A visit to London with teens can be an incredible experience for everyone in the family. As one of the most visited cities in the world and the capital of England, it is no surprise that there are lots of cool things to do in London with teens.
It’s important to keep teens entertained, happy, and engaged while traveling. London is deeply rooted in history, culture, architecture, and shopping. There are also a lot of opportunities to eat yummy British and non-British food. Here are 25 activities that keep our teens happy when visiting London.
The Best Things to do in London with Teens
1. Check Out Historic London Royal Palaces
Teenage royalists will love visiting London’s royal palaces to soak up the history and a bit of opulence.
At the Tower of London, you can introduce your teens to 1,000 years of history and experience the Crown Jewels, the most powerful symbols of the British Monarchy.
Tell them the story of Henry VIII at Hampton Court Palace. Then explore the birthplace of Queen Victoria at Kensington Palace. Other London royal palaces to visit include Kew Palace, Banqueting House, and Hillsborough Castle.
How much does a trip to London cost? Use this guide to find out!
2. Do Everything Double-Decker
Riding a double decker bus is a quintessential London experience. Nearly the entire city fleet of city buses are double deckers, so riding one is as easy as a tap of your credit card.
If you want to loop through the city, consider a Hop On, Hop Off tour. These buses provide narration and open-air views (plus ponchos!) of the city’s best sites. (The London Pass, from Go City, includes the hop on hop off tour as well as 80+ experiences in London!)
England is also known for its high tea, and no visit to London with teens would be complete without experiencing one. One unique way to try it is aboard a double-decker bus riding through the streets of London on B Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus London Tour.
While sipping on tea and munching on scones, the bus rides through Central London, past city sights that include Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St James’s Park, Hyde Park, The Royal Albert Hall, Marble Arch, Nelson’s Column, Downing Street, and more.
3.Visit London Museums That Appeal to Teens
Many London museums offer free admission and plenty of them will appeal to your teens. Any creative teen into photography and fashion will get excited about the Victoria and Albert Museum. It’s dedicated to the history of decorative art, and design.
The British Museum is home to some of the most famous artifacts in the world, including mummies, the Rosetta Stone, and sculptures from the Pantheon.
Teenage art fans will love spending time at the National Gallery, observing famous pieces of work such as Monet’s Water Lilies. The Tate offers modern art, sculpture, photography, film, and installations.
Get out of the city for a bit. Check out these amazing day trips from London by train.
4. Explore the Best Markets in London
Ranging from street food to fashion to antiques, London has a plethora of markets for teens to choose from. Teenagers will love Borough Market for sublime food, Spitalfields for vintage clothing, Portobello Road for antiques, and Camden Market for everything from jewelry to trinkets.
Give your teens time to roam around, bargain, sample, and discover. Other London markets worth a visit with teens include Brixton, Brick Lane, and Covent Garden.
5. Go Shopping on Carnaby Street or Oxford Circus
Teens love to shop, and their eyes will glisten at the sight of shopping in a world capital such as London. In Oxford Circus, you’ll find every shop under the sun, including Selfridge, Topshop, and Next. Be prepared to spend a few hours at a minimum, allowing them to shop until they drop.
Carnaby Street, located near Oxford Circus in Soho, also has a great mix of shops including Adidas and Doc Martens and is closed off to traffic.
After all that shopping, give your wallets a rest and check out these free things to do in London.
6. Ride on the London Eye and London Eye River Cruise
Teens will love the combined experience of the London Eye and London Eye River Cruise. Each is a very close up and personal view of the city.
On the London Eye, you feel as though you are on top of the world. It’s a 30-minute rotation that takes you above the city, giving your teens ample time to Instagram and Snapchat London to their hearts out.
The London Eye River Cruise is equally as exciting but it comes with a bonafide tour guide. From each ride, your teens will spot world famous London attractions such as Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, The London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard, and Tower Bridge.
7. Take Your Teens to A Show in the West End
It’s really fun to catch a show in the West End. It’s Broadway but not quite Broadway, and the plays and musicals are as impressive as it gets. Often shows go to London before Broadway, so it’s a good way for your teens to get in on the action.
Show range from world-famous musicals like Wicked and Matilda to plays starring well-known actors and actresses.
“During our most recent trip to London, we watched Agatha Christie’s Mouse Trap, the longest running show, of any kind, in the world. Tickets in this intimate theatre are pretty reasonable due to its long run; there isn’t a bad seat in the house.” – Katie Bodell, Blog Editor
8. Dress Up for a Special Dinner at TING at the Shard
For a real treat make a dinner reservation at TING at the Shard. Located in Britain’s tallest building, the views of London are spectacular. Your teens should dress up and prepare for a memorable night, this venue is a special occasion experience.
The name TING derives from the Chinese word for “living room,” TING offers amazing 360-degree views of the city. Get their afternoon tea, featuring delicious finger sandwiches and scones, or dinner which is a three-course culinary flavorful feast.
9. Take a Walk Through Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath is a large, ancient London park, covering 320 hectares. Running from Hampstead to Highgate, it’s one of the highest points in London, and it makes for a great afternoon stroll with your teens. The park is accessible by Tube and offers beautiful views of the city that you won’t get anywhere else.
10. Explore the Neighborhood of Shoreditch
Shoreditch is a wonderful trendy neighborhood in East London. It’s artsy and is full of many lovely restaurants and shops.
Teens will love exploring the neighborhood’s markets, such as Brick Lane Market on Sundays, and eateries offering Indian, Burmese, Chinese, and other exotic cuisines.
11. Take in a Production at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is located in Southwark. It’s a modern reconstruction of the original Globe that was built in 1599. You can get tickets to see a Shakespeare production practically every day. So go ahead and introduce your teens to Hamlet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream or Romeo and Juliet. Tickets start at just $5!!
Recommendation from Katie Bodell:
“We booked a tour of the Globe Theatre instead of seeing a show this visit. We learned a ton of the history of the globe, both its original location and current one, were able to tour and take pictures inside (a big no when productions are taking place- cell phones aren’t even allowed inside!), and even watched a rehearsal. It was one of the highlights in London for my three teens.“
12. Roam Through Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar, a British naval victory that took place in 1805. Teens will love exploring this historic London sight, which includes Nelson’s Column, The National Gallery, and St. Martin-in-the-Fields.
13. See Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the House of Parliament
Teens will enjoy Instagramming and posing in front of the Clock Tower at the Palace of Westminster, which is probably the most famous clock in the world. Westminster Abbey, formally titled the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster, is a large mainly Gothic abbey church just to the west of the Palace of Westminster.
Better known today as the Houses of Parliament, the Palace of Westminster is the oldest royal palace in London. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as one of the most recognized buildings in the world.
14. Discover the Magic of Abbey Road Studios
Abbey Road Studios is where the Beatles recorded their albums. It is still being used as a recording studio today.
Music-loving teens will appreciate taking photos outside the studio and walking across the famous Abbey Road zebra crosswalk.
15. Wander Through Chinatown
From bubble tea to red bean rolls, dumplings, and more, teens will find delicious food in London’s Chinatown by just wandering the streets. There are more than 70 restaurants packed into a tiny collection of streets, with cuisines ranging from Malaysian to Middle Eastern, but most are Chinese.
16. Go Shopping on Oxford Street
Teen girls love shopping on Oxford Street in the middle of London. Its stores have a tremendous range, and your kids will be sure to find their favorite shops along the road.
Many of the stores are flagship locations, such as Topshop, so they are big and well-stocked. Other girl teen faves include Uniqlo, Urban Outfitters, Primark, Lush, and H&M.
Teen boys will gravitate toward the new Microsoft store and sporty stores such as Nike Town and Adidas. There are also souvenir stores and department stores, such as Selfridges, John Lewis, House of Fraser, Debenhams, and Marks & Spencer. In addition, most of these stores have food halls with whole floors dedicated to specialty foods and sweets.
17. Spend Time at Madame Tussauds London
Teens will love a visit to Madame Tussauds London where they can scout out lifelike replicas of 250 famous Brits made out of wax. The London location is the original location of Madame Tussauds, so it is a special place.
Which Brits will your teens be able to identify? There’s Elton John, David Beckham, Sir Lawrence Olivier, and, of course, the Royals. There is also a movie, Alien: Escape, Marvel Superheroes 4D. Be sure to book online in advance to save money on the cost of admission.
18. Explore Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is dedicated to the memory of the London 2012 Olympics, one of the most exciting events ever to take place in the history of London.
Teens will enjoy reliving the popular event with its adventure playground, Timber Lodge, and the amazing ArcelorMittal Orbit with views of the park and the rest of London. Your teens can even swim in the London Aquatics Centre.
19. Take Time Out in Hyde Park
Hyde Park covers over 600 acres in central London. Active teens will like taking a break and taking in a bike ride, stroll, or renting bikes on the lakes. Or they may want to chill and spend some time lying on the grass after a day of touring, checking out their phones.
If you’re at Hyde Park on a Sunday, be sure to go to Speaker’s Corner for public speeches and debates by random British citizens taking on random subjects. It will surely be an experience your teens won’t forget anytime soon.
20. Have a Fright at London Dungeon
Horror-loving teens will love reliving the city’s past at the London Dungeon, located on the South Bank. London Dungeon features 19 different live shows and two thrilling rides that recreate historical events and is one of the best things to do in London with teens.
21. Tour Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
If your teen is (or once was) a fan of the Harry Potter series, then the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is an absolute must! The tour is located just 20 minutes outside of London in Leavesden. Buses are available from the city center.
The tour offers an inside look at at all of the Harry Potter films in the franchise. Your teens will be able to tour the sets of Hogwarts, Dumbledore’s office, the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and more!
22. Have High Tea at the Dukes Hotel or The Sanderson
The Dukes Hotel is a quiet, unassuming, and completely traditional hotel that’s close to Piccadilly and West End. It’s also the perfect place to indulge in your family’s tea and cake obsession.
High tea includes various English teas, chocolate cupcakes, plain scones, cheese & jelly sandwiches, and other English delicacies.
Looking for something more whimsical?
“If you want the fun of high tea with all the deliciousness and a bit less stuffiness, consider the Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at the posh Sanderson Hotel.
The theming is on point, making it totally Instagram-worthy. The savory offerings are unlimited, unique, and very filling while the sweet treats are ever-so-tasty and fun. Bonus: give them a head’s up and they can accommodate almost all food allergies!” – Katie Bodell, Blog Editor
23. Hit the Tate Modern for a Dose of Art and Take a Stroll Down Southbank
The Tate Modern is located in the heart of Southbank. This modern art museum is free (as are most of the museums in London, a definite perk of visiting the city!) and offers peeks at modern artists such as Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali.
Located right on the River Thames, Southbank is a cultural center that houses the Royal Festival Hall, Hayward Gallery, Queen Elizabeth Hall and more.
It’s also a beautiful walkway on the river with restaurants, buskers and a lot to see on a stroll. The views of London across the way are stunning and it also holds much in the way of Instagram possibilities for your teens.
24. See the Changing of the Guard
Watching the changing of the guard is about as “touristy in London” as it gets, but it still is fun to watch! This event will be a true highlight for any teen visiting the city. It typically takes place in front of Buckingham Palace at 11:30am, every other day.
Check the palace website for up to date information. Arrive 30 minutes early to secure prime viewing.
25. Ride the Canals in Camden & Have Launch at Waterside Cafe
After a stroll through Camden Market’s unique stalls full of interesting fashion items and collectibles, jump on a boat operated by Regent’s Canal Waterbus which takes you for a ride through Camden Lock, Little Venice, and the London Zoo.
For about an hour, your can ride through the canals past interesting architecture, industrial history, wildlife, and scenery.
Then have lunch at the quaint Waterside Café, a restaurant that sits on the water in a converted houseboat in nearby Little Venice. They serve traditional British cuisine.
They grow up fast, so it is important to create lasting memories before your teens fly the coop! The best family vacations with teens include gorgeous beaches, bustling big cities, and lots of adventure.
We share our teens’ favorite destinations and also asked some of our fellow bloggers to share their top picks as well. We put together a list of fabulous spots that your families can visit and enjoy time together. but also get plenty of great shots for your teens’ Instagram feeds. Because after all, if it isn’t on social media, did it ever really happen?
28 of the Best Family Vacations with Teens
Kauai
My teens have visited all of the major islands in Hawaii but their favorite is Kauai. They love this low key island for its lush scenery, opportunties for adventure, and yes, even the chickens that seem to be everywhere!
My teens enjoy adventure so some of their favorite highlights on Kauai include hiking to the brink of Waipoo Falls in Koke’e State Park, taking a catamaran cruise along the Napali Coast that includes time for snorkeling, ziplining in Kauai’s backcountry, and tubing through an old sugar cane plantation’s irrigation tunnels and canals.
Of course, they love that they can also slow down and chill on the beach or sample all the shave ice for sale throughout the island. Here is our complete guide filled with over 25 things to do in Kauai.
Stay Here: The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa in Poipu is a dream for families. There are waterslides and a saltwater lagoon at a pool complex that is open 24 hours a day!
Maui is another great option for families with teens. Here are our favorite Maui family resorts.
Capture incredible memories of your Hawaiian family vacation with Flytographer. Flytographer has a network of incredible professional photographers around the world ready to come to you and help your family create the ultimate souvenir of your special trip.The kids- they grow up so quick! Trekaroo is proud to be a Flytographer customer and affiliate.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia, is a city that has something for everyone, and that includes teenagers. Whether your teen is into nature, culture, or adventure, Vancouver has plenty of options to keep the whole family entertained.
From hiking and biking in the great outdoors to exploring the city’s attractions, this city offers something for everyone.
One of the best things about Vancouver is its natural beauty. With mountains, forests, and the ocean all within easy reach, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities. For teenagers who love hiking, there are endless trails to explore. Here are 25 Vancouver area hikes to choose from.
Stanley Park is a great spot for outdoor recreation, with trails, beaches, and a seawall that runs along the water’s edge. Bikes, scooters and roller blades can be rented to experience the 8.8km loop around the park.
Stay Here: If you are looking for a mid-range accommodation in Vancouver, the Granville Island Hotel or the Pinnacle Harbourfront Hotel are good options with teens that are centrally located.
-Bella Bucchiotti, xoxoBella.com
Here are 10 fun things to do in Vancouver with kids.
Swiss Alps
If your kids love spending time outside surrounded by scenery that is almost to picture perfect to believe, take them to the Swiss Alps. My family absolutely fell in love with both the Grindelwald and the Davos regions of the Alps this past summer because beyond the scenery, there was so much fun to be had!
Grindelwald is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Take the Grindelwald First gondola up to the top of the mountian to experience the First Cliff Walk, a walkway built into the side of the cliff with incredible views, the First Flyer zip line, the First Glider where teens can experience the sensation of flying, and trottibikes which are fun to use as you zip down the mountain.
Take the Pfingstegg gondola to experience an alpine coast and the Fly Line, a suspended ride that allows you to ride for 2.5 minutes at treetop level through the forest. Both are so much fun. If you want to experience the Top of Europe” take the cogwheel train up to Jungfraujoch and be amzed at the snow-capped views of mountain peaks and glaciers.
In Switzerland’s eastern alps you will find the Davos-Klosters region which is just as awesome. You can take gondolas and funiculara upslope to enjoy alpine slides, scenic hikes, and even archery. Back down in town there is an incredible adventure park with ropes courses and an awesome bike park.
There are also several scenic train rides that depart from this region including the Bernina Express which is UNESCO World Heritage route. Make sure you find time to enjoy Lake Davos where you can rent pedal boats, paddleboard, or even learn to wakeboard on the WakeWeeks Davos cable tow.
Still not enough? How about spending the night in a Treehouse atop Mardrisa Mountain and then riding monster scooters down the mountain? It will be an experience they will never forget!
Read our full guide to visiting Davos, Switzerland.
Stay here: The AlpenGold Hotel Davos provides plenty of luxury while still being incredibly family friendly. Teens will love the teen lounge, movie theater, and indoor/outdoor heated pool.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole offers incredible winter activities for all levels of adventure seeking teens. One of the best things to do in Jackson Hole in the winter is to go skiing or snowboarding at the famous Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
With over 2,500 acres of skiable terrain and over 4,100 vertical feet, the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has runs for all skill levels. Teens and families can spend hours on the slopes together improving their skills and taking in the famous Teton Mountain Range views.
The resort’s iconic Aerial Tram takes visitors to the top of Rendezvous Mountain, offering breathtaking views of the Teton Range and surrounding area. This scenic ride can be a fun way for teens to take in the natural beauty of the area and snap some memorable photos.
Stay here: Traveling with your teen to Jackson Hole? Plan to stay at Snow King Resort in downtown Jackson, WY and enjoy the year-round outdoor heated pool, hot tub, and the excellent breakfast buffet.
Jill Greising-Murschel, LetsTravelFamily.com
Visiting Jackson Hole in the summer? Then you will want to read about 14 great things to do in Grand Teton National Park and the best hikes in Grand Teton National Park.
Yellowstone National Park
My family has visited dozens of national parks but few pack more of a punch than Yellowstone. A trip to Yellowstone National Park is one of my favorite family vacations with teens because of the endless things to do inside the park.
Even the most jaded teens are sure to be impressed by geysers shooting high into the air and gurgling pots of mud making sounds that remind us that the super volcano under Yellowstone is very much alive.
My kids love wildlife so they never grow tired of spotting bison, elk, moose, bears, and wolves while touring the park. Yellowstone is also a great place to enjoy fly fishing and teens under the age of 16 can fish without purchasing a license.
The many waterfals and scenic destinations like the picture-perfect Grand Canyon of Yellowstone make for awesome Instagram posts, but the lack of cell service while on a hike means that your teens can’t be distracted by technology. Our favorite hike in the park is an easy six-mile hike that leads to Fairy Falls and Imperial Geyser.
Stay here: We like staying inside the park when we visit Yellowstone. Camping at the Madison Campground or Canyon Campground allows us to get up early and hit attractions before the crowds show up. If you prefer four walls and a real bed, we enjoyed our stay in the historic Lake Yellowstone Hotel.
Read our full guide on things to do in Yellowstone with kids to plan an epic vacation your teens will never forget.
Namibia
Namibia, is a beautiful country located in southwestern Africa. But is Namibia with kids or teens a great vacation?
Namibians are known for their friendliness and hospitality making it a perfect family destination. Outdoor activities like hiking, camping and wildlife viewing is in abundance in Namibia which makes it perfect for any teenage outdoor enthusiast. Explore the natural wonders like the Namib Desert, Etosha National Park and Fish River Canyon.
For teens who love excitement and adrenaline you can enjoy activities like quad biking, sandboarding, skydiving and hot air ballooning.
Overall, Namibia is a great destination for teens who enjoy outdoor activities, looking to experience natural beauty and adventure in Africa.
-Jolene, Wanderlust Storytellers
Washington DC
During their teenage years, children can be a handful as they want to visit new places and garner experience from them. If you are a parent struggling to find a place to visit with your teen child, there’s no need to worry. I know the perfect spot!
Washington DC is one of the best places to take your teen(s) for an outing. It is known for having some of the best museums, activities, and well-known landmarks for teens to learn about US history.
The city even has Segway tours which is a really fun activity, especially for taking great selfies around a lot of remarkable monuments and structures!
It doesn’t have to be all history all the time during your DC visit. In Georgetown, there are various shops that are a must-to-visit if your teen loves shopping. At the end of the day, the night sky view from the lightened Capital Wheel will surely be a sight worth remembering.
-Jason J. Dorsey, Wearenthusiast.com/
Use Trekaroo’s guide to things to do in Washington DC, day trips from DC, and the best hotels in DC for families to help you plan your trip.
Utah National Parks Road Trip
Utah’s national parks, aka: the “Mighty 5” (Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion), make for one amazing road trip. These parks are filled with oppoortunites for adventure, including hiking, rock climbing, canyoneering, and even river rafting.
Leave the planning to us with this Utah National Parks road trip itinerary.
Begin your trip in Zion, and walk through water as you go deep into the Narrows, a river-carved canyon that can be as narrow as 20-30 feet wide with walls towering 1,000 feet above you. Of course, there are several other hikes to choose from. Zion Canyon is also a great place for ebiking. Rent one in town or biring your own. We love our foldable Centris ebikes that are perfect for travel.
Bryce Canyon National Park is just 80 miles from Zion , and the drive is very scenic, especially when you are driving through the Mt. Carmel Tunnel area of Zion National Park and on Highway 12 approaching Bryce Canyon.
This park is known or its incredible hoodoos, tall sandstone spires that are carved into creation by erosion. It is one of the most photogenic parks which will make social media obsessed teens happy. Parents will be happy that wifi is close to non-existet in most of these parks, so the kids will be offline until you head back into civilization.
Capitol Reef is the least visited of Utah’s national parks. Not because it is any less beautiful, it is just a little more remote than the other four. It is one of my favorite parks because it has amazing hiking, great pioneer history, and orchards where you can pick your own fruit and eat as much as you want inside the orchards for free.
Moab is home to two national parks- Arches and Canyonlands, which are known for their amazing sandstone formations. It is also a place where you can mountain bike on slickrock trails, raft the Colorado River, and learn how to climb and rappel with a guide. You can read about all the great things to do in Moab in our guide.
Portugal
Portugal is one of the most affordable destinations in Western Europe, making it a great options for families with teens. Lisbon is an easy six-hour flight from the East Coast of the United States but feels like a world away.
The country has its own distinct culture, but many of the citizens, especially the younger generation, know how to speak English so getting around and communicating is a breeze.
Lisbon is a great homebase for exploring the country. Of course, you will want to spend plenty of time enjoy the city’s own history and landmarks like the Castle of St. George (Castelo de Saõ Jorge) which was built in the 11th century.
Eating is an important part of your Portguese experience and I highly recommend you and your teens book a food tour. This is a great way to sample regional dishes like salt cod, specialty hams, and legendary desserts like pastéis de Nata, a custard tart that you won’t be able to stop eating.
Day trips from Lisbon include having a beach day on the pristine sands of Cascais or a visit to palaces and castles of Sintra. You can also head north and visit the hilly town of Porto which is known for its many port wine centers and the surrounding wine country along the Duoro River.
Where to stay: Tryp Lisboa Oriente Hotel is a great hotel choice for families visiting Lisbon. It has spacious family rooms with bunk beds.
Adventures on the Gorge in West Virginia
If hiking, river rafting, adventure courses, and plenty of time to relax in between sound like your family’s idea of vacation, you should check out Adventures on the Gorge in West Virginia. This resort is located on the brink of the New River Gorge and just outside of our nation’s newest national park with the same name.
Read our full review of Adventures on the Gorge.
The New River Gorge is 4 – 5 hours from Charlotte, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, and Washington DC, making it an easy getaway for millions of families on the East Coast.
There are lots of fun activities to enjoy while you are visiting the area but the number one “must do” is river rafting. There are trips on the Upper and Lower New River, as well as an advanced paddle on the Gauley. There is really something for all levels of experience and adventure.
Of course, you will want to make time to explore the national park on foot as well. The Endless Wall Trail has some of the best views in the state. Sandstone Falls is on the southern end of the park and very scenic as well.
Another popular adventure is the Bridge Walk which is a catwalk on the longest single-span brisge in the Western Hemisphere 850 feet above the New River. As you walk across the two-foot wide catwalk you will have a safety harness but the experiences is still plenty thrilling.
Back at the resort, you will find the Timber Trek Adventure course, zip lines, rock climbing excursions, and playing in the Canyon Falls pool with vieews of the New River Gorge.
Stay here: Adventures on the Gorge has a wide variety of lodging options including RV and tent sites, cabins, glamping tents, and vacation homes.
Belize
Belize is one of the best family vacation destinations for teens because of the various adventurous activities. From swimming at the St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park to exploring the ATM Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal), boredom won’t be an issue.
Dividing your stay between the jungle and ocean gives your family time to enjoy all that Belize offers without long car rides. Stay in San Ignacio at an VRBO and take a short day trip to Guatemala to hike Tikal National Park.
After a day of snorkeling Shark Ray Alley or relaxing on the beach, you’ll enjoy the comforts of family-friendly Mahogany Bay Resort and Beach Club.
-Debra Schroeder, Traveling Well for Less
Here are all the best things to do in San Pedro, Belize on a family vacation.
Trento, Italy
Trento, the capital of Trentino-Alto Adige region in Italy, is a fantastic destination to travel with teens. Among the coolest things to do in Trento, is a visit to the MUSE, the city’s Science Museum. Apart from the exhibition, there are interactive panels and activities kids and teens can engage in.
Trento is also a fantastic starting point for a variety of exciting day trips. Places like the stunning Lake Tovel in the Brenta Dolomites and the gorgeous Madonna di Campiglio are perfect for hiking and other outdoor mountain activities no matter the season.
-Angela, Chasing the Unexpected, Rome Actually
Niagara Falls, Canada
Niagara Falls, Ontario, is a must-do destination for anyone with teens! There’s enough here to keep the family busy for a week or more. From the Niagara Speedway offering high-speed go-kart racing to Clifton Hill with its haunted houses, to the Niagara SkyWheel (a giant ferris wheel), and more, teens will love every minute in this action-packed holiday destination.
Don’t forget about spending time at the falls themselves, with ziplining and bottom of the falls boat tours for adventurous youths who want to don a poncho and get drenched.
Stay at the Sheraton Fallsview or Skyline Hotel and take the indoor connection to the Fallsview Waterpark, an indoor waterpark. While there, be sure to get a Clifton Hill FunPass to area attractions and save a bunch of money!
-Jenn Allen, All The Best Spots
Check out our guide comparing Niagara Falls New York vs Canada and our full guide to Niagara Falls with kids.
Key West, Florida
Key West is a great destination for families with teenagers, offering plenty of opportunities for adventure, water sports, culture, and relaxation.
Our favorite activity was reef snorkeling off of a catamaran. Key West has the only living coral barrier reef in the United States, and we were able to see multicolored tropical fish, conch shells, and sea turtles.
We stayed at The Gates Hotel Key West and it was the perfect location for us to launch all of our adventures. Key West is truly a perfect spot for families to relax and enjoy time together.
Here are the best things to do in Key West on a family vacation.
Karen Kelly, Seasonalcravings.com
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach is definitely a haven for surfers, but when it comes to teens and young adults, its a great destination whether you surf or don’t.
The city has lots of indoor and outdoor activities. There’s everything from enjoying fresh oysters with your feet in the water to indoor skydiving to one of the best aquariums in the county – Virginia Aquarium and Marine Center.
And if that wasn’t enough, Jungle Golf (open 24 hours a day!) is a fun, leisurely activity that the entire family will enjoy. Of course the big attraction is the beach and the Virginia Beach Boardwalk runs for three miles with separate lanes for bikers, so you can walk, ride, or even rollerblade with the ocean at your side.
-Karyn Locke, Sand and Snow
Here are the best things to do in Virginia Beach with kids.
New York City
New York City is the perfect place to take your teens. They have it all! You can get in your history by visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Head to Times Square, Central Park, The Met, and chic neighborhoods all over town.
Get your shopping in by researching what your kids like and finding the best shops in the city. It was shoes for our boys and vintage/thrift stores for our daughter.
End the night with a unique dinner option and delicious desserts before heading to a Broadway play or a NBA basketball game.
-Bryanna Royal, CrazyFamilyAdventure
Trekaroo also has a great article highlighting things to in NYC with teens.
Rome, Italy
Visiting Rome with teens can be an incredible experience full of learning and discovery. The city is full of history and culture, and there is so much to see and do that it can be overwhelming.
Teens will love Rome because there are plenty of opportunities for great sightseeing, but also great food and fun. Learning about Rome with your teens before your trip is essential and will make it so much more meaningful. It’s also a good idea to find some good tours to keep them entertained and learning from a different adult that’s not a parent.
One of our favorite activities to do with teens in Rome is to take a Vespa tour. It’s a great way to explore the city while getting a bit of an adrenaline rush along with your history lesson. Your teens don’t need to have a driver’s license to do this, they can ride on the back of a Vespa wit the tour guide.
Another great option is to take a food tour in Rome. It’s a good way to see the city and keep teens walking while getting food samples and learning some history along the way. If your teen is interested in cooking, book a cooking class. It’s a fun activity to keep them engaged, learning from other people, and socializing with other guests.
It’s also important to mix things up and make time for downtime during your trip to Rome with teens. While historical landmarks are a must-see, include some fun and relaxing activities in your itinerary.
You can visit Villa Borghese or take a day trip to the beach. This will give your teens a chance to unwind and enjoy some downtime, which can be especially important if you’re spending several days in the city.
-Vanessa, IHeartItaly.co
Paris, France
If you’re looking for an awesome European getaway It’s hard to beat Paris with teens. From grand palaces and world-famous art museums to cutting-edge fashion and culinary delights, there’s something for everyone.
You can even explore it by tuktuk, bicycles, double-decker buses, pedi-cabs, golf carts, or walking. It’s one of the most Instagrammable cities with epic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Sacre-Coeur. Plus, you can bribe your teens with a visit to Disneyland Paris if they go along with a few historical tours first!
-Marcie Cheung, Marcie in Mommyland
Tahiti
Tahiti is an adventurer’s paradise where you can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, outrigger canoeing, paddle or kiteboarding, surfing, water skiing, hiking, bicycling, ATVing, or whale watching.
If you are looking for animal experiences they will never forget swim with sting rays near Moorea Island, or even swim with sharks off the shores of Rangiroa.
Of course there are endless amounts of tropical fish swimming in the crystal clear waters off this island chain, so you definitely will want to pack your snorkeling gear. You can also be a part of positive change in the world and help plant coral in the reefs.
Love luxury? Stay in an overwater bungalow and jump right off your deck into those Polynesian waters every single day.
London, United Kingdom
Full of history and culture, the city of London is an ideal destination to explore with teens. Museums, churches, and historical sites are far from dry or boring, bringing stories of royal intrigue and the devastation of war to life.
Must-dos with teens include the Tower of London, the Churchill War Rooms, Westminster Abbey, and the British Museum. Beyond the museums, the theatrical productions of London’s West End are usually a hit with teens, as are the royal palaces.
For a few quintessentially British experiences, make time for all things Harry Potter, take high tea at a fancy London hotel, or even attend a Premier League Football match.
-Leslie Harvey, TripsWithTykes.com
Here are 25 cool things to do in London with teens.
Coron Island, Philippines
If you are looking for a beautiful island where you and your teens can have fun but also discover incredible underwater beauty in an exotic country, without breaking the bank, try visiting Coron Island in the Philippines.
Coron is a part of the Palawan Islands, and a quick one-hour plane ride from Manila, the country’s capital. Coron is a total escape from the city, with incredible seafood and a beautiful vacation spot, yet less touristy than other main islands of the country.
Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel is a great place to stay with the family and teens where you’ll be close to the beach, and the piers for tour and diving pickups, and has its own restaurant and gym.
– Rachel of Gamintraveler
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is a big city packed with enough things to do to keep vacationing families busy for days. If your teen is a sports fan, catch a game played by one of the city’s nine major league sports teams.
The city is also renowned for its arts scene, including three notable Chicago museums: the Field Museum, The Art Institute of Chicago, and the Museum of Science and Technology.
There’s plenty of shopping, especially along the Magnificent Mile. When visiting in the summer, don’t miss North Avenue Beach. Book a hotel downtown, like Loews Chicago, so you’re within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and iconic Navy Pier.
-Kim Reiner, OhMyOmaha.com
Costa Rica
Visiting Costa Rica with teens means lots of adventure. You’ll want to visit the iconic La Fortuna volcano where there are fun activities to be had at every turn. Make sure to zip line at Eco Glide- teens will love the adrenaline and you’ll love the volcano views. Top the day off with a visit to Sky Adventures Hanging Bridges.
Stay at the Volcano Lodge and Springs, where you’ll have your very own private hot spring in your suite- teens can wander the hot springs while you relax.
-Christa Jimenez, PuraVidaMoms.com
Trekaroo has a full guide highlighting 20 things to do in Costa Rica as well as the best beaches in Costa Rica and the best all-inclusive family resorts in Costa Rica.
Cleveland, Ohio
Teens love Cleveland for more than the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Cleveland Cavaliers. Where else
can you gross out your parents by ordering a gourmet hot dog topped with Froot Loops, Cheetos,
Spaghetti O’s or the 50 other possibilities offered at Happy Dog?
Parents, you can school those adolescents at the Superelectric Pinball Parlor. Then all of you can get tossed, inverted and jiggled on a thrill ride at Cedar Point! The rollercoaster capital of the world is just 63 miles outside of Cleveland.
-Kristine Dworkin, Trekaroo
Destin, Florida
Located in the Florida panhandle, the stretch of white sand beach along Destin/Fort Walton Beach is perfect for unleashing the teen in all of us.
Loaded with all kinds of water as well as land-based activities, your teen can take advantage of things like fishing excursions (from beginner to advanced, as well as ones where you can cook and eat what you catch), animal encounters, water sports, museums, golf, camping, shopping, as well as delicious food &
beverage options.
Read our full guide to Destin, Florida.
My family likes staying at the Hilton Sandestin which has one indoor pool, two outdoor pools and two whirlpools. There are sit-down restaurants or grab-n-go options for coffee, ice cream and sandwiches. Kayak, paddleboard, and beach chair rentals are available onsite because this resort sits right on the sand.
-Sharon Nolan, Trekaroo
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is a great city to visit with teens as it offers a wide variety of activities and attractions that are both fun and educational. You must walk the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile trail that includes 16 historical sites, including the Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere House, and the USS Constitution Museum.
A kitchy and classic Boston experience is the Boston Duck Tours which has amphibious vehicles that take visitors on a tour of both land and water.
Our family always tries to catch a Red Sox game whenever we are in town. Fenway Park is the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball and a beloved landmark in Boston. Visitors can take a guided tour of the park and learn about its history and architecture.
If your teens love to shop, Newbury Street is a popular shopping destination in Boston with a variety of stores ranging from high-end boutiques to chain retailers.
Stay in the historic Omni Park House which is right across the street from Boston Common. Make sure to try their Boston Cream Pie and the legendary Parker House Rolls.
Here is our full guide to the best things to do in Boston on a family vacation.
Sedona, Arizona
It only took about five minutes after our arrival in town before my teenage daughter proclaimed, “I could definitely live here”. It is no surprise she was instantly enchanted by Sedona, a town that feels like it is inside a red-rock dominated national park. I’m convinced there isn’t a bad view in the entire city.
If your kids love getting outside and exploring, they are going to love Sedona. We took hikes to a hidden cave off the Soldier Pass Trail and loved 950-foot climb to the top of Cathedral Rock. Of course, the sunset at Bell Rock was pretty special as well.
My daughter also loved shopping at the many gem stores, art galleries, and souvenir stands around the downtown area and in Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village.
Where to stay: We have stayed at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock a few times and always enjoyed our stay. The rooms with views of the red rocks are worth the splurge. There is nothing better than sitting on your balcony while watching the rock change color while sipping on your morning coffee.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
If your teens are dreaming of staying at an all-inclusive resort on the beach but also crave a little adventure, the Riviera Maya is your best bet.
Swimming in a cenote is a definite “must do” when visiting this part of Mexico. Cenotes are natural swimming holes that are found throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. These clear, freshwater pools offer a unique and refreshing swimming experience that teens will love.
Riviera Maya is home to several Mayan ruins, including Tulum, Chichen Itza, and Coba. Teens will enjoy exploring these ancient sites and learning about Mayan history and culture.
Riviera Maya is surrounded by lush jungle, which offers a variety of adventure activities, including ATV tours, zip lining, and jungle hikes. Teens can experience the thrill of zipping through the jungle canopy or riding an ATV through the rugged terrain. My kids loved Xplor, an adventure park where they zipped, took ATV rides through caves, and snorkeled in cenotes.
Of course, you will also want to spend lots of time on the beach in the pool. There are lots of resorts that line the beautiful Caribbean waters including Barcelo Maya Palace, one of our favorite.
Explore These Great Destinations for Teens
Explore These Great Destinations for Teens
- The Best Family Vacations with Teens
- 15 Things to do in Palm Springs with Teens
- Over 40 Things to do in San Diego with Teens
- 18 Fun Things to do in Dallas with Teens
- 20 Awesome Things to do in Austin with Teens
- 25 Things to do in London with Teens
- 23 Fun Things to do in Phoenix with Teens
- Over 30 Fun Things to do in NYC with Teens
- 20 Amazing Things to do in Chicago with Teens
- 18 Great Things to do in Boston with Teens
- 18 Awesome Things to do in Denver with Teens
- 23 Fun Things to do in New Orleans with Teens
- 25 Cool Things to do in London with Teens - May 5, 2025
- Over 30 FUN Things to Do in NYC with Teens - March 31, 2025
- 30+ Kid-Friendly Restaurants in New York City - August 13, 2019