms at its lodge or even more spacious cottages. We also recommend Adobe Grand Villas , Amara Resort and Spa , and Junipine Resort , among other hotels in Sedona, for fun vacations with teens.

The Florida Keys

For parents who really want to impress hard-to-please tweens and teens, a trip to the Florida Keys is an incredible option! From turquoise waters to friendly locals, there is a lot to love about this Floridian paradise. Here, active teens can swim, snorkel, go parasailing, and more!

The Florida Keys are a chain of islands off the southern coast of Florida. Key West is the most popular destination, but there are also many other smaller islands to explore. Teens interested in history can tour several historic lighthouse sites across the east coast of the Keys, including the Key West Lighthouse & Keepers Quarters . The Key West Shipwreck Museum is another great option for learning about local history. Then, adventurous tweens and teens can explore the area by water aboard kayaks , sailboats , jet skis , and more.

Don’t miss the chance to get in the water! Whether your teens love to wade in the ocean along pristine beaches , or snorkel with the fish amongst serene scenes of beautiful coral, you have many options here. Want to hear a few fishy ghost tales about pirates and treasure? Embark on a ghost tour with Ghosts & Gravestones Tour Key West . No wonder this is one of the best vacations for teens and tweens in the United States!

Where to Stay in the Florida Keys with Teens and Tweens

Enjoy fun in the sun during your stay in the Florida Keys! For family-friendly accommodations in Key West, consider Key West Marriott Beachside . With everything from simple guest rooms to three-room residences, it offers a bunch of activities like water sports. In Key West, families also love Parrot Key Hotel and Villas , the Casa Marina Key West, A Waldorf Astoria Resort , and ​​the Hyatt Centric Resort and Spa . On Key Largo, families can stay at Baker’s Cay Resort, Key Largo ,  or at Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key. As one of the top destinations for teens and tweens in the US, there are many more options to consider. You can find them on this list of the best hotels in Key West and the Florida Keys .

Best Vacations for Teens and Tweens in the Mountain States

The mountains are calling, and you must pack your bags for more of the best vacations for teens and tweens in the United States! There is nothing outdoorsy teens love more than mountain views. Take your adventurous teens on a vacation to remember to one of these mountain state destinations.

Sun Valley, Idaho

Perhaps one of the most underrated destinations for teens on this list, Sun Valley , Idaho, is also one of the best outdoor destinations for tweens or teens. In fact, there are plenty of activities to keep them busy, including hiking, biking, and skiing in the winter. Sun Valley also has a great selection of shops and restaurants. Best of all? It’s located in an absolutely stunning setting that will please everyone in your family.

Start your summer trip with a bit of hiking. Teens will love the four-mile loop trail at Taylor Canyon , which is filled with wildflowers and mountain views. Okay with a bit of climbing while you hike? The Bald Mountain Trail is a great option! Afterward, snag a free ride down the mountain by gondola. Bikers can traverse the paved Wood River Trail , where you can bike four miles to the Sawtooth Botanical Garden . Families who love to ice skate will appreciate the outdoor skating rink (it’s open year-round!). Indeed, teens will adore moving across the ice under the warm summer sun. Alternatively, families can enjoy the Dollar Mountain ski area in the winter. Here families will find gentle slopes, as well as challenging terrain parks. More adventurous skiers can head to Bald Mountain . Other winter activities like ice skating, sledding, sleigh rides, and more. 

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Mountain views and thrilling activities make Colorado Springs one of the top destinations for teens and tweens. This Colorado town is well known for its proximity to Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods, as well as its wide array of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and more.

First, explore the many trails or outdoor ​​rock climbing opportunities of Garden of the Gods. Would you prefer to explore on wheels? Adventures Out West offers an exciting segway tour within the park. On the 2-hour tour, guides will take families to several stops to soak in views of the ancient rock formations, as well as share information about area flora and fauna. Jeep tours and ATV tours are also available in the area. Want to explore Colorado Springs by air? Take a Royal Gorge Zip Line Tour . Alternatively, explore by water aboard a white water rafting experience.

Then, just an hour away from the city, Pikes Peak is a must for teens and tweens. When you require an indoor activity, there are also several museums in the city, such as the National Museum of World War II Aviation and the Money Museum. No wonder Colorado Springs is one of the best trips for teens!

Want to see more of Colorado with teens and tweens? Take a Colorado road trip with teens using this One-Week Colorado Itinerary For Families: Excellent for This Summer!

Where to Stay in Colorado Springs with Tweens and Teens

Colorado Springs is brimming with family-friendly hotels! To stay on the beautiful shores of Cheyenne Lake, book the iconic Broadmoor , which has summer activities for all ages. For a cozier feel, try the Cheyenne Mountain Colorado Springs, A Dolce Resort , located on a private lake. The Gardens of the Gods Resort and Club offers guests a chance to stay inside a private country club near the best sights in town. Of course, tweens will love the indoor water park at the Great Wolf Lodge Colorado Springs ! For more suggestions on where to stay, read our list of hotels in Colorado Springs that families will Love .

Looking for more adventure-filled vacations with teens and tweens in the United States? Moab is sure to please even your most persnickety of travelers! This small town is located in the heart of Utah’s red rock country and is a haven for outdoor activities.

While you’re here, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore, as well as canyoneering and rock climbing. And if you’re really feeling adventurous, you can even go river rafting on the Colorado River . Moab is also home to Arches National Park , where you can see some of the world’s most impressive natural rock formations. There are over 2,000 natural sandstone arches in the park, as well as hiking trails and scenic viewpoints. Moab is also perfect for taking an off-roading adventure , which you can do in Canyonlands or Arches National Parks and other locations. Have an aspiring paleontologist in your family, don’t miss the Paleosafari Moab Giants or Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trails (where you can see fossilized tracks!). Finally, there are plenty of places to stay in Moab with tweens and teens, everything from hotels to RV parks and camping sites. 

Don’t miss these Adventurous Things to Do in Moab That Kids Will Love !

Where to Stay in Moab with Teens and Tween

If you need somewhere to stay in Moab with teens and tweens, you’re in the right place. For a typical hotel experience, try the Hyatt Place Moab , which has an outdoor pool and hot tub. Parents who want to stay close to Arches National Park will appreciate the convenience of the Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection By Hilton . For a more rugged experience in the wilderness, check out Base Camp Adventure Lodge , Under Canvas Glamping Tents Moab , and the Red Cliffs Lodge. Regardless of which spot you choose, you’re sure to have a fun vacation with teens!

Telluride, Colorado

There are plenty of reasons to visit Telluride , Colorado, with your teen or tween. The charming town is nestled in a beautiful mountain valley and is surrounded by picturesque scenery. Not to mention, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in the area, too, including hiking, biking, and skiing in the winter. 

The Telluride & Mountain Village Gondola is a gorgeous way to start your time here. This bird’s eye view of the area is sure to impress. Then, embark on a 5-mile hike in Bear Creek Preserve to see the 70-foot cascading waterfall, Bear Creek Falls . And, if your teen or tween is into adventure activities, they can even go zip-lining or try their hand at river rafting . Alternatively, winter visitors can hit the slopes at Telluride Ski Resort . Telluride is also home to several great museums and historical sites too. In fact, the Telluride Historical Museum is housed in a beautiful Victorian building and tells the story of the town’s mining past.

Have a foodie teen? Be sure to check out Brown Dog Pizza for some of the best local pizzas. Then, Baked in Telluride is great for a latte and a pastry to start the day. With so much to offer, this is undoubtedly one of the best vacations with teens and tweens in the United States.

Interested in fun vacations for teens with skiing? Here are the Best Ski-In/Ski-Out Resorts In Colorado For Families .

Lake Tahoe, Nevada/California

Lake Tahoe is an incredible destination for teens and tweens. Situated in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe is known for its beautiful scenery, as well as for offering fun vacations for teens. Whether you’re on the Nevada side or the California side, there are plenty of recreational activities to keep your teen or tween busy, including hiking, biking, swimming, and boating.

Few places in the United States can rival the beauty of Lake Tahoe. It’s no wonder it’s a popular destination for families! The lake itself is stunning, with crystal-clear water and towering mountains. Challenge teens to plan a fun day at the lake for the whole family. They can select from activities like lakeside picnics, beachside games, swimming, or kayaking and paddle boarding. You can even take a clear-bottom kayak tour ! Then, sneak in an exciting day at Tah o e Treetop Adventure Parks , offering a series of courses and zip lines to traverse. Plus, don’t miss the chance to go rafting down the Truckee River ! The gentle 5-mile float offers stunning views and tons of fun in the sun. Consider booking with either Truckee River Raft Co. or Truckee River Rafting . Finally, those wanting to explore the area by horseback have several options, including Piping Rock Equestrian Center .

Traveling in the summer? Check out these ​​ Summer Activities in North Lake Tahoe That Kids Will Love .

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Looking for a place that offers several diverse, adventurous teenager vacation ideas? Look no further than Jackson Hole , Wyoming. Not only is it close to two national parks, but outdoorsy teens and tweens can spend their days hiking, biking, fishing, or kayaking.

First, head to Yellowstone National Park , home to various wildlife, including bears, bison, and elk. And, of course, no trip to Yellowstone National Park would be complete without seeing the geysers and other natural wonders. Next, Grand Tetons National Park provides miles of trails along the Snake River. Then, families can also try a thrilling experience like water-rafting , rock climbing , or horseback riding. If white water rafting is your jam, there are several options on the Snake River. If you’re looking to take in Jackson Hole from the skies, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Snow King Mountain Resort offer ropes course adventures that teens will love. Back in town, don’t miss catching the Jackson Hole Shootout . Looking for a truly unique experience that will impress teens? Head to Astoria Hot Springs , just 20 minutes from Jackson. Finally, don’t miss all the action at Jackson Hole Rodeo !

Planning to spend most of your time at the Grand Tetons National Park? Use our Ultimate Guide to Grand Tetons National Park with Kids .

Best Vacations for Teens and Tweens on the West Coast

If you want to impress your tweens and teens, go west! Along the West Coast, families will discover an array of fun vacations for teens and tweens. Here are two of our favorite West Coast options for vacations with tweens and teens in the United States!

Los Angeles, California

Next on our list of the best destinations for teens and tweens in the United States is Los Angeles . In this palm tree-lined teen utopia, there are plenty of activities to keep them busy and having fun, from sightseeing to shopping.

One of the most popular attractions in Los Angeles is the Hollywood Walk of Fame . Your teen or tween can explore the stars of their favorite movies and TV shows. Plus, they can also take a picture with their favorite star’s handprints! Film buffs will also enjoy checking out Universal Studios Hollywood . Indeed, Harry Potter fans can’t miss a chance to visit The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter ! For more thrills, check out nearby Disneyland or Knott’s Berry Farm .

Fashion icons in your family will find plenty of shopping in LA too. Many stores cater to teens, including Forever 21 and H&M . Then, trendy teens will also adore exploring Chinatown with its beautiful lanterns, historic architecture, and yummy restaurants. Finally, teens can also stroll the Venice Beach Boardwalk or take surf lessons . Other fun beaches near LA include Playa del Ray and Little Corona del Mar . Pleasing almost every travel style, it’s no wonder LA is one of the best vacations for tweens and teens in the United States!

Don’t miss these 10 Exciting Things To Do In Los Angeles With Teens and Preteens This Summer !

San Diego, California

Just a few hours south of LA, San Diego is another great option for vacationing with teens and tweens in the United States. This California city offers beautiful weather year-round, and plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.

When you’re ready to start having fun, there are several famous attractions in San Diego, including SeaWorld , Legoland , and the San Diego Zoo . Plus, teens can leave San Diego sun-kissed and tan after lounging on one of the many nearby beaches, including Mission Beach and Pacific Beach . Active families can also rent bicycles from one of the many shops along Mission Beach and cruise the oceanfront bike path down to Belmont Park . If you really want to impress them in San Diego, embark on a sunset boat cruise around the harbor with Hornblower . Talk about Instagramable ocean views! Then, take nature-loving tweens and teens to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve for a hike along the beautiful jagged hills. In nearby La Jolla, you can even book a kayak tour through sea caves with La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaks . Not to mention, spot sea lions while you meander the beach area. 

Spending a week in the area? Use this Best 7-Day San Diego Itinerary with Kids .

Where to Stay in San Diego with Teens and Tweens

Wondering where to stay in San Diego with teens and tweens? Situated on 400 sprawling acres, the Fairmont Grand Del Mar is centrally located, kid-friendly, and even has four pools. Families who want to stay directly on the beach will love Hotel Del Coronado, Curio Collection By Hilton . It’s housed on a Victorian property and is only five miles from downtown San Diego. For more San Diego hotel suggestions, please read our article on the best waterfront hotels in San Diego for families.

Best Vacations for Teens and Tweens in Alaska and Hawaiʻi

Epic adventures await your family in Alaska or Hawaiʻi. While flights might be a tad longer than those in the Lower 48, teens and tweens can handle the distance in anticipation of these exciting destinations. If you’re still looking for some of the best vacations for tweens and teens in the US, keep reading.

While there are many great destinations for teens or tweens in the United States, Alaska is one of the best places to visit. Alaska is a great place to travel with teens and tweens because it offers so many different activities, including sea and land-based adventures. For example, your family can go hiking, fishing, canoeing, whale spotting, or even dog sledding. Plus, Alaska also has some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country. 

Start your exploration of Alaska at Denali National Park and Preserve . Consider hiking trails like the 3.2-mile McKinley Station Trail , great for birders, or the scenic 4.6-mile McKinley Bar Trail . Want to take a bird’s eye view of the park? Take a flightseeing tour of Denali National Park by floatplane. If eastern Alaska is on your itinerary, teens will be thrilled to try climbing on the ice faces of Root Glacier at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park . Other unique outdoor adventures in Alaska include glacial pools, ice caves, and hiking along the ice fields in Kenai Fjords National Park . Alaska also has several teen-friendly museums, such as the Anchorage Museum and the Iditarod Dog Sled Race Museum . And, of course, no trip to Alaska would be complete without seeing fantastic wildlife, such as whales, bears, and eagles.

Try one of the 23 Exciting Cool-Weather Summer Destinations in the US for Families .

Maui, Hawaiʻi

If you’re looking for a tropical getaway with teens or tweens, look no further than Maui ! The second largest of the Islands of Hawaiʻi, Maui offers plenty of teen-friendly activities like snorkeling, hiking, surfing, biking, and kayaking. Certainly, Maui is also a great place to relax and enjoy beautiful beaches.

Start your trip by soaking up the sun. There are many beaches to choose from in Maui, including Kapalua Bay , Launiupoko Beach Park , and Nāpili Bay . While you relax on the beach, let tweens and teens splash, swim, and snorkel. There are also many scenic hikes that the whole family can enjoy. Consider beautiful trails like Pīpīwai Trail (located above the Oheo Gulch), Twin Falls Hike , or Wai’anapanapa Coastal Trail . For more outdoor adventures, add Haleakalā National Park to your itinerary (it’s a great place to catch a sunset!). To learn more about Maui’s local cultures and history, you can visit the Maui Ocean Center, The Aquarium of Hawaii, or the Royal Lahaina Luau. Regardless of how you fill your days, Maui is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in the United States with tweens or teenagers.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for more active teenager vacation ideas, consider spending a few days in Honolulu , on the island of Oʻahu . For a quieter holiday, consider spending time on the island of Kauaʻi . This is undoubtedly one of the best vacations for tweens and teens in the United States!

Don’t miss experiencing the Road to Hāna, Maui with Kids – Exciting Half-Day Itinerary .

Where to Stay on Maui with Teens and Tweens

Parents love the family-friendly hotels in Maui! In Ka’anapali Beach, there’s the Hyatt Residence Club Maui, Ka’anapali Beac h , and The Westin Maui Resort & Spa . These oceanfront hotels in Maui make it easy to jump into the water and swim with a turtle. Wailea, on South Maui, is home to Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort , the Fairmont Kea Lani Maui , and Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea . Kīhei, between Ka’anapali and Wailea, is where most rental condos are located for those who would rather have space over amenities. Be sure to also check out these awesome hotels in Hawaiʻi!

Best National Park Vacations for Tweens and Teens

Budding naturalists and outdoor enthusiasts won’t find anything to complain about when visiting the best national parks for tweens and teens. Across the US, teen travelers will have a blast embarking on epic outdoor adventures at these national parks. Whether you want hiking, fishing, camping, or rafting, these national parks can please even the pickiest of teens. Indeed, they rank highly amongst the best vacations with teens and tweens in the United States.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Located in Tennessee and North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best national parks for tweens and teens. Part of the Appalachian Mountains, families will have the opportunity to learn about and observe a variety of local plant and animal life here. Plus, the mountains offer a variety of activities that will keep your tweens and teens entertained during the whole vacation! There are hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic drives – to name a few things. Plus, your family can also enjoy horseback riding, fishing, and camping within the park. Inside the park, consider hiking trails like Abram Falls Trail, a popular 5.2-mile trail with a waterfall. Alternatively, Mount LeConte (via the Alum Cave Trail) is a beautiful 11-mile hike (arguably one of the most exciting trails in the park!).

After long days exploring the park, nearby attractions include Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum and the Gatlinburg Space Needle (which offers a 360-degree view of the mountains). Finally, families can also explore one of the best vacations with teens and tweens in the United States by ATV with Bluff Mountain Adventures .

Here are the 10 Best National Parks in the United States for Families .

The Big National Parks 5 in Utah

Looking for a truly epic adventure for your active tweens or teens? Take a family vacation to the Big 5 National Parks in Utah ! Teens and tweens are at a stage where they want to explore and have new experiences. What better place to do that than in some of America’s best national parks? The Big 5 encompasses Bryce Canyon, Zion, Arches, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands National Parks. All are known for their natural beauty and incredible outdoor adventures like hiking, rafting, camping, and more. Whether you visit one or visit them all, your tweens and teens are sure to be impressed! Here’s a brief breakdown of each park to learn more.

Zion National Park is one of the country’s most famous national parks, and it’s easy to see why. With its stunning red rock cliffs, hiking trails, and river rafting, there’s something for everyone in this park. Then, Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its beautiful hoodoos (rock formations that look like pillars or columns). It’s a great place to hike, take scenic drives, and stargaze. Arches National Park is home to more than 2,000 natural stone arches, making it a must-see for any teen or tween (and adults, too!). In addition to the arches, there are also hiking trails, canyoneering routes, and petroglyphs. Perhaps one of the most underrated parks, Capitol Reef National Park is worth visiting for its stunning canyons, domes, and bridges in the Waterpocket Fold. Finally, Canyonlands National Park showcases a primitive desert vibe with out-of-this-world views. 

Use this Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary For Families to help plan your trip!

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. And for a good reason! In fact, the Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, stretching 227 miles long. It’s truly a sight to behold. 

There are plenty of things to do at the Grand Canyon for families too. For teens and tweens, explore thrilling hiking trails, like the almost 13-mile Grand Canyon Rim Trail . Alternatively, another great option is the nearly 4-mile North Kaibab Trail to Supai Tunnel and Coconino Overlook . Then, you can also take a tour on a mule or go rafting down the Colorado River. The Grand Canyon is also a great place to learn about American history and culture. Numerous Native American tribes have lived in the area for centuries. Families will certainly appreciate learning more about their unique histories and seeing their traditional dwellings. If you’re looking for a place to travel with your teens and tweens that is both beautiful and educational, the Grand Canyon is a great option.

Decided on the Grand Cayon? Try this Amazing Sedona and Grand Canyon Itinerary For Families .

Happy Traveling with Tweens and Teens!

There’s no doubt that traveling with tweens and teenagers can be challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. If you’re looking for fun places to travel with your teens and tweens, we hope you found a great idea or two from this list featuring the 21 Vacations With Teens and Tweens In The United States That Are Sure To Impress . From national parks and epic outdoor adventures to historic cities and trendy shopping destinations, plenty of exciting US destinations are sure to impress even the coolest of teenage travelers. Have a great time exploring some of the best vacations for teens and tweens in the United States!

*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the attractions, accommodations, or things to do on this list may be closed. Please ensure availability before making your decision. 

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.

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Last Updated on 1 year by Antonia Grant

• Last Updated On
• September 24, 2023

21 Best Family Vacation Ideas With Teenagers – Top Spots to Visit

The country and its nearby areas have no shortage of must-see attractions.

From beaches to amusement parks and resorts, there’s always somewhere you can go for the perfect family vacation.

And that holds even if you’re going on a holiday with your teenagers.

In fact, you have so many options that the challenge is to choose which ones to go to.

I know because this is what I’d experience every time I’d plan our yearly family trips.

Creating an itinerary was always grueling.

And it didn’t help that my kids were teenagers who always had opinions about where we should go.

But now I know better.

And so, I put together this list of the best family vacation ideas with teenagers for you.

I also considered the insights from fellow parents I met during my travels.

I also rated each attraction according to criteria like family-friendly activities and safety.

Now start planning that epic family adventure using my comprehensive roundup:

Family Vacation Ideas With Teenagers Compared

From beautiful beaches to resorts with full amenities, there’s always somewhere to go with your teenagers for the perfect getaway. Here are our top picks:

Editor’s Choice

This Hawaii resort is in a stellar location—right in front of the beautiful ocean and near popular landmarks on the island.

• Family-friendly Activities: 4.5/5
• Safety: 4.5/5
• Accommodation: 4.5/5 
• Food Options: 4.5/5
• Accessibility: 4/5
• Internet Connection: 5/5

#2nd Best Choice

The Beverly Hills Hotel – Dorchester Collection

Experience luxury at its finest in this hotel frequented by celebrities.

• Family-friendly Activities: 4/5

#3rd Best Choice

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

This resort offers a wide array of amenities that allow for the perfect family bonding.

• Family-friendly Activities: 5/5
• Safety: 4/5
• Accessibility: 4.5/5

1. Halekulani (Editor’s Choice)

2199 Kalia Rd Honolulu, HI 96815 (808) 923-2311 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Ratings Criteria

• A wide array of dining options
• With vacation packages

This Hawaii resort is a popular destination for many reasons.

It’s in a stellar location—right in front of the beautiful ocean and near popular landmarks on the island.

So you can enjoy stunning views of the crystal clear blue waters or go surfing.

You can also explore the nearby Iolani Palace and the Honolulu Museum of Art.

Do you prefer to stay indoors?

You won’t run out of things to do in the resort either.

How about you get a nice massage in the top-rated spa?

And if you get hungry, just savor a nice meal at La Mer.

You’ll love its delicious refined plates and ocean views.

Related: Best Places to Eat in Honolulu

2. The Beverly Hills Hotel – Dorchester Collection

9641 Sunset Blvd Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (310) 276-2251 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

• Luxurious rooms
• With bungalow options 
• Expensive rates

You can sleep in spacious rooms with huge comfortable beds and iconic bathrooms.

Are you planning an extended vacation?

How about you stay in a separate bungalow instead?

You and the kids will have your much-needed privacy.

Plus, you can experience the same accommodations your favorite personalities stayed in at one point.

Bungalow 1, for instance, was Marilyn Monroe’s favorite.

It even has a library of the acclaimed actress’ films and books.

Or, book Bungalow 3 instead.

Film director Howard Hughes was a frequent resident here.

In fact, you’ll find many airplane models here, all inspired by his passion for aviation.

3. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

10100 Dream Tree Blvd Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836 (407) 313-7777 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

• Family-friendly activities
• Proximity to Disney theme parks
• Minor noise issues

Have a blast in the resort’s two-acre water park, complete with splash zones and interactive fountains.

Prefer a dry adventure?

How about you challenge your kids to a round of golf or a volleyball match instead?

If neither of those is their favorite sport, you can always get your dose of exercise in the state-of-the-art gym.

And then there are the many thrilling Disney rides near the resort.

They’ll love the Rock n’ Roller Coaster and Expedition Everest.

After your day’s adventure, retire in your spacious room.

You might even catch a glimpse of fireworks in the nearby amusement parks.

Related: Places to Eat: Orlando, FL

Related: Orlando Resorts & Hotels for Families

4. Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean 22 Myrtle Beach

2200 N Ocean Blvd Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 (843) 848-0022 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

With its homey ambiance and affordable rates, this beach is an excellent alternative to Halekulani and The Beverly Hills Hotel – Dorchester Collection.

Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean 22 Myrtle Beach is a vacation destination in itself with its many amenities.

Bond with the kids in the hotel’s pools—just choose between an outdoor or indoor one.

Not really a pool person?

Why not get your daily workout out of the way in the fitness center?

If you get tired of staying indoors, you can just head out and explore other nearby attractions.

Play golf with your kids on any of the excellent courses nearby.

Or check out Wild Water & Wheels Parks.

It’s just 20 minutes away.

And when you get back to the hotel, enjoy a good night’s rest in your spacious room.

Related: Restaurants: Washington DC

Related: Family Hotels in Washington DC

5. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach, SC (800) 356-3016 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Myrtle Beach in South Carolina is a great spot — firstly, it’s a beach and secondly, it has a little something for every member of the family!

To enjoy a great outdoor shopping experience, head to Broadway at the Beach, or catch fantastic views of the city and an impressive light show at the extremely tall SkyWheel.

For all things fascinating, weird and sometimes downright creepy, head to Ripley’s Odditorium ; reserving your tickets to skip the long lines is a great idea!

For some adrenaline-pumping, energy-burning activities for the kids, go-karting at the Broadway Grand Prix is a great idea, as is hitting one of the many water parks, especially if you’re traveling with a teenage son.

At the Wild Water and Wheels, you can chill on the lazy river while the young ‘un hits the speed slides!

Related: Myrtle Beach Resorts for Families

6. Cape Canaveral, Florida

Cape Canaveral, FL (321) 868-1220 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Pretty similar to Orlando but with the extra science factor added in, Florida’s Space Coast is one of the best vacation spots for teens who take after Sheldon Cooper.

Catch a once-in-a-lifetime experience of watching a live rocket launch , take a tour of the Kennedy Space Center with the whole family or see the delights of Port Canaveral seated comfortably in a helicopter!

The beautiful shoreline is also a great spot to spend time at.

You can gear up at the super-famous Ron Jon Surf Shop and hit the lovely waves at Cocoa Beach where you might even get lucky enough to spot sea turtles and manatees.

You’re sure to work up an appetite after all the surfing, so gorge on some delicious fare in the many delicious eateries along the Cocoa Beach pier.

Related: All Inclusive Family Resorts in Florida

7. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg, TN (865) 436-4178 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

At Gatlinburg, it’s “good vibes only”; the place exudes a warm, friendly, relaxed air that makes it such a great vacation spot for families, with its exciting, lively range of restaurants that can satisfy a wide range of appetites, preferences and tastes!

Explore the 800 miles worth of hiking ground and beautiful trails at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park ; the park also has activities such as fly fishing and horseback riding.

Don’t forget to take a family photo at the area’s mossy waterfall or against the breathtaking views at the Clingmans Dome observation tower.

Even better, catch more incredible views from a helicopter ; there are many great helicopter tours run by efficient operators that are a must-consider experience!

All in all, Gatlinburg offers a great combination of city life and outdoor adventure, making it a really great vacation spot for tweens, teens, parents, and everyone in between!

8. San Antonio, Texas

317 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 244-2000 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

With a ton of cool attractions like the Natural Bridge Safari Park and SeaWorld, San Antonio is a fun place to be in.

There’s even the Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum to satisfy those teens who love all things quirky and Ripley’s Haunted Adventure for those teens who love all things spooky!

Soak in the local culture with the “hop-on, hop-off” tours in San Antonio’s trolleys while also catching sight of key attractions such as the Alamo and other sites in the King William historic district.

Spend some quality time with the whole family, strolling along the San Antonio RiverWalk , which is also a great way to discover the city’s vibrancy at your own leisure.

If your kids are adrenaline junkies, take them to the K1 go-karting arena or the Extreme Escape Live-Action Games for some speed-karting and fun-yet-challenging games!

Related: Family Hotels in San Antonio

9. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Lake Geneva, WI (800) 345-1020 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Lake Geneva is a great holiday destination as is, but even better if your teen is a David Blaine in the making!

One of the biggest attractions of the area is the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre, where you can catch exciting live shows replete with mind-blowing illusions and tricks.

For a laidback time, hit the lazy river and spend time lounging about in the indoor and outdoor pools at the Timber Ridge Water Park.

If you want more of a thrill, try the park’s exciting rides or its 35-foot water slides!

There are also plenty of zip lines and rope walks at the Lake Geneva Canopy Tours which will get the teens excited if they’re the active type!

If you can’t keep up with all the energy-consuming activities or just want to spend some quiet time as a family, relax by the lake or take long, peaceful strolls . Better yet, indulge in some retail therapy in Lake Geneva’s many shops.

Downtown is the place to take your teenage daughter for a spot of shopping and some mother-daughter bonding time!

10. West Yellowstone, Montana

303 Canyon St West Yellowstone, MT 59758 (307) 344-7381 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Drawing millions of visitors each year, West Yellowstone comprises a tiny community and endless opportunities to explore the Yellowstone National Park .

Tick fighting the rapids off your bucket list by booking a river-rafting adventure on the Yellowstone River or enjoy zip-lining with the Yellowstone Zip-Line Tours.

If that still doesn’t manage to excite you, try spotting bears, watching geysers, soaking in the hot springs or waterfall-hiking; the teens of the family will love Yellowstone if they dig adventure!

Take a trip to the Old Faithful Geyser that shoots water up to at least 180 feet every 35 minutes to an hour, hike the Elephant Back Mountain Trail or visit Hayden Valley to get up close and personal with the local wildlife .

Another must-visit in the area is the Mammoth Hot Springs; similar in appearance to sheets of snow, you may just catch yourself believing that you’re in Antarctica thanks to this!

11. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Wisconsin Dells, WI (800) 223-3557 Visit Webs ite Social Media Open in Google Maps

A clear family favorite (teens included!), Wisconsin Dells is the “Waterpark Capital of the World”, with a ton of indoor and outdoor adventure parks such as the Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park , Timber Falls Adventure Park, Noah’s Ark Waterpark, Circus World, Timbavati Wildlife park — the list is seemingly endless (or at the very least, really long!).

Take a boat tour along the Wisconsin River and admire the Dells’ rock formations or pump up the adrenaline by zip-lining through the woods; the latter’s also a great way to catch the natural beauty of the area.

These apart, you could also head to attractions such as the Wizard Quest, Wild Fun Zone, Knuckleheads Trampoline Park, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions and the Great Wolf Lodge , the latter being a great spot for a combination of fun and good accommodation.

12. Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte, NC Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Don’t let the balmy weather and delightful blue skies of Charlotte fool you into assuming that it’s low-key; the area’s Carowinds Amusement Park is home to some of the world’s scariest and thrilling roller coasters, such as the Carolina Cyclone, the Intimidator and the Afterburn.

For more high-octane fun, head to the U.S National Whitewater Center with its rope courses and zip-lines.

If looking for interactive entertainment, give the NASCAR Hall of Fame a visit.

For a primer on the city, take a Charlotte city tour ; these tours let you catch sight of famous attractions such as the Bank of America Stadium, the gorgeous architecture of the 4th Ward and the BB&T Ballpark.

Charlotte also has its own Great Wolf Lodge ; book a stay here for some family-friendly resort fun, with over 80,000 square feet of indoor rides and attractions such as the 1000-gallon tipping bucket!

Big Air Charlotte, Charlotte’s premier trampoline park, is another great spot to visit, with over 15 attractions including a Ninja Warrior course and Virtual Reality experiences.

Related: Family Resorts in North Carolina

13. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Gettysburg, PA (800) 337-5015 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

One of the best places to visit if you want to combine education with fun, Gettysburg is a great option if your family comprises teens and younger kids.

Learn all about Gettysburg’s role in the Civil War at the Gettysburg Battlefield, the Shriver House Museum and the National Military Park, or visit all the main sights on a guided bus tour .

The Rupp House is another rich historic spot where you can immerse yourself in 19th-century Gettysburg and learn about the soldiers and civilians alike who struggled in the war.

You can also be privy to the important preservation work being undertaken in the area at the Rupp House.

Gettysburg is also known for its spooky spots; spook out the kids with a ghostly tour , especially the “I’m-too-cool-for-you” teens!

14. Beaver Creek, Colorado

Beaver Creek, CO (970) 754-4636 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Beaver Creek is all about “family-friendly”; the resort has a ton of activities that make for some wholesome family fun, such as ski lessons, cross-country snowshoeing and ice-skating.

The whole family can brush up on their skiing skills with the resort’s fantastic instructors or bond around a rented fire-pit!

Haymeadow Park, Red Buffalo Park and Thursday Night Lights make up the main attractions during winter; the lattermost is a spectacular way to end the day with lights and fireworks.

No matter how “cool” your teen tries to be, these fireworks are magical enough to impress anyone!

Another family-friendly attraction is the EpicMix, where you can get family photos captured and race your friends.

However, don’t dismiss Beaver Creek as a winter wonderland.

Beaver Creek is just as great for a summer vacation as it is for a winter vacation; enjoy activities such as hiking and horse-riding on the beautiful green hillsides!

Related: Family Ski Resorts in Colorado

Related: Best Winter Vacations for Families

15. Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland, OH (216) 664-2000 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

To the east of Sandusky, along the beautiful shores of Lake Erie, lies Cleveland, buzzing with life and activity!

This spot is sure to make one of the best vacations for teens if they’re fans of good music.

Cleveland has a thriving entertainment and music scene, replete with summer beach parties on Lake Erie’s shores.

Elevate your coolness quotient in your teens’ eyes by taking them to see Elvis’ motorbike and other rock artifacts at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, or visit the Cleveland Museum of Art to view the works of artists such as Warhol and Caravaggio, free of cost!

Great Lakes Science Center is sure to be a hit with the science buffs, with all its NASA exhibits and hands-on activities.

Other fun getaways include the Fun ‘N Stuff Amusement Park, Get Air Cleveland and WhirlyBall Laser-Sport.

Related: Restaurants: Cleveland

16. Cooperstown, New York

Cooperstown, NY (607) 322-4046 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If you’re wondering where to go on vacation with a teenager who loves all things sports, the chances are that you need to look no further than New York’s Cooperstown.

Cooperstown is the proud home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, a must-visit for sports fanatics, with its interactive exhibits, special events, and private VIP museum tours .

Families also love the hiking and biking options around Glimmerglass State Park; you can also visit the beautiful country house in the area and finish off your trip to the area by renting a boat and sailing across the gorgeous Otsego Lake.

You can also include the Farmers Museum, Cooperstown Bat Company, and the Barnyard Swing Mini Golf and Fun Center.

Head to Schneider’s Bakery and stuff your face with their delicious pastries!

Related: Family Hotels in New York

17. Park City, Utah

Park City, UT (435) 649-6100 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

For some truly excellent mountain-biking, skiing and moose-spotting, head to Park City, a spot that athletic, active families are sure to enjoy!

Try zip-lining and bobsledding at the Utah Olympic Park , or embark on a guided mountain tour .

You could also hit the downtown area to gorge on some super delicious pizza and burgers at the Red Rock Brewery.

What makes Park City appealing to teens is the many beautiful cabins available, replete with facilities such as hot tubs, outdoor decks and views that will have the “likes” pouring in on Instagram and Facebook, the latter-most being something any teen of today will find hard to pass up on!

The area is also riddled with escape rooms, each more challenging than the last — these are sure to test the wits of anyone, parents and teens alike!

Related: Places to Eat: Park City, UT

Related: Utah Family Ski Vacations

18. Huntsville, Alabama

Huntsville, AL (256) 427-5000 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

It may not seem like a vacation spot, especially when we’re talking “trips with teens”, but “The Rocket City” is the place to be for tons of super-cool rockets, NASA memorabilia, and the chance to see a space shuttle at the U.S Space and Rocket Center.

If your teen’s interests lie in science that’s closer to the ground, take him or her to the beautiful Huntsville Botanical Garden, where you can also participate in fun activities such as night hikes to hunt down fireflies and roasting s’mores on fires for dinner!

If your teenager is just like any other, there are a ton of free teen hangouts in Hunstville, such as the Huntsville Skate Park, the Rocket City Arcade, the Altitude Trampoline Park and the like.

The Hunstville Escape Rooms are also a great way to have some fun a la Sherlock Holmes!

19. Sandusky, Ohio

240 Columbus Ave. Sandusky, OH 44870 (419) 627-5844 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If your teen loves roller coasters, a trip to Sandusky will leave the young one spoilt for choice; there’s a rollercoaster for every speed preference at the Cedar Point Amusement Park!

Another great idea is to explore Lake Erie the unconventional way by renting jet skis, or stick to the conventional path and take a stroll along the Sandusky Bay Pathway.

Pay a visit to the Manor Thrill Center with its spooky entertainment and watch the apprehension flit across the usually “too-cool” kids’ faces.

Even better, plan a trip to the Lake Erie Fear Fest in October and dare the kids to go!

You could also visit the fun museums in Sandusky, such as the Merry-Go-Round Museum and the Maritime Museum of Sandusky.

Book a stay at the Great Wolf Lodge for a mix of great accommodation and fun, or explore Sandusky via segway tours.

Related: Sandusky Restaurants

20. Glen Rose, Texas

Glen Rose, TX, (254) 897-2272 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Laid-back and definitely one for the families, the beautiful Glen Rose area has it all for the dinosaur buffs — rocky hillsides, hiking and biking trails and even preserved dinosaur prints, all in the 1500-acre Dinosaur Valley State Park.

You can also pay a visit to the nearby Dinosaur World for more dinosaur-related fun, such as a trail with replicas of prehistoric creatures and a ton of information about these mysterious creatures.

To catch sight of more contemporary animals, head to the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center and drive through the park, meeting parrots, gazelles, bison and giraffes on the way.

Glen Rose may not be as big a hit with the older kids, but if they’re anything like Ross Geller and take after his love of dinosaurs, they’re sure to love this vacation spot!

21. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Los Corales Punta Cana, Dominican Republic 23000 (973) 317-8181 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

When planning to visit one of the countries in the Caribbean, include Dominican Republic on the top of your list.

Pristine shores lined with beautiful palm trees, sun-kissed sparkling waters, and gorgeous weather — Punta Cana has all the trappings of a great beach vacation and is one of the best places to visit with your teenagers in tow!

The area abounds in all-inclusive resorts, meaning you won’t be shelling out extra for all the parties and activities the kids want to participate in.

The Club Med Punta Cana is a great hub for teen-friendly fun with its range of action-packed activities, such as archery, tennis, sailing and windsurfing, as well as the mandatory end-of-day beach parties and movie nights!

The resort even has a circus arts program that invites guests to learn the tricks of the trade, such as dancing on stilts, flying on a trapeze and even building human pyramids!

Related: All-Inclusive Resorts in Punta Cana for Families

Vacationer’s Guide 

Comparing destinations: which one is right for you.

Before you pick a destination, compare and contrast your options.

Then choose the one that suits your preferences.

Halekulani offers the perfect beach holiday with its excellent oceanfront location.

It’s pretty popular, though, so expect crowds, especially during peak season.

The Beverly Hills Hotel – Dorchester Collection features a luxurious resort experience.

Be prepared to shell out for your stay here, though.

Meanwhile, Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is ideal for epic family bonding activities.

However, you might experience some minor noise issues in your room.

After all, it’s near Disney theme parks.

Prefer a home away from home at affordable rates?

Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean 22 Myrtle Beach is an excellent alternative.

Its only downside is its parking space, which is quite far from the main building.

How I Picked The Destinations

To pick the destinations on this list, I first considered my personal experiences.

And I’ve had many of those since I’ve gone on numerous family trips with the kids.

To ensure a holistic review, I also asked fellow parents about their own experiences during my visits.

To write about the places I haven’t visited, I considered reviews by other travelers on trusted websites.

And with researching their official website and social media, my evaluation balances firsthand knowledge with diverse perspectives.

Our Rating Method

I rate these vacations based on the following criteria.

• Family-friendly Activities: This criterion assesses family-friendly activities. What entertainment options are available? Are there opportunities for sightseeing, outdoor adventures, or cultural experiences? Is there a pool, game room, or sports facilities? I consider these factors when rating family-friendly activities. 
• Safety: I use this to evaluate safety and security. Does the area have a low crime rate? Are there CCTV cameras in common areas? I ask myself these questions when evaluating safety and security. 
• Accommodation: I use this to assess the accommodation options available. Are there spacious and comfortable rooms? Does it offer family suites or interconnected rooms? These are the factors I consider when assessing accommodation comfort. 
• Food Options: This criterion evaluates food options. Are there many restaurants, cafes, and food courts in the area? Does it provide kid-friendly options or buffet-style dining? Can they accommodate different dietary needs and preferences? I consider these questions when rating food options. 
• Accessibility: This is used to evaluate the accessibility of every location. Are there local attractions nearby? How far is the nearest airport? Is it easily accessible by public transportation? These are the questions I ask when assessing accessibility. 
• Internet Connection: I use this criterion to evaluate the internet connection of every vacation option. Is free Wi-Fi available? Is the signal strong and reliable? I consider these factors when rating internet connection. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the best family bonding getaway spots with teenagers.

The best family bonding getaway spots with teenagers include Halekulani and The Beverly Hills Hotel – Dorchester Collection.

What Activities Do Families Do On Vacation?

Families on vacation often engage in activities such as visiting theme parks, exploring museums, enjoying outdoor adventures, and bonding over shared experiences like sightseeing, beach trips, or participating in local cultural activities.

Conclusion 

Each destination on this list has something unique to offer everyone.

My kids and I enjoyed living like royalty at The Beverly Hills Hotel – Dorchester Collection.

Meanwhile, we always had something to do in Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort.

We had a blast hanging around in the pool and riding the thrilling attractions in nearby amusement parks.

At Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean 22 Myrtle Beach, we felt right at home with its relaxing ambiance.

But of all these attractions, I think Halekulani still stands out.

Staying in this resort is one of the best family vacation ideas with teenagers.

The sunset views were breathtaking, and the local cuisine at La Mer was a delightful exploration of the Hawaiian culinary scene. 

My teenagers, usually glued to their phones, were drawn to outdoor adventure, showing that nature’s beauty can compete with technology.

You might have to deal with crowds when you get to this place.

But the many bonding moments you can have here will make your stay worth it.

10 Best Vacations for Teens to Take Before College

They say we only have eighteen summers with our kids. In reality, it is even less. When our kids become teenagers, things like athletics, friends, and jobs start stealing them away long before they leave for college. If you want to make the most of the time you have, create memories that you will all treasure on these best vacations for teens.

Who knows, your teens may enjoy your family trips so much that they even want to continue traveling with you after they fly the nest!

Family vacation ideas for teenagers aren’t one-size-fits-all. Some of us have adventurous teens, while others have teenage kids that are homebodies and need to be coaxed into trying something new. Just like all family travel, you need to find the right balance that appeals to their interests.

We have found that the best memories are created when we break our bad habits from home (primarily our phone addictions) and spend time actively engaged in experiences together. It doesn’t always take something epic or expensive to break those bad habits, but it does take something special and these ideas for vacations with teenagers are a good start.

7 Tips for the Best Teen Vacations

Stay busy! We have found that one of the tricks for traveling with teens is keeping them busy. It is way too easy for the grumbling and whining to start the second they feel bored. So don’t let them get bored. Keep them moving, active, and interested. Then when you do have downtime, it feels precious and welcomed.

But don’t forget the downtime. I found the sweet spot for family travel to be between the ages of eight and twelve. Before that, kids tire easily and after that, we have found that teenagers actually need more downtime than tweens. So don’t push it, if they like to sleep late then don’t schedule early morning activities. Make sure there is at least one day without a scheduled activity. Give them time (and space) to decompress at the end of the day.

Take a tech break. Our family has found that forced technology breaks (e.g. “no phones on vacation”) just don’t work — for any of us. But the easiest way to get a real break from technology is by staying busy and doing activities together. Because when we are actively doing something, we don’t have any hands free to hold our phones.

This gets a whole lot easier when you are somewhere that doesn’t have great cell service or WiFi during the day (e.g. national parks, international trips with cellular turned off). Since we live our lives online, we always allow time for everyone to reconnect over WiFi at the end of the day, so no one is going cold turkey on breaking the phone addiction. That balance has been enough to keep our teen happy.

Engage in activities and experiences together . I like to plan activities where we are doing things “shoulder-to-shoulder” when thinking about where to go on vacation with teenagers. This could be climbing a mountain, paddling a raft, taking a cooking class, or learning Moroccan drumming.

The idea is that you are doing it together and it gives you the opportunity to struggle, fail, succeed, or show how to handle fear or challenges. But most of all, these experiences tend to be where the stories come from — the funny things that happen, the silly thing someone said, or the way you worked together on a task.

Give them their space. When teens have full-grown (or nearly full-grown) bodies they need more space and privacy. It gets harder to share a bed with a sibling or get a good night’s sleep on a pull-out couch or rollaway cot. Too many bodies in too small of a space is going to get on everyone’s nerves. This is the time to splurge on the suite, get two rooms, or book an Airbnb/ vrbo to give everyone some extra space.

Plan something special. Give your teen bragging rights or an Instagrammable moment, or just something that will stick in their memory bank with a “wow” experience. It could be high tea in London, an art class in Florence, rafting through the Grand Canyon, bungee jumping, or anything that matches their interest.

Capture the memories! Time goes too fast (trust me) and we aren’t good at getting family photos. A family vacation is a perfect time to get photos of the whole family with a photo shoot. I always use Flytographer. Get $25 off your first photo shoot with CODE57715 or use my referral link .

10 Best Vacations for Teens

I’ve put together a list of some of our best vacations with teens, and if you aren’t in the teen years yet, here are some recommendations for the best vacations for kids too. And, if you are planning a special graduation trip , I have some ideas for those as well.

1. For Outdoorsy Teens: Dude Ranch Vacation

We did a dude ranch vacation at the Nine Quarter Circle Ranch in Montana a few years ago and it is still one of our best teen vacations. There is just something about the way the teens and adults come together and bond over a week-long experience in nature. It is a great way to disconnect, enjoy nature, and have some good old-fashioned fun as a family.

Dude ranches come in all levels of luxury and amenities so you need to pick wisely to best match your family. I would recommend a ranch vacation for families with tweens and younger teens, but call ahead and find a week when many other teens will be visiting. Some ranches offer a wide range of activities such as waterskiing, ziplining, hiking, fishing, boating, and more, while many focus primarily on horseback riding, fishing, and hiking.

And while dude ranches are most popular with families in the summer, they can also be a lot of fun when there is snow on the ground, either around the holidays or if you have a February or March break. We spent a March spring break at the Vista Verde Ranch in Steamboat Springs, Colorado and it was incredible to enjoy snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, snow tubing, horseback riding, and other snow activities in the Rocky Mountains. Plus, Vista Verde Ranch has an amazing culinary program — I’d go back just to enjoy the food and bring only my stretchy pants.

2. For Active Teens: National Parks Trip

When you are looking to take a break from the busy, technology-filled life, there is no better place than our wonderful National Parks for the best vacations with teenagers. But don’t just drive through on road trips, make sure you stop and get outside.

Most parks offer amazing hikes and wildlife viewing and others have access to activities like horseback riding or kayaking. Often there will be a state park nearby that has even more opportunities for adventure and will be much less crowded. Given the popularity of national parks in recent years, be sure to check the park website or social media to learn if you need reservations to enter (especially Rocky Mountain National Park and Glacier National Park) or a permit to do certain hikes (like in Arches National Park).

Some of our favorite national park road trips have been:

• Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota (no crowds, beautiful scenery, and great wildlife)
• Smith Rock State Park in the Bend area in Central Oregon (amazing rock climbing and not too far from the stunning Crater Lake National Park
• Grand Teton National Park (great hikes and lakes)
• Yellowstone National Park (amazing wildlife, landscapes, and thermal features)
• Custer State Park in South Dakota (as well as Badlands National Park ) in the Black Hills
• Glacier National Park and Western Montana

3. For the Theme Park Lover: Orlando, FLorida

Yes, you may have done the obligatory theme park trip when the kids were young, but it can be a whole different experience with teens. Instead of Princesses and Character Meet and Greets, it is all about the rides and immersive experiences. As the Universal Orlando commercials show, some parks are more for big kids.

Between the thrill rides, Wizarding World of Harry Potter , and special age 13+ events like Halloween Horror Nights, Universal Orlando is a great pick for teens. And if they love water parks , Volcano Bay and Margaritaville’s H2O Live both offer truly innovative features and attractions.

And now, Disney has certainly stepped things up with the addition of Galaxy Edge for Star Wars fans and the immersive Pandora – The World of Avatar , in Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World. I know plenty of “big kids” (ehem, young adults) that still love a theme park vacation — including my nephews who have gotten engaged at Disney or have taken a honeymoon to Disney.

But don’t worry, if you don’t love theme parks, there are still plenty of other fun things to do in Orlando . Here are my teen’s picks for the best Disney rides for teens .

4. For Beach Lovers: All-inclusive Resorts

All-inclusive resorts are great for when you want to plan a multi-generational trip to make memories with the whole family. However, I have found that it helps to either bring a friend for older teens if they don’t have any family members the same age, or make sure you find a very teen-friendly resort.

Plus, an all-inclusive resort gives teens a little independence and you don’t need to worry about the tab they are running up for virgin Pina Coladas at the swim-up bar.

Two amazing resorts for teens are the Grand Velas Riviera Maya and Beaches Turks and Caicos . Grand Velas has a tricked-out teen club and tons of activities. Beaches is the only resort that I’ve seen that includes activities like snorkeling and scuba diving (as well as a gigantic X-Box Lounge.)

We have tried some luxury resorts like the Ritz-Carlton Aruba and the Four Seasons Costa Rica, and even the kid-centric Atlantis that have been nice too, but the kids really love the relaxing atmosphere and freedom they can have at a stand-alone, all-inclusive resort. My friend Kirsten has some great suggestions for all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica .

5. For the Thrill Seeker: Outdoor Adventure Trips

National Parks are great, but if you want to kick the adventure up a notch, an active adventure trip will keep everyone going. Perfect for adventurous teens, these outdoor trips offer opportunities for family bonding in a way that few others are able to. And remember, if you aren’t sure if a full-on adventure trip is for everyone in the family, just pick a destination that offers a variety of outdoor adventure activities and mix these in between other sightseeing or relaxing.

Some great outdoor adventure trips (both domestic and international) include:

• A multi-day rafting trip with OARS. You will spend most of the day on the river and then camp at night. It is good for families that like to camp or aren’t afraid to try roughing it for a different experience. If you aren’t ready to commit to that long of a trip, you can always add white water rafting into a vacation to many different destinations.
• Another option that keeps you active but has a little more comfort is a multi-day biking trip with Backroads . You will bike by day through beautiful settings like the Black Hills of South Dakota, and then head to a hotel at night to relax.
• Some families might also enjoy a sailing adventure, like a Maine Windjammer Cruise or a Caribbean sailing charter.
• A great outdoor adventure destination is Iceland . If you have the budget, Iceland is an excellent choice because of its proximity to the USA, amazing landscapes, and fantastic once-in-a-lifetime experiences like glacier hiking, ATVing on a black sand beach, snowmobiling on glaciers, taking a zodiac boat between icebergs and riding a super jeep through rivers.
• Costa Rica is another great vacation destination for moderate budgets with activities including rafting, hiking, waterfall rappelling, and ziplining.
• If you are looking for a more affordable alternative to Iceland, try the Canadian Rockies . You can zipline, climb a Via Ferrata , hike, go horseback riding , glacier hike, and more for much less (especially thanks to the weaker Canadian dollar.)
• Another affordable Canadian destination that is packed with adventure is New Brunswick , where you can hike, rappel off cliffs, kayak, glamp, and even surf the tidal bore.
• For summer hiking, we have also loved our trips to the Adirondacks and Lake Placid in New York

6. For City Lovers: CITY BREAKS

Not every kid is cut out for outdoor adventure or wants to spend their time sunning on a beach. If you have a kid that loves art, theater, museums, and food, a city trip is just the thing. Visiting a big city is a perfect way to learn some valuable life skills too, like safety awareness/street smarts and how to navigate public transportation.

When visiting a city, it is important to do some research and have a plan before you go because just wandering aimlessly can get tiring and boring — unless that is exactly what they had in mind. Look up food tours, Instagram spots, street art tours, scenic lookouts, and other cool, new attractions that would appeal to teens. Remember, being the first to post from a cool spot like the Vessel, the Highline, or the Summit in NYC gives a teen great street cred.

Some of our favorite USA city trips have been to:

• New York (Broadway, museums, scenic spots, and everything else — see the best things to do in NYC with teens and my complete guide to New York City with kids .
• Chicago (affordable theater, great museums, public art…)
• Milwaukee (remember, sometimes the smaller cities can be more affordable and manageable)
• Minneapolis (food, history, shopping at the Mall of America and Prince’s Paisley Park)
• Atlanta (great food , history, and attractions)
• San Francisco (ride the street car, cross the Golden Gate Bridge, visit Chinatown)
• Los Angeles (Santa Monica pier, Griffith Observatory, Hollywood, LACMA…)
• Miami (Wynwood Walls, Little Havana, South Beach)
• Seattle (MoPop, Space Needle, Pike Place)
• Nashville (music, great food , street art)

7. For the TRavel Lover: European Experiences

If your teen hasn’t been to Europe yet, there may be some eye rolls and sighs after too many museums or churches. However, if you find fun interactive  cultural experiences , they can learn and have fun at the same time.

Italy , England , Spain , Portugal , France , and Greece are all great for the first trip to Europe and offer recognizable landmarks and historical sites. Companies like Global CommUnity offer experiences like laser tag in Cold War bunkers in Russia and painting in Italy. There are also cooking classes like baking macarons in Paris and unique experiences like learning to row a gondola in Venice . All these experiences help create deeper, more meaningful experiences.

See our tips on visiting these European cities with teens:

• Amsterdam with teens
• Florence with teens
• London itinerary
• Lisbon itinerary
• Paris itinerary
• Venice itinerary
• Dublin with teens
• Vienna itinerary
• Budapest itinerary

8. For the Culture Seeker: Cultural Immersion

For a more immersive experience, help your teen gain a better appreciation of the world and different cultures in a non-Westernized country with a strong local culture. A few good “beginning” experiences in cultural immersion would be in Japan , Peru (hike the Inca Trail), Thailand (jungle, city, and beach), Israel and Jordan, or Morocco .

On a cultural trip , your family can see what it is like to be completely out of your element when it comes to language, food, and culture. Many of these destinations also offer opportunities for active adventure and the ability to interact with locals.

For example, on our Morocco trip, we took a cooking class that includes a visit to the souk to buy spices and ingredients on our own before we went to a local home to learn to cook traditional dishes. And in the Sahara Desert , we stayed in a tent and learned about the local culture along with a camel ride and some time spent sandboarding on the dunes.

9. For the Animal Lover: Wildlife Experiences

Another experience that brings smiles to teens’ faces is getting to see exotic wildlife up close and in their natural habitat. The teen years are the perfect time to visit the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador , take an African Safari, visit the penguins in Antarctica, or see the polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada.

These are all bucket list trips that may be best to save for a graduation gift , but if you keep a close eye out for good airfare sales and work with vetted local tour operators you can save thousands. And if that type of trip isn’t in the budget, but you have an animal lover, try to visit some of the national parks like Yellowstone , or plan a trip to places like Cumberland Island in Georgia or Assateague Island National Seashore in Virginia to see wild horses roaming free.

10. For the Giving Teen: Service Trip

If your teens need a big dose of reality before heading out into the world, how better to show them the advantages they have in life than with a service trip? The thing about voluntourism is to make sure that your efforts are actually helping the local constituents and not just something that makes you feel good.

Me to We offers student volunteer trips, but also family trips that allow you to work side-by-side with local families to build schools, carry water and learn the local culture.

Read my post about 20 Service Trips for teens to find more options for summer or school break service trips.

What do all these trips have in common besides the ability to create lasting memories? They all represent a significant investment and need to be insured.

Why you Need Travel Insurance

This post is written in partnership with Allianz Travel , my preferred travel insurance provider. All opinions are my own.

For the last few years, I have had an annual travel insurance plan with Allianz Travel . We always think about insuring large international trips that are paid in advance, but there are actually so many reasons to insure every trip.

Each year, I have had to use my travel insurance, both times for small domestic trips. But every time Allianz came through, once when I had to cancel a flight because I got the flu. The other when our flight was cancelled and rescheduled for the following day and I was able to utilize our trip delay benefits.

Here are just a few reasons why you should get travel insurance for your next trip:

• Trip cancellation — many trips, especially vacation packages, cruises, safaris, and custom trips require an upfront deposit and have strict cancellation and refund policies. The only way to protect yourself against the unexpected is with travel insurance.
• Trip interruption or delay  — if your trip is delayed due to weather, flight cancellation, or other reason, travel insurance can help cover your expenses such as hotel costs, food, transportation, etc.
• International Healthcare — many people don’t realize that often your U.S. health insurance plan does not cover medical care or emergencies overseas. A simple fall or illness can be devastating without insurance, especially if it requires emergency transportation or an upgraded seat on the flight home to accommodate a cast or laying flat.
• Delayed, Lost or Stolen Luggage —  travel insurance can reimburse you for the purchase of essential items if your luggage is delayed for 24 hours or more. And if it is lost entirely, the baggage loss and damage benefits will reimburse you for the cash value for the repair or replacement of lost items. Just keep in mind that different policies have different levels of coverage so if you have expensive bags and clothes, you may want to look for a plan with high benefits.
• TravelSmart app  and Travel Hotline — with Allianz you have access to a 24-hour hotline if you need help rescheduling your travel, reaching airlines, or managing your trip. The TravelSmart app also helps travelers with quick access to emergency numbers, a medical translator, location-based access to pharmacies, doctors, hospitals, police, etc. The TravelSmart app is available for everyone, but Allianz customers can also track claims online and contact Allianz customer service.
• Keep in mind that plans vary and not all plans include all of these benefits. When purchasing travel insurance, you will need to figure out your needs and work with Allianz to find the best plan with the benefits you are looking for.
• If you plan on traveling more than a few times a year, you should also look at the advantages of having an annual travel insurance plan.

Check Allianz plans and get more information about travel insurance.

PIN THIS FOR LATER

Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.

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Publish Date: November 21, 2022

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19 family vacation ideas that will have even your teenager smiling in photos

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.

But just like there are plenty of places to take the kids before they’re grown , there are several destinations — both within the United States and internationally — ideal for families with teens if you're still in the process of booking flights and travel arrangements. Many could be considered bucket list spots for teens, but why not splurge for the occasion? It may be the last family vacation before your kid(s) fly the coop.

From beach resorts to Northern Thailand, here are several teen-friendly getaways to visit as a family.

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Best vacation spots for families with teens

Best for ages: 13-18

Here’s why: Teens are notoriously moody, but that won't stop them from enjoying Costa Rica , often called the happiest country on earth. Show them rainforests, volcanos, white sand beaches and what the "pura vida" life is all about.

Do this: Soar through the canopy in Monteverde, the high altitude cloudforest where ziplining for tourism was pioneered and the rest of the world followed suit. Sky Adventures Monteverde Park also has an aerial tram and a hanging bridges tour where you can see the levels of the cloudforest and its biodiversity up close. Teens who want to say they’ve climbed a volcano can do so at Cerro Chato, next to Arenal, the country’s most famous volcano and one of the most active in the world. No trip to Costa Rica is complete without a visit to its beaches, stretching for miles along both the Caribbean and Pacific. Learn to surf in the funky town of Tamarindo at Iguana Surf where the instructors all speak English and no one goes home without having caught their own wave. Hike in the tropical waterfront paradise that is Manuel Antonio National Park — Costa Rica’s answer to Yellowstone. (You can laugh at them, but don’t feed the monkeys.)

Stay here: If your teens are feeling a need to binge their favorite show while on vacation, they’ll love the turbo speed Wi-Fi at Tierra Magnifica , a luxury boutique property in the surf community of Nosara. (You’ll love the panoramic views and sense of safety.) If an all-inclusive is more your speed, teens will appreciate dining options and beachfront activities at The Westin Reserva Conchal.

Tierra Magnifica

More info: VisitCostaRica.com

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

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 Broadway Grand Prix . 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 a Top Golf if you can’t get a tee time.) Meanwhile, young fans of "The Walking Dead" won’t want to miss the AMC hit show-themed escape room , and fans of "The Simpsons," The Simpsons in 4D . Teens wanting to hang out with other teens can easily do so on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade , 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 beachfront Grande Cayman Resort has 10 pools and four on-site restaurants.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach

More info: VisitMyrtleBeach.com

Porto, Portugal

Best for ages: 16+

Here’s why: Practically crime-free, extremely cheap and small enough to be walkable, Porto 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” — Livraria Lello . Teens not afraid of sharks can learn to surf with Onda Pura . 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 at The Lodge Wine & Business Hotel will satisfy any growing teen, and its picturesque outdoor pool is a rarity in this city founded in 1123.

The Lodge Wine & Business Hotel

The Lodge Wine & Business Hotel

More info: VisitPortugal.com

Space Coast, Florida

Here’s why: Just an hour from Orlando , Florida’s Space Coast is an inspirational beach destination where teens can learn about everything from space exploration to manatee conservation.

Do this: Get a trip to Disney World , Universal Studios and Epcot out of the way. Then head southeast to the childhood home of Kelly Slater (it’s the East Coast's Surf Capital) for some beach time. Explore further inland on a kayak or SUP tour winding through tunnels of mangrove trees. Sea turtle sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the Space Coast does have a huge concentration of them. Teens obsessed with LED lights will be in awe in the bioluminescent lagoon . The Space Coast is one of very few places in the world to see this phenomenon where the tiniest of marine creatures emit a neon blue light for protection. Teens who want to work for NASA will never want to leave the Kennedy Space Center with its rocket garden, 3D space films, shuttle launch experience and journey to Mars. For a really memorable experience, book some add-on "enhancements" that includes immersive training courses and even a casual chat with an astronaut.

Stay here: The family-owned and operated Surf Studio Beach Resort in Cocoa Beach has clean, low-cost accommodations that include kitchens (because teens are always hungry) and a private bedroom for the parents. Cape Winds Resort Rentals in Cape Canaveral also offers private beach access in addition to tennis courts, a basketball court and a pool.

Surf Studio Beach Resort

More info: VisitSpaceCoast.com

Denver, Colorado

Here’s why: The Mile High City 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 the Denver Selfie Museum where 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 Denver Art Museum (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 golf fans, the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver has a “Grip It and Rip It” package for City of Denver Golf and is within walking distance of most of the city's downtown sites.

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver

More info: Denver.org

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Here’s why: Jackson Hole 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 Jackson Hole Mountain Resort , 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 Mountain Resort , 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.

Snow King Resort

More info: VisitJacksonHole.com

San Diego, California

Here’s why: Whether or not you agree with its nickname “America’s Finest City,” you’ll agree San Diego has 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 cave hop via kayak or SUP . 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 Belmont Park or watch an interactive film in its 7-D high tech theater. Other must-consider attractions include the San Diego Zoo , San Diego Air & Space Museum , San Diego Automotive Museum and the 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.

Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay

More info: SanDiego.org

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Here’s why: Wisconsin Dells 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 Kalahari , one of the country’s largest indoor waterparks. Race each other on the Raja king cobra-themed, side-by-side slides at Noah’s Ark . (It’s six stories high!) Visit Mt. Olympus to 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 Asgard Axe Throwing .

Stay here: While several area resorts boast their own waterparks, the top-rated property on TripAdvisor is the family-owned and -operated Black Hawk Motel & Suites . All guests get free admission to Timbavati Wildlife Park and a Wild Fun Zone attraction pass.

Black Hawk Motel & Suites

Black Hawk Motel & Suites

More info: WisDells.com

Butler County, Ohio

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. Butler County also makes for a great halfway point for families coming from different coasts.

Do this: Teens who identify as foodies will love the aptly named Donut Trail where 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 Wake Nation . 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 iFly .

Stay here: Hueston Woods Lodge and Conference Center 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 .

Hueston Woods Lodge and Conference Center

More info: GettoTheBC.com

Tenerife, Spain

Here’s why: A trip to Tenerife is 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 Europe’s most visited national park . 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 Siam Park , the no. 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.

Iberostar Selecion Sabila

More info: WebTenerife.com

Louisville, Kentucky

Here’s why: Underground ziplines, a baseball museum, the Muhammad Ali Center and a bridge allowing travelers to be in two states at the same time are just a few of the memorable experiences families with teens will enjoy in Louisville , aka Derby City.

Do this: Tech-savvy teens will want to visit Ovrdrive , a state-of-the-art center with racing simulators and more than 100 virtual reality games. (Those ages 12 and up can also throw axes.) Head to the Louisville Slugger Museum and take home a personalized bat as a one-of-a-kind souvenir. Cool off in the Louisville Mega Cavern boasting nearly 20 miles of underground tunnels and the world’s only ziplines that are entirely underground. Finally, check out Churchill Downs where teens can learn about the art and sport of horse racing by either attending a race or visiting the Kentucky Derby Museum (whose interactive exhibits include a horse race simulator).

Stay here: All rooms at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Louisville Downtown come with separate TV rooms so teens can stay up late watching their favorite shows. The property also offers free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and is only a block from Museum Row.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Louisville Downtown

More info: GoToLouisville.com

Reno Tahoe, Nevada

Best for ages: 15-18

Here’s why: Reno Tahoe is a unique destination where mountains meet desert. It’s where annual events include the Zombie Crawl, the Great Reno Balloon Race, the National Championship Air Races and — last but certainly not least — Burning Man.

Do this: Venture downtown to take iconic Instagram shots of the murals (there are more than 100) and to pose for pics with the Burning Man sculptures . Embrace your inner Flintstone and bowl at the National Bowling Stadium , also called the "Taj Mahal of Tenpins." Another good rainy day activity for teens is a trip to Need 2 Speed , an indoor go-kart racing track open seven days a week. It also boasts blacklight mini golf and a VR game. Beautiful weather? Drive to nearby Lake Tahoe to kayak in the crystal clear water or hit the slopes at one of the area’s renowned resorts. Teens can also explore hundreds of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails year-round.

Stay here: The coolest hotel in town (and perhaps Nevada) is Whitney Peak Hotel . It has a bouldering park on-site and is home to one of the world’s tallest climbing walls where teens can climb up for a bird's-eye view of the Reno Arch.

Whitney Peak Hotel

More info: VisitRenoTahoe.com

Whistler, Canada

Here’s why: Billing itself as an international mountain sports mecca, Whistler is another family vacation bucket list destination. It gives teens unlimited opportunities for adventure and — just as important — a greater appreciation for nature.

Do this: Drop into a teen group ski or snowboard lesson at Whistler Blackcomb , a venue for the 2010 Olympic Games. Those not wanting to try snow sports can hang out at the teen youth center: three rooms of video games, movies, skateboarding and special events. In the summer, junior golfers (16 and under) golf free with an adult on Whistler’s award-winning golf courses. Older teens qualify for a highly discounted green fee. Teens can also sign up for Summer Gravity mountain biking camps where they’ll learn from the pros and meet other teens obsessed with MTB.

Stay here: The best option for families wanting to stay at base camp is Fairmont Chateau Whistler . Guests ages 16+ are allowed on daily excursions sans parents (just signed permission slips). They include paddle boarding, hiking, biking and frisbee golf.

Fairmont Chateau Whistler

More info: Whistler.com

Seattle, Washington

Here’s why: The city that birthed the grunge music movement is an artsy, alternative place most teens will feel so welcome in they’ll want to move there.

Do this: Seattle's vacation ideas are vast and plentiful! For starters, take the popular Underground Tour to see what’s beneath the city via its vast network of interconnecting tunnels. Next, visit the Museum of Pop Culture , home to exhibits like Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop, the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame and Indie Game Revolution. Teens developing a taste for coffee will also want see the many coffee shops in the city that birthed Starbucks and a growing trend toward artisanal brews. Don’t forget to catch the famous flying fish show at Pike Place Market — home to several pop-up murals that would look great on the ‘gram. Finally, adventure seekers can get their fix at the indoor ninja course at Elevated Sportz in nearby Bothell or on the miles of trails in the surrounding evergreen forests. There are also plenty of water sports to try in Puget Sound.

Stay here: Thompson Seattle is a luxury waterfront property within walking distance of Seattle’s top attractions including everything from Pike Place Market to hip vintage shops. Parents will appreciate the floor-to-ceiling views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountain Range while the kids are looking at their devices.

Thompson Seattle

More info: VisitSeattle.org

Los Cabos, Mexico

Here’s why: With several daily nonstop flights from major cities in the U.S., it’s easy and affordable to reach this beautiful international beach destination. Los Cabos is a drier alternative to Cancun, plus you don’t have to worry about hurricane season.

Do this: Between the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific, take advantage of the year-round swells and learn or practice surfing in Los Cabos. There are approximately 1,000 miles of coastline, so it’s never too crowded. Teens keener on marine life can snorkel and dive alongside the likes of friendly sea lions and ominous-looking, yet harmless, hammerhead sharks. Other animal encounters include camel safaris in the outback. Despite its proximity to water, Los Cabos’s breathtaking landscape includes a desert playground. For a high-speed tour, opt for an off-road ATV or UTV excursion with Cactus Tours . For the best value, buy the Park Pass at Wild Canyon Adventures , which gives teens access to unlimited ziplining, horseback riding, bikes, a hanging bridge and more. The price even includes an ATV or UTV tour, as well as a bungee jump or giant swing ride.

Stay here: Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection has a teen club with a recording studio. Grand Velas Los Cabos ’ teen club has lots of games (including an Xbox Kinect), a bar serving non-alcoholic drinks and even an in-house DJ spinning the latest beats every night until midnight.

Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection

More info: VisitLosCabos.travel

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Here’s why: Chiang Mai is a safe, affordable, entry-level destination in Asia where families can learn about one of the most welcoming cultures on earth. It’s also where you can feed growing teenage boys on $10 a day.

Do this: Volunteer at one of Chiang Mai’s many elephant sanctuaries. While most weekly programs are only for ages 18+, Elephant Nature Park has one-night programs open to families with kids of all ages. Spend the day watching the elephants bathe in the river before helping to feed and walk them, and rest during the night in a traditional bamboo hut. In the ancient walled city, visit Chiang Mai’s 117 Buddhist temples, and even sign up for a monk chat at a wat to learn more about the religion and how most Thai boys spend their early teenage years becoming monks. Sign up for a Muay Thai camp or a cooking class including a shopping trip to some of Southeast Asia’s most colorful markets. Schedule your trip for November if you think your teen will love the world-famous Yi Peng Lantern Festival or in April for Songkran , the world’s largest water fight (where weapons include everything from buckets to squirt guns and hoses) held in conjunction with the Thai New Year.

Stay here: With its rooftop pool, a rarity in Chiang Mai, it’s hard to beat Akyra Manor . Teens will appreciate its location in the hip, artist-influenced neighborhood of Nimman. Between its spacious suites and being within walking distance of the lively night market, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort is also teen-approved.

Akyra Manor

More info: TourismThailand.org

The Maldives

Here’s why: You don’t have to be on your honeymoon to visit the Maldives . With its 1,190 islands, it's a tropical paradise with lots for teens to do. An obvious bucket list destination, it’s also easy to justify taking when it could be your last vacation as a family.

Do this: Try new watersports like wakeboarding, kitesurfing, jet blades and even hydrofoils (which could be deemed more of an air sport). Become PADI-certified (ages 10+) and take an underwater family holiday card you’ll never forget. Since every other kid wants to be a marine biologist when they grow up, why not learn about conservation by transplanting coral, planting a tree or helping rehabilitate endangered sea turtles? Treat them to a treatment at Spa by ESPA at Joali Maldives where there’s a special menu for teens.

Stay here: Amilla has a program for older kids and teens including fire dancing lessons, guitar lessons, mocktail making classes and even nighttime glow rider bicycle tours. One & Only Reethi Rah also has a teen program, One Tribe, with dedicated teens-only chill space. And for adrenaline lovers? Stay at the Four Seasons at Landaa Giraavaru , which boasts a Mastercraft X55 boat that makes its own surf and comes complete with sound system.

Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences

Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences

More info: VisitMaldives.com

African Safari

Here’s why: Simply put, teens deserve to be treated to the ultimate dream family vacation before they fly the coop.

Do this: Book an all-inclusive package with flights (dealing with logistics in Africa can be tricky) offered by a tour operator like The Luxury Safari Company . For families with teens, they recommend visiting Sosian Lodge in the north of Kenya. In seven nights, families can strengthen bonds and have one-of-a-kind experiences while fly camping (sleeping in the bush), river tubing, working on an African cattle farm and even visiting with predator research teams. Of course, there are plenty of game drives and walking safaris, so teens can get the most epic of photos for Instagram.

Stay here: Ask for the Family Cottage at Sosian Lodge , set on 60,000 acres of Kenyan wilderness meets working cattle ranch. Another great option is Puku Ridge Camp in Zambia. Teens staying at this lodge in South Luangwa National Park will appreciate the private plunge pools and opportunities to meet school children in local villages. Finally, for the teen who insists on having good Wi-Fi and access to tennis courts or mountain biking (not easy to find in the African bush), there’s Feline Fields in Botswana’s Kalahari Desert.

Puku Ridge Camp

More info: TheLuxurySafariCompany.com

Disney Cruise Line

Best for ages: 13-17

Here’s why: Cruises remain popular with families with teens for a reason; they’re less stress for you and teens love the independence. Thanks to owning everything from the "Frozen" franchise to "Star Wars" and Marvel, Disney can keep all kids — from toddlers to teens — entertained.

Do this: Book any Disney Cruise Line voyage on Disney Dream or Disney Fantasy. (Family Caribbean or Alaskan cruise in 2024, anyone?) Both ships promise “ultra-cool plush pads” designed exclusively for teens. The official teen club, Vibe, is a 9,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor oasis that only teens, using their Key to the World card, have access to. Vibe (ages 14-17) has a fountain bar, a 103-inch LCD TV, plenty of video game pods and two pools. Edge, the lounge for tweens (ages 11-14) has similar amenities as well as a lighted dance floor, a 10-foot-tall cinema, a photo booth and individual computer stations.

Disney Cruise

Disney Cruise (For 2 Adults and 2 Teens)

More info: DisneyCruise.Disney.Go.Com

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12 Best Places to Vacation with Tweens and Teens

Want to wow your big kid? From cities and swanky resorts to nature trails and national parks, these are the top family vacation destinations.

Once your child stops needing a nap and a stroller, a world of new vacation possibilities awaits. But you have only so many school breaks before your kid flees the nest. And when it comes to picking a vacation spot when your child enters their middle school years, planning can be tricky! Here, travel experts share their top iconic places you've just got to visit with 12 or 13 year olds and beyond, plus planning tips to ensure your kid has the best time ever.

Book the earliest ticket you can (usually 9:30 a.m.) to ascend to the top of the Eiffel Tower . Show up 90 minutes ahead of time to take pics at the base when it's relatively uncrowded. (Grab breakfast at a nearby café before returning close to your assigned time.) When you're done, walk along the Seine River to the Musée d'Orsay , an art museum in a former railway station. Kids who love ballet will delight in the paintings of Degas, while Dr. Who fans might recall the Van Gogh gallery that was featured in an episode. It may be a little mobbed, but it's still worth going to the Musée du Louvre to see the Mona Lisa and so much more. "If you have time, spending a day at the Palace of Versailles , a quick train ride from Paris, is wonderful," says Catherine McCord, author of Smoothie Project , who took her 8-year-old daughter to Paris. "Walk through the mazes before you go inside."

Feel like a local : Book a walking tour with a local guide to explore off-the-beaten-path areas. Look at GetYourGuide.com for options that focus on neighborhoods (like the Latin Quarter) and themes (such as vintage shopping, chocolate tastings, or secret passages).

2. New York City

Reserve a ticket to visit the Statue of Liberty's crown—climb 162 steps to the top via a winding staircase—because same-date spots are rarely available. In Times Square, Broadway (and Off-Broadway!) shows beckon— The Lion King, Wicked, and Aladdin are great picks for kids of all ages (ask for the free "My First Broadway Show" sticker sheet at the theaters). And head over to Central Park to sail remote-controlled boats and climb on the Alice in Wonderland statue, suggests Beth Beckman, founder of LittleKidBigCity.com .

Feel like a local : Venture outside of Manhattan! Beckman, who has a 7-year-old, suggests Brooklyn's Prospect Park for its catch-and-release fishing clinics and paddleboats.

Take a goofy selfie squeezed into a red telephone booth with your kid while explaining that once upon a time, people actually stood inside those things to make calls. "My kids were also amused by the black taxis and how the seating arrangements inside were so different from everywhere else," says Sajay Garcia, a travel blogger who posts YouTube travel videos at Growing Up Garcia . "The Changing of the Guard and the historic carriages near Buckingham Palace also kept my kids entertained."

Feel like a local : Sit alongside Londoners at the open-air theater in The Regent's Park . "Buy food from a neighborhood grocer and have a picnic at the park before the show," suggests Emily Goldfischer, an American mom of two living in London. "And if you're going to The British Museum , check out the adventure playground at nearby Coram's Fields," she says.

4. St. Louis

Ride to the top of the Gateway Arch , then check out the visitors' center. It houses America's largest terrazzo floor map, showing North America's historic rivers and trails so that you can trace pioneers' journeys to the West. (Sneak in that learning!) Burn off steam on the walking and biking trails along the banks of the Mississippi River. Nearby, the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station features 13,000 animals, including 80 sharks and stingrays, plus touch pools to get up close and personal with the animals.

Feel like a local : Head to City Museum , a playspace with more than two dozen slides constructed from repurposed materials. Even tweens who think they've outgrown playgrounds will have a blast. "My 9-year-old loved zipping down a ten-story spiral slide into a cave," says multimedia journalist and parent blogger Brandon Billinger .

5. Turtle Bay Resort, North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii

Great for kids who : Love dogs

As if it weren't already rad enough to learn how to stand-up paddleboard in Kawela Bay, where The Hunger Games: Catching Fire was filmed, Turtle Bay Resort gives kids a trained surf dog to keep them company on the board during their lesson. Afterward, they can make a TikTok with a centuries-old banyan tree in the background. Can you imagine the likes? Other experiences include horseback riding (even pony rides), kayaking tours where you can spot Hawaiian green sea turtles, and epic star gazing, where an expert astronomer will guide your family through the universe with a high-powered telescope.

6. Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville

Great for kids who : Are obsessed with water parks

There are only two options for your family vacay vibe at this resort: chill or thrill. The kids will deem the cool blue tones and 4,000-plus potted plants at Soundwaves Water Park to be the nicest they've ever seen. They'll also be impressed by a huge wave pool with live music, a zen lazy river, and the Rapid Remix ride that zips you through a vortex-loop complete with LED lights and speakers.

7. Hard Rock Hotel, Los Cabos, Mexico

Great for kids who : Want to be a rockstar

Adults and kids ages 12 and over can perform onstage in front of an audience and fulfill their rock-star dreams at the Hard Rock Hotel's Music Lab . Whether they play an instrument or opt to sing, a Rock Specialist will help guide their performance. It would be so fun if you did it as a family!

8. Club Med Cancun Resort, Yucatan, Mexico

Great for kids who : Were born to be daredevils

At the all-inclusive Club Med Cancun's trapeze school , a trained aerialist will guide your budding circus performers through moves on a legit trapeze. (Of course, they are safely harnessed.) The kids practice daily and will get to perform at least one time during your stay.

9. Glacier National Park, near Columbia Falls, Montana

Great for kids who : Want to spy a glacier

You don't have to head to Alaska, there are 26 active glaciers in Montana to explore. Look for a few easy ones first, like catching a great view of Jackson Glacier from an overlook on Going-to-the-Sun Road . Salamander Glacier is also visible from your car as you drive into the Many Glacier area. The next day, fuel up for a 7-mile round-trip hike to see Piegan Glacier . It starts at the Siyeh Bend Trailhead on Going-to-the-Sun Road and crosses a wildflower meadow.

10. Grand Canyon National Park, near Fredonia, Arizona

Great for kids who : Want to ride a mule

Your family will relish the breathtaking 10-plus-mile trek down the Grand Canyon's North Rim to Phantom Ranch, historic cabins near the Colorado River. "My 14-year-old is a little nervous about heights, but he was so overwhelmed by the beauty and charmed by his mule that he forgot all about his fears and the fact that we had no cell service," says Amy Mayhue, an advisor at Magnolia Travel Group, in Madison, Mississippi. Kids must be at least 9 years old to ride, but Mayhue recommends waiting until they're 10 or 11 because the ride takes more than five hours each way.

11. Yosemite National Park, near Mariposa, California

Great for kids who : Love to rock climb

With slabs of granite surrounding lakes, forests, and lush meadows, this park is a wanna-be climber's wonderland. Michael Moebes, who blogs at Dadcation.com , booked a private full-day lesson with the Yosemite Mountaineering School & Guide Service for his family of five. (Kids need to be 12 years old for group lessons, but there are no age restrictions for private ones.) Even Moebes's 9-year-old was able to climb Munginella, near Yosemite Falls, for a great view of Half Dome.

12. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Great for kids who : Love to go glamping

Under Canvas glamping resorts have popped up at more than a half dozen national parks, but the one here is the dreamiest of all since it's surrounded by a forest. The canvas tents have housekeeping services, a toilet, a shower, and a wood stove. You can book one with an "adjacent hive," a separate area with twin beds for kids. "After hiking 10 miles to see so many of the park's waterfalls, it felt great to come back here to sleep," says Moebes.

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The 9 best all-inclusive resorts for teens.

Get away to destinations with things to do for all ages.

The Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Teens

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All-inclusive vacations offer an enticing getaway for everyone, but many all-inclusive hotels and resorts are lacking when it comes to activities for older kids. Most options have amazing pools, golden beaches, and round-the-clock food and drink options, but they often fail to entertain the 12- to 17-year-old crowd with stimulating activities that keep their idle hands – and minds – busy.

Fortunately, some all-inclusive resorts go out of the way to offer attractive deals and packages along with innovative teen-friendly activities. While some of the best all-inclusive resorts for teens are in tropical locales with beach activities galore, others are in the mountains where older kids and teens can get their hands dirty and stay busy with outdoor recreation and sports.

If you're planning to travel with teens and leaning toward an all-inclusive vacation , these getaways should be high on your list.

Beaches Resorts: Jamaica; Turks and Caicos

Courtesy of Beaches Resorts

Beaches Resorts are well known for upscale all-inclusive offerings, but few people know just how much these properties cater to teens. The resorts – which overlook the ocean in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos , as well as Ocho Rios and Negril in Jamaica – offer several unique amenities for older children who want to have fun, learn something new or mingle with their peers.

Options include an Island Impact program, which lets students volunteer in local communities while vacationing at Beaches Resorts; teens-only dance clubs; Xbox and arcade rooms; and teen spa experiences. Younger visitors can also hit the beach while on vacation and participate in unlimited scuba diving and other water sports, as well as land sports such as volleyball, basketball and golf. Recent travelers seem to agree that Beaches properties are great for teenagers due to the plethora of activities for the whole family, the diverse selection of dining options and the beauty of the destinations they are located in.

Moon Palace All-Inclusive Resorts: Jamaica; Cancun, Mexico

Moon Palace Resorts locations in Ocho Rios and Cancun offer an array of all-inclusive options for families with kids of all ages. Teens can soak up the sun along beautiful beaches or dive into the resorts' crystal-clear pools. They can participate in unlimited nonmotorized watersports and even try their hand at riding some waves at an on-site surf simulator. Moon Palace's resorts also offer the Wired Lounge, which is equipped with gaming stations and relaxation spaces where teens can mingle. Upscale family-friendly food options also cater to teens at Moon Palace, with fresh smoothies and plenty of opportunities for a healthy bite.

Moon Palace is set to open another family-friendly all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic in late 2024. This property, situated alongside the stunning beaches of La Costa del Coco, will also offer amenities and activities for the whole family.

Read: The Top Cancun All-Inclusive Family Resorts

Royalton Bavaro Resort & Spa: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Courtesy of Royalton Luxury Resorts

An all-inclusive getaway at Royalton Bavaro Resort & Spa is perfect for families with kids of all ages, including teenagers. Choose from several larger room options, including one- and two-bedroom suites with separate living space and small kitchenettes. The resort also has a teens-only club with space for hanging out, as well as table tennis and a rock climbing wall.

Visitors will also find a nine-hole mini-golf course, a meandering lazy river with a swim-up bar, several large pools and a FlowRider surf simulator. Recent guests were impressed by the beauty of Bavaro Beach, as well as the food options and the excellent service offered at the resort. The best part? Royalton Bavaro is less than 20 miles away from the Punta Cana International Airport.

Read: All-Inclusive Resorts With the Best Food

Woodloch Resort: Hawley, Pennsylvania

Courtesy of Woodloch Resort

Teenagers are sure to enjoy a stay at Woodloch Resort in the Poconos for more reasons than one. This all-inclusive resort offers all kinds of entertainment each evening, from magicians and variety shows to comedians and live music. Activities offered on-site also run the gamut, including options like archery, baking wars, athletic competitions and scavenger hunts. There's even a petting zoo at the resort, plus a selection of swimming pools, a rock climbing wall, bumper boats, bumper cars and mini-golf.

Family-friendly room options are available at Woodloch, including guest rooms that sleep up to six people and a range of vacation rental homes. You can also choose from an included dining plan that comes with either two or three meals per day, based on your family's preferences and travel style. Travelers seem to agree that the resort is well-kept and that service is exceptional across the board; many say they'll come back due to selection of activities that make it easy to have fun with kids and create memories that last a lifetime.

Read: The Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S.

Club Med Resorts: Caribbean; Mexico; Florida

Courtesy of Club Med

Club Med resorts offer all-inclusive packages and amenities all over the world, as well as a range of programs created specifically for older children and teens. For the 11 to 17 crowd, Club Med offers Passworld spaces – customized areas for teens with sporting and artistic activities, dance floors, video games, and more. Club Med Punta Cana , Cancun Yucatan and Ixtapa Pacific also have teen clubs where kids can mingle and socialize with other travelers their age during their vacation. Teenagers at Club Med can also try their luck on the trapeze as they learn to balance and glide through the sky, or simply enjoy relaxing along the beach.

Recent travelers have said the properties seem well managed, and that they were impressed with the rooms and the food. Some also rave about the entertainment teams and how much fun they had with the on-site activities, including golf and trapeze.

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Mohonk Mountain House: New Paltz, New York

Courtesy of Mohonk Mountain House

If you're looking for a family-friendly all-inclusive vacation that's far from ordinary, consider the Mohonk Mountain House nestled in the Hudson Valley. Surrounded by 40,000 acres of forest and protected wildlife, the hotel offers teens a natural escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The property's teen program, designed for kids ages 13 to 17, includes tomahawk throwing, mountain bike tours, hiking, disc golf and more.

Along with benefits and amenities for teens, this property also promises healthy farm-to-table dining options for the whole family, endless lake and outdoor activities, a heated indoor pool, golf with green fees included, and yoga and meditation classes. Lodging options can also appeal to families with kids and teens who want their own space: For example, the resort has family suites with up to three rooms and multiple layouts to choose from. Traveler-favorite attractions and features at this property include the stunning lake and mountain views, the excellent service, and the delicious food.

Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Resort: Cancun, Mexico

Courtesy of Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Resort

The Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Resort in Cancún has one of the best beachfronts in the entire region due to its location at the north end of the city's Hotel Zone and the partial shelter it receives from nearby Isla Mujeres . Not only that, but the resort offers several room options that make sense for families traveling with kids, including penthouses and oceanfront suites with up to four bedrooms.

Families with teenagers will love the fact they can order room service 24 hours a day, or have food and drinks delivered directly to their loungers at the beach or one of the stunning pools. Teens can also access unlimited nonmotorized water sports, such as kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkeling. With its ideal location, the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Resort is great for families who want to leave the resort with their teens to experience local entertainment and nightlife. Recent visitors have said the food at this property is amazing, and most tend to agree that the resort's French restaurant Le Basilic left a lasting impression.

Read: The Top All-Inclusive Caribbean Resorts for Families

Grand Velas Resorts: Mexico

Courtesy of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

Grand Velas luxury resorts in Riviera Maya , Riviera Nayarit and Los Cabos offer tailored teen clubs and spa treatments for ages 13 to 18. The clubs feature extensive game rooms with Xbox Kinect, pool tables, air hockey, pingpong and more, along with karaoke sets and a dance floor. Teens who need a break from parents while on vacation can mingle with new friends and enjoy teen-friendly snacks and mocktails while taking in panoramic ocean views along the beach. Plus, teenagers who want to relax can enjoy leisure activities like a spa day, complete with a new hairstyle, a manicure, a pedicure and hydrotherapy (for an additional charge).

While Grand Velas properties are located in stunning beachfront locations, the feature that impresses travelers the most seems to be the food. Recent visitors have said dining options offered at all three properties were both delicious and healthy.

Vista Verde Guest Ranch: Clark, Colorado

Courtesy of Vista Verde Guest Ranch

This luxury guest ranch offers the perfect place for active families to get away, especially since there are so many unique activities to choose from. What you can do at the ranch varies by season. Summer is for horses, cookouts, hiking and barn dances, whereas winter is for sledding, sleigh rides, hot tubs and hot chocolate. The all-inclusive ranch even offers a tween club for ages 11 to 13 and a teen club for ages 14 to 17, both of which include a range of group activities like horseback riding, cow herding, paddleboarding and late-night bonfires.

Many larger lodging options at the ranch can work well for families, including rustic cabins with up to four bedrooms. Travelers have said they bring their kids here due to the many family-friendly amenities and features at the property – plus the fact that they can participate in activities like hiking, fishing, white-water rafting and archery right alongside their children.

Read: The Best Dude Ranch Vacations in the U.S.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a travel writer veteran who has visited more than 50 countries by herself or with her husband and two teenage girls. Johnson frequently covers all-inclusive resorts in various destinations around the world, and she has stayed in most all-inclusive brands throughout Mexico and the Caribbean with her family.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Cruises for Teens
• The Top All-Inclusive Family Resorts in the World
• The Top Indoor Water Park Resorts in the U.S.
• Beach Packing List: Essentials to Bring
• The Best Family Travel Insurance

Top Resorts Where Kids Stay Free

Tags: All-Inclusive Vacations , Travel , Family Vacations , Hotels and Resorts

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25+ Top Teen Destinations in the USA for 2024

Catherine Parker

Planning a family vacation with teens can be a real challenge. But we’re always up for a challenge, especially if it means having one last big trip before that sweet child heads off to college! This list of the best vacations with teens includes the ones the writers at SheBuysTravel have taken with their kids. They’re teen-tested and parent-approved. From stunning national parks to adrenalin-fueled city visits, these top teen destinations will keep your teens tuned in to family time for a little longer.

Just remember: Your family vacation won’t be perfect. But it will be exactly the vacation your family needs. And those mistakes, missed turns and disasters? They’re the family vacation memories your teens will carry with them for the rest of their lives!

Best Beaches for Teens

Think the turquoise water is only found at the all-inclusive resorts , like the Turks and Caicos or Mexico’s Riviera Maya? Not at all!

You can find white sand a road trip away. And there are even all-inclusive resorts in Florida with amazing beaches and, even better with ravenous teens, all the food they can eat!

SheBuysTravel Tip: If you want an all-inclusive just right for teens, we heartily recommend this Hard Rock Resort in Mexico . They’ll feel so cool there, especially when they find out they can borrow a Fender guitar and amp to play during their vacation!

1. Navarre Beach, Florida

With four miles of perfect white sand beach, the Gulf of Mexico on one side and Santa Rosa on the other, Navarre Beach is the hidden gem of the Florida Panhandle.

This area offers bike paths for teens to explore and beach towns packed with ice cream shops and juice stands for hanging out. And there is plenty to keep teens from complaining they’re bored.

SheBuysTravel contributor Breeze Leonard went ziplining on her Navarre Beach vacation while SheBuysTravel writer Allison Taylor and her family learned to kayak — and no one fell in! You can also take surfing classes with your teen or join a night glow kayak session.

Add in water so blue you think it’s the Caribbean, and it’s easy to see why this area can become a family vacation favorite.

Best of all, it’s close enough to take a side trip to Orlando’s theme parks. With teens, we recommend Universal Studios.

Santa Monica Beach consistently ranks among L.A.’s top five cleanest family beaches. Photo Credit: Visit California

2. Southern California

Southern California has been a mecca for the young at heart since the dawn of TV. The beaches of SoCal created a culture that teens still crave.

Be the cool mom and sign up your teens for surfing lessons in Los Angeles or San Diego. Check out the piers and boardwalks, both packed with fun. Don’t forget Disneyland’s Star Wars attraction or take a Celebrity Homes Bus Tour! Or hit the water parks.

Recommended and teen-approved SoCal hotel: Margaritaville Palm Springs.

Collect those miles or book those companion fares to say Aloha . Each of the Hawaiian islands offers a different feel.

Oahu is the top teen destination with the urban wonders of Honolulu, the famous Waikiki Beach and the legendary surfing on the laid back North Shore of the island. Definitely spring for surfing lessons here. If nothing else, your teen will go home with a very cool t-shirt.

Maui offers beautiful beaches, immersive Hawaiian culture, the funky Lahaina waterfront town and the breathtaking drive along the Road to Hana. The drive is just 52 miles long. But with 620 curves and 59 narrow bridges, it can take a few hours. Along the way, you’ll see waterfalls, beaches and the charming town of Hana. It’s up to you whether you want to give your teen driver time at the wheel.

The Big Island of Hawaii has 10 of the world’s 14 climate zones. Active volcanoes, beaches, waterfalls, cultural sites and coffee farms are among the many attractions. The island has two airports: Hilo International Airport, and Kona International Airport. Consider flying into one and out the other. Don’t miss the famous black sand beaches or a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Kauai is the greenest of the islands and the filming location for the first Jurassic Park movie. Treat your teens to a helicopter ride over the interior or a boat ride to see the gorgeous Napali Coast from the water, home to those cute spinner dolpins. If your teens like to hike, this is the place. But start early. There are only a handful of parking spots at the trailhead.

These are our favorite Hawaii resorts .

Recommended and teen-approved hotel choice : Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club for its large two- and three-bedroom suites that will give teens their own space.

4. Michigan

The “Third Coast” as Lake Michigan boosters like to call it (yes, people surf on Lake Michigan – sometimes wearing wet suits) is home to one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park near Traverse City.

SheBuysTravel contributor Kristin Shaw visited on a multi-gen family vacation with her parents and her tween son. They drove along Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, which winds around itself like the entry road to Yosemite Park in California and stopped at Outlooks 8 and 9.

The first stop is the Instagram-worthy Glen Lake Overlook where they oohed and ahhed at the impressive vistas. Next is the Dunes Overlook, where you can take in a panoramic view of the North and South Manitou Islands, Pyramid Point, Sleeping Bear Bay, the Sleeping Bear Dunes, and more.

When SheBuysTravel Editor-in-Chief Cindy Richards visited with her teens, her track star son ran down the steep dunes and spent a challenging hour climbing back up. These days, there’s a sign at the top warning people against attempting that feat. If you attempt the dune climb and can’t make it back to the top, you’ll be charged $3,000 for the rescue.

Recommended and teen-approved hotel choice: Grand Traverse Resort and Spa for its two indoor and one outdoor pool, indoor waterpark, arcade, bowling alley, escape room and virtual reality activities.

Best Road Trip Vacations with Teens

There’s something special about road-tripping with teens — and it’s not just that they’re old enough to do some of the driving. Being in the car for all of those hours leads to long talks about nothing special, silly rounds of car games, belting out tunes and eating snacks .

The destination matters, of course. After all, you’ve got to convince the teens to spend days away from their friends and hours in the car with you.

SheBuysTravel Editor-in-Chief Cindy Richards liked to choose road trip destinations that required long stretches of driving through spotty cell service. Without a connection, her teens were more likely to talk to her. While it gets tougher all the time to find a place in America where “you can’t hear me now,” it’s still possible with these trips.

5. Chicago to Mount Rushmore

This classic Midwest road trip must include kitschy stops at the Corn Palace in Mitchell and the giant Wall Drug in Wall, South Dakota. Give the kids some money to spend at both places. You might be surprised by what they choose to buy.

Cindy’s kids spent an hour giggling and trying on cowboy hats — until a store clerk pointed out the sign that said “No Trying on Hats.”

If your kids are adventurous, add Wind Cave National Park to your itinerary and go below to check out the cool underground cave system.

Recommended and teen-approved hotel choice: Rock Creek Lodge and Cabins  in Custer, South Dakota

SheBuysTravel Tip: Don’t do this drive during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Week in early August unless you like the deep-throated roar of hundreds of thousands of Harleys while you’re trying to commune with nature in the Black Hills.

6. Los Angeles to Sequoia National Park

Plan this trip for the spring and stop at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve in Lancaster. The red poppy field should be in full bloom then.

Once you get to Sequoia, impress the teens with the redwoods so tall they touch the sun. My kids had fun climbing through the trunk of a fallen giant. If your family is into camping, bring a tent or rent a cabin.

One of seven national parks near Los Angeles , Sequoia was the second park in the US National Park system, established in 1890. It’s where you can find General Sherman, the largest tree in the world.

Recommended and teen-approved hotel: Wuksachi Lodge .

7. New York to Vermont

What teen wouldn’t want to road trip for ice cream? There’s lots to do in Vermont, but the promise of a visit to the Ben & Jerry’s factory in Waterbury is a must. Don’t leave without paying your respects to the ice cream flavors resting peacefully in the Flavor Graveyard.

But that is just one Instagram-worthy stop on this Northeast road trip. There’s also lovely Lake Champlain and quaint small towns along the way that showcase white-steepled churches and historic storefronts.

Active teens will want a detour to neighboring New Hampshire to climb Mount Washington . Hiking up is not for everyone — Mount Washington has some of the worst weather in the USA — but everyone can get to the peak via the Mount Washington Cog Railway.

Recommended and teen-approved hotel: Omni Mount Washington Resort  in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

8. Albuquerque New Mexico to Amarillo Texas

Plan to stop along the way in Tucumcari, New Mexico , another Instagram-friendly spot. SheBuysTravel contributor Nasreen Stump discovered Tucumcari by accident on a New Mexico road trip. Hotels in Santa Fe were pricey. She and her family needed to be in Canyon, Texas, (near Amarillo) the next night. As she searched for motel rooms along a remote stretch of Historic Route 66, all options pointed to Tucumcari.

Back in the heyday of Route 66, Tucumcari was the place to stop along the way. Book a stay in one of the cool vintage motels, complete with nostalgic neon signs.

The goal of this road trip, though, is Cadillac Ranch . That’s the too-weird-to-be-believed desert installation of Cadillac chassis half-buried in a cow patch near Amarillo. Stop at the nearby Home Depot to buy cans of spray paint (or bring your own). The kids WILL be spray painting the cars. (You should, too!)

SheBuysTravel Tip: We like neon spray paints  (they show up well). If you’re trying to write and photograph a specific message bring  black  or  white spray paint  to make a base layer.

Recommended and teen-approved hotel: the vintage Motel Safari  in Tucumcari, New Mexico.

Best Vacations with Teens: Mountains Are Calling

The mountains are a great active family vacation destination with teens. In the winter, active snow-friendly activities abound — skiing, snowboarding, sledding, ice skating and more. In the summer, the mountains are in bloom and hiking and mountain biking are the activities of choice.

For active outdoorsy families, heading to the mountains is one of the best vacations for teens.

9. Colorado

Colorado’s Rockies top the continent with more than 50 peaks above 14,000 feet. Climbing a fourteener might be more than your teens can conquer. But Colorado offers an array of teen-friendly outdoor sports for families, like hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, rock climbing, ziplining and hot springs .

The mild summer temperatures offer a respite when most of the U.S. is sweating through their shirts. Although, as SheBuysTravel Editor Cindy Richards and her teens learned on a summer Jeep tour into the mountains above Vail, it can be warm at the resort, but snowing at the top, so plan accordingly!

Winters offer world-class sports, like the teen fave, snowboarding, and skiing . Keep having fun with your kids longer and plan an annual ski trip. College students will flock home for the holidays if mom and dad pick up the tab for a ski trip!

Recommended and teen-approved ski resort: Vail Mountain

10. Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe,  east of San Francisco in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, offers Olympic snow since it hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics. I love Tahoe for its mellow California vibe that attracts moguls and boarders alike.

During the summer, Lake Tahoe offers a crystal clear lake for water sports, yoga retreats and an epic hiking trail, the TRT, the Tahoe Rim Trail. It’s also a fun spot for celebrity spotting!

Recommended and teen-approved places to stay in Lake Tahoe: Edgewood Tahoe Resort and Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge & Spa.

11. Angel Fire New Mexico

This ski resort is a favorite of road-tripping Texans, including SheBuysTravel contributor Breeze Leonard.

She and her extended family — 17 of them! — went to Angel Fire where her family learned to ski. She liked that when you sign kids up for ski school, the ski rentals are included. The resort’s most teen-friendly feature: night skiing!

12. Big Bear Lake

Big Bear  is a mecca for skiers in the winter, but it really shines in the summer.

SheBuysTravel contributor Mimi Slawoff has been visiting Big Bear with her family (including the dog!) since the kids were little. As teens, they spend their days on the water, paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming and more. Rent a pontoon boat to take the whole family for a ride, or give the teens a thrill by renting jet skis for them to drive over the water or Segways for them to zip around on land.

SheBuysTravel Tip: If possible, avoid heading to Big Bear on a Friday afternoon, unless you really like sitting in traffic.

13. Northern Michigan

While Westerners turn up their noses at the idea of Midwest skiing, Midwesterners know that there is plenty of snow fun to be had in northern Michigan.

SheBuysTravel contributor Jamie Bartosch says Crystal Mountain Resort and Boyne Mountain Resort are great places for family vacations with teens in the summer as well as the winter. At Boyne Mountain, she and her family rode the ski lifts up to biking trails, ziplining (the awesome guides taught them how to go upside-down and hands-free) and a disc golf course.

At Crystal Mountain Resort in Thomasville, Michigan, they zipped down the mountain on the alpine slide. Treat the kids to a throw-back evening of fun at the nearby Cherry Bowl Drive-In movie theater in Honor, Michigan.

14. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Sometimes, one teen wants a mountain getaway with lots of outdoor activity while another wants a national park vacation. Just a handful of miles outside of Great Smoky Mountain National Park, these gateway towns offer both.

Find loads of activities from river rafting, mountain coasters and Dollywood , an affordable, family-friendly amusement park. With its quirky activities, like the Titanic Museum (check tickets here) , this area offers lots of dining, lodging and quaint cabins too.

Recommended and teen-approved hotel: Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort

Best Vacations with Teens: Stunning National Parks

North America does epic landscapes really well. The US National Park Service parks attract visitors from around the globe — and it is also one of the best vacations for teens. Really.

Expect the parks to be busy this summer. Plan to arrive at the park before 9 a.m. to get in and grab a parking place.

15. Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park, located in northwest Wyoming and 320 miles northeast of Salt Lake City, tops my list of best vacations for teens. Old Faithful Geyser and Old Faithful Inn offer must-sees. Kids love animals, so drive through Hayden or Lamar Valley to see bison, bear, elk and maybe even those elusive grey wolves.

Give Yellowstone at least four days; I prefer a week. Be prepared to picnic for lunch since the food service isn’t conveniently located near iconic sights or hikes. Don’t miss out on the Huckleberry ice cream.

Teen-approved places to stay near Yellowstone: West Yellowstone Condominium Resort , Clubhouse Inn   and Under Canvas Yellowstone .

SheBuysTravel Tip: Assign the teens to be the lookout, keeping their eyes on the horizon line in search of animals. And when you see a crowd along the road pointing at something, stop and park. The crowd has seen something you’ll want to see, too. Just remember to pull fully off the road.

16. Yosemite National Park

In the central Sierra Nevada mountain range of California and 200 miles east of San Francisco, Yosemite offers a convenient location and epic landscapes. But what’s the difference between the top two national parks?

Yellowstone is about its geothermal features, like geysers and mud pots, and the mighty mammals, like bear and bison. Yosemite offers an epic mountain landscape that even an amateur photographer can capture. The Yosemite Valley offers waterfalls, wildflower meadows and mountaintop vistas that inspire everyone, including Ansel Adams and naturalist John Muir.

Teen-approved places to stay near Yosemite: Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite , Hounds Tooth Inn , and Kildrummy Lodge .

17. Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore National Monument in southeast South Dakota and 380 miles north of Denver, Colorado, is an image that most Americans know. To experience the magnitude of the sculpture, have the teens take the walk close to the side of the mountain and have them look up — right into George Washington’s nose!

Don’t think of Mt. Rushmore as a quick road trip stop. It’s one of the best vacations for teens when you explore the Black Hills of South Dakota , where Mt. Rushmore resides. The Black Hills offer several days of western family adventure, including rock climbing, water sports and ziplines.

Teen-approved places to stay near Mount Rushmore: Black Hills Luxury Suites , Under Canvas Mount Rushmore , and Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Rapid City – Rushmore South .

18. Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park, in northern Arizona and 215 miles north of Phoenix, offers one of the best vacations for teens. During the summer, the south rim seems like the international terminal of JFK with visitors from around the globe. Stay for a few hours or stay for a few days. The Grand Canyon offers hikes and views for everyone in your SUV. And I still stop every time I drive across northern Arizona. These are our favorite resorts in Arizona .

My active teens like white water rafting and kayaking; book a trip through outfitters.

Teen-approved places to stay near the Grand Canyon: The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon , Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel , and Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon .

19. Redwoods

Redwoods National Park offers trees so big everything in their shadows seems small, even teen drama. I found redwood locations sprinkled throughout the West Coast with several different varieties of trees.

My favorite park is located north of San Francisco at the Redwood National and State Parks, close to the border of California and Oregon. Redwoods grow in Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks as well. Best family-friendly activities include horseback riding and biking, available through outfitters.

Teen-approved places to stay near the Redwoods: Holiday Inn Express Redwood National Park  and Freshwater Lagoon Retreat .

20. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

America’s newest national park in southern West Virginia is the place for adventure lovers. Of course, you can camp and hike there, but you also can go whitewater rafting on the New River and take the New River Gorge Bride Walk.

That requires walking 3,030 feet along a narrow catwalk underneath one of the longest single-span arch bridges in the world. At the center point, you’re 851 feet above the New River, looking down on the whitewater rafters below. Go the third Saturday in October for Bridge Day and you can watch BASE jumpers jump off the bridge, or pay for your teen to zipline down to the bottom.

Recommended and teen-approved place to stay near New River Gorge : Adventures on the Gorge

Cities to Visit with Teens

Teens have tons of energy, so head to the top cities of the United States for a getaway. Grab a metro card and explore by mass transit. With a maps app, it’s easy. Even better, get the teens to navigate.

Here are our favorite vacations for teens in big cities.

21. New York City

New York City packs energy that falls flat for younger kids, but teens possess the stamina for urban trekking at its finest. I lived in NYC for two years, but I didn’t introduce my kids to the metropolis until they were out of strollers and could walk all day without whining.

In a city that never sleeps, travel lessons abound. Use the subway to get around, a must-have skill for teens who will be exploring on their own in a few years. In my experience, the skills I learned in New York City helped me navigate any urban city around the globe, including Tokyo .

From parks to museums and shopping to snacking, New York City offers a week of teen fun.  And don’t forget a Broadway show.

Teen-approved places to stay in New York City: Mandarin Oriental New York and JW Marriott Essex House New York.

22. San Francisco, California

San Francisco offers vibrant culture and postcard landscapes with a mellower West Coast vibe. It’s easier to navigate by public transportation, like the famous street cars. And see American icons too, like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz , a favorite for teens. Then explore San Francisco by foot to see all the unique neighborhoods.

Teen-approved places to stay in San Francisco, California: San Francisco Marriott Union Square , Inn at Union Square, a Greystone Hotel , and Taj Campton Place . 

23. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston offers a maze of American History you and your teens can walk. Start in Boston Common, the park in the center of the city, and find the red line painted on the sidewalk. The Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile urban trail, will walk kids and teens through the American Revolution.

Teen-approved places to stay in Boston, Massachusetts: YOTEL Boston , Revere Hotel Boston Common , and Hyatt Regency Boston .

24. Washington D.C.

Washington, D.C. , is another destination for older kids packed with history, culture and some of the best museums in the country, many of which are free. As the center of government, Washington is a must for future lawyers.

Teen-approved places to stay in Washington, D.C.: Eaton DC , Viceroy Washington DC , and WEST END part of Georgetown Collection .

25. San Antonio, Texas

It’s the top destination in Texas. Walk along the oasis-like Riverwalk that winds through the downtown area; it’s home to Tex-Mex restaurants, museums and historic areas.

Across the street from the River Walk, see The Alamo, the mission and fort where the Battle of the Alamo happened in 1836. It’s now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Find waterparks and amusement parks in San Antonio too.

Recommended and teen-approved hotel: Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort

26. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The City of Brotherly Love has the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, so it’s an excellent educational spring break destination. Teens love Philly’s murals and the famous LOVE sculpture; they make great Instagram backdrops.

You can hit several college campuses for tours, then head to a Phillies game or famous cheesesteak corner to try the city’s most popular sammie. End your visit with a run up and down the Rocky steps. It’s a classic (and free) thing to do in Philadelphia .

Recommended and teen-approved hotel: the stylish  Logan Philadelphia .

Best Vacations for Teens: Disney

27. disney.

My final teen destination is Disney. My advice: take them. It’s an American institution. If your family isn’t crazy about all things Mickey and Minnie, limit your time at the park to a day or two.

Disneyland in California offers better year-round weather and other family-friendly destinations besides theme parks, like the beach. Disney World , in Florida, offers a city dedicated to all things Disney.

Teens love the thrill rides but can still appreciate a nostalgic character from their childhood. Bonus: Teens can roam the parks on their own while parents sample, sip and explore nearby. Stay at one of these Disney hotels to get access to perks like early park entry or, for teens, late park nights!

SheBuysTravel recommends Get Away Today for discounted Disney tickets and vacation packages. Not only does the company have the lowest prices, it offers a best-price guarantee. If you ever find park tickets cheaper, Get Away Today won’t just match the price, the company will beat it. Even better, save $10 on a two or more night trip with code SheBuysTravel– just for SheBuysTravel readers!

After purchasing your tickets from Get Away Today someone will reach out to you to answer any of your Disney vacation questions or help you create an itinerary for your visit.

The bottom line: The best vacations for teens are the ones you take them on. The country is big, time is short, and travel will benefit your teen in all areas of life.

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20 Best Holidays With Teenagers In 2024 (With Parents)

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Home » 20 Best Holidays With Teenagers In 2024 (With Parents)

Are you looking for the most fun holiday ideas with teenagers?

It can be a challenge to keep them interested and enthusiastic, but don’t despair – we have some great ideas here that are sure to get everyone excited!

Whether they’re just hitting the tween stage or are in the middle of high school, gathering up all your teens and jetting off somewhere is guaranteed to provide an unforgettable experience.

We totally get where you are at. Our eldest daughter is turning 18 soon and our middle child has just turned 14. We try to travel at least 4 times a year (each time visiting some place new) so we have plenty of trips under the belt with our teenagers.

Here are some of our top picks for the best holidays with teenagers in 2024: get ready for fun-filled days exploring bustling cities or relaxing on one of Europe’s gorgeous beaches…so read on!

Here Are The 20 Best Holidays With Teenagers To Check Out In 2024

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Traveling with teenagers doesn’t need to be a daunting task. We find that it is really about compromise and balance. Who knows, if you go somewhere really interesting they may even forget to check their phones.

But before we start, we think it is important to have a quick brainstorming session and write down all the things your teenager is currently passionate about. 

Because the best vacation for teenagers is one that involves activities that they will love – and every teenager is different.

For example our 17-year-old, really needs a good balance of activities versus ‘leave me alone’ time at a resort or Airbnb. She is a tech-head and an introvert so she is happier when she gets time to do her own thing and get lost in some games.

She is really into things such as Anime, comic books, drawing, and planes, and as with most kids, she loves fun places such as theme parks, rope courses, etc. So we try to include a few activities that we know she will absolutely love.

To help balance days to keep her from feeling overwhelmed, we typically try to head out in the morning and come back to the resort somewhere around mid-afternoon to give her time to do her own thing.

Here are our top 20 best vacations for teens.

1. Dubai with Teenagers

– For Teens Who Love Adventure –

Looking for one of the best holidays for teenagers that also offers a good dose of adventure?

For one of the most teenage-friendly holidays that you can have, why not head to Dubai?

Your teenagers will enjoy the adrenaline rush of a desert 4×4 safari (our teenagers love quad bike sand duning – it’s so much fun!), or why not take them on a camel ride across the dunes?

Had enough of the sand? Take them to the beautiful beach where they can kill some energy.

After more water activities during the hot days?

How about these for some great holiday ideas for teenagers :

• Aquaventure Waterpark
• IMG Worlds of Adventure
• Lost Chambers Aquarium
• Hub Zero Gaming Experience
• Hysteria Haunted House
• Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf
• Thrill Zone Laser Tag
• Virtual Worlds Gaming

Don’t forget to head to the Dubai Mall . Why? Because this mall is AMAZING.

Your teenagers will love the ice rink, but there is also the Dubai Aquarium , which is one of the largest aquariums in the world .

You’ll also find an Underwater Zoo , as well as a really cool indoor theme park .

You can kill lots of time on the rope courses , in the arcade , on the rollercoasters and simulators , and more.

It’s definitely one of the best holidays with teenagers you can have!

Want to hear from other parents who have been to Dubai? Our kids were 14 and 16 and both absolutely loved it – one of the few places they want to go back to. Would recommend the Wild Wadi, desert safari , trip round the museum, the ‘duck trip’ which goes on land and across the creek. We stayed at the Madinat which is superb for teenagers as you have the souk and restaurants on site – well worth a visit even if you’re not staying there. Propmill (Reviewed on TripAdvisor )

Wondering when to plan your trip to Dubai? Click here for more information on the best time to visit Dubai .

Want to head to Dubai? Below we have information on where to stay and which tours to book so you can have an awesome trip!

Where To Stay In Dubai:

For an epic family trip, why not book a room at the world-famous all-inclusive Atlantis The Palm ?

This resort has rooms to fit up to six people .

What we love about this resort is that it has an underwater aquarium, and swimming with dolphins opportunities.

You’ll also have complimentary access to the Aquaventure water park and the Lost Chambers Aquarium .

So you can entertain the teens without even leaving the resort.

Which Activities To Pre-Book: 

• Click here to book your Desert Safari tour (includes sandboarding, a quad bike ride, camel riding, and a BBQ dinner)
• Grab your tickets online for IMG Worlds of Adventure (the largest indoor theme park in the world)
• Secure your tickets for the popular Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park (fun rides, attractions, and access to their private beach)
• Book a fun day at Ski Dubai (ride a traditional toboggan, climb inside a human hamster ball, play interactive games in the snow cavern, and meet some penguins)
• Grab tickets to visit Ferrari World (with over 25 racing-themed rides, shows, and attractions, try out the unique F1 experience with state-of-the-art racing simulators & more!)
• Grab your combo pass for Dubai Parks and Resorts (see three theme parks – Motiongate, Legoland, Bollywood Parks, and one water park)

– For Teens Who Love Water and Nature –

Maybe not the most unique from our list of teenage vacation ideas, but Hawaii has to be on the list. Hawaii is definitely one of the best activity holidays for teenagers and families.

Of course, we all know that Hawaii is the perfect island-style vacation. It is one of the best family vacations for teens who love water, the beach, and surfing.

Sometimes the best holiday for teenagers is simply a destination where they can be lazy. But for those who love to stay active, there are plenty of things to do to kill the energy.

Teenagers can enjoy some stand-up paddleboard lessons , or why not learn how to conquer those waves on the surfboard ? You can even go snorkeling .

For teenagers who love adrenaline, how about jet-skiing or paragliding ?

You’re sure to come away with a really satisfied teen.

Had enough of the ocean? There are waterfalls to discover and horseback riding to enjoy.

Grab your Go Oahu Card – All-Inclusive Pass and visit some of the best attractions on Oahu. After all, Oahu is one of the best places to go for family day trips in Hawaii .

Visit the historical Park of Pu’uhonua O Honaunau . Or visit Honolulu Zoo where you can see a range of endangered Sumatran tigers, Hawaiian Nene, Komodo dragons, and black rhinos.

After all, Oahu is one of the best places to go for family day trips in Hawaii .

Want to hear from other parents who have been to Hawaii? Our two teen boys loved the ATV tour of Kualoa Ranch. The vistas were absolutely breathtaking and the ride itself was fun and easy. They also loved our drive along the North Shore. We stopped at many beaches along the way and did a lot of swimming and snorkeling. Another thing they loved to do as well was shopping at the Don Quijote store in Honolulu. They were in awe of all the different foods and snacks and filled up all the empty spaces of their luggage with goodies to bring home. Anovamom (Reviewed on TripAdvisor )

Where To Stay In Hawaii:

One of the best family resorts in the US is situated in Hawaii. The Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa, A Waldorf Astoria Resort , is a fabulous 5-star resort with rooms for up to six people.

What we love about this resort is that it has a water park, nine outdoor pools, as well as a teen lounge called The Spot.

A teen lounge is a fabulous place where teenagers can go to play video games, table tennis, air hockey, foosball, and pool. We find that a teen room is really helpful for rainy days.

If you have a teenager that loves to be busy, it also offers paddleboard lessons , guided stand-up paddle excursions, guided kayak tours, and the outrigger canoe experience.

Which Activities To Pre-Book:

• Umauma Falls Zipline Experience in Big Island
• Oahu Snorkeling and Turtle Watching Half Day Tour
• Kauai Ultimate Off-Road Ranch Tour (See the filming locations of mega-hits like ‘Jurassic Park,’ ‘Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark’ and ‘The Descendants’)
• Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Sightseeing, History
• Kualoa Ranch One Day Adventure in Oahu (Choose among 9 packages and unveil the gems of the natural paradise by foot, horseback, or all-terrain vehicle)

Not sure which island to book for your trip? Here is a handy post that compares Maui versus Kauai .

Hawaii is definitely one of the best holiday destinations with teenagers. There is just so much to do to keep everyone happy and active.

– For Teens Who Loves Culture, History, And Beaches –

is hands down one of the best holiday destinations for families with teenagers. How do we know? We have done it and survived.

Yes, we spent a whopping three months traveling from the top to the bottom of this amazing country and have only amazing Italian stories to tell.

Italy is an extraordinary country with tonnes of things to do on the best family vacation with a teenager.

From countless historical monuments such as those in Rome , Pompeii , and Matera , to check out amazing destinations such as the Amalfi Coast , Cinque Terre , and Taormina .

We have only scratched the surface here. Italy is a wonderland of teen-friendly activities.

Exploring the Aeolian Islands via a private boat rental

There are sensational theme parks such as Gardaland , great places to check out on motorboats like Aeolian Islands , and so much more.

So if you are searching for the best family vacation ideas with teenagers, Italy is your country for sure.

Our teenager absolutely loved Cinque Terre, the Puglia region, Sicily as well as Lake Garda (together with Gardaland themepark). I think it is important to know what your child loves doing, for example my teenager thinks it is incredibly boring and painful to check out old towns (one of my favorite things). So it is always a compromise (example: let’s check out the old town today and tomorrow we can spend the day at the themepark), otherwise I end up with a grumpy teenager.

Where To Stay In Italy With Teenagers:

For the best family vacation with teenagers, you must choose the right spot to base yourself at.

Here are some of our recommendations Lucca , Orvieto ,   Amalfi Coast , Lake Como , Lake Garda , Ostuni , Sicily , and other places in Southern Italy .

• Skip-the-line to the Vatican and Sistine Chapel (The queues at popular attractions can be hectic. Grab these skip-the-line tickets to get to the attractions faster).
• One-day tour of Tuscany from Florence (Includes Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa, and lunch at a winery)
• Day tour from Rome to see Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius (For the teens who love history)
• Check out Capri and Blue Grotto from Naples or Sorrento (This is such a stunning day trip and a must-do if you are based in Naples or Sorrento)
• Learn how to be a Gladiator in Roman Gladiator School (Now which teen boy wouldn’t love to give this a go!?)

– For Teens Who Love Vintage Cars And Historical Buildings –

One of the best places to go with teenagers who love vintage cars!!

Cuba is often recognized for two prominent characters, Fidel Castro and Che Guevara. This country has a rich history of French colonial architecture and is also world-famous for its Cuban cigars.

Your teenager will love to take a tour around Havana in a vintage car and see the old-styled beautiful architecture of the city. A teenager’s holiday with parents doesn’t have to be boring.

You can spend your day on the beaches of Playa Blanca and Playa Linda Arena and visit Playa Tortugas to see the sea turtle conservation farm, which is also a popular sea turtle nesting site.

You can also trek through the stunning Escambray Mountains in the reserve site of Topes de Collantes. They are absolutely gorgeous, and make for one of the greatest teenage family adventure holidays!

It is important to realize that you need a visa to visit Cuba. You can use this helpful guide to get your visa for Cuba organized.

The best family holidays with teenagers often involve a good dose of outdoor nature.

Yes, I know your teenager might complain, but if they are anything like our teenagers, as soon as they are outdoors, they are happy and relaxed and having fun.

One of the best places to travel with teens in the USA is California. California is a US state which lies on the coast of the Pacific Ocean and is popular for Los Angeles, the hub of the Hollywood movie industry.

California is a great place for people of all ages but there are lots of different attractions that teenagers will love.

You can visit Yosemite National Park which offers hiking trails and places to launch a kayak .

Lake Tahoe is also popular for its ski resorts and stunning beaches.

Take a trip around Universal Studios Hollywood to experience the thrill of making Hollywood movies.

They also have Legoland (although we usually find that Legoland is aimed at younger kids).

You can camp, hike, or mountain bike in Death Valley National Park.

A few other locations to visit are Palm Springs, San Diego, Griffith Park, and Knott’s Berry Farm. If you’re wondering where to go on vacation with teenagers in America, this is the best place!

• Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, the beaches and more!
• San Francisco to Yosemite Park Small-Group Tour
• LA: Skip-the-Queue OUE Skyspace with Skyslide
• Universal Studios Hollywood: Early Access Ticket

6. Costa Rica

For one of the best countries to visit with a teenager, look no further than the beautiful adventure-filled Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is a great place to take your restless teenagers. You can join guided treks through the rainforest where you are either walking through the canopy on suspension bridges or hiking the paths of the Volcano!

You can expect to see monkeys, sloths, brightly colored frogs, large arachnids, reptiles, insects, and hundreds of different kinds of birds.

Costa Rica has beautiful beaches and you can give surfing, snorkeling, or scuba diving a try.

Teenage holidays with parents can be loads of fun for everyone (even the adults). See if you can find something that you both will love doing together!

Here is a great list of fun things to do in Costa Rica with kids check out where to stay in Costa Rica on our Dreams Resorts list here .

Want to hear from other parents who have been to Costa Rica? Activities [in Manuel Antonio]. All but me went on a nearby zip-line, which they all enjoyed, although there is a bit of climbing at several platforms. My daughters took surfing lessons, arranged by Tulemar, and had a lot of fun (we enjoyed watching). We also took a tour of the National Park, with an excellent guide named Johan Chaves… [In Arenal] the kids did river tracing — which involved rapelling and wading down rivers, and had a great time despite no prior experience. They also enjoyed standup paddle-boarding. My wife and I hiked the hanging bridges — which I don’t recommend when wet. The town has a nice center square, and my wife and kids had a great time going down there after the Ticos won a World Cup game. There are also rafting, waterfall, and other tours that we did not get to try… Ejeffrey (Reviewed on TripAdvisor )

Where To Stay In Costa Rica:

A fabulous hotel for your stay with your teenager/s is the popular Best Western Jaco Beach All Inclusive Resort . This hotel offers spacious rooms that sleep up to 4 people with garden and pool views.

We love the facilities and activities on offer at this resort. The teenagers will love the stunning outdoor pools, and tennis and volleyball courts, and more, keeping them fully entertained.

• Grab your Guachipelin Adventure Volcano Combo Ticket – Zipline, Horseback & River Tubing 
• Secure your spot on the ATV Side-by-Side Mountain & Beach tour From Tamarindo
• Enjoy a day out with a San Jose Wildlife Refuge & Chocolate Tour
• Have some fun on Rafting Class – “Jungle Run”: Río Sarapiquí
• Buy your ticket for the 100% Adventure Park Combo: Zipline, Superman, and Mega Tarzan Tour in Monteverde

The best holidays for tweens and teens that don’t mind the challenge of a brand-new culture. Marrakech is one of the best places to visit in Morocco !

Take your teenagers to the walled city of Marrakech and rent a traditional Riad to stay in. 

This traditional home has an interior courtyard, or a garden in the center, which is great for relaxing at the end of a long day.

Spend your days exploring the exciting markets in Marrakesh. You can wander through a labyrinth of streets and see wares for sale, like pottery, jewelry, brightly colored fabrics, and rugs.

You will also get to see exciting sights like snake charmers, entertainers, and fortune tellers.

For the ultimate family bonding experience, why not take a multi-day trip out to the desert, where you can try camel riding or trekking in the Atlas Mountains?

And if you are after an extraordinary adventure such as climbing Mount Toubkal with your teens you can do it in this amazing country too.

Yes, these kinds of activities make Morocco one of the world’s high-altitude destinations you must visit.

This is one of our favorite holiday ideas for families!

Want to hear from other parents who have been to Morocco? We just returned from two weeks in Morocco with our two kids (ages 14 & 17). It was a wonderful trip! … We stayed in Marrakech, went up to the High Atlas Mtns, drove out to the desert (Merzouga-Erg Chebbie dunes) by way of Ouarzazate and then to Fes and back to Marrakech. Stay in local riads. We did stay at the Sofitel when we first arrived in Marrakech for our first three nights. It was the end of June and I thought the large pool would be good for the girls. It actually was lovely and we did enjoy the pool each day. The location was good as it wasn’t far from the Medina and we walked there easily. We, did, however, love the riad in Fes – Ryad Mabrouka – as well as the riad (with good size pool) in Ouarzazate. The mountain retreat of Kasbah Toubkal was very unique – a cooperative ownership of local Berber and English. BCA (Reviewed on TripAdvisor )

Where To Stay In Marrakech:

A great option for your stay is in the Dar Rhizlane, Palais Table d’hôtes & Spa .

It can be hard to find bigger rooms in Marrakech and this hotel has accommodation to suit up to six people.

The outdoor pool will keep the teenagers happy whilst the parents can relax at the spa: win-win!

• Atlas Mountains and Three Valleys: Guided Day Trip
• Desert Agafay and Atlas Mountains & Camel ride Day Trip
• Ouzoud Waterfalls Full-Day Tour
• Marrakech Desert & Palm Grove Quad Bike Tour

8. Sri Lanka

For teenagers that love animals, Sri Lanka is one of the best teenage holiday destinations to visit.

A visit to Sri Lanka offers a variety of experiences for teenagers with many outdoor activities. 

Sri Lanka also has a lot of historic sites to visit. Be sure to visit Dambulla Cave Temple , where you can see relics and art. Explore the Temple of the Tooth, which houses the tooth of Buddha.

A visit to Sigiriya, a rock fortress that is accessible by steep stairs, will tire your teenagers out.

You can also visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to feed and clean up after the elephants or hop on one of the many safaris to see what wildlife you can spot.

Be sure to visit Arugam Bay, where you can relax on the pristine beach or try surfing.

Grab more tips about how to travel around Sri Lanka with teens and find some important information and tips for your trip to Sri Lanka here.

Truly a great option for those who are after teenage family adventure holidays.

Want to hear from other parents who have been to Sri Lanka? We’ve just returned from a 12 day holiday this July with a 12 and 13 year old and did the following: 1 night Negombo, 2 nights Sigyria/Dambulla, 1 night Kandy 1 night Kitulgala (rafting), 2 nights Ella, 1 night Udawalawe( safari), 1 night each of Mirissa, Unawatuna and 1 night Hikkaduwa. We loved the trip though probably should have spent a couple of nights in Mirissa and missed out one of the other beaches… The highlights of the trip for our kids were, in order, Kitulgala, Udawalawe, Mirissa, Ella. My highlights were similar but would probably put Udawalawe first and would include climbing Sigiriya. Anyway, overall we all had an amazing time. I think you’ll enjoy wherever you go in Sri Lanka, but for us we found our route gave us a bit of everything. Nicola F (Reviewed on TripAdvisor )

Cancun, Mexico in Central America, offers an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

The combination of surreal natural beauty, fascinating history, and a lively atmosphere makes Cancun a top choice for your next teenage holidays with your parents !

Between exploring the sea life in the remarkably blue waters, swimming with the dolphins at Isla Mujeres, and tasting the spicy, flavorsome cuisine of Mexico, your teens will have very little time for much else!

The only time you’ll see your children on the phone is when they are snapping away at the unbelievable scenery.

In addition to countless outdoor activities, Mexico is also rich in culture and heritage.

When not snorkeling in the clear waters, you can enjoy a family trip to Chichén Itzá , the archeological wonderworld.

With so many exciting attractions and activities, it’s no wonder that Cancun, Mexico, is one of the top destinations for holidays with teenagers.

With so many incredible resorts (including plenty of all-inclusive resorts) and accommodation options available, it will be a hard job leaving!

Where To Stay In Cancun:

One of the most popular luxury resorts by far is the gorgeous Hyatt Ziva Cancun . This 5-star resort has rooms that fit up to four people.

it is a pretty beachfront resort that is set on the beautiful  strip of Punta  Cancun and framed by the Caribbean Sea.

The teenagers will love the theater shows or they can choose to lounge out at one of the three beautiful pools.

Want to hear from other parents who have been to Cancun?

Want to hear from other parents who have been to Cancun? Our kids were [16 and 8] when we first started going to Mexico and we stayed at  Moon Palace  and they loved it. Lots to do, included tours in the price, kids under 12 stay free depending on when you travel, they own the water park in town and guest can go for free. [I]t is not near other resorts and very safe for young kids. There was always something for the older one to keep busy and not have to be stuck with the younger one! Some with the younger one, always busy and rarely bothered his older sister. We would get a room with two queen beds and still have room for a roll a way The water is not as pretty and blue as other places do to the second largest reef in the world but the beach is huge and wonderful Plus stay at one Palace and can play at them all included. mcmomny (Reviewed on TripAdvisor )

• Chichén Itzá, Ik Kil Cenote & Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour
• Swim with Whale Sharks Experience
• Jolly Roger Pirate Night Show and Dinner
• Reef and Shipwreck Snorkeling Tour
• ATV, Ziplines and Cenote Combo Tour at Extreme Adventure Eco Park

Arguably the highlight of any trip to Greece is the delectable Mediterranean cuisine.

Going on a family holiday to Greece will leave you with unforgettable memories of light-hearted conversation over platters of olives, cheeses, and fresh seafood.

But it’s not only the food that makes Greece one of the best places to vacation with teenagers.

With so many islands to explore, you can easily get swept away hopping from one island to another, swimming in the sea, and relaxing in the sun.

For a truly authentic experience, make sure that you add Santorini and Mykonos to your destination list. There are also plenty of other beautiful destinations in Greece that should be on your first trip itinerary.

As one of the oldest civilizations, Greece is rich in history. Your teens are sure to be enthralled by one of the mythology tours or caught up in visiting ancient ruins.

Whether you choose to visit the famous city of Athens or the quaint island villages, Greece promises a special experience for the whole family.

Want to hear from other parents who have been to Greece? We spent 4 weeks traveling around Greece – mainly Island hopping. We all really loved Zakynthos, Corfu, Crete and Santorini and Mykonos. I think if you and your kids love a more active holiday then Zakynthos and Corfu might be a better choice, however older teen girls who might not like being as active will love a few days in Santorini and Mykonos.

The vibrant country offers the full package – idyllic beaches, tantalizing cuisine, a lively atmosphere, and a fascinating culture!

Your traveling teens will be completely enthralled by the adventurous activities on offer.

From theme park excitement in Costa Dorada to exhilarating water sports, your biggest challenge will be pulling your teens away from the fun to reapply their sunblock.

Spain has finely tuned its tourism offerings to cater for holidays for teens.

Spain is home to one of the best teenage holiday resorts, like La Manga Club , but that’s not all.

For teenagers with an interest in art and design, make sure that you add Barcelona and the Gaudi buildings to your list of things to do.

If your kids are sports fanatics, then you can book a tour to a football stadium , and if your children prefer relaxing in the sun, then choose any of Spain’s charming seaside towns to visit!

If you are traveling with a teenager or as a group, you will need an easy way to go around the destinations.

We recommend that you choose the group taxi service , which you can book online.

Further Reading:

• Read up on the 6 best holiday destinations in Spain for families to visit.
• Love island hopping? Here is our list of 5 islands to visit in Spain .
• Love the combination of a city and beach trip? You will love these 5 coastal Spanish cities .
• Wondering what to do in Barcelona with kids ? Our post has you covered.

Bali is one of the best places to visit when traveling with teens around Asia.

It’s dotted with soaring volcanoes, a lush landscape, gorgeous beaches, and majestic temples, and there is quite a lot teenagers would enjoy doing here. 

In Bali, numerous waterparks, theme parks, and outdoor activities await your energetic teen.

Take your teenagers to Kuta Beach for a fun beginner surf lesson . The friendly surf coaches are experts in their field and will make sure everyone is safe at all times.

If surfing is too boring for your teenager, try a white water rafting day trip instead.

You can head over to Waterbom Bali to give your teen an epic waterpark experience with thrilling rides, slides, and attractions like the 30-foot catapult and an off-shore surf bed. But that’s not all Waterbom offers.

The park also has a handful of restaurants and cafes at the food court. And there’s a lovely swim-up bar where Mom and Dad can go have cocktails after a long day.

If your teen loves nature and wants to see more of Bali’s village landscape, take a day trip to Ubud.

This scenic town is known for its verdant rainforest, rice paddies, and Hindu temples or shrines.

You can take a tour of Ubud with your family and explore the town’s magnificent temples, waterfalls, and natural springs. Ubud is also where you’ll find the famous Bali Swing.

I think Bali is a perfect destination for a relaxing trip. We prefer to have plenty of relaxing days on the beach or at the resort (which keeps the teenagers happy) and then to add in a few day tours. Whilst we (the parents) much preferred areas such as Ubud and Uluwatu, our kids preferred Canggu, Jimbaran and Semiyak areas (close to the beach).

Japan is every teenager’s dream holiday destination, especially if they like robots and all things technology.

The country also boasts a fascinating culture with ninja and samurai traditions dating back thousands of years.

Your teens will have plenty of things to explore in Japan. They’ll get a front-row seat to the latest anime and manga comic books, Nintendo video consoles, and Hello Kitty memorabilia everywhere.

The best place to kick off your family trip to Japan is the capital, Tokyo. While places like Disneyland are more associated with toddlers and tweens, the resort hosts an array of age-appropriate rides, parades, and cruises.

Head over to DisneySea for a tour around the world, enjoy a leisurely ride aboard a steamer, or ride on a Venetian gondola.

After an unforgettable experience in Tokyo, consider taking a trip to Osaka. Our kids loved spending time at Universal Studios , and so will yours.

Here, they’ll get to live out their Hollywood dreams on famous sets like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, where they can explore Hogwarts Castle.

Our kids enjoy Japan a lot more than we did. They are into all things Anime (drawing Anime pictures and reading Anime books) and even list to popular Japanese songs (I don’t understand their taste in music!). So they absolutely loved the madness of Tokyo, being able to check out all things Anime and checking out the cat cafes.

14. South Africa

Looking for a great destination to visit with your teens in Africa? Look no further than sunny South Africa.

Situated in the southernmost part of the continent, South Africa is a great place to travel with kids . 

It’s dotted with stunning landscapes, gorgeous beaches, scenic road trip routes, and an abundance of wildlife safaris.

As the third most biodiverse country worldwide , South Africa is an excellent place for wildlife sightseeing. 

Take your teens on a self-guided tour in Kruger National Park to see the Big Five and other antelopes and wild cats, from big to small.

If your kids love water, uShaka Marine World in Durban is your best bet.

Your teens will love the water park slides, the rope adventure park, the aquarium, and other water activities like fish feeding, and cage shark diving.

While visiting South Africa, make sure you take your teens to Cape Town, famous for its monumental Table Mountain — voted New7Wonder of the World .

Spend time at some of the city’s gorgeous beaches like Camps Bay, Muizenberg, and penguin-filled Boulders Beach. 

Cape Town is packed with fun kid-friendly attractions like hiking up Lions Head and quad biking Atlantis Dunes.

If you have some extra time, take a family road trip along the Garden Route for the best scenic landscape views in South Africa.

South Africa is one of the easiest trips we have taken with our kids. There was barely any complaints from our teenager and tween. I think it is because most activities are more in nature and involves less sightseing (our teenager is not a big fan of sight seeing in cities). They absolutely loved the safaris and various animal parks we visited. She enjoyed shorter hikes (not a fan of the long ones though) and she loved the lazy days at the beach. I would go back to South Africa in a heart beat as it was one of my favorite and most relaxed family vacations with my kids.

15. New Zealand

Despite its scenic landscapes, indigenous Māori culture, and world-famous rugby team, the All Blacks, New Zealand often gets overlooked for family vacations in Oceania. But we’re here to myth bust.

New Zealand is one of the best holiday destinations for teenagers who love adrenaline-packed activities.

New Zealand’s incredible landscape is dotted with natural wonders and outdoor activities that every adventurous teenager will love.

Queenstown, in the South Island, is popular for adventure sports like bungee jumping at the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge.

Want to hear from other parents who have been to New Zealand? For teenagers I really have to recommend: 1. Rotorua (Adventure Capital North Island) 2. Queenstown (Adventure Capital South Island) 3. Mount Maunganui (my idea of hell and my boys love it!) 4. Paihia, Bay of Islands If you really are set on coming in our winter, head for the Tongariro National Park, and Mount Ruapehu, for skiing. It’s not often you get to ski on an active volcano! Or for (maybe) a bit of sun, Hawkes Bay – Napier, and my favourite little town (we may even retire to it one day) Gisborne. TopCatPom (Reviewed on TripAdvisor )

Your teens will also enjoy hiking or biking along the shore of Moke Lake. And on wet and rainy days, take them to Thrill Zone Queenstown for adrenaline-filled indoor activities like state-of-the-art virtual reality gaming.

Other excellent kid-friendly activities in New Zealand include unique wildlife experiences at the Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch and Zealandia Ecosanctuary in Wellington. 

Your teen might also like to go on a Hobbiton movie set tour in Waikato and learn about the story of Māori culture at the Manea Footprints of Kupe. 

Want to hear from other parents who have been to New Zealand? My teenagers absolutely loved Rotorua adventure stuff. We spent 5 days there and they loved the ziplining, luge, gondola, redwood forest, mountain biking tracks, exploring the thermal areas, zorb, kayking on the lake, hot pools. So I’d suggest Auckland for a few days , then Rotorua for some adventure fun stuff. NZp0ppy (Reviewed on TripAdvisor )

16. Thailand

Known for its captivating landscapes, Buddhist temples, and world-class beaches in Koh Samui , Koh Tao, and Phuket, Thailand is an excellent destination to visit with teenagers. 

After arriving in the capital, start with the best things to do with kids in Bangkok, like SEA LIFE Ocean World and Pororo Aqua Park, with its colorful slides.

The country’s tropical rainforest is speckled with a diverse range of wild flora and fauna. So if your teens like nature, they will love a holiday in Thailand .

Your teens can enjoy beach activities and watersports like scuba diving, snorkeling, jet skiing, and wakeboarding.

Spend a day island hopping from Phuket to Phi Phi Islands or climbing up to the Big Buddha to snap a few photos.

If your teens are up for a bigger challenge, you can take them on a day trip to the Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai), where they can burn more energy climbing up the 108 steps.

Outside of swimming, snorkeling, and visiting Buddhist temples, Thailand also has a lot of hands-on experiences like visiting an elephant sanctuary, zip lining, and going through some of Thailand’s best food and night markets via a TukTuk . 

Thailand is a fantastic choice for families who have kids who love the beach! I find that the pace of travel on islands are typically slower which works better for our teenager that has anxiety issues. Thailand offers the perfect combination of awesome resorts, beautiful beaches and fun adventure activities such as zip lining, white river rafting, jet skiing etc.

17. Namibia

Dominated by the red sand dunes of the Namib Desert, this southwest African country is often forgone as a family holiday destination for its neighbors, South Africa and Botswana. 

And unfortunately, they’re missing out. Namibia’s landscape might be arid, but there are plenty of fun things to do, like walking around the white clay and salt pan Deadvlei.

While visiting Sossusvlei with your kids , take them to the national park to climb up Big Daddy Dune for one of the most stunning sunrises ever.

Other fun activities your teens would like in Sossusvlei include a day trip to the Sesriem Canyon.

Take some time to explore activities in Swakopmund , like desert quad biking along the 977-mile Atlantic Coast, hiking to Spitzkoppe, and watching flamingos in Walvis Bay.

Our kids absolutely loved the activities at Walvis Bay and they loved jumping on the rocks at Spitzkoppe. I think they loved seeing the sand dunes Sossuvlei, but they weren’t a fan of actually trying to climb out the sand dunes (my kids are not very active).

Just because Namibia is covered in desert, it doesn’t mean the country lacks biodiversity.

In fact, you’ll find one of the largest national parks in Africa on the Etosha Pan. Here, your teens can enjoy spotting quintessential safari wildlife like zebras, lions, elephants, and giraffes.

Tip: Take a self-guided tour through the Etosha National Park and spot Africa’s Big Five and other wild animals at your own pace.

18. Australia

Australia is one of the most popular family holiday destinations in Oceania. Its outback landscape, unusual wildlife, and commercialized mega cities host many fun activities that every teenager would love.

The Gold Coast, about 50 miles from Brisbane, is dotted with water and theme parks like Wet ‘n’ Wild and Dreamworld, to name a couple.

Your teens can have fun indoors as well, like skydiving at iFLY Gold Coast and taking city views at SkyPoint Observation Deck.

Brisbane and Sydney are where you’ll find the most famous attractions in the country, like the Sydney Opera House, the Royal Botanic Garden, and Sydney Harbor Bridge.

You’ll also be a short drive and a boat ride away from the Great Barrier Reef , where your teen can enjoy snorkeling among some of the world’s best corals. 

Australia’s wild outback has lots in store for your teenager as well. Take a road trip in Australia and explore its best beaches and national parks, or book your tickets for a whale-watching trip.

Australia is such a comfortable country to explore. If your teenager struggles to be out of their comfort zone then this is a perfect choice. Our teens loved the theme parks, the escape rooms, the ferris wheels and spending time at the beach and on the water. We have a special memory of Andrzej (step-dad) took Katie (eldest daughter) swimming with the whales, it was truly magical.

19. Caribbean

The Caribbean is an idyllic region between the continents of North and South America, consisting of 700 islands with gorgeous white-sand beaches and colorful colonial towns.

The archipelago boasts nations with a vibrant carnival culture, groovy music, and tasty cuisine.

The Caribbean is a perfect family holiday destination, thanks to its inclusive activities like surfing and kayaking, its budget-friendly hotels, and its year-round perfect weather. 

There are plenty of fun things to do in the Caribbean with kids . From swimming with marine life at Stingray City in the Cayman Islands to go-kart racing and paintballing at Kool Runnings Water Park in Jamaica. 

You can also take your teens out into the tropical forest by visiting the World Famous Dunn’s River Falls and Park for a swim in the cascading falls.

One place that most people don’t think about when looking for their next family vacation is the United Kingdom.

And that’s because the UK is packed with royal palaces and historical monuments like Stonehenge, which most teens would find a bit boring.

But that’s not all that the United Kingdom has to offer. In cities like London, you can hop on a red double-decker bus and spot top sights like Big Ben, the River Thames, and London Bridge in one go.

Other great things to do in London with teens include taking a tour of Buckingham Palace.  

Take some time to explore the farmlands and local culture in Scotland and Wales.

The quaint towns and counties in these countries boast authentic pubs where fish and chips are a highly recommended meal on the menu.

Northern Ireland is a country you shouldn’t skip while on a family vacation in the United Kingdom.

Here, your teens can get a front-row seat to attractions along the Causeway Coast Route, like Dunluce Castle, the Dark Hedges, and the volcanic Giant’s Causeway .

Want to hear from other parents who have been to London? Our first trip to London was 5 years ago for our daughter’s 16th birthday. She and i went back together 2 years ago, and she requested repeat visits to the London Eye and Westminster Abbey. She really liked all the tombs, with interesting stones in the floor. Also, climbing up to the Whispering Gallery and on up to the top of St. Paul’s, Madame Toussad’s Wax Museum, shopping at Camden Locks and Portobello Road. Fish and Chips restaurants, like Geale’s. We also really enjoyed visiting Harrod’s, where we ate lunch outside on a covered terrace, less formal than inside… Marty S (Reviewed on TripAdvisor )

FAQs About The Best Holidays For Teenage Families

After some additional information to ensure that you have joy-filled trips where everyone in the family is happy? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about traveling with teens.

When you go on holiday with your teenager, choose places they will enjoy. Look for places with activities they like to do and that are age-appropriate. Ask your teenager what kinds of things they would like to do and plan a trip around those activities.

When planning a holiday trip with your teenager, safety should be your top priority. Before you go, it’s important to research the destination thoroughly and plan ahead. It’s important to stay aware of the local laws and customs in any country you visit with your teen. Research ahead of time to ensure that your teenager understands the laws for things such as drinking, driving, curfew, smoking, and public behavior. Make sure that they understand the consequences of breaking those laws or acting inappropriately. And lastly, if your teenager will be allowed to explore independently make sure to discuss how you will be checking in and how often you will be checking in.

Final Thoughts About The Best Holiday Destinations For Teenage Families

We hope you have enjoyed our holiday ideas for teens, hopefully, this post has opened up your options and given you some great destination ideas.

I really believe that the best place to go on holiday with teenagers will be different for each family. The trick is to find a destination that matches their interests, passions, and personality.

From Europe to South America to Africa, the world is filled with amazing places no matter what kind of holiday you’re after.

The most important thing is to make sure your teenagers will have an enjoyable time on their family vacation; if they are happy and engaged, that’s half the battle.

Don’t forget to include them in planning activities so they feel part of the process – teens tend not to enjoy simply being dragged along as an accessory!

So grab your passports and get exploring with your teens – it’ll be an incredible experience for everyone involved. Bon, voyage!

I would love to know which of the best holidays with teens you thought would be the match for your child.

Save this Post for Future Reference:

Over to You:

• Which destinations have you found to be a hit with your teenager?
• What’s the best holiday for a teenager? What activities does the destination need to include to keep your teenager happy?
• Do you want to know about the best teenage holiday destinations in Australia?

Jolene Ejmont

6 thoughts on “20 best holidays with teenagers in 2024 (with parents)”.

Hi Jolene, I had to comment because there’s not so many of us with teens. I now have 2, 15 and 13. They’re ridiculously well travelled so maybe not your typical kids and they hate beaches, as do I, so the places they REALLY want to go are the ones that are unusual, challenging or a big adventure. D loved Borneo, the trek we did, spear fishing in the jungle, being there on business, with me ( we were with Ian Ord, I’m sure you know him), he’s now coming to Bhutan with me and is game for anything different. Mongolia, more trekking in the Himalayas ( he’s already done Everest Base Camp ) Africa, Killimanjaro. He loves testing his new man strength. He also goes off on multi day camping/volunteering trips with his dad usually, they’re involved in beach clean-ups in remote places. through Tangaroa Blue. He loves scuba diving, but he’s picky, he’s been out to our Great Barrier Reef here too many times, it has to be somewhere new. My 13 year old on the other hand just wants to stay home and play computer games and eat junk – chalk and cheese! But he’d be pretty happy with theme parks. I think he’ll change very soon, he’s on the brink. Teens are the best to travel with.

I love traveling with teens too, but mine loves to complain and whinge which can be a bit of a downer 🙂 I think your comment shows how important it is to know what type of personality your child has as my kids won’t enjoy any of the destinations that are challenging and too adventurous. My eldest gets really uncomfortable in many parts of Asia – she loves structure, routine and she loves to know what to expect 🙂 Thanks for sharing your insight and your suggestions of destinations, I’m sure some readers will be able to relate 🙂

We are looking to travel next summer (Late July/Early Aug) with our Boy/Girl twins before they head off to college. On the list: Greece (not sure with covid etc- don’t want any last minute travel headaches- have heard some in Europe this summer), Hawaii (Maui + one other island) negatives-long flight- change of time zone and needing two weeks- ideal vaca is 7-10 days- just worried with organizing two kids to leave for college), Grand Cayman (Kimpton vs Westin), St Johns (Westin). Son loves: Cars, ATV, Adventure (jumping off cliffs, jet Ski), She loves (beach, Instagram pic spots, sunsets, Pool/swimming, shops, waterfalls, snorkeling, jet ski). Our favorite family trips have been Arizona (Scottsdale, Sedona), Marco Island Florida, Aruba and Turks & Caicos.

Those places all sound ideal and I am sure will make awesome vacation memories before they head off to college. Europe would be amazing (and tick a lot of boxes for both kids) especially if you have not visited before and fingers crossed by this time next year all travel will be as easy as it was before Covid!

Hi Jolene, great to read your article. I live in Perth, WA, originally from the UK. After my husband received a serious health diagnosis early this year which has left us with an uncertain future, we really want to go away on a family holiday next year. We have a 16.5 year old son and basically I am finding it impossible to find anywhere that we all agree on! My son is a typical teenager who seems to think the world revolves around him and we should all go where he wants (Dubai) I would like to go somewhere beautiful but with lots of activities to keep us busy. My poor husband just wants us to have a wonderful family trip but hasn’t really got a destination in mind or place he’s always wanted to visit! Every country I recommend my son doesn’t agree on and says it’ll be boring. I’m just stuck for what to do! When did booking a trip become so challenging! Any words of inspiration would be appreciated!

Hi Nicky, I would suggest think of places that you have not experienced yet that you would like to visit. Then maybe think of activities that you all enjoy together for example hiking and then look to see if you can do those activities at any of the places that you would like to visit and what else you can do. Good luck and hope you guys have an amazing holiday together. I am sure once you are all at your destination and doing fun activities you will all have a great time!

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The Best Destination to Take Your Kids at Each Age — From Infants to College Graduates

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From relaxing escapes with your infant to deep cultural immersions upon college graduation, here are travel ideas for families with children at any stage.

Once a traveler, always a traveler. There are folks who believe a baby doesn't have to change a thing about a couple's lifestyle, and others who subscribe to the exact opposite theory. But all can agree on one thing: Those who loved traveling before expanding their family likely dream of continuing to explore the world, little ones in tow. One of the most exciting parts of having children, after all, is the way they enrich and amplify almost every experience. Then, of course, there's the awe-inspiring discovery that goes along with watching curious youngsters see and try new things, from delicious foods to beautiful cultures.

Knowing which places around the globe are most appropriate for kids as they grow into and out of different phases can be tough to anticipate. And yes, it's more daunting to fly or contend with jet lag at certain ages. It's true, too, that as little ones become big, trips become more expensive. But all the challenges are far outweighed by the collective joy that's possible on a family vacation, especially one tailored to the brood's developmental stage and interests.

Here, with the help of a few travel experts, we break it down by age group, pairing each with a dreamy destination for exposure to the wondrous world and maximum family fun.

Infants (Ages 0-1): A Mexican Beach Resort

You'll hear it from every parent: Travel while your baby is just that — a baby — because it'll never be easier. Once they start walking, all bets are off. True, you're likely sleep deprived, but doesn't that make it the perfect time to hop on a short flight to Mexico for some R&R and vitamin D?

When planning a first vacation with an infant, Indagare CEO and founder Melissa Biggs Bradley says, "You'll want a warm location with a direct flight, a big beach since infants are still too young to enjoy a kids club, and easy access to good medical care in case of an ear infection or anything more serious."

Expect to bring way too much gear, but don't worry — any parent will empathize. A family-friendly resort in a development like the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita (for West Coasters) or Rosewood Mayakoba (for East Coasters) is a great bet since they'll happily provide the comforts of home (think: crib, mini fridge for milk, high chair, baby bathtub, or diaper pail), meaning you can focus your packing around sun protection and adorable tropical ensembles for your baby. They're also likely to offer babysitting services, in case you'd like to have dinner one night after 7 p.m. As for the new parent exhaustion, a soft, sandy beach is an idyllic place to catch up on Zs, for all of you. There's a reason sound machines come with a blue noise option — the gentle lapping of waves could lull anyone right to sleep.

Toddlers (Ages 1-4): The Island of Hawai'i

To a toddler, there's excitement to be found everywhere. They're like mini explorers, captivated by virtually every landscape and situation. Young kids who have just discovered the freedom of walking, running, and swimming will find pure magic in the Hawaiian islands. The coral reefs, beautiful beaches , Polynesian culture, soulful storytelling, near-perfect weather, and wildlife such as dolphins, whales, and sea turtles hold plenty of appeal for adults, yes, but also for toddlers.

The island of Hawai'i, specifically, offers a diversity of stunning environments, from stark and surreal lava flows to lush waterfalls, as well as resorts with little to no crowds. Mauna Lani , part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, with its ancient royal fishponds, outrigger canoes, and calm beach, exemplifies the family-forward approach. Their Holoholo Kids Crew offers thoughtful programming (think: crab hunting, Hawaiian language lessons, petroglyph walks, and natural dyeing, stamping, and feather art). And while it's designed for ages five to 12, three and four year olds can also attend with their parents (a great excuse for grown-ups to experience all the fun, too). Uncle Danny, the resort's cultural gatekeeper whose domain is the vibrant "house of knowledge," is wonderful with children.

"Many Hawaii resorts have protected ponds where you can take your toddlers into the ocean," says Biggs Bradley. "You can enjoy whale-watching cruises, and, in their later toddler years, they'll appreciate learning about the wildlife, maybe attend lei-making classes, or just relaxing by the pool or on the beach."

Elementary School (Ages 5-10): Rome, Italy

Once your kids have reached school age, they begin to hear a little more about the world around them. Basic elementary school lessons typically include ancient Rome, the Colosseum , and gladiators, says Biggs Bradley, so a trip to Rome "will further engage them in the touring, since what they've learned in school will be brought to life."

There are countless exciting activities available for kiddos, and even picky eaters will find something they love in the boot-shaped country known for pizza, pasta, and gelato. "Pizza- and gelato-making experiences are a must," says Access Italy CEO Simone Amorico, who adds that kids love making ceramics and mosaics, too. He says other can't-miss activities include, "treasure hunts in the Vatican and the Villa Borghese, where they can also ride a four-wheel bike and stop for picnics."

Meanwhile, the fairytale-like Hotel Eden is an ideal base for Roman excursions, and it's not far from Teatro Verde, a theater for puppet shows and musicals, the Explora Children's Museum, and Bartolucci, a traditional wooden toy shop where you can find Pinocchio. "At this age, a typical family tour can be boring, as they tune out and can't wait to leave," says Scott Dunn USA president John Spence. "We had our kids attend a Roman gladiator school so they could gain hands-on lessons in fighting techniques and reenact life as an ancient gladiator — they loved it."

Tweens (Ages 11-13): A Montana Dude Ranch

Between the ages of 11 and 13, kids, or tweens, will likely want some autonomy, but they also need boundaries. A dude ranch or guest ranch encompassing hundreds of acres of pristine, wide-open space makes for a wonderful compromise.

"When kids are in their early teenage years, there is nothing better than a vacation that combines adventure with something new," says Spence. "Watching our kids step outside of their element — horseback riding on mountainside cliffs or even just hiking in the beautiful Montana nature — is one of the best parts of being a parent."

Visiting a 10-square-mile property like The Ranch at Rock Creek — with a slew of included activities like fly fishing, cross-country mountain biking, photography classes, sapphire mining, and horse roping lessons — is quite a novelty for many families. Most kids, however unique their interests, will be able to find something they are stoked about. The younger ones can also attend Flint's Forest Rangers Kids Club (ages four to 12), which offers pre-booked excursions such as wildlife spotting and treasure hunting. Families can come together in the property's western-style bar for bowling, table tennis, and karaoke, too.

And perhaps the best part about Montana, home to dozens of guest ranches, is that it's gorgeous and fun year-round. It's a winter wonderland worthy of a snow globe and, at The Ranch at Rock Creek, cold-weather options include skiing (downhill and cross-country), sledding, ice skating, hockey, and snowmobiling. Expect smiles 24/7.

Teenagers (Ages 14-17): An African Safari

"It is all about the thrill of experiencing something so different from what they've ever seen before," says Extraordinary Journeys ' founder and CEO Elizabeth Gordon of taking the kids on an African safari.

Biggs Bradley adds, "Safaris are a huge area of passion for me, and I was eager to open my kids' eyes to them when they were young. The sweet spot to take children on their first safari is after 14 because by then you can ensure they will really remember the experience. They'll be able to sit in a vehicle for long periods of time and likely won't be nervous about sleeping in a tent." Plus, many camps also don't allow kids under 12 years old.

A safari is a special experience for a family to encounter together, witnessing an exciting array of animals in their natural habitat — not to mention beautiful traditions and cultures, too. "An amazing guide will teach [the kids] about tracking, get them to think like a detective, and figure out what may have happened in the area by looking at footprints," says Gordon.

As Biggs Bradley says of Kenya, "Cultural exchange is key. The opportunity for kids to meet and interact with Maasai people, for example, can be an incredibly memorable part." Properties like Sirikoi , Basecamp Explorer 's circuit, and Angama Mara provide beautiful immersion along with amazing sightings of the world's rarest species.

Another perk? Since Wi-Fi is often sparse or unavailable, families can unplug from technology and simply enjoy being together out in the bush. For even more adventure, consider adding on gorilla trekking in Rwanda (the pricier option) or Uganda (more affordable), especially if doing a safari in nearby Kenya.

College (Ages 18-21): Queenstown, New Zealand

Once kids have gone off to college, it can take a pretty enticing offer to pull them back into the fold for family vacations. Queenstown, New Zealand, is one such attractive proposition. Known as the "adventure capital of the world," it's the kind of all-season destination that offers a scene for everyone — plus, English is the main language spoken.

The birthplace of bungee jumping is home to countless thrills, from exhilarating jumps ( AJ Hackett Bungy from the Kawarau Bridge is the classic choice) to parasailing on bright blue Lake Wakatipu. "Families will love helicopter flights over the Tasman Glacier and along Milford Sound on a sunny winter day, or careening around the bends of the Shotover Canyon on a jet boat in the summer," says Gordon of this "quintessential playground."

For anyone who's not quite as much an adrenaline junkie, there are many hiking — known there as tramping — trails that reveal jaw-dropping panoramas. "New Zealand is a dream destination for a family who loves nature, landscapes, and, of course, adventure," says Biggs Bradley, adding that skydiving, rafting, caving, and fly fishing are also draws.

In the winter, Queenstown's mountains are home to epic skiing and snowboarding. The town itself is walkable and safe, with plenty of places to enjoy a sundowner, lovely meal, or the nightlife. With the kids becoming adults (and the local drinking age being 18), there's also the option to take a day for wine tasting at some of the island country's top vineyards in the Central Otago region about 45 minutes away by car.

To allow your young adults some freedom, try a couple rooms at the boutique QT Queenstown , which is full of art, quirk, and large windows showcasing the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu.

College Graduates (Age 22 and Up): Japan

By the time they've graduated college, many young adults will be ready to dive, respectfully, into a culture as exquisite as Japan's. "Japan is a country you want to travel to when you know your family will truly be able to appreciate what it has to offer," says Biggs Bradley, pointing out the opportunity for deep cultural immersion in food and drink, museums, temples, and shrines.

In a place where there's a fine art to everything from making tea and arranging flowers to lighting incense, it's best to ensure all parties are prepared to be well-behaved and gracious guests. A more mature — or adventurous — palate is also helpful for fully enjoying all of Japan's culinary treasures. Spence calls it "the perfect place for post-graduates who want new experiences," and Japan certainly excels at providing those.

Tokyo is a dynamic urban center where exploration yields unimaginable exploits. A different energy pervades Kyoto's quieter neighborhoods of Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, bamboo forests, and famous geisha districts. ( InsideJapan offers wonderful private tours led by local experts.) "Our kids loved trains, making the bullet train around Japan one of the best parts of the trip," says Spence.

Getting around is indeed a no-brainer — trains and buses are always precisely on time, people are friendly and willing to help despite language barriers, and there are many appealing regions (prefectures) with special attributes, such as places known for sake, hot springs (onsen), and art.

Staying in a traditional ryokan is a must, and the fourth-generation Japanese-owned Hoshinoya portfolio includes several luxury options. One of the most memorable additions to the cities, however, is a couple of days near Mount Fuji, where Hoshinoya Fuji offers spectacular views of the elusive volcano alongside exceptional local cuisine and rugged outdoorsy activities, including a food smoking workshop, canoeing, and e-biking. At the end of the day, there's no better place for a globe-trotting family to relax and share stories than around a bonfire under the stars, with live acoustic music, s'mores, and Japanese whisky.

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7 Best Vacations for Hard-to-Please Tweens

Sep 17, 2018

See recent posts by Karon Warren

Planning a vacation that appeals to tweens can be a tricky proposition. After all, they’re too old for petting zoos, character appearances and kiddie rides, but aren’t quite old enough for a road trip with friends. In fact, it can be quite difficult finding that trip sweet spot: a vacation that gets your tween excited to hit the road with the family. However, all is not lost; in fact, there are many great vacations that will appeal to tweens the world over. These are the best vacations for tweens.

1. Head to a Dude Ranch

Living life as a cowboy may not sound like a great vacation for tweens, but Kirsten Maxwell of Kids Are a Trip says otherwise. “A dude ranch is the perfect place for families to have an unplugged vacation,” she says. “Tweens will love the variety of activities at any dude ranch, from hiking to horseback riding to fishing. There are usually other kids as well, which means they don’t have to spend all their time with parents. That little bit of independence offered by a dude ranch vacation is something all tweens (and parents) will appreciate.”

Related: 15 Best Dude Ranches for Families

2. Spend Time in the Keys

Key West, Florida, generally is known for Ernest Hemingway’s cat-filled home, key lime pie and pirates galore, none of which may sound appealing to tweens. However, this popular island destination also offers many family-friendly activities tweens will like. “I think a 10- or 11-year-old would enjoy all [of Key West’s] activities, especially things like the turtle hospital, aquarium and snorkeling,” says Kath Race of familyTravelsUSA . “I was pleasantly surprised at all the kid-friendly stuff in Key West.”

Recommended Hotel: Parrot Key Hotel & Villas

3. Go to a Water Park Resort

With an indoor water park plus an indoor adventure park overflowing with activities, Great Wolf Lodge most definitely appeals to tweens. “I liked that everyone could do their own thing, and there was so much do and eat onsite that we didn’t have to leave for a couple days,” says Kim Ritter of Two Kids and a Coupon . “My adventurer did the waterslides, my gamer did the quests and, because we didn’t have to drive, mom and dad could even have a cocktail or two.”

Related: 10 Best Indoor Water Park Resorts for Families

4. Head to Clearwater, FL

It’s no secret that most tweens love hanging out at the beach, but parents may be surprised to learn that Clearwater , Florida, is a fun, family-friendly destination that easily rivals many of the Sunshine State’s other popular beach destinations. “Traveling with a tween can be fun, but tricky at the same time, especially when on a budget,” says Karyn Locke of Sand and Snow . “One of my favorite places in Florida is Clearwater Beach for its family-friendly atmosphere and freebies!” Those freebies include a multitude of festivals, a nature preserve and, of course, time on the beach.

Recommended Hotel: Opal Sands Resort

5. Visit a National Park

Our country’s national parks are easily one of its greatest treasures, some that make for the best vacations for tweens. “I think national parks are ideal for tweens,” says Eileen Gunn of FamiliesGo . “They are old enough to handle longer hikes, kayaking and other more adventurous things. They aren’t going to go running off a cliff like a toddler might so you can give them some freedom. And they are into the ranger talks and walks and can really absorb and learn from them. Aside from places where they are concerned about habitat protection, the parks are pretty laidback about letting kids go where they want to and climb what they want to and my 10-year-old really loves that.”

Related:   9 U.S. National Parks Kids Should See Before They Grow Up

6. Go Beyond the Big Cities

Many larger cities offer a lot for tweens on vacation, but don’t overlook the smaller cities located nearby. For instance, just two hours northeast of Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Indiana , is full of sites and attractions tweens will enjoy. “My tween and I did a mommy/daughter trip and had so much fun in Fort Wayne,” says Debra Muccio of Finding Debra . “So much to do, I was impressed and, best of all, so was she!” Think sports, culture, animals, science and so much more.

Recommended Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Fort Wayne

Related:   12 Small-Town Getaways Your Kids Will Actually Enjoy

7. Don’t Overlook Disney

While many tweens may no longer be interested in character appearances and princess autographs, that doesn’t mean you should rule out all things Disney. In fact, Jodi Grundig of Family Travel Magazine recommends taking a Disney cruise , which offers a different experience for tweens than what they normally experience at a theme park. Because you’re sailing on a cruise ship, tweens can experience a lot of autonomy, which is good for burgeoning teenagers. Plus, Grundig says, “Mine always love the kids’ club.”

Related: 10 Best Cruise Ships for Teens

What to Pack

Boy’s outfit for hanging out by the beach in the fall, shop the look.

Long Sleeve Button Up Shirt

Brixton Twill Pants

Snapback Hat

Radot Graphic T-Shirt

Girl’s Outfit for Hanging Out by the Beach in the Fall

Cuffed Ribbed Sweater

Stretch Denim Skinny Fit Pants

Stripe Button Front Cardigan

Glitter Heart Bag

Classic Lace High Shoes

Boys beach outfit for summer.

Swim Trunks

Girls Beach Outfit for Summer

Swim Coverup

Boy’s Camping Outfit

Galaxy Superbreak Backpack

Thermos Funtainer 12 Ounce Bottle

Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt

Everyday Chino Shorts

Jr Alonisso 41 Sneakers

Girl’s camping outfit.

Mini Sleepy-Eyes Backpack

Big Long Sleeve Solid Cardigan

Glitter Best Dad Graphic Tee

Warrior Knee Joggers

Wicked Good Slippers

Boy’s outfit to wear in disney.

Mickey Mouse Laughing Tee

Linen Short

Mickey Mouse Ears Cap

Reach Kids Sunglasses

Crocband Disney Mickey Mouse Clog

Baby girl’s disney outfit.

Baby Sun Hat with UPF 50+

Minnie Romper

Mineral Sunscreen Lotion - SPF 50

Disney Stitch Plush

oft Sole Slip-On Shoes

For nearly 20 years, Karon Warren has traveled the globe, searching for adventure, unique personalities, and a new perspective on the world around us. When she has the opportunity, Karon brings her family—husband William and children Elizabeth and David—along for the experience. You can follow her on Instagram , Facebook , and at her blog, This Girl Travels .

Our team of parents and travel experts chooses each product and service we recommend. Anything you purchase through links on our site may earn us a commission.

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Get up and go: These are the best family vacations to take with kids at every age

Where should we go on vacation is a great debate in family living rooms around the world.

Should we go visit grandparents or head to the beach? Maybe we should visit a theme park or take a cruise? Or perhaps we should trek to a far-flung exotic destination with lots of hiking?

There's an endless list of possibilities and factors to consider, with one of the important being the age of your children. Each developmental stage certainly presents its own challenges, but you can still have a fun-filled, memorable trip if you know how to handle those challenges and decide which family vacations are best suited for kids in each age group.

TPG surveyed real-world parents and staffers for their first-hand advice on navigating family travel to bring you the best family vacations with kids at every age and stage.

Best types of trips with an infant

Travel challenges.

Congrats — you have a new baby in the family! The good news is babies don't need much in the way of formal entertainment, though traveling with an infant isn't without its challenges.

While it isn't always picture-perfect at this stage, don't discount traveling with a baby. Once babies have a pretty solid sleep schedule, they can make for great travel companions.

If you are planning a long road trip, you'll need feeding supplies, diapers, wipes and multiple "just in case" changes of clothes for yourself and your baby. For a trip that involves flying, you'll need to find out the airline's policies for flying with an infant and bringing baby equipment like strollers and car seats.

No matter your method of travel, you'll want to choose a destination with baby-friendly amenities, a relaxed atmosphere and maybe even bonus perks like onsite babysitting so you can enjoy a parents' night out.

All-inclusive beach resort

A vacation where everything is taken care of ahead of time and you don't have to venture away from your resort is the epitome of convenience for new parents.

Many all-inclusive resorts , including Cancun's Finest Playa Mujeres , have dedicated water play areas for kids and complimentary baby care amenities like cribs, strollers and baby monitors.

If you want to get away for a walk on the beach or a romantic meal, infant child care with nannies accredited by the International Nanny Association is available at resorts like Beaches Negril .

When it comes to accommodations, a multibedroom suite or room with a separate area where your baby can sleep in a dark, quiet atmosphere will help keep that schedule you've worked so hard to create from getting too far off track. If you can't get an entire separate room, some family travel veterans have been known to make unconventional spaces like oversized closets and bathrooms work as makeshift nurseries .

Related: Best all-inclusive resorts you can book with points

Mountain cabin rental

Consider a peaceful cabin rental in the Great Smoky Mountains, Big Bear or the Rocky Mountains if you prefer a cool mountain breeze to the salty sea air. Most cabins offer full kitchens and many comforts of home -- and maybe even game rooms or hot tubs..

With the help of a home rental service like Vrbo or Airbnb , you can easily filter out cabins that are too small or large until you find one that's just right for you and your family. You may even consider making it a multigenerational trip that includes the grandparents so they can bond with their new grandchild.

Road trip to visit the grandparents

Alternatively, for that first trip away from home, you could hop in the car and take a road trip to visit your child's grandparents in their hometown (especially if it's as picturesque as the above destinations). Depending on your family dynamics, it can be a great way to get some practice in on packing and sleeping away from home, but with some friendly faces and arms waiting on the other side.

Some parents may be ready for a visit like this right away, while others may feel more comfortable waiting until they've mastered the basics of baby care. One thing's for sure, though: You can't beat the built-in babysitting.

Advice from parents who've been there

If you've recently had a baby, going on vacation is probably the last thing on your mind, but once you've settled into a routine and are feeling up to it, a change of scenery may be just what the doctor ordered.

TPG's director of travel content and mother of two, Summer Hull, remembers that, for some, the 3-6 month range is a golden window when going almost anywhere is doable with a baby who has a good sleep schedule. "Just put them in a carrier, and away they go," Hull said.

Once they become mobile, everything changes, so take advantage of their lack of mobility while you can.

Best trips to take with a toddler

As infants transition to toddlerhood, they become more aware of the world around them and require more entertainment and stimulation throughout the day.

That can be difficult while buckled up in a car or in an airplane seat for hours. A backpack full of board books, mess-free coloring kits and a trusty tablet can help alleviate the boredom. We're going to be honest, though: Of all the ages, the 18 months to 3 years range is the hardest for travel , as it requires the most active work from the parents.

You may also be in the midst of potty training and wondering how to manage such a monumental task while away from home.

Plan ahead by packing extra clothing, emergency pull-ups and possibly a portable potty chair if you are camping or traveling by car. If you know you have a big trip coming up, you may want to tackle potty training before your trip (still pack those emergency pull-ups just in case).

Despite these challenges, there is also plenty of joy that can come from traveling with kids at this age. After all, this is the time when they're full of wonder.

Because toddlers are inquisitive and energetic, any destination where they can explore their little heart out should fit the bill.

Beach vacation

Whether you opt for a beachfront resort suite or a home-away-from-home rental, a spot at the beach is an easy place to set your toddler to safely dig, splash, collect shells and search for sea life.

Although it won't be the same as the relaxing beach vacation you enjoyed pre-baby, taking a trip where you can observe your toddler indulging their sense of curiosity is still pretty fun. Just be sure you do all that is necessary to ensure water safety.

You probably won't want to spend the entire day in the sun, so choose a destination with other family-friendly activities to fill your time. In addition to its award-winning beaches, St. Petersburg, Florida , offers proximity to Fort De Soto Park, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the Sunken Gardens' tropical botanical gardens. Meanwhile, San Diego boasts its world-famous San Diego Zoo, museum-filled Balboa Park and the USS Midway Museum.

The 30-A section of Florida is also a fantastic, laid-back place to vacation on the beach with the whole family.

Legoland Resort is the only theme park specifically designed for families with kids age 2 to 12.

With locations in California, Florida and now New York, each Legoland park has attractions, shaded play areas, interactive exhibits and on-site hotels that cater to younger children, including toddlers. Staying on-site puts you steps away from the fun and comes with special perks like free breakfast, early theme park entry and character interactions. (But remember, perks vary by location.)

Mitchell Stoutin, TPG's director of engineering, took a unique approach to travel with his toddler.

Before visiting Sitka, Alaska, with his then 2-year-old and 4-month-old, Mitchell prepared for a struggle to keep his kids seated without getting fussy. Since neither child liked being strapped into a car seat, Mitchell purchased a Thule Chariot multiuse stroller and bike trailer to use while traveling around the small island. "We arrived with the stroller and rented bikes from the bike shop downtown so we could tow the kids around," he said. "We spent the week exploring trails, sipping coffee, eating fresh seafood and hanging out by the water."

This could be a stellar option if you are traveling to a similar destination that's easy to get around.

Related: Guide to flying with kids of every age

Best trips to take with a preschooler

Preschoolers are generally easier to travel with than toddlers because they have longer attention spans. However, they also sometimes see themselves as tiny adults.

This means stronger opinions, self-determination and the subsequent tantrums that come with not getting their way. To manage unexpected outbursts, keep your schedule loose and flexible, include plenty of breaks and pack more snacks than you think you'll need.

Your child may also be getting to the age where you debate leaving the stroller at home rather than lugging it around on vacation. Consider the amount of walking you'll be doing each day and whether you'll be out and about during nap time or after bedtime when the stroller can be used to hold your sleeping child.

If you want to test out leaving the stroller behind, research stroller rental options at your destination ... just in case.

As kids get older, more mobile and more independent, a whole new world of vacation options opens up. Now's the time to try new things on an extra-special family vacation.

Disney park

A Disney vacation can be fun at any age, but preschoolers are at that magical age where they believe in, well, magic.

It also helps that they are old enough and tall enough for many of the attractions. When you hit something they are not ready to do, Disney offers a rider switch service so parents can experience attractions their kids are too short for without having to wait in line twice.

Whether you visit Walt Disney World in Florida or Disneyland in California, max out the magic by staying on-site, booking a character meal and packing their favorite Disney character costume to wear in the parks.

But remember, these kiddos are still pretty young, so you'll want to build in lots of downtime for swimming and resting at your hotel to avoid the aforementioned tantrums, even if your kid has otherwise outgrown regular naps.

Ski vacation

For the most part, preschoolers are too young to be overly scared of trying something new. That makes now the perfect time to take them to the mountains for a ski vacation .

Look for a ski resort that offers ski school with small classes for this young age or even private lessons. In some cases, the length and cost of private lessons is reduced for children in that 3- to 5-year-old age range. For example, at Winter Park, Colorado, a half-day lesson for children age 6 and up starts at $699, while that same lesson for younger kids is $404.

Look for family-friendly lodging — preferably with a hot tub for soaking sore muscles — that offers on-site dining and easy access to groceries and other necessities. If there's ever a time to spring for a room at the best spot on the mountain, it's now. The Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa , which sits just steps from Beaver Creek's ski school, can be booked with points for an excellent rate.

Go on a cruise

Once a kid is 3 years old and potty trained, the world of complimentary kids clubs, including ones on several cruise ships, begins to open up.

Certain cruise lines are a better match for families than others thanks to their exceptional kids programming. Norwegian Cruise Line's free program for preschoolers includes activities like treasure hunts, arts and crafts projects and parades. Norwegian also has fun family amenities like bowling lanes, a miniature golf course and waterslides.

MSC Cruises offers similar child care and family activities, with its kids clubs divided into small age ranges, such as the Mini Club for kids age 3-6. This line also has a partnership with Lego, meaning your little ones will enjoy access to Lego play areas in the kids club and a dedicated Lego-themed day during each cruise.

Then, of course, there's Disney Cruise Line , which excels at keeping kids entertained. Onboard activities range from Disney cartoons showing in the movie theaters to character meet-and-greets to the Oceaneer Club, which is available to kids ages 3-12.

While traveling with his boys in preschool, Michael Gum learned that his kids especially loved hotel rooms with bunk beds and electronic drawing tablets for inflight entertainment.

Florida-based writer and mom Dani Meyering recommends parents invest in TSA PreCheck to breeze through security, as children 12 and younger can accompany parents with TSA PreCheck through the expedited security lane. Lots of credit cards you may already have in your wallet even offer a credit toward getting PreCheck.

On a recent trip, Meyering and her husband kept everything in order at the airport by designating one parent to manage the luggage and the other to be in charge of their son.

Both Gum and Meyering extolled the value of packing more snacks than you think you'll need. "It's survival mode on travel day," Meyering said. "Bring plenty of snacks."

Best trips to take with elementary-age kids

The biggest obstacle at this age is finding the right balance of fun and hands-on activities without overtiring them.

This is also the age where school absences and working around an academic calendar become realities for many families. While planning your vacation, be conscious of your child's limitations and don't book too many back-to-back activities. Even though these kids can make it through a busy day at home, leave time for some rest and recuperation in between marquee activities.

Best types of trips

At this age, kids are largely self-sufficient and able to handle a full day of adventures. By age 6 or 7, you can start mixing in more active outings like hiking, horseback riding and exploring new cities by foot.

Dude ranch or glamping resort

Dude ranches and glamping resorts let you experience all the fun of the great outdoors while staying in luxurious accommodations. Most offer a wide range of activities like fishing, boating, archery, cycling and swimming in an idyllic, natural atmosphere.

Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo in Polk County, Florida, (about an hour south of Orlando) has air-conditioned glamping tents and luxe covered wagons, among other accommodation options, plus a weekly rodeo. The Ranch at Rock Creek in Philipsburg, Montana, offers skiing and snowmobiling in the cooler months and mountain biking and hiking during the warmer months.

If you have some Hyatt points to spend, the Rawah Ranch in Colorado has a kids program for those ages 4-10.

Bahamas resort

If you are ready to venture a bit farther from home for a beach vacation, the Bahamas is a worthy contender. Resorts like Baha Mar in Nassau have multiple hotels to choose from, some of which offer fun amenities like water parks and are bookable with World of Hyatt points , such as the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar.

The Atlantis resort complex, which sits just a few miles away, is also an option that has thrilled kids for decades. Since some of the towers are affiliated with Marriott, you can reserve select accommodations with Marriott Bonvoy points.

International adventure

This is an opportune time for your child's first big trip out of the country.

They're old enough to handle a long-haul flight (and yes, even kids love lie-flat seats !), and they are better able to appreciate the defining characteristics of your chosen destination, whether that's snorkeling in Bora Bora or enjoying afternoon tea in London.

Jessica Stephens, a mom of two, warns parents not to over plan. "Go in with an open mind and have a short list of things you must accomplish on your trip," Stephens said. "The other fun things you get to do are just bonuses!"

Best trips to take with tweens

When kids get into the double digits, they will probably want more space and privacy than they did when they were younger. If toddlers are the toughest age to travel with logistically, tweens may be the toughest age group to please.

If possible, you'll want to seek out accommodations with individual bedrooms or even a living room with a pullout sofa where your child can unwind at the end of a long day. Finding a space with an extra bathroom or two wouldn't hurt, either.

These kids are also entering an age where fun with others their age can outrank fun with mom and dad or younger siblings. This makes the tween years a great time to double up and take a trip with another family or cousins or go somewhere that has a club specifically for the tween age.

Even in the world of theme parks, resorts and cruise lines, some are better suited for tweens than others.

Outdoor adventure

If you've been holding off on long-distance hikes or other iterations of "roughing it," now might be the time. A U.S. national park is a good place to start.

From mule treks in the Grand Canyon to beachfront camping in Florida's Dry Tortugas National Park to discovering dinosaur fossils at Dinosaur National Monument in Colorado and Utah , each U.S. national park offers something special for everyone, including tweens. Remember that the National Park Service also makes park passes available for free to those in the fourth grade.

Speaking of (almost) free, kids in fourth through sixth grade qualify for a $59 Colorado ski pass that's valid at a variety of resorts .

Universal Orlando Resort

You can certainly bring younger kids to Universal Orlando Resort , but by the time they reach the tween years, they should often reach the height requirements for most attractions and won't be as scared off by the tall, looping coasters that far surpass the intensity of even Disney's most thrilling rides.

We recommend staying on-site in one of Universal's Premier Hotels since they are closest to the parks and provide everyone in your party with complimentary Universal Express Unlimited access to skip the standby lines during your visit. If you want to enjoy a real treat, go all out on a Universal VIP experience .

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line knows how to make guests of all ages feel special, but tweens can be a tough group to charm.

Luckily, Disney has this down to a science thanks, in part, to their club for guests aged 11-14. Tweens will feel like teens while making fun projects with provided art supplies, partaking in dance parties, singing karaoke, watching movies, playing video games and more.

Mom Shana Loveday advises parents to let their tweens help plan the trip. She also recommends teaching them the invaluable skill of reading a paper road map. "Teach them how to read the map and let them have markers to track progress," Loveday said.

Best trips to take with teens

Like so many aspects of parenting a teen, the biggest travel challenge with this age group can be getting them excited and willing to participate. Balancing their potentially busy school and work calendars can be tough, too. Asking for their input on where you travel and what you do while there can go a long way. Allowing them to bring a friend may even earn you non-sarcastic "cool parent" status for at least a few days.

The sky's the limit at this point in terms of where you go and what you do. The training wheels are gone, and you can probably take the types of trips you used to go on before you had kids — just with a teenage twist to the plot.

New York City

There is so much to see and do in New York City. Not to mention, there are quite a few opportunities to sneak in U.S. history lessons while you're there.

We can help you choose a hotel and from there, it's up to you and your teen to decide which Broadway shows to see, museums to visit and landmarks to go to the top of for perfect panoramic views of the city for social media.

California road trip

California is well known for its theme parks and beaches, but it's also one of the best states for an epic road trip.

In addition to its general travel tips and visitor information, Visit California (the state's tourism board) offers a variety of road trip itineraries for every type of traveler. You can stick with the Highway One Classic road trip for unparalleled views of the California coast, or you can choose a trip that satisfies your family's specific interests, such as the Amazing Desert Oddities road trip or a Movie Locations Tour .

European adventure

Nobody wants to deal with jet lag, but it is true that teens are probably better equipped to handle it than their younger counterparts.

If your teen is taking European language classes in school, you could choose a destination where they could get in some real-world practice. Or, you can bounce from country to country, which is surprisingly convenient and affordable by train or plane.

Writer, podcaster and parent Jana Seitzer loves letting her teens help plan their vacations. "We've found over the years that when they are invested, they enjoy the trip more," she said. "When everyone gets to provide input on activities and locations, everyone gets at least something they want."

Best trips to take with your college-aged 'kids'

If your college-age kids have flown the coop, planning a vacation where they have the freedom they are used to can be difficult. Keep them involved throughout the planning process and try to keep the reins loose during your trip, with pre-arranged meeting times throughout the day. As long as you land on something that sounds mutually enjoyable that works for their schedule, odds are they'll be thrilled to take a trip on their parents' dime — especially if a friend can come along.

Consider how your kid in college likes to spend their free time, and tailor your plans to their favorite activities. You could spend a day lounging on the beach or trying more active pursuits like zip-lining or parasailing.

All-inclusive resort

Because the cost includes (almost) everything, an all-inclusive resort gives everyone the freedom to do what they want, when they want, without worrying about money.

Excellence Resorts in Cancun, Mexico; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; and Montego Bay, Jamaica; are ideal options for families with kids in college. The adults-only section of Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya is another terrific option, as it caters to guests 18 and older. There are plenty of points-friendly all-inclusive properties, too, such as the Hyatt Ziva Cancun .

Multigenerational ski vacation

Whether you've been skiing together for years or you're all learning together for the first time, the college years are an excellent time to bring the grandparents (and maybe some cousins, aunts and uncles) along for a big multigenerational ski vacation .

Rent a spacious ski home close to the slopes so everyone has plenty of room to spread out when they're not shredding powder on the mountain as often as they choose during the day. You can even book a semi-private ski lesson for your whole group and tailor it to your current skill level.

Seitzer is an enthusiastic proponent of multigenerational trips, no matter your kids' ages. "Multigen travel is a fantastic way to spend quality family time with multiple family units making memories together," she said.

Traveling with kids of different ages

If you have multiple kids with significant age gaps in between, your biggest challenge will be finding a destination with a wide range of activities that will entice children from various age groups. Your best bet is a cruise or resort where the activities and entertainment are built right in.

Adventures by Disney

While you may feel sticker shock when you initially see the price tag, if you have a mix of ages in your family and the budget to support it, Adventures by Disney vacation packages can be a fantastic solution.

They offer guide-led trips on land and by cruise to destinations ranging from Wyoming to Antarctica . They take care of most of the details and work, and the price covers all meals and outings. Additionally, there are likely families there with kids of all ages so your group could blend right in.

Hawaiian resort

A sprawling resort with lots of activities and accommodations designed for large families will ensure everyone has an enjoyable vacation. The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa is an amazing deal with Hyatt points. Plus, it offers daily activities like yoga, lei making and golf, as well as one of the best family pool complexes in the U.S.

There's also a kids club (for a fee) if you find yourself in need of child care for the younger members of your travel party.

Travel writer Sarah Gilliland has 10-year-old twins and a 2-year-old son. Her advice is to save her older kids' favorite activities for their little brother's nap time.

"When he sleeps in the stroller or I head back to our hotel with him for a nap, it's go-time for them," Gilliland said. "It helps their time with us feel special, especially since they had our undivided attention for eight years." She also recommends having a grandparent, another family member or a babysitter travel with you so they can help care for the younger kid(s) while you spend time with the older ones.

Mom Christy Kelley shared a helpful tip for keeping the boredom away while en route to your destination. "A friend once suggested that I take paper lunch bags and fill each with one activity and one snack for each hour of the trip so the kids always have something to look forward to," she told TPG. "It's great for kids of any age."

Bottom line

Naturally, these recommendations aren't set in stone. Some kids and families are ready to level up their travel early, while others like to keep things simple for a little longer. There's no right or wrong time for most types of trips, just general age ranges when some things tend to be easier than others.

If you want to head to Europe with your toddler, go for it. Or, if you want to head to Disney World with your grown kids, do it. Odds are high that great memories will be made no matter what you take on, as long as you're willing to go with the flow and keep your kids' wants and needs high on the priority list.

So, where to next?

The 10 Best Cruises for Teens in 2024

C ruises make the perfect family vacation, especially when traveling with teens. Teens can mix and mingle with others their age in teens-only clubs, play games, listen to music, or grab a pizza and watch a movie under the stars. If your tweens and teens need more action-packed fun to keep them entertained, some cruise ships act like floating amusement parks with zip lines, racetracks, roller coasters, ice skating rinks, laser tag, waterslides and more.

The following lines offer the best cruises for teens and tweens, along with their parents.

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MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises offers plenty of family fun and activities for teens on its ships, including sports tournaments, waterslides and a family disco. On select ships, you'll also find the full-size MSC Formula Racer simulator, an interactive XD cinema, a virtual reality experience, zip lines and an arcade room. The Young Club programming by MSC Cruises offers daily activities for 12- to 14-year-old tweens, while teens 15 to 17 can participate in sports and dance competitions as well as video game tournaments at the Teen Club. Older kids can also participate in fun themed events, karaoke, piloting practice at the Drone Academy and flash mobs – and there's a teens-only disco.

On MSC Seascape , teens can stay busy in three new concept spaces. "Future" features a state-of-the-art technology area with the latest-generation consoles, VR and video screens for hours of entertainment. "Chill Out" is just as it sounds – a place to hang out, chat, and play foosball and pingpong. Meanwhile, "Music" is a dance club where kids can choose their own tunes and dance the night away with cool lighting and sound effects. If all that isn't enough, Robotron, the first of its kind at sea, is an amusement park-like ride that combines the thrill of a roller coaster with personalized music and lighting.

MSC World Europa boasts the largest and most engaging kids area in the fleet with an impressive 8,245 square feet of action-packed space. The new Teens Lab features an immersive area for teenagers with more than 20 of the latest consoles, seven VR stations and dozens of video games. Drone Academy 2.0 is a high-energy relay race for drones. There's even more onboard fun at Z Active, a sports program that offers basketball, football and zorb ball alongside two firsts for the line – pickleball and hoverboards. Teens can also take a spin on the bumper cars at the MSC Sportplex.

MSC Euribia – the line's newest ship, which set sail on its inaugural cruise in June 2023 – has a total of 7,500-plus square feet of space dedicated to kids ages 0 to 17. The new Teens Club Extra Space offers three different areas: the Young Club (ages 12 to 14), the Teens Club (15 to 17) and the Teens Lab (12 to 17). Some of the activities include those found on other MSC ships, such as Z Active, Drone Academy 2.0 and the MSC Dance Crew competition. Teens will also have access to new video games; pingpong; World Quest, an interactive game show based on trivia and geography; and Caravaggio, an immersive spy game show about an art heist.

Compare  MSC Cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line boasts a teens-only venue, Entourage, which caters to young adults 13 to 17 years old. This supervised space – available on 16 of the line's 19 ships – keeps teens busy in an adults-free lounge that's filled with video games, movies, music, arts and sports. Teen counselors on Norwegian Cruise Line plan activities and challenges to keep kids entertained throughout the cruise. A list of detailed activities is available on embarkation day so teens can plan out their schedule for the cruise.

Norwegian Prima , the first vessel in the Prima class, features many first-at-sea innovations perfect for entertaining families and energetic teens, including the three-level Prima Speedway. With cars reaching up to 30 miles per hour, this quarter-mile-long racetrack is one of the highest-rated attractions on Prima. Adventurous teens will also want to check out The Drop and The Rush. Billed as the fastest slides at sea, these chutes offer thrill-seekers a heart-pumping 10-story freefall plunge.

If that's not enough action, teens can also play The Bull's Eye, a classic game of darts that uses a video tracking system, or check out Tee Time for a pumped-up version of mini-golf set against a Las Vegas backdrop. In the Galaxy Pavilion, an indoor gaming complex, you'll find more than a dozen attractions, including immersive simulator experiences, escape rooms and the Topgolf Swing Suite – all of which are unique to Norwegian Prima. When it's time to cool off, the Tidal Wave waterslide is another first for the brand, letting guests ride inner tubes to catch the surf.

Norwegian Viva, the second vessel in the Prima class, is set to launch in August 2023. As the newest ship in NCL's fleet, Viva will also feature these exciting high-tech attractions, including Viva Speedway. If you and your teens are fans of the movie "Beetlejuice," you're in for a treat: The Broadway musical adaptation will debut on the new ship.

The line's Breakaway Plus class – Norwegian Escape , Joy , Bliss and Encore – is also popular with families as these ships offer plenty of activities and attractions suited for active teens, such as go-kart tracks, outdoor laser tag and VR games in the Galaxy Pavilion.

Find  Norwegian Cruise Line deals on GoToSea .

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line features two cool spaces dedicated to teens and tweens, who can hang out on comfy couches, watch shows or movies, and play video games. These hangouts, called Edge (for ages 11 to 14) and Vibe (ages 14 to 17), are available on all Disney Cruise Line ships.

On Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream , the space at Vibe also features a private outdoor deck with chaise lounges, wading pools, foosball and more. While indoors, teenagers can mingle with others their age, or just kick back and relax in individual nooks. There's a dance club area for karaoke contests, talent shows and dance competitions. The trendy indoor-outdoor space – at almost 9,000 square feet – is accessible with a teens-only card or DisneyBand+. On the new Disney Wish ship, Vibe has a French twist inspired by a Paris artist's loft with neon signs and funk pop art.

For tweens sailing on Disney Fantasy or Dream, Edge is a bright, loft-style gathering spot – located in the funnel – that has individual computer stations for gaming and a massive video wall for screening television, movies and games. There's also a lit-up dance floor for dance parties. Two nifty features of the space – and its location – are views of the pool decks below as well as three portholes that allow for glimpses of the riders on the water coaster, AquaDuck, as they zoom by.

On the first night of the cruise, kids receive information on what activities and events will be available during their vacation so they can curate a personalized entertainment itinerary. Some fun options throughout the week may include "Gotcha," a game of elimination where one teen will become the ultimate victor. For a special treat – and a bit of pampering – guests ages 13 to 17 won't want to miss an afternoon at Chill Spa, located inside Senses Spa & Salon.

Book a  Disney cruise on GoToSea .

Royal Caribbean International

The newly updated space for teens 13 to 17 years old on Royal Caribbean International vessels is hidden behind a secret speakeasy entrance. The dedicated venue, which has a gaming lounge and music, is a cozy place to hang out to meet other teens on the ship. There's also an outdoor patio where you can relax in the sun or chill out under the stars. Teens will find planned activities throughout the day at the lounge, including sports tournaments, a nightly teen disco and themed parties.

Social 100 is an exclusive new space for ages 13 to 17 on Wonder of the Seas . The outdoor space sits next to the waterslides and boasts a hot tub, lawn games, cozy seating, a selfie area, and a bar serving zero-proof cocktails and shakes. The indoor part of Social 100 features a gaming area, foosball tables, a vending machine and more comfortable spaces for teens to mingle.

Teens have plenty of activities they can do with their families on Royal Caribbean's ships, especially on the new Icon of the Seas, the first vessel in the Icon class. Slated for its inaugural sailing in January 2024, Wonder of the Seas will be the  world's largest cruise ship .  Cruisers of all ages will have endless opportunities for fun with more venues, activities and attractions than you've ever seen on a cruise ship.

Teens and their parents will appreciate Chill Island, a three-level pool deck with the first swim-up bar at sea. The new water park, Thrill Island, boasts six waterslides, including exciting firsts at sea, such as Pressure Drop, the first open freefall slide. If that's not enough to get the adrenaline pumping, teens can check out Crown's Edge – a combination thrill ride, skywalk and ropes course – or other Royal Caribbean favorites like Adrenaline Peak, Sports Court, the FlowRider surf simulator or the reimagined mini-golf course.

If you're hanging out in the new Surfside neighborhood on Icon, a dedicated space for young families, teens will have easy access to the supervised teens-only club, Social 020, from this open-air space.

When you head ashore to Perfect Day in CocoCay, one of the best  cruise line private islands , teen cruisers will find plenty of fun land-based activities like Thrill Waterpark and 1,600-foot-long zip lines. Be sure not to miss another thrilling experience: Up, Up and Away. The helium balloon ride soars 450 feet above the ground to the highest vantage point in the Bahamas , offering incredible panoramic views of the island and surrounding turquoise waters.

Explore  Royal Caribbean cruises on GoToSea . 

Holland America Line

The Kids Club on Holland America Line offers a fun supervised program for 13- to 17-year-old guests in an adult-free zone known as The Loft. The name is in the process of changing to High Score!, and you'll already find the updated concept on Oosterdam and Eurodam . The line's other ships will change over to the new venue throughout 2024. High Score! is a family game room that serves as a secret getaway for teens by day. In the evenings, entire families can come to play skeeball, board games and join in other activities.

The teens-only space (during the day) on Holland America Line resembles a New York artists loft where kids can listen to music, watch movies, play games and meet and hang out with same-age cruisers. Programs and activities at the current space, The Loft, include themed events, karaoke, a teen disco and nighttime activities such as Poker Night and video game tournaments. Youths can also participate in pingpong, basketball and other teens-only sporting events. If they still need more entertainment to keep them busy, the Kids Club offers origami lessons and watercolor painting as well as competitions in "Mario Kart," air hockey, foosball, pinball and more.

The Kids Club is complimentary for guests. The space is open daily, and you'll also find teen events around the ship. When it comes to dining, there are many teen-friendly dining options – where teens can even enjoy mocktails like nonalcoholic mojitos – at venues throughout the ship.

If you're cruising to Alaska with Holland America or other adventure-filled destinations, look for excursions that will appeal to younger family members like zip lining tours, trail hikes, float trips, helicopter tours and wilderness safaris. Alaska is a teen favorite, especially in Skagway (one of Alaska's top destinations ), where travelers can get a thrill out of dog mushing with a team of Alaskan huskies, taking a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, or going on a rock climbing excursion.

Find  Holland America Line cruises on GoToSea .

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Princess Cruises

The modern Beach House lounge is the go-to place for passengers ages 13 to 17 to socialize and meet others their age when sailing on a Princess Cruises ship. Fun activities for teens include late-night movies and tournaments where they can challenge their peers in video games or at air hockey, foosball and table tennis. For more energetic activities, join in the fun during indoor dodgeball and basketball games. Or, learn new dance moves from some of the dancers in the crew, then hit the dance floor for one of the competitions. At the "Rock the Boat Party," teenagers can dress up and party the night away with mocktails and new friends on the ship.

"Movies Under the Stars" is one of Princess' signature events. Guests can watch movies, sporting events and concerts while bundled up with cozy blankets on the pool deck outdoors. Teens will enjoy the complimentary snacks – not to mention the special movie nights designed with them in mind, such as "Scary Movie Night." You might even find teen makeovers and glitter tattoos some evenings on the ship.

The line's three newest ships – Discovery Princess , Enchanted Princess and Sky Princess – offer the most activities for teens, but all of the ships in the fleet host youth programs in partnership with Discovery, along with plenty of other family-friendly activities. These offerings include Discovery Family and Animal Planet shore excursions and onboard entertainment like "The Voice of the Ocean," a musical competition.

Parents will be able to keep track of their busy teens anywhere on the ship with the state-of-the-art Princess MedallionClass system. The quarter-size wearable medallion and accompanying app allow guests to personalize their itinerary and locate family members and friends on board.

When Sun Princess launches in February 2024, as the first vessel in the line's Sphere class, it will feature Park19. This top-deck family activity zone boasts many outdoor adventures, including Sea Breeze – the first Rollglider at sea. The ADA-accessible seated ride offers a hang-gliding experience with panoramic views of the ocean and ports of call. Families and teens can also check out the climbing obstacle course, cargo nets and lookout points. The ship also has a recreational court – which offers pingpong, shuffleboard, fitness classes and more – and a splash zone where you can cool off after all the outdoor activities.

Inside Sun Princess, tweens and teens will find two centers just for them: Neon Grove and The Underground. Both spaces offer cozy and colorful areas for young adults to hang out, socialize, and play video games on the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. They'll also find foosball, skeeball and air hockey on top of planned activities like movie nights, dance parties and scavenger hunts.

Explore  Princess Cruises on GoToSea .

Adventures by Disney

Adventures by Disney offers river and expedition cruises for the whole family; the itineraries span many choices and experiences for tweens and teens with a focus on culture, history, gastronomy and adventure. The river cruises are operated in partnership with AmaWaterways, while the expedition cruises are a collaboration with luxury French cruise line Ponant.

If you're sailing on the Adventures by Disney Rhine River Cruise itinerary, for example, guests can choose between various exciting excursions. While you're docked in Strasbourg, France , for the day, teen-friendly options include a tour of the Black Forest, complete with a toboggan run and a visit to a woodworking museum. Another choice here is to visit Germany's Europa-Park, a one-of-a-kind theme park located between the Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains. In Melk, Austria, on the Danube itinerary, families can go for a bike ride along the Danube River, hike to the castle in Dürnstein or visit a family-run apricot farm.

Another great feature of these cruises is that teens can opt to have dinner and evening get-togethers with same-age cruisers, so they don't have to dine with their parents or younger siblings every night. Adventure Guides also curate special activities for teens like game shows and pool parties.

In destinations like Antarctica, the Adriatic and the Galápagos Islands , expert naturalists lead tours during these bucket list trips. You might even find a bit of Disney storytelling woven into the presentations by the Adventure Guides.

Keep in mind if you have younger kids as well as teens that children need to be 5 or older to sail on the river cruises. For the Galápagos Islands expedition cruises, the minimum age for Junior Adventurers is 7, and for expeditions to the polar regions, kids need to be 10 years of age or older.

Read: The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Celebration, which launched in November 2022, is the line's newest Excel-class ship. It features an expanded family and youth program, including its offerings for teens. The line also rolled out the new program fleetwide in spring 2023.

The Carnival Cruise Line teen programming at Circle "C" is for tweens ages 12 to 14, while Club O2 is for ages 15 to 17. In these venues you'll find entertainment like themed dance parties – and even a Carnival prom – as well as video games, movies and karaoke. Circle "C" stands for "Cruise, chill and connect," and that's what teens can do in this colorful, contemporary space with engaging counselors. New activities include anime drawing lessons and pop culture games at Circle "C." Older teens can foster new friendships while engaging in Japanese crafts and authentic tea ceremonies at Club O2.

Teens will appreciate Carnival's onboard water park, Waterworks, which includes a splash park and slides. Carnival Panorama even has the trampoline park Skyzone. Teenage passengers won't want to miss the first roller coaster at sea, BOLT, on Excel-class ships: Mardi Gras , Celebration and the upcoming Jubilee, scheduled to launch in December 2023.

For even more action, Vista-class ships feature Skyride. This two-lane, bike-like ride is suspended above the top deck of the ships and extends out over the ocean. More indoor fun can be found at Thrill Theater (on Horizon and Vista ), an immersive cinematic experience where you'll feel the seat rumble, the wind blow through your hair and even a spritz of water during the action-packed video.

Book a Carnival cruise on GoToSea .

Celebrity Cruises

This line's Teen Club features activities focused on kids 13 to 17. Some of the events offered for teens in the Camp at Sea program on Celebrity Cruises range from video game tournaments and sports competitions to culinary classes and silent disco parties. Teen cruisers can even book glass-blowing classes on Celebrity Solstice , Equinox and Eclipse . The offerings for young passengers are similar at either The Basement on Edge-series ships ( Edge , Apex , Beyond and Ascent, set to launch in November 2023) or at X Club on Solstice- and Millennium-class ships. Note, however, the line's three Galápagos expedition vessels do not have the teen venues. Families who need accessible accommodations, activities and programs will also find autism-friendly cruises on Celebrity.

When it comes to pampering, Celebrity's spas offer spa menus for 13- to 17-year-olds. Teens can book facials that are designed for young sensitive skin or have express pedicures and manicures. When you're ready to relax, schedule a two-by-two massage, where parents and kids can have a side-by-side treatment.

Celebrity also offers family-focused excursions that highlight cultural attractions, wildlife sightings and adventure. Some of these tours include seeing gentoo, king and Magellanic penguins in the Falkland Islands; taking an aerial tram through the treetop canopies of a rainforest in Costa Rica ; and going on a small culinary or sightseeing group excursion in Europe and other destinations around the world. On Caribbean sailings – especially when school is out for summer or on holidays – Celebrity has additional family-friendly shore excursions on its five- and seven-night sailings.

Find a  Celebrity Cruises deal on GoToSea .

Cunard Line

Cunard Line offers programs and activities for passengers ages 13 to 17 years old in its Teen Zone. This dedicated space is a place for teens to hang out with cruisers their own age and play video and team games, table tennis, and more. On the first day of the cruise, you'll find an activity program for young guests delivered to the stateroom so your teens can plan out their vacation experience, which may include entertaining theme days, deck sports, quizzes and dancing at the disco.

Teens on Cunard Line can participate in the activities around the ship, hit the pool for a dip, practice their putting or try their hand at croquet. If you're sailing on Queen Mary 2, those interested in science, wildlife and the solar system can watch up to four 3D films a day (on sea days) in the largest planetarium at sea.

Compare  Cunard Line cruises on GoToSea .

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She's sailed to destinations around the globe on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, traditional masted sailing ships, and expedition vessels in Antarctica and the Galápagos. Pratesi covers the travel and cruise industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• Cruise Lines That Let Kids Sail Free
• The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers
• The Top Adults-Only Cruises
• Cruise Packing List
• Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival

Copyright 2024 U.S. News & World Report

THE 10 BEST Moscow Things to Do with Kids

Things to do in moscow with kids.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3rd Transport Ring (TTK)
• District Central (TsAO)
• Garden Ring
• Boulevard Ring
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Hidden Gems
• Adventurous
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Red Square

2. Saint Basil's Cathedral

3. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

4. Moscow Kremlin

5. Kolomenskoye Historical and Architectural Museum and Reserve

7. The Museum of Cosmonautics

8. Sparrow Hills (Vorobyovy Gory)

9. Kuskovo Estate

10. The Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy (VDNKh)

11. Sokolniki Park

12. Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

13. PANORAMA360

14. Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts

15. Kremlin Walls and Towers

16. Victory Park

17. Modern Moscow Drama Theater

18. State Darwin Museum

19. Aleksandrovskiy Sad

20. Aptekarskiy Ogorod Botanical Garden

21. Patriarch's Pond

22. Catholic Cathedral of The Immaculate Conception of The Blessed Virgin Mary

23. Krutitskoe Podvorye

24. Ostankino TV Tower

25. Old Arbat (Stary Arbat)

26. Experimentanium Museum of Entertaining Sciences

27. Orlov Paleontological Museum

28. Fountain Druzhba Narodov

29. Neskuchny Garden

30. Museum of Soviet Arcade Machines

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Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

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Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

• Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
• Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
• Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

• Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
• Cost: USD $15.00
• Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

• Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
• Cost: USD $8.00
• Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

• Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
• Cost: Free to enter
• Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

• Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
• Cost: USD $5.00
• Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

• Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
• Cost: Free! 
• Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

• Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
• Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
• Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

• Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
• Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
• Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

• Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

• Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
• This museum is fun for both adults and children!
• Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

• A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
• Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
• The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

• Television and radio tower in Moscow
• Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
• Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

• The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
• Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
• Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

• Closed on Mondays
• Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
• The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

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Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

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Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

Alya and Campbell

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• Guide to Russia
• Experience Russia

Fun Things for Kids in Moscow

Photo by  victoria_borodinova  from  Pixabay  

What are the best things to do with children in Moscow?

• Summer: Futuristic parks, river boats and ice caves are perfect attractions for when the temperatures rise above 30.
• Museums: Russians are very proud of their history, which means that their museums are kept to a world-class standard. Both parents and children alike will be sure to learn something new at one of the many, often unique museums in Moscow.
• Culture: From the world’s oldest puppet theatre to UNESCO-listed whimsical, wooden palaces there’ll be plenty to treat your little prince or princess to.
• Winter: New Year is arguably the most magical time to visit Moscow, especially for children. The ice rinks throughout the city, Christmas markets and the magnificent ice-sculpture festival truly make Moscow a winter wonderland. 

Moscow truly is a mega-metropolis like no other. Its non-stop energy and sheer unorthodoxy is sure to enthuse any child with its rebellious, east-meets-west spirit. Just walking down Old Arabat Street— where ancient wooden storehouses are squashed against grey, soviet blocks which are then towered over by blingy high-rises— is sure to appeal to the childish disdain of all things orderly and conventional. Apart from the main sites, there’s a whole host of family-friendly activities in Moscow from the very traditional to the uber, high-tech that will keep your kids entertained.

For Summer Scorchers:

Photo by  Jamie Taylor  on  Unsplash

VDNKh  is Russia’s version of Disneyland and, to be honest, we think it trumps that tacky theme park by a mile. First things first is its size. At almost 600 acres, this Soviet park has everything; from space museums to soviet shopping outlets to equestrian centers to beaches. In fact, there’s so much to do that there really is no way to cover it all in one day. Our favorite attractions include the ROBO station, the super-cool playgrounds near the aquarium and the world’s biggest ice rink in winter. Better rent out scooters or bikes as well if you plan on seeing at least a fraction of this green gem.

Address: Prospekt Mira, 119 Nearest metro station: VDNKh

Unlike VDNKh, you won’t have to travel far from the centre to seek the lovely lush lawns of  Gorky Park . Come early so that you can grab a beanbag or hammock for yourself while your children have some fun on the colorful playground rides or play ping-pong under the trees. At teatime, head over to the traditional Russian tea house for a brew from a giant samovar. It’s worth staying on for the whole day until dusk when the roof of the park’s planetarium slides open to reveal the wonders of the sky. 

Address: Krymsky Val, 9 Nearest metro station:   Park Kultury

Zaradye Park

Moscow’s brand-new  Zaradye Park  couldn’t be more different from the stern, red brick of the Kremlin that towers over it. Whichever way you look, you’ll be rubbing your eyes to make sure that this other-worldly landscape of floating glass bridges, underground ancient walkways, Siberian tundra and ice caves really does exist. For children, this wild-urban project is the perfect place for them to let some steam off during a day of sightseeing. Thanks to the unbelievable glass-paneled roof that keeps warm air in and the rain out, the lawns are perfect for lounging on all year round. 

Address: Varvarka street, 6 Nearest metro station:  Kitay-gorod

There’s a never-ending stream of tour boats bobbing up and down the Moskva River to hop on to when those little legs have had enough of walking. But for those who’d like something a little special, nothing beats the Radisson yacht. Champagne, on-board dining and floor to ceiling windows make it the most stylish way to cruise round Moscow. 

Address: Naberezhnaya Tarasa Shevchenko, Moscow (next to teh Radisson Blue hotel) Nearest metro station:  Studencheskaya

For Little Einsteins:

Photo by  Robo Wunderkind  on  Unsplash

Museum of Cosmonauts

This is THE museum to go to if you happen to have a Star Wars fan with you. Unlike in countless planetariums around the world where gimmicky models of the solar system and dramatic movies make for a hollow experience, here you get the real thing. There’s a life-size model of the Russian space station, chunks of the moon, a space toilet, the actual Sputnik, heck, even Belka & Strelka, the space dogs, are there standing next to the very space shuttle they flew into space with  (never fear, they were stuffed only after they died of old age).  *For extreme fanatics, it’s worth noting you can arrange a tour to Star City, the astronaut training centre that is still in use outside of Moscow.

Address: Prospekt Mira, 111 Nearest metro station:   VDNKh, Vystavochny tsentr

Darwin Museum

The first museum in the world devoted to explaining the most important concept of biology definitely deserves a visit. Its menagerie of nearly half a million stuffed animals illustrate the steady process of evolution and the many now extinct animals it boasts like the Dodo serve as a warning bell for what the age of mass-industrialization might bring. Despite its name, the  Darwin museum isn’t at all quaint or old-fashioned with plenty of interactive displays and microscopes for children to engage with.

Address: Ulitsa Vavilova, 57 Nearest metro station:   Akademicheskaya

Orlov Museum of Paleontology

This museum could easily compete with the famed Natural History Museum in London. In fact, its extensive exhibit of ginormous skeletons from all sorts of beasts from sloths to diplodocuses might even be more impressive than London’s. After all, Russia is an awful lot bigger than England and probably has lot more giants slumbering away in the depths of its forests just waiting to be dug up!

Address: Ulitsa Profsoyuznaya, 123 Nearest metro station: Kon'kovo

The Experimentanium

There’s lots of fun to be had at this fully hands-on science museum. It’s absolutely perfect for little toddlers and mischievous boys alike because nothing’s off bounds—the whole place is a playground (with a lot of science snuck in!). And don’t worry, most of the descriptions are in English so they’ll definitely learn something along the way.

Address: Leningradsky prospekt, 80/11 Nearest metro station:   Sokol

For Boisterous Boys & Girls:

Photo by  Alexandr Popadin  on  Unsplash

Moscow City

The second tallest, the third tallest, the fourth tallest and the sixth and seventh tallest buildings in Europe can all be found within a few meters of each other in the financial district, Moscow city. Apart from breaking their necks trying to gape at all the quirky high-rises, your kids can get a thrill by going up to the 54th floor of Ostankino TV Tower to its awe-inspiring panoramic viewing platform with a drop-down, glass floor! 

Address:   Presnenskaya Naberezhnaya Nearest metro station:   Delovoy tsentr, Mezhdunarodnaya, Vystavochnaya

A trip down to this veritable villain’s lair is certainly worth it with children, not least because it’s 18 stories underground…. AND the only way back up is by the stairs making it the perfect recipe for a peaceful afternoon. Apart from tiring out children, Bunker 42 has the distinction of being a genuine nuclear bunker. It was intended to be the hide-away of the USSR’s top dogs in the case of nuclear war and the staff here do such an excellent job of recreating the tense atmosphere that we hazard against taking softer children here. Everything, from the actual computer with the big red button which would have been used to start WW3 to the KGB’s rooms, have been preserved exactly as they were at the height of the cold war.

*Entrance only with group tours which can be arranged in English.

Address: 5th Kotel'nicheskiy Pereulok, 11 Nearest metro station:  Taganskaya

Central Armed Forces Museum

Though there isn’t much English in this museum dedicated to all things sickle and hammer (i.e. the Red Army), the genuine American U2 spy plane it has on show and the opportunity to hold real (but thankfully, not loaded!) guns make it a real treasure trove for army-mad kids. 

Address: Ulitsa Sovetskoy Armii, 2 Nearest metro station:  Dostoevskaya

Victory Museum

You don’t actually need to step a foot in this museum dedicated entirely to WW2 to please your wannabe soldiers. Just sit down on a bench as your kids jump on and off the airplanes, tanks, armored vehicles and every other killing machine imaginable that are free to explore outside this museum. 

Address: Ploshchad' Pobedy, 3 Nearest metro station:   Park Pobedy

Armory Chamber

Part of the Kremlin complex, the Armory Chamber’s incredibly diverse displays—spanning folk art to silverware to coronation dresses— cover almost every era of Russia’s royal history. The wedding carriages and ceremonial arms are particularly well-loved by children. 

Address: The Moscow Kremlin Nearest metro station:  Biblioteka imeni Lenina

For Little Princes & Princesses: 

Photo by  Ralph Lindner  from  Pixabay  

Moscow State Puppet Theatre

The oldest puppet theatre in Moscow is also the largest in the world. Its wide-ranging repertoire has shows for tiny tots up to adult-only shows. Its fairytale clock, from which mythical creatures spring out, will be the cherry on top of a magical visit to this dear theatre. 

Address: Pestovskiy Pereulok, 2/1 Nearest metro station:   Marksistskaya

Central Kids Store on Lubyanka

This seven-story department store devoted entirely to little people boasts the biggest Hamleys in the world, the biggest time keeping mechanism and one of the best viewing platforms in Moscow. In other words, it’s kiddy heaven. The building itself is also rather noteworthy, dating back to 1953. Its stained murals and colorful tiles give it an old-world (soviet) charm. 

Address: Teatral'nyy Proyezd, 5 Nearest metro station:   Lubyanka, Kuznetsky Most

Izmailovsky Park

This is possibly the world’s only Slavic theme park. Just joking, but just be warned this recreated Russian village with mini-museums, bakeries and a market is a teensy bit kitsch. If your children are artsy, then why not let them make their own matryoshka at a masterclass instead of buying one at the market. And while the kiddies busy themselves with the business of covering every square inch of their clothes in paint, there’s plenty for parents to peruse; like the vodka museum or the pleasantly, rolling park land. 

Address: Alleya Bol'shogo Kruga, 7 Nearest metro station:  Sokolinaya gora

Kolomenskoye Park

Ivan the Terrible’s summer retreat isn’t at all as gloomy as you’d expect, indeed some might say it’s actually a bit too colorful. In our opinion, its postcard-perfect; with petite trains chugging through the acres of apple orchards, a pearl-white 16th century, UNESCO-listed church and a magnificently vibrant, 300 year old wooden palace. Take your children on a trip back in time, they’ll be delighted - we promise.  

Address: Andropova Ave, 39 Nearest metro station:  Kolomenskaya

For Petrol Heads: 

Photo by  Dimitris Vetsikas  from  Pixabay  

Moscow Rizhsky Railway Station

If you don’t have time to take your children on the Trans-Siberian, then a ride on a Soviet steam train is a superb alternative. The beauty of chugging through the outskirts of Moscow on a train with a red star on its gleaming, coal-black engine will definitely make Harry Potter fans squeal with excitement. Adults will appreciate the cups of tea served in old-style soviet mugs specifically made for train journeys. If you’d like to explore the rail museum after the trip (we highly recommend it), be prepared for the weather as the whole exhibition is uncovered.

Address:  Rizhskaya Ploshad, 1 Nearest metro station:  Rizhskaya

Moscow Metro Museum

After taking your children on the Moscow metro (which you simply must!), chances are they’ll bombard you with all sorts of questions a parent isn’t equipped to answer; like “How fast do the trains go?” and “Who drives them?”. Never fear, Moscow’s metro actually has a free museum which will answer all these questions, as well as even allowing kids to take a seat in the driver’s seat for a virtual ride down the tunnels. 

Address: Presnenskaya Naberezhnaya, 2 Nearest metro station:   Vystavochnaya

For White Winter Days:

Photo by  Mihály Köles  on  Unsplash

Moscow Ice Festival

Each winter in Park Pobedy, blocks of ice are towed in from Russia’s great lakes to be chiseled away into masterpieces. Children will be delighted to find that they can even clamber upon some of these unbelievably big artworks. But the favorite by far, are super slippery ice slides. 

*Just beware of wet bums— waterproofs are a must.

Learn more about winter activities is Moscow .

Address: Park Pobedy on Poklonnaya Hill Nearest metro station:   Park Pobedy

Ice-skating

There are almost 1500 ice-skating rinks in Moscow alone. It’s almost as if every open plot of land has water poured over it; even Red Square is transformed into a mega rink! The park VDNKh boasts the biggest in the world, but there’s also an awesome rooftop ice rink at ArtPlay. Wherever you take your children, you can’t go wrong with a bit of skating.

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The very best places to visit in finland.

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Despite cold temperatures, Oulu is a popular Finland travel destination in the winter.

Why is Finland consistently ranked as the world's happiest country? Plan a trip to the Nordic nation and find out for yourself what makes Finns tick.

From the innovative design capital of Helsinki to peaceful Arctic wilderness, Finland is packed with diversity. The same is true for experiences, whether it’s staying in glass igloos waiting for the northern lights to appear or exploring historic towns.

Whether seeking adventure, connection with nature, or relaxation, Finland's varied regions promise new experiences and a taste of why Finns hold the title of the happiest people on earth .

Finland’s compact yet vibrant capital city is the obvious starting point for those seeking a city break in Finland . Visiting Helsinki offers a unique blend of Nordic design heritage and natural beauty.

Helsinki is a UNESCO Design City, acknowledging the city’s commitment to incorporating design into everyday life.

In addition to novel public spaces, the Finnish capital boasts design schools, innovative architecture, creative industries, and unique design shopping opportunities. Noteworthy sites include the wooden Oodi Library and the rock-hewn Temppeliaukio Church.

Helsinki’s Oodi Central Library is a wonderful example of Finland’s focus on design.

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Despite its urban setting, Helsinki's seaside location and nearby archipelago provide a maritime ambiance and outdoor activities, making it a standout destination in Finland.

Easy Day Trips From Helsinki

Short on time? Helsinki offers several day trip opportunities for those with limited time but who are still keen to explore Finland's rich landscapes and cultural heritage.

One of the oldest towns in Finland, Porvoo is known for its picturesque old town with cobblestone streets and colorful wooden houses. A visit to the Porvoo Cathedral, which dates back to the 15th century, is a must for history enthusiasts.

Aside from its visual charm, the town's many boutiques and galleries offer unique Finnish designs and handmade goods, making Porvoo a perfect blend of historic charm and contemporary culture.

Nuuksio National Park

Just a short drive or public transport ride from Finland's capital, Nuuksio provides a quick gateway into forested, lake-filled wilderness for those staying in or visiting Helsinki.

Hiking, bird watching, berry and mushroom picking, canoeing, and camping are just a few activities visitors can enjoy. The park offers a chance to encounter Finnish wildlife, including elk, deer, and a variety of bird species, in their natural habitat.

Hämeenlinna

For a deeper dive into Finnish history, a day trip to Hämeenlinna offers the chance to explore the imposing 13th-century Häme Castle. Surrounded by beautiful nature, the town is also a base to travel to the Iittala Glass Factory Museum, providing insights into Finland’s design industries and cultural heritage.

The oldest city in Finland offers insights into the medieval era with attractions including Turku Castle and Turku Cathedral, the oldest buildings in Finland still in regular use.

The Aura River, central to the city's layout, is flanked by dining establishments and significant historical landmarks, enhancing the city's scenic appeal. Turku is also known for its dynamic arts scene, with an abundance of galleries, museums, and cultural events.

Old Rauma, a vibrant historic area and UNESCO World Heritage site , boasts over 600 colorful buildings housing boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, along with Finland's narrowest street.

The old wooden city center of Rauma is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist attraction ... [+] in Finland.

This unique living museum is inhabited by about 800 people. Visitors can admire exquisite murals in the 15th-century Church of the Holy Cross.

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Finland’s Lake Region

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The area is sprinkled with summer cottages, many owned by Finns for seasonal retreats, with some available for rent. Start planning your itinerary with the enjoyable lakeside views along Route 62 from Mikkeli to Ruokolahti.

This region is ideal for experiencing the quintessentially Finnish tradition of enjoying a sauna followed by a refreshing dip in an ice-cold lake.

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Arctic Finland

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Arctic Finland is a prime spot for viewing the northern lights, despite the cold. For comfort, consider staying in a glass igloo at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. Even if the northern lights elude you, a winter visit remains a memorable one with activities like husky sled rides, exploring Sami culture, and sauna.

Known as the gateway to Arctic Finland, Oulu is a city known for its technology sector and vibrant cultural scene, featuring music festivals, museums, and art galleries.

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Known as the ‘official hometown of Santa Claus’, Rovaniemi lies directly on the Arctic Circle. This city is a magical destination for families, offering visits to Santa Claus Village all year round.

Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland, is a year-round tourist attraction.

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Cultural highlights include the Arktikum museum, which provides comprehensive insights into Arctic nature and the history of Finnish Lapland.

Ivalo and Inari

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Åland Islands

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Want to get your kicks on Route 66 in Oklahoma? Passport is your road map

As we approach the Route 66 centennial in 2026, Oklahoma is in a perfect position to leverage the over 400 miles of the iconic highway in our state to welcome visitors from across the country and around the world looking to plan a trip around the Mother Road.

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Route 66 elevates Oklahoma as a destination for international and national tourists. The revenue generated by guests seeking out Route 66 results in a positive economic impact for the many small towns and local businesses located on or near the highway.

More: Route 66 is almost 100 years old. Here's how Oklahoma towns along the road are promoting themselves

Recently, the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation released an updated Oklahoma Route 66 Passport to give visitors a road map to the historic businesses, shops and cultural landmarks along the highway that they may not know about.

Originally launched in 2020, the updated passport features new local stops, as well as longtime community favorites for travelers to enjoy as they road trip across the state.

The passport is divided into three sections — eastern, central and western Oklahoma. Stops include local restaurants, shops, museums and parks. Attractions range from iconic places such as the Blue Whale in Catoosa and Pops in Arcadia, to hidden gems such as Dallas’ Dairyette in Quapaw and the Route 66 Bowl in Chandler.

Following the completion of each section of the passport, participants can pick up a piece of a Route 66 magnet at one of the nine Oklahoma Tourism Information Centers in the state. Once all three sections are completed, participants receive a collectible coin commemorating Route 66.

Since its launch, hundreds of visitors from across the U.S. and other countries, such as Poland and French Polynesia, have completed the passport.

New stops featured in the updated passport include the Cherokee Nation Anna Mitchell Cultural and Welcome Center in Vinita, the historic Circle Cinema in Tulsa and the Elk City Chamber of Commerce in Elk City.

More: USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards: Tulsa's Mother Road Market named best food hall

Those interested in getting a Route 66 Passport can order a free copy and download a digital version of the accompanying Oklahoma Route 66 Guide at TravelOK.com/Brochures. They are also available to pick up for free at one of our Tourism Information Centers or State Park gift shops.

This passport plays a key role in ensuring our state makes a lasting impression on domestic and international travelers, as well as in-state residents. Pick up your passport to get your kicks this summer by discovering Route 66 in Oklahoma.

Shelley Zumwalt is the executive director of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department.

Mother says her 6-year-old son is fighting for his life after drive-by shooting in neighborhood

COLUMBUS, Ga. ( WTVM /Gray News) - A Georgia mother says her son remains in the hospital after he was a victim of a drive-by shooting earlier this week.

“He’s very strong, he’s holding on, he’s fighting,” Alaya Thomas said.

Thomas’ 6-year-old son Cameron was shot early Wednesday morning on Tracy Street in a Columbus-area neighborhood.

The mother said she never thought she’d be in a situation like this.

She said they were waiting for a ride from her mother when she heard a car approaching.

“I told [him] to come on and he grabbed his car,” Thomas said. “We walked outside but then I didn’t see the car anymore.”

According to Thomas, as she was picking her phone up that’s when a car drove by and started shooting at them.

“I saw my son fall and they were still shooting … still shooting,” she said.

Thomas said she ran to grab her baby and saw what looked to be about 100 shell casings on the ground.

“He kept grabbing me, blood was coming out of his head,” she said. “It was just so scary … I didn’t know what to do.”

Thomas said her son loves cars and is one of the happiest little boys.

“He is very happy. He likes to play. He doesn’t have any limits. He doesn’t have any fears,” Thomas said. “He’s autistic and doesn’t really talk, but he shows his personality in other ways.”

Columbus police said they have arrested 22-year-old Makaliah Briscoe in connection with the shooting.

Thomas said she is hoping whoever is responsible is punished.

“Regardless of who got shot, they wanted someone gone,” she said. “I hope everyone goes to jail and I hope my son gets justice.”

Thomas said she is asking for positive energy and prayers.

Briscoe has pleaded not guilty to the charges he is currently facing. The 22-year-old is awaiting his next court date.

A GoFundMe has been set up to assist the Thomas family.

Copyright 2024 WTVM via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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The Ultimate Toy and Gift Guide for 6-Year-Olds in 2024

These creative and educational items were tested by experts and approved by kids.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

So, when it comes time to get gifts for kids of this age, the hardest part is knowing which ones to choose. The Good Housekeeping Institute takes the subject of play very seriously, testing toys with the same rigorous process it uses for home appliances or beauty items . To find the best toys and gifts for 6-year-olds in 2024, our experts call in their favorites and test them in the labs for safety and durability. Then, they send the toys into homes where actual 6-year-olds can weigh in on if they're fun to use or not (and, fine, parents get to give feedback, too, but they're not as important as the kids).

The best of the best go on to win Good Housekeeping Best Toy Awards , with many of the kids' favorites taking the idea of STEM to heart, incorporating both creative and scientific elements — and others were just plain fun. But whatever they're into, you're bound to find a gift here for any 6-year-old on your list.

LEGO 100 Years of Disney Animation Icons

Disney fans and LEGO collectors will both thrill to this Seal-holding set, which lets them make Disney-inspired LEGO art that they can hang on their walls. Builders can actually make 72 different characters from the included pieces, and they can make a nine-face collage for the wall and three individual plates for others. Then, they can swap out and re-build whenever they like! Ages 6+

Crayola Light-Up Tracing Pad

They'll be making all-new masterpieces with this art set, which gives them a little help in the drawing department. It comes with various pictures that they can trace, but the real fun is when they start combining them and layering them on top of each other — adding accessories to a character, for example, or using shapes like stars to give the whole thing more pizzazz. It even lights up, which helps them see the lines to trace. Ages 6+

Pixicade Mobile Game Maker

Kids step into the role of video game designer with a set that melds the real and virtual worlds together. First, kids draw out their levels — including characters, obstacles, hazards, goals and movable objects — on paper with markers. Then they can scan their drawing into an app that'll turn it into a playable level, which they can then tweak and add power-ups. Good Housekeeping Institute testers were amazed to see their creations come to life! It's for ages 6+, but kids younger than 10 probably need adult help. Ages 6+

Fingerlings Interactive Baby Monkey

Fingerlings re-launched last year to great fanfare, and there are four regular baby monkeys to collect, each with slightly different personalities. These adorable, tiny monkeys can be brought anywhere your child goes. If birds aren't your kid's cup of tea, the brand recently released a collection of birds (the Sweet Tweets ). And, like the regular Fingerlings, they're interactive, respond to touch and and have more than 70 different reactions. Ages 5+

The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination

With this picture book, kids are deputized to be come special agents of imagination, sharing their creativity and stories with the rest of the world. The Good Housekeeping Institute testers were won over by the incredibly detailed illustrations. "My kids especially loved the labeled map of the imagination office,” one parent reviewer said. Ages 4 – 8

RELATED: The Good Housekeeping Best Kids' Book Awards

3Doodler Start+ Essentials 3D Pen Set

Introduce them to the world of 3D printing with this pen set. It creates plastic that hardens immediately but is not hot to touch! Kid testers really liked it, and even their parents noticed how much time they spent engaging with it . One note: Keep the end of the stylus clean, so it won't jam up. Ages 6+

Squishmallows

Any time is a good time to add to a kid's Squishmallows collection — they just can't get enough! And with options like this rainbow fox, who can blame them? Ages 3+

Crazy Forts

Let them build something they can actually crawl inside with this fort-building set. It comes with rods and connectors, plus plans to help them make structures like an igloo or a rocket ship if they don't want to come up with their own designs. You do have to provide the sheets to drape over them. Ages 5+

Spooner Board Pro

When they stand on this curved board, they'll be working on their balance and coordination. Eventually they can learn twists, spins, flips and other tricks. Spooner Boards come in different colors, and there's also a smaller size — the Freestyle — for kids under 4' tall. Ages 3+

Paint by Sticker Kids: Zoo Animals

When they're sitting at a restaurant, waiting for an appointment to start or just need a bit of quiet solo time , this is the perfect activity. They'll get to make 10 intricate pictures of different animals by placing stickers into the right spaces. If they like it, there are books with other themes, like pets or undersea life . Ages 5+

Air Hogs Zero Gravity Sprint RC Car

This car may be small, but kids will be wowed when it drives up the wall and even onto the ceiling! And yet, it won't damage the paint on the walls. Ages 4+

Mini Brands Disney 100 Platinum Capsule

Kids who are Disney fans or kids who love to collect tiny things will all enjoy this surprise collectible, which comes filled with five miniaturized versions of Disney merch. And, to celebrate Disney's 100th anniversary, they're all platinum-colored. Ages 3+

Nee Doh Funky Pup

Fidget-toy aficionados will love feeling these floppy pups. Just giving them a squeeze helps melt the stress away. Ages 3+

Taco vs Burrito

Add this to your roster of games for family game night! This easy-to-learn, casual card game challenges players to make the tastiest dish based on the cards in their hands. Ages 6+

Animal Thief Money Bank

Uh-oh, there's a cat burglar on the loose! If kids put money on top of this innocent-looking box, a furry thief will poke its head out, pause for a second and then snatch the money away. Users say it has a lot of personality for a bank, and it just might encourage kids to save up their coins. Ages 3+

Original Stomp Racers

This pair of race cars is totally kid-powered — they stomp on the launchers and watch the vehicles go! Players can set up a traditional race and see which car goes farther, or they can use the included ramp and see which car will fly off it first. Ages 5+

Magic Mixies Magic Genie Lamp

If kids follow the magical steps correctly, they'll be given a ring that lets them summon a wish-granting genie character from the lamp. Good Housekeeping Institute testers say their kid were really involved with the summoning process and wowed by the results. After the big reveal, kids can use their ring to interact with their genie character. Ages 5+

Cats vs Pickles Mystery Bag of 4 Bean Filled Plushies

Fans of Cats vs. Pickles or Kittens vs. Gherkins will love this mystery, blind-bag experience. When kids open it, they will find hand-sized, bean-filled plush. But will it be an adorable cat, or a dreaded pickle? Either way, with these hilarious plushies, the design will be colorful and adorable. This set comes with one mystery pack to open, containing four plushies. Ages 4+

Diplodocus 3-D Puzzle

The T. rex may take up most of the spotlight, but the diplodocus just looks cooler, in our opinion. This puzzle challenges kids to make a 3-D diplodocus that'll stand up on its own. Ages 4+

The pieces of this DIY set are actually plastic tiles that interlock , kind of like a 3D puzzles, and building them can help improve fine motor skills as well as hand-eye coordination. The kit also includes LED string lights to make each creation glow in the dark. Each kit (sold separately) can make three different projects, and when they're done, they'll love displaying it in their room. Ages 6+

Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; she previously wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother . She lives with her husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found dominating the audio round at her local bar trivia night or tweeting about movies.

Rachel Rothman was the chief technologist and executive technical director of the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 15 years , overseeing testing methodology, implementation and reporting for all GH Labs. She also managed GH's research division and the analysis of applicants for the GH Seal and all other testing emblems. 

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