How to Entertain Your Teens on a Vacation

2020 has been a difficult year for so many people, but with the new vaccines being developed and successfully tested, it’s looking like Covid-19 will soon be under control. With all of the travel restrictions soon to be relaxed, many people are starting to look forward to a well earned vacation. Family vacations are a great way to spend time with your loved ones and visit a new place. Planning a vacation which will appeal to all the members of the family can be difficult, however, as everyone has different tastes and preferences. Teenagers can be particularly difficult to please as they often don’t enjoy the same things as their parents.

To help out all the parents who are looking to plan the perfect family getaway, here is how to entertain your teens on vacation.

1. Visit Amusement Parks

Teenagers absolutely love amusement parks and visiting a destination where there are amusement parks nearby is an ideal way to keep your teens happy. From rollercoasters with breakneck speeds to really exciting shows, there are so many fun attractions at amusement parks that you will also have a great time when you visit with your teens. Orlando has some of the most famous amusements parks in the world such as Disney World and Universal Studios and so this is one vacation destination that may be worth considering for your next family destination.

2. Do Some Watersports

Watersports are the ideal way for your teens to have fun, get active and enjoy the ocean. Taking a trip to the coast of Florida is perfect for the family, as there are loads of options for waterskiing, jet skis, banana boats and parasailing. Some watersports are not suitable for smaller children but they are ideal for teens who will enjoy the thrill and high speeds, twists and turns of different watersports. You can book your teens up for a couple of hours of jet skiing while you look after your younger kids, or even join your teens for a bit of thrill seeking yourself.

3. Go Canyoning

Canyoning is a really exciting activity which is not for the faint of heart. Canyoning involves going down into caves and canyons on special ropes or down precarious walkways built into the rocks. Professional guides will take your teens down and make sure that they are safe but it is still one of the most adrenaline pumping activities imaginable. There are many excellent places to go canyoning in the US. Most national parks will have specialized canyoning companies so search online for one near to where you are vacationing.

4. Go to a Waterpark

Waterparks are like the perfect fusion of amusement park rides and watersports. The best waterparks these days have frighteningly fast and high slides and shoots which terrify most of us older folks but which teens absolutely love. As well as these high octane slides, there are always gentler rides for younger kids (and cowardly grown ups) so that waterparks are perfect for the whole family. There are amazing waterparks in Florida and with the year round sunshine, you will be assured of a great day out.

5. Check out Some Movie and TV Sets

Teens all have their favorite movies and TV shows and one really exciting day out is to go and visit the sets to see where they are filmed. A family city break in LA is not complete, for example, without visiting the Warner Brothers Studio where you will be able to see many sitcom sets like Central Perk from Friends and the famous living room from The Big Bang Theory. There are also fascinating exhibits which display loads of props and memorabilia from the Harry Potter movies and all of the Batman films. If you’re lucky, there may be some live filming going on when you are there and you might get a glimpse of a famous movie star.

6. Watch a Show

Everyone loves to see a live show and there are so many great ones which will entertain both your teens and the rest of your family. A city break in New York will give you the opportunity to take in a show on Broadway which you will never forget. Alternatively, why not take a family trip to Las Vegas and see the famous Cirque du Soleil before your teens head off to bed and you have a little spin of the Blackjack wheels. 

Going away with your teenagers is the perfect way to spend some quality time together as a family. Planning lots of activities which they will enjoy, and which you can do together, is important in ensuring that everyone has a great time. Try out some of the suggestions in this article and you are sure to put a smile on your teenagers’ faces!