How to Keep Your Teens Engaged on a Family Vacation

July 17, 2024

Family vacations are an excellent opportunity to bond and create lasting memories. However, keeping teens interested and engaged can sometimes be a challenge. 

Traveling With Teens

Traveling with teens can be difficult, as they often have different interests and needs than younger children or adults. Teenagers crave independence, which can sometimes clash with the structured nature of family vacations. They may also be more connected to their social circles and technology, making engaging them fully in experiences challenging.

Additionally, the varying energy levels and moods typical of teens can make it hard to maintain a harmonious and enjoyable trip. Despite these difficulties, navigating the teen years on vacation can lead to some of the most rewarding experiences.

Traveling with teens can create lifelong memories and strengthen family bonds. Shared adventures create stories they will cherish and share for years to come. These experiences can also reduce stress by providing a break from daily routines and school pressures, allowing them to unwind and enjoy quality time with their family. 

Involve Them in Planning

Ask for their input and allow them to have a say in where to go and what activities to do. Involving them in the planning process can significantly affect their attitude on your trip. When they feel involved in decision-making, they’re more likely to stay enthusiastic. 

Start by having a family meeting to discuss potential destinations, and let your teens voice their preferences. Encourage them to research activities and attractions at the destination. This can pique their interest and build excitement before the trip. For instance, if you’re planning a trip to a beach location, they might find surfing lessons or a local concert they would love to attend. 

Plan a Mix of Activities

Find things for the whole family to enjoy. Planning a mix of activities that cater to different interests within your family is key to keeping everyone happy. This could include adventure sports, cultural visits, shopping or relaxation. Be open to spontaneous activities or changes in plans based on their interests or suggestions. Staying flexible ensures everyone can enjoy something they love, making the vacation more enjoyable for all. 

Take Them To “Insta-Worthy” Places

It’s no secret that teens love a good social media post, so why not take them to places where they can get the perfect snap? Research and include locations that offer breathtaking views, unique designs or vibrant street art they would be excited to capture and share on their feeds. Ask for their input, as they may already know the best spots to get Instagram-worthy photos.

Set Technology Limits

Banning technology will only cause your teens to be miserable. Let them use their devices, but set limits on their usage beforehand. For instance, limit screen time during certain parts of the day or meals, but let them catch up with their friends and scroll through social media — they are teenagers, after all. 

Volunteer

Volunteering is an enriching experience that allows volunteers to give back and become more empathetic. Look for opportunities to volunteer locally, whether it’s participating in a beach cleanup, helping out at an animal shelter, visiting a children’s home or joining a community project. This can be an eye-opening experience for teens and provide a sense of fulfillment and purpose during the vacation. It can also boost their self-confidence and lead to social connections. 

Plan Adventurous Activities

Focus on activities that will keep everyone engaged. Outdoor activities like hiking, biking, water sports or exploring natural attractions are fantastic options. Teens often enjoy physical challenges and exploring new environments. Ensure you give them options within your budget to avoid disappointment. Here are some ideas to check out at your next destination:

• Cooking classes
• Escape rooms
• Food tours
• Historical sites
• Kayaking
• Local markets and festivals
• Snorkeling
• Sports games
• Theme parks
• Virtual reality experiences
• Walking tours
• White water rafting
• Zip lining

Give Them Their Space

Recognize the need for downtime or individual activities. Allow teenagers to have some time alone or with their siblings or friends. This could be an afternoon where they relax by the pool, read a book or explore the area on their own terms. Respecting their privacy and preferences ensures they don’t feel overwhelmed and can enjoy the vacation at their own pace. This balance prevents potential conflicts and makes the trip more pleasant. 

Encourage Them to Socialize

Encourage your teens to interact with locals or other travelers. This can broaden their perspectives and make the trip more enriching. For instance, in a hostel or at a resort, they might meet other teenagers from different parts of the world, leading to new friendships and cultural exchanges. 

Look for group activities or excursions where they can socialize with peers their own age, especially in resorts or tour groups. Activities like teen clubs at resorts, group surfing lessons or youth adventure tours can provide a space for them to get to know others. 

What If Your Teen Wants to Stay Home?

It’s normal for adolescents to want time away from their parents, or they might be worried about not seeing their friends during the break. However, when your teen wants to stay home instead of joining the family vacation, it can be difficult to navigate. They might feel more connected to their friends, school activities or the comfort of home. Understanding their reasons and openly discussing their concerns and feelings is essential.

Sometimes, they might be worried about missing out on social events or may not find the planned vacation activities appealing. Addressing these concerns through these tips can help them feel more included and excited. 

If staying home still is their preference, consider the broader impact. Traveling together as a family provides opportunities for bonding, making memories and experiencing new cultures and environments, all of which are important for personal and family growth. Highlighting these benefits can help your teen see the value in participating. 

However, if they’re adamant about staying home, you might want to consider the possibility of a compromise, such as a shorter trip or planning a separate trip with their friends. Ultimately, as the parent, you have the final say and know what’s best for them. 

Plan the Family Trip Everyone Enjoys

Family vacations should be enjoyable for everyone — including teenagers. With careful planning and considering their interests, you can create memorable and engaging experiences that make your family closer than ever.