Planning a holiday with teenagers can feel like a challenge. They’re too old for kiddie clubs but not quite ready for the slow pace of adult-only escapes. The key is striking a balance between fun, independence, and a little adventure.
Here are 12 holiday ideas that most teens will actually approve of — with plenty of room for you to tailor them to your family’s style and budget.
1. City Breaks with a Twist
Choose a city with history, culture, and plenty of Instagram-worthy spots. Think street food, quirky markets, and local experiences like bike tours or graffiti workshops.
2. Beach Holidays with Water Sports
A simple beach trip can be made teen-friendly by adding paddleboarding, surfing lessons, or snorkelling. It gives them a sense of freedom while you still enjoy downtime.
3. Adventure in the Mountains
Swap sun loungers for hiking trails, zip lines, and mountain biking. Many ski resorts double up as adventure parks in the summer.
4. Camping (or Glamping)
The classic camping trip still works, but if you want fewer moans, go for glamping pods or bell tents. Add activities like kayaking, climbing, or campfire cooking to keep it fun.
5. Theme Park Getaways
A few days centred around roller coasters, water rides, and live shows is often a winner with teenagers — especially if you combine it with nearby attractions.
6. Music or Arts Festivals (Family-Friendly Ones)
Some festivals are designed for families and teens, mixing live music, creative workshops, and chill-out zones. It’s a cool way to give them a taste of festival life safely.
7. Road Trips
A flexible road trip lets you build variety into one holiday — beaches, cities, countryside, all in one go. Teens often love the freedom of exploring multiple places in a single journey.
8. Sports-Themed Breaks
If your teen is football-mad, cricket-obsessed, or into tennis, consider a holiday that includes a stadium tour, match tickets, or a coaching camp.
9. Cultural Experiences Abroad
From cooking classes in Italy to martial arts in Japan, cultural activities add purpose to a trip. Teens love learning something hands-on they can show off back home.
10. Wildlife Adventures
Whether it’s a UK safari park, whale-watching trip, or turtle-spotting abroad, wildlife encounters are memorable and exciting for teens of all ages.
11. Volunteering Holidays
Community projects, eco-camps, or wildlife conservation breaks can be rewarding and eye-opening. Perfect for older teens who want something meaningful.
12. Staycations with a Twist
You don’t always need to go abroad. UK-based activity centres, surf camps, or even just a cottage rental near fun attractions can feel like a proper adventure with less travel stress.
Final Thoughts
When planning a holiday with teens, the trick is to keep things flexible. Mix in independence, new experiences, and a bit of adventure, and you’ll find even the toughest-to-please teenager might admit they had a good time.
