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The Best Things to Do on a Road Trip for Tweens & Teens

Fun Ideas for Long Road Trips

Looking for things to do on a road trip for tweens and teens?

Need to occupy those tweens and teens when they finally get bored of their phones/ ipods/ tablets or GASP there is no cell phone service??

Because it does actually happen.

We love a road trip. We’ve driven from Salt Lake City, Utah to Yellowstone National Park , San Francisco to Yosemite National Park , and Raleigh, NC to Chattanooga, Tennessee just to name a few of our favorite road trips! We have tons road trip ideas for tween and teens based on experience!

My number one tip for occupying kids, tweens, teens, or even adults while traveling is to ENGAGE with them!

No matter how long you will be on the road, engaging with one another is key to keeping the boredom factor at bay. Trust me, I love to curl up with my book and zone out for an hour or two, but after awhile everyone can use a little conversation!

This post contains affiliate links which means I could earn a small commission, if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, read my full Disclosure HERE

7 Best Things to Do on a Road Trip for Tweens & Teens

A road trip with tweens and teens does not have to be miserable. There are so many travel activities for teens and tweens beyond their cell phones!

Almost all of the following road trip activities will take a little advance planning. If you don’t have time to prepare, just grab my Travel Boredom Busters cheat sheet so you can print, screen shot, or copy and paste into the notes section of your phone.

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Listen to Podcasts/ Audio Books with your Tweens & Teens

Recently we’ve discovered podcasts and it’s safe to say I’m semi-obsessed. But, it takes a little effort to find something your whole family is into. What type of podcasts you like is a very personal thing in my opinion. My husband and son love something sports related. My daughter likes teen girl podcasts and I love personal growth. Your choices really depend a lot on the maturity of your children. We often let ours listen to adult podcasts especially if there’s some good life lessons hidden in them. Some podcasts for tweens and teens that also make the adults happy are How I Built This, TED Talks, and Family Travel Radio. 

There’s also audio books if your family is able to agree (this is a harder one for my family since we have pretty diverse taste). You can always download individual audio books to tween/ teen devices and bring some headphones (this works much better for us).

Dollar Tree/ Amazon Surprises

I don’t like to go overboard at the Dollar Tree because I don’t want to be wasteful. I also love to find inexpensive fun little things on Amazon.

But I’ve found stick on mustaches , fake buck teeth , and fidget toys that can create a ton of silliness and laughter no matter what your age! Oh and if you’re like our family and like some immature humor, don’t forget to pick up a good old fashioned whoopie cushion.

Road Trip Breaks

Taking breaks along the way is essential. Let the kids (and you!) get out and stretch, dance, or throw a football to break things up a bit.

Everyone tends to be much happier when they get a minute to stretch and get some energy out. Last year my son decided he wanted to shoot basketball in every state we visited. So, we looked up parks with basketball courts along the way. He has now played basketball in New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Canada!

Drawing/ Coloring

You can pick up some very cool inexpensive coloring books , colored pencils, or gel pens at stores like TJ Maxx, Target, or good ole Amazon. My daughter loves the books with inspirational sayings. My son on the other hand loves a blank notebook he can doodle as he chooses. Coloring isn’t just for little ones anymore!

Snacks for your Tweens and Teens

Another road trip essential is plenty of snacks! We usually stop to eat meals out on our road trips but always find we needs some snacks in between. We like to carry a small cooler with us for waters and drinks and fresh fruit like berries or grapes. I’m also a fan of lollipops for a treats…because they last longer than other candy! Pop Rocks are also a fun and entertaining sweet treat.

PROTIP : Bring a Ziploc or grocery bag for trash and wet wipes for cleaning up- these are so helpful for ALL ages!

Road Trip Games for Teens and Tweens

Games are the most fun when everybody in the car participates (of course only when it is safe for the driver). Two simple options are Heads Up for $.99 in the App Store and Travel Bingo. We love playing Head Bandz at home and this is a travel version. It is hilarious and even though it says 12+ we’ve played with children as young as eight. Also I picked up this Travel Bingo at the Dollar Store and it has lasted years. It came with a dry erase marker so you can mark things off and then play again.

Some other fun games that we like to play are:

• 20 Questions : When one person in the car think of an person, place, or animal and everyone else can only ask yes or no questions to figure out what they are thinking of. We never actually limit anyone to 20 questions…that should probably depend on the age of your car trippers.
• Categories : This is a game our family made up…seriously. But it stuck and we play it all the time. You decide on a category, for example: sports or transportation types. Then each person takes a turn naming something in that category until you can’t think of anymore. The last person to name something wins.
• 3 Truths and a Lie : Simply take turns naming 3 truths and a lie. The rest of the players have to figure out which statement is the lie.
• Boredom Busters : Grab some of our family favorites above. Then you can just print ahead of time, screen shot, or copy and paste into the notes section of your phone. Just subscribe and you’ll get them and some other really cool free stuff too.
• Are we there yet? Check out our epic list of 250 road trip questions to keep everyone entertained along the way!
• This or That – I have a huge collection of this or that questions in my road trip boredom busters post !

Parents, if you don’t know by now…”challenges” are all the rage. My kids are obsessed with watching and doing them. Now many challenges can’t be done in the car. BUT if you’re a little creative, challenges can be part of your road trip activities for tweens and teens plan!

So…if you’re a little daring, maybe a bit crazy, and can tolerate a bit of chaos…let your tweens and teens do a challenge in the car. We took a group of girls for my daughters birthday to the beach about 2 1/2 hours away from our home. They did the Pringles Challenge on our road trip (the Pringles were on sale, haha!). I bought 7 different flavors of Pringles, one person chooses the flavor, everybody tries them, then each person tried to guess which flavor it is. Keep track of points if you wish!

My kids are also fans of the “Try not to laugh” or “Try not to sing” challenges. Guaranteed laughter will ensue. Bean Boozle d is a fun game that can be played in the car too- just don’t let them melt!

Make Your Road Trip with Tweens and Teens More Enjoyable!

There you have it…a few new and fun road trip activities for tweens and teens which will hopefully make your road trip more enjoyable for the entire family.

Do you have a road trip planned? What are your best teenage road trip ideas? Let me know in the comments below!

SAVE & PIN THE BEST THINGS TO DO ON A ROAD TRIP FOR TWEENS AND TEENS FOR LATER!

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23 comments.

Great ideas! We don’t have a Dollar Tree near us but often will intentionally drive by one when on a road trip and pick up some games and things to help the trip go by more smoothly. I need to try the audiobook idea. My kids are now of the age where we could likely find something we will all enjoy. 🙂

Thanks! We have found some great entertainment at the dollar tree! Hope these road trip activities are helpful on your next car ride!

We love road trips, each we go for a road trip we always come up with games in the car. Our kids most of the time we let them bring toys that they will enjoy playing in the car. Sometimes we make a stops to take a break from sitting down.

I love a road trip too! I feel like we see so much more and can go at our own pace. Any road trips planned this year?

I love the 3 truths and a lie game. We play a lot of guessing games.

My kids love it too…but if I’m guessing I’m usually win ??

There is nothing better than laughter in the car, so definitely going to get some fun things st the dollar tree to suprise them with.

Agreed!! I love surprising my kids…even with the littlest things!

Super fun ideas for a roadtrip. I have both a tween and a teen and thing they would like doing some of these (especially the challenges and dollar tree surprises)!

It always seems like the first hour they’re occupied with their phones…and then they need some entertainment. We like to be silly and laugh a lot with our road trip activities!

I never understood why my parents didn’t take us on many road trips until I had kids of my own LOL! These are great tips to keep your teens and just kids in general entertained in the car. Definitely gonna stock up on some dollartree goodies! thanks for the share 😀

It can definitely be a true test of a parent’s patience! Lol. Glad these road trip tips were helpful!

Great list of activities! We do a lot of roadtrips so this will come in handy as my daughter gets older!

So glad my road trip tips were helpful!!

Super! I think we forget to slip those breaks in sometimes!

It really does help!!

Awesome! Prepackaging is such a good idea…then you have somewhere for trash too! I hope these road trip activities are helpful!!

Such fantastic tips! We love playing games when we’re on a trip but had never considered doing challenges. I’ll be stealing your pringles challenge idea for our next long journey!

Thank you!! The Pringle’s challenge was so much fun and seriously had us laughing for an hour!!

Such fun photos and great tips!

Great ideas as I have tweens and teens at home and we all love road trip. 20 questions we too love to play.

Yes. I love trips. They are so fun. We used to play tick tack toe and a game where you use pass a paper around and we each did a sentence till the end. But know all my kids want to do is watch television. I will definitively try theses things.

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36 Fun Road Trip Games and Activities for Teens, Tweens and Kids

Summer road trips with teens, tweens & kids can be a lot of fun as long as you have some games & activities planned! Here are 36 great ideas to keep everyone entertained on the long drive.

No matter how old your kids are a road trip can be a fun and bonding experience for every family member! If you plan ahead and are prepared for some inevitable boredom along the way. Planning a road trip ahead of time is crucial! Teens, Tweens and kids can all enjoy these road trip activities and games below.

Without games and activities, a long road trip can be extremely boring. This is especially true for kids, who may not be able to read or watch movies for hours on end.

Making sure to bring along a variety of travel games and amazing road trip activities to keep the whole family occupied and happy will save you from any headaches on a long trip!

Whether your road trip is hours long or kinda short these games and activities will work for you. Each game can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour long. Using a point system or setting a number of rounds to be played will help lengthen the time.

To help make the most of your next family vacation, I have put together a list of fun road trip games and activities that will keep everyone entertained.

Planning a road trip just got easier!

Best Games for Younger Children

This classic game is perfect for little ones on a long family road trip. One person starts by saying “I spy with my little eye something that is (color, shape, etc.)” and then everyone takes turns trying to guess what it is.

The License Plate Game:

See how many different license plates from different states you can spot on your road trip. You can also make it a competition to see who can spot the most.

The ABC Game:

Start with A and take turns naming things in alphabetical order. This is a great way to help little ones learn their ABCs and see fun things while on the road.

Once Upon a Time:

One person starts by saying “Once upon a time there was a…” and then the next person has to continue the story. This is a great way to spark your child’s imagination and get them telling stories on the long drive. This will make your family road trip a lot more interesting!

Name that Tune:

Young kids have a great time playing this game! One person hums a tune and the others have to guess what song it is. If you children are much younger you could even hum nursery rhymes they might be familiar with. Plus, you now have music on your road trip!

I’m going on a picnic:

This game is great for kids of all ages. One person starts by saying “I’m going on a picnic and I’m bringing…” and then the next person has to name something that begins with the last letter of the previous item. For example, if someone says “I’m going on a picnic and I’m bringing an apple,” the next person could say “I’m going on a picnic and I’m bringing an egg.”

The Rhyming Game:

This game is perfect for kids who are just learning to read or are starting to learn about rhyming words. One person starts by saying a word and the next person has to say a word that rhymes with it.

The Animal Game:

This game is perfect for kids who love animals. One person starts by saying the name of an animal and the next person has to name an animal that begins with the last letter of the previous animal. For example, if someone says “lion,” the next person could say “narwhal.”

The Counting Game:

This game is great for kids who are just learning to count. One person starts by saying a number and the next person has to say the next number in sequence. This is a perfect way to get your kids learning on a road trip without them even knowing it!

Classic Telephone Game:

The first player starts by whispering a phrase or sentence into the next player’s ear. The next person then whispers what they heard to the next person and so on. The last person then says out loud what they heard, which is usually very different from the original phrase or sentence. This game always guarantees a great time!

Find that Place:

This road trip game is lots of fun! One person starts by saying “I’m looking for a place that is…” and then the next person has to name a place that meets the criteria. For example, if someone says “I’m looking for a place that is cold,” the next person could say “Antarctica.”

Fast Food Find:

Each person names a fast food restaurant chain before you begin. Once you say start you will look or the fast food place you chose and each person gets 1 point for every time they see it on the drive. Winner is the one that has the most points at the end of road trip. This is great for a long car trip.

Best Car Games for Older Children/Teens Road Trip Tips

20 Questions:

One person thinks of an object, person, place, or thing and the others take turns asking up to 20 questions to try and figure out what it is.

Two Truths and a Lie:

Each person takes a turn telling three stories about themselves, two of which are true and one of which is a lie. The others then have to guess which story is the lie.

See how many different license plates from different states you can spot on your road trip.

The Scavenger Hunt Game:

One person makes a list of things to look for along the way and everyone tries to spot them. The first person to find all the items on the list wins. Here are some pre made scavenger hunts for the road too!

The Countdown Game:

Choose a category (ie. animals, countries, brands, etc.) and then take turns naming something from that category in alphabetical order. For example, if the category is animals, the first person could say “ant,” the next person could say “bird,” and so on. The first person to get to the end of the alphabet wins.

The Orderly Alphabet Game:

Take turns naming something from a chosen category in alphabetical order. For example, if the category is animals, the first person could say “ant,” the next person could say “bird,” and so on. The first person to get to the end of the alphabet wins.

The Would You Rather Game:

This is a fun way to get everyone to bond by getting to know each other more on your road trip. choose two random things and then ask people which one they would rather do. For example, would you rather eat a bug or drink a glass of milk?

The Never Have I Ever Game:

Everyone starts with some set amount of money. Oftentimes using pennies is enough to make the game fun. Next, take turns making statements about things you have never done. For example, “never have I ever been to Europe.” If someone has done the thing you say, they have to give you one penny. once you lose your money you are out. Winner takes all the money

The Car Bingo Game:

Each person has a bingo card with different objects, people, or things that can be seen on a road trip. For example, a license plate from Texas, a truck, a cow, etc. The first person to get bingo wins.

The Word Association Game:

One person says a word and the next person has to say a word in response that is associated with the first word. For example, if the first word is “summer,” the next person could say “vacation.” Keep going until someone can not think of a word. Set a time limit for answering like 10 seconds.

Punch Bug (or Slap Bug):

Every time you see a VW Beetle, you punch the person next to you. Loser is the person who gets punched the most. Before playing this you need to be certain your teens are old enough to punch lightly as to not start a fight or any whining and complaining.

I Went to the Store:

One person starts by saying “I went to the store and bought a (item).” The next person then has to say “I went to the store and bought a (item)” and so on, adding on to the list of items. The first person to mess up or take too long loses.

Fun Things & Activities Your Kids Will Enjoy on a Road Trip

Telling jokes

Joke books are a great way to keep everyone entertained on a road trip. They are filled with hilarious jokes that are sure to get a laugh from the entire family, and they can be easily carried around so you can pull them out whenever you need a laugh.

Plus, they’re perfect for when you’re stuck in traffic and need a distraction.

Listening to audio books, podcasts or music

There are a ton of great audio books for kids available, and it can be tough to know which ones to choose. This is great for the long car trip where you are spending hours in the car waiting to get to point b.

Here are some of my favorite audio books for kids when on a road trip:

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne

The BFG by Roald Dahl

Matilda by Roald Dahl

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Podcasts for Teens on Road Trip

Podcasts are also great for those long car rides.

But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids

Wow in the World

NPR: Tiny Desk Concerts

The Mortified Podcast

The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel

Thats the way I heard it with Mike Rowe

Who Would Win

Stuff You Missed in History Class

Stuff You Should Know

Whats Good Games

Watching movies or shows on the car trip

When it comes to good movies for kids, there are a ton of great options to choose from. Especially if you have a backseat entertainment system.

Here are some of my favorites:

The Lion King

The Incredibles

Kung Fu Panda

The Lego Movie

The Secret Life of Pets

Finding Nemo

How to Train Your Dragon

Despicable Me

Keep Your Teens Busy With These Fun Activities

Some of the best fun activities for teens include watching movies. They might enjoy watching some good entertainment while on the open road.

Some of our favorites are:

80’s Movies

Avatar: The Last Airbender

The Legend of Korra

Steven Universe

Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Star Wars Rebels

Phineas and Ferb

Gravity Falls

Adventure Time

Regular Show

Total Drama Island

Drawing or Coloring

One way to keep kids entertained is to have them do some drawing and coloring. This can help them learn how to focus and stay on task, and it also helps with their creativity and imagination. For younger children this will help develop their fine motor skills by using colored pencils. Also, their are some GREAT adult coloring books that are available!

Playing Card Games or Handheld Games

There are a ton of great card games for kids that can keep them entertained for hours on end.

Crazy Eights

Card Games Road Trip Tip to Keeping Teens and Tweens Entertained

They can be played with just a few cards, so they’re perfect for when you’re stuck in traffic and need a distraction. Plus, they’re perfect for when you’re stuck in a hotel room and want something to do.

Some of our favorite card games for teens are:

– Apples to Apples

– Phase 10

– Set

– 6 Nimmt!

– Blokus

– Boss Monster

– Carcassonne

– Dominion

– Munchkin

Handheld Games for Road Tripping

Some of our favorite handheld games for teens and Tweens are:

– Pokemon Go

– Super Mario Run

– Monument Valley

– Lara Croft GO

– Hitman GO

– The Room

– LIMBO

– Minecraft: Pocket Edition

– Terraria

Teens and Tweens keeping a journal of their road trip

Keeping a journal of all the memories and experiences from your trip can be a great way to keep kids entertained. It’s also a great way to document all the interesting stops you saw along the way. This can be a great thing to look back on later to remember your travel experience.

A journal entry could look like this,

“My road trip is going great! I’ve been playing a ton of card games with my brothers and sisters, and we’ve been listening to a lot of music and audiobooks. We’ve also seen some amazing sights along the way. Yesterday, we saw this huge waterfall, and today we’re in the middle of this huge desert.”

Teens and Tweens taking photos or making videos of their road trip

Since a road trip is all about seeing new sights and experiencing new things, older kids can capture all of that in a video. They could film themselves driving down the highway, or they could film themselves exploring a new city.

They could also film themselves playing games or just hanging out with friends and family. No matter what they choose to film, it’ll be a great way to document their trip.

Teens and Tweens listening to music on the road trip

Listening to their own music is a great way to keep kids entertained on a road trip. It’s also a great way to pass the time, and it can help kids relax and fall asleep.

So, whether you are on a road trip to the beach or on a long journey across the country, make sure to pack some of these fun games and activities. This is sure to make for a successful road trip! With a little advance planning these road trip essentials and road trip tips will keep your family entertained for hours on end and create memories that will last a lifetime.

And who knows? You may even find yourself enjoying one of these games as much as your kids do!

P.S Don’t forget road trip snacks for your family travel!

If you need more activities for your Teens, Tweens and kids this summer check out my other blog post’s for more fun ideas here!

Please leave me a comment and tell me about any family road trips you have planned?

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Product Reviews

Top toys & games for occupying tween travellers in 2024.

Boredom busting toys and gadgets to keep your tween happy on long journeys

The tween years (around ages 9-12) can be a tricky time for any parent and child, especially when planning trips and vacations.

Once highly anticipated activities are now dubbed “uncool,” and around this age, many tweens become less family-centred and more focused on friends and other relationships.  This is not true for every single tween in existence, however.  The tween spectrum is filled with children at all development stages trying to figure out who they are and where they fit in the world.  

Despite all of the “ tween ” stereotypes out there, our family still manages to create beautiful memories on a daily basis, and going on trips together is still a joy – mostly!  There are, of course, times when everyone needs their space, but we can always come together to laugh and have fun with each other in the interim. 

Just like travelling with a toddler, it’s not just what you do but what you don’t; allowing downtime and individual space is very important. We’re going to explore some tips for travelling with your tween as well as the Best Travel Toys for Tweens to take on their next adventure. 

This post is part of our tried & tested travel gear reviews and our best travel toys

Tips for traveling with tweens.

If you’re unsure how to approach your first vacation with your child since “tweenhood,” here are some helpful tips to help invest them in the journey: 

Involve Them in the Planning Process

Tweens like to feel like their voice matters, especially when it comes to planning a big family trip.  Since you and your partner will be aware of budgeting constraints, present your children with several options and get their input on where they’d like to go. 

You can even put your tween in charge of looking up activities and sightseeing opportunities for each destination so that everyone can make an informed decision. 

Put Them in Charge of Packing

A nice thing about having a tween is that they’re old enough to take over the packing process (at least for themselves).  Help them create a packing list for clothes and essential items they’ll need on the trip, and then “release the reins” for them to assemble everything in their own luggage. 

No, it may not be how you might fold the underwear, but this added responsibility will help them realize the importance of being prepared. 

Depending on what sort of trip you are going on, this might involve needing a large backpack with all their clothes, toys, electronics, and toiletries; a smaller daypack for Disney or theme park-style trips, or taking their own suitcase along with a small car/plane bag.

High Sierra Loop Backpack

PU Leather Purse Backpack

Rockland Melbourne Hardside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage

FLYMEI Cute Backpack

(Always discretly double check your tweens packing before you go!)

Set Rules for Screen Time

We have found that it’s best to lead by example when it comes to limiting screen time while travelling.  If the focus of our trip is to spend family time together, it’s not exactly fair to forbid screen time for our tweens yet to spend hours on our phones and laptops ourselves. 

We suggest slotting time each day for screen time and setting rules for when phones and tablets need to be put away.  If your tween knows the expectations ahead of time, it should be less challenging to maintain consistency while travelling. 

Plan Some Down Time

You’ll find that no matter how much fun your family is having, everyone is going to need regular downtime each day.  This is especially true if you have younger children as well. 

Try to block out several hours of unscheduled time each day for your tween to read, have screen time, or simply snooze by the sand.  Many families return home feeling like they need a vacation after their vacation, which might indicate they tried to fit a little too much into each day.  

Let Them Go on Their Own Adventures

You’ll need to use your best judgment on this piece of advice, and this essentially comes down to your tween’s maturity and your comfort level.  Many vacation spots have supervised excursions that tweens and teens can do on their own, which allows them a level of independence. 

We suggest that you research these activities, read the reviews, and ask your tween if any of them sound interesting.  Your tween may reject the ideas, but they will appreciate the consideration. 

18 Best Travel Toys for Tweens

Whilst your tween is probably far too cool for a busy bag now, here are some helpful suggestions for what you can pack in their travel bag to keep them occupied on long journeys – in addition to their phone or tablet!

There are simple games they can access online, like play solitaire , but do have some app-based games and movies downloaded as a backup in case you have no internet.

Read on for all the details and what sort of child they’d suit, or pop over and check them all out in one spot on our Amazon store .

The Try Not to Laugh Challenge – Would You Rather? – EWW Edition

Educational insights brainbolt brain teaser memory game, melissa & doug on-the-go crafts – origami activity set, difficult riddles for smart kids, blank comic book for kids, fat brain toys coggy, spot it harry potter card game, choose friendship, my friendship bracelet maker, let’s go binocular for kids, explore our world – top trumps, travel monopoly, rocketbook smart reusable notebook, coloring books, color your own pencil case, rainbow scratch paper for kids , adventure girls: crafts and activities for curious, creative, courageous girls, fire hd 10 kids tablet, helpful bookmark this page or pin it for later.

As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases made from any of our linked suggestions

If you’re planning on taking a long road trip, put your tween in charge of reading these hilarious (and often gross) Would You Rather Questions for the family. 

The whole family can participate, and it will probably generate some side-splitting discussions as each person defends his or her choice.  Each person gets points if their explanation gets a laugh out of someone else, and the person with the most “laugh points” at the end wins!  

We’re big fans of the BrainBolt Brain Teaser Memory Game because it’s quiet enough to play on flights, although competition may get a little fierce.

Each player has to duplicate the pattern as the light sequence gets more complicated.  The memory game can be played solo, or you can join in the fun to see who has the best memory!

If your tween loves the art of origami, they’ll love this Melissa & Doug Origami Activity Set.  The set comes with enough paper to make 40 different animals, and fold marks indicate a range of skill levels, so your tween can create more intricate folds as their skills improve.  

Involve your whole family with these Difficult Riddles for Smart Kids (and adults!).  The book is divided into three different chapters that increase in difficulty as you move through it. 

The riddles and trick questions test a wide range of critical thinking skills, such as logic, lateral thinking, and memory.  

The Blank Comic Book for Kids is one of the best travel toys for tweens because it contains endless possibilities. 

With over 100 pages of different templates, your tween can create a visual log of your vacation, their own superhero comic, and anything in between.  The numerous template designs allow for one-page stories and longer, multi-page plots with more detailed scripts.   

If your teen loves challenging puzzles, this lightweight, portable tween travel toy is just the thing to keep them entertained for long car rides and flights.  

The player must arrange the gears to match the included challenge cards by folding and clicking them into position.  The challenge cards are divided into four difficulty levels in color and black and white so that your tween can work towards mastering them all!

The Spot It! Harry Potter Card Game is perfect for any tween who loves the book or movie series.  Your whole family can test their reflexes and observation skills with this travel toy for tweens. 

Instructions for each of the five ways to play are simple, and it’s easy for younger children to learn as well.  Be the first to spot the matching symbols on each card, and you’re on your way to victory.

Our favorite thing about Mad Libs is that they never get old, and they’re constantly adapting to current trends with different versions of the game, such as Marvel’s Avengers and Star Wars Droids. 

They’re also a fun and engaging way to help your tween remember essential parts of speech, such as nouns, verbs, and adjectives.  Have your tween ask for family contributions for each line, and then fill them in.  The results are often hilarious!

Marvel’s Avengers Mad Libs

Star Wars Droids Mad Libs

Keeping hands busy, the Choose Friendship, My Friendship Bracelet Maker is a convenient, travel-sized toy that children of a wide range of ages can enjoy. 

This portable kit comes with a large selection of vibrantly colored, pre-cut thread and threading board with a secret compartment for supplies.  Your tween can make meaningful bracelets for friends and family – maybe even new friends they make along the way – there are endless design possibilities.  

The LET’S GO! Binocular for Kids is an essential tween travel toy for any family trip or vacation.  It’s compact, shock-proof, and comes in a wide selection of colors to suit any tween’s individual taste. 

These high-resolution binoculars are ergonomically designed for smaller hands, so your tween can use comfortably use them to discover new sights.  

A card game that’s well and truly stood the test of time! Top Trumps is one of the easiest and most convenient games for tweens to play on the go on a huge variety of topics. Each player gets half the pack and you battle it out who has the best-rated card. Even younger siblings can give it a go!

Top Trumps Iconic Landmarks Card Game Bundle

Guinness World Records Top Trumps Card Game

STEM Top Trumps Card Game Bundle

Why can’t the classic family board game come with you? Monopoly has revolutionized over the years and there are plenty of different versions of travel monopoly to make this an ultra-portable game for tweens to take with them on vacation. Classic versions in a miniature set or Monopoly Deal, the fast-paced card game, you decide!

If you’re looking for an environmentally-friendly alternative to journals for your tween, the Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook is an ideal option. 

Your tween can upload their drawings, notes, and journal entries to several different digital platforms, such as Google Drive, Evernote, Slack, iCloud, and more.  Once the ink from the included Pilot Frixion pen bonds with the specialized paper, your tween can upload them using the free Rocketbook app.  

Many tweens love to doodle, draw, and color, which makes coloring books one of the best travel toys out there for kids of all ages.  The choices are also endless due to the widespread popularity of adult coloring books, so you can always find more complex designs and illustrations for your tween to enjoy. 

Coloring Books For Girls: Cute Animals

A Snarky Mandala Coloring Book

Tween Coloring Book: Black Background Vol 1

We recommend these coloring books for girls and boys as excellent, screen-free options for your next vacation, and don’t forget the markers!

Coloring Books For Boys Cool Cars And Vehicles

Coloring Markers Pens Set

Handy for holding their coloring gear in and they can keep busy decorating it themselves.  

This pack comes in a large and small soft case with a distinctive holiday vibe! With its own marker set, get set for some colorful creations to help bide the times.

A seriously fun and absorbing activity that’s easy for your junior artist to take anywhere.

This two-pack contains black scratch notepads along with stencils in numerous patterns to scratch out, or create your own freehand designs, ideal for your slightly older kids who won’t (often) be tempted to use the scratch pencil as a stabbing tool on their siblings.

The perfect addition to a family camping trip or outdoorsy vacation with your tweens. This engaging paperback activity book would be an awesome camping toy for a tween girl.

Packed with crafts and interesting facts along the way, there’s plenty here to keep hands and minds busy in the car and out in nature.

If you’re planning on investing in a tablet for your tween, we can’t recommend the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet enough. The larger screen allows for enhanced viewing and reading, and you can customize the length of screen time for each day.  This way, your tween is responsible for dividing that up based on downtime and other factors. 

The kid-proof case protects against drops (they can still happen) and comes in various colors, making it a durable option your tween can use for many years.  Don’t forget some headphones or earbuds for your tween:

ELECDER i39 Headphones

AILIHEN MS300 Kids Headphones

Panasonic ErgoFit Wired Earbuds

More items to pack for your tween

Don’t forget to pack for your tween (or remind them if they’re self-packing!)

• A water bottle for hydration
• Sunglasses and hat
• A small toiletries kit including comb/brush, toothbrush & toothpaste, deodorant, lip balm
• A battery pack and cord for charging their electronics
• Headphones or Bluetooth earbuds
• Toiletry bag
• Purse/crossbody bag or wallet

You can find a complete packing guide for tweens and teens here – great for when you want them to start independently packing their own suitcase. You’ll also find a super-comprehensive list of gift ideas for adventurous tween girls over here.

Don’t miss our latest travel toy and family guides:

• Best travel toys for every age group
• Best family travel games for every age group
• Engaging toys for toddlers on road trips
• Best kids toys for the beach
• Best family games for the beach
• “Would You Rather” printable cards for road trips with kids

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Fun Games & Road Trip Activities For Tweens

Essentials you need to survive a family road trip with tweens

OK, sure, your tweens don’t wail uncontrollably every time you strap them in their car seat – in fact – you can probably even ditch the car seats and additional child restraints altogether!

No more need to strategically plan every stop around feeding times – as long as they’re fed and watered at regular intervals, you can certainly stave off the hangrys and cover some decent miles – but how else can help you survive a road trip with tweens?

Calling in the experts from familyroadtrip.co , they’ve helped us with these 10 fabulous tips for how to plan a road trip with tweens.

1. Plot the Route

2. passing the mile markers, 3. family games in the car, 4. keeping tweens self-entertained on road trips, 5. listen to podcasts and audiobooks together, 6. regular road side stops with tweens, 7. change things up, 8. collecting and road trip memorabilia, 9. keeping the peace, 10. road trip snacks, what to pack for a road trip with tweens.

While you might have a basic plan of where you need to be by nightfall, let your tweens help with the day planning. Show them the distance you need to cover and let them plot your stops.

Google Maps or apps like Road Trippers or Roadside America are great for picking out roadside stops. And Pinterest is an ever-ready source of inspiration for family travel.

The random and unplanned stops on a family road trip are often the most fun. Build in time in your itinerary for unscheduled stops that might catch the eye, too, insta-perfect picture-opps to a farm gate sale, your days don’t need planning to the nth degree!

We’d also suggest adding some shorter driving days where the attractions you’ll visit are the main event rather than the miles you’ll cover. Remember, it’s the journey, not the destination, right 😉

Are we there yet? Are we there yet?

Yep, No matter how many times you road trip with your kids, this NEVER grows old!!

Why not find a fun and creative method though for dealing with this:

• Keep post-it notes with the mile markers on the car roof, they can take one down and get a reward for every mile marker completed.
• A dollar is added to their spending money for every X miles completed without asking how long.
• Get their math brain working! Ask them to calculate the miles per hour you’re traveling, how big the fuel tank is, and the cost per gallon. The first one to work out the cost per gallon of your journey before you hit the next mile marker wins a prize or can choose the next playlist.

Outgrown I-spy? Not to worry, there are plenty of family games with no props you can play perfectly for the tween group. Why not try these fun road trip activities with tweens:

• Would You Rather? Challenging questions giving an ultimatum, how will they answer? They can be practical or completely outrageous!
• Bored of counting cars and number plates? Time to get technical with our older kids! It might depend on your landscape, but what about a points system allocated for different animals or unique vehicles, buildings, and roadside signs – take sides of the car and add your tally at the end of each day.
• Alphabet games give hours of mental challenge – you can do a simple listing game – pick a category and go around the car naming things A-Z until someone can’t answer, then they’re out – eg, animals, countries, cities, people’s names, sports teams. Or make it more challenging; the next word needs to start with the last letter of the previous word!
• Road trip trivia games are our favorite for this age group – these can be apps on your phone with prompter questions like Popcorn Trivia or Jeopardy! World Tour , games you can bring with you like Do You Really Know Your Family or make up your own trivia games.
• What about some brain-twisting riddles? Let your tween play game master with this selection of Riddle ideas .

We’re not going to deny we occasionally use electronics in the car, but not as the default!

Here are some non-screen road trip games for tweens can try if they’re looking for fun ideas and activities to undertake on their own:

• Journaling – this is the perfect age for your child to start a travel journal of their very own. Collect memorabilia and tickets along the way. You can start with a completely blank journal or there are plenty of specialized travel journals with basics ready-filled that kids can use.
• If paper journaling isn’t their thing, what about making their own video diary? Everyone is a budding YouTuber or TikTok star these days. Why not get them hosting their very own travel show? Whether it makes it to air is another story, but plenty of fun to practice their camera skills and reporting on the road. Using simple apps like CapCut they can make their own video edits.
• Brain Twister Games – your tweens aren’t too old to be packing a few entertaining toys for a long journey. Some basic brain teasers or even a classic Rubik’s cube will keep that brain ticking. Or keeping hands and minds busy, what about Origami ?
• Coloring Books – mindful coloring is the perfect way to pass the hours on the road or old-fashioned activity books from word search to logic problems.

Whether it’s for listening together in the car or on their own devices, having a great collection of tween-friendly podcasts for the car and audiobooks are great road trip activities for tweens.

Podcasts can provoke some great road trip conversations – try the likes of Short & Curly and Brains On make for good all-around family entertainment.

Audiobooks are more immersive and excellent for kids who would otherwise suffer from motion sickness as they can sit back with their eyes shut and just listen.

Don’t forget a good set of headphones if everyone wants to listen to their own thing too.

Our tweens are still bound with energy, and being couped up in a car all day will only exacerbate this, yet the second you suggest you’re going to stop and actually go on a hike…

You will be the judge of your child’s character. If you know they are up for longer hikes, it will be ideal to place a nature stop en route with an opportunity to stretch the legs properly.

** Remember US families, when your tweens are in the 4th grade, you can get your FREE Every Kid Outdoors pass for visiting national parks across the country.

Some kids are simply more city folk, timing your stops for a town, or well-known tourist attractions may be more their thing, grab some ice creams or find an amusement arcade for a few hours.

Distances and the importance of breaks on road trips

It’s important to remember just because they’re not tiny kids anymore, it’s unreasonable to expect them to do excessive hours sitting still.

There should be at least one quite physical activity built into your days: hiking, an inflatable amusement park, or hopping on some bikes. All of you need to keep your bodies moving, and a change of scenery with outdoor activities is essential – rain or shine. Regular restroom breaks are still important, too.

And don’t forget your tweens can start to suffer from motion sickness. Even if they didn’t suffer as young children, this can kick in during their tweens. Frequent fresh air breathers (especially on mountainous drives) and some Dramamine might be in order.

A change is as good as a holiday? Well even once you’re on the move this is true.

Why not change up the seating pattern in the car. While your tweens may not yet be tall enough for a front seat, often rotating siblings along the back seat (especially if there’s a child stuck in a middle seat or squished in the back row with the suitcases!) will help break up the journey and make sure everyone’s getting a fair go.

Even without siblings, a grown-up sitting in the back with them so they can play some games together also helps.

Or can you travel in tandem with another family? Kids will love mixing and matching between families, and it definitely breaks up the conversation and experience for everyone – go all boys and girls, or all younger kids and older kids in one car.

What can your tween keep from your trip? Aside from journal keeping, here are some fun things to think about – perhaps with the pocket money they can make from the mile marker game?

• Fridge magnets
• Pressed Pennies
• Caps or t-shirts
• Christmas ornaments
• National Park Passport

It’s important you set an overall budget for roadside stops and vacation spending. This way, we keep it even amongst our tweens, and there’s less tendency to waste on superfluous purchases when they have to balance their own spending.

It’s all fun and games on family vacation until it isn’t; we know how much your tween siblings love a good squabble for no apparent reason. Yes, they looked at you funny; how do you deal with this?

As much as there might be a reward system in place for good behavior and pocket money, think about what penalties apply for misbehavior away from home. Some might keep their regular system of rewards and discipline they use at home or think up something imaginative away from home.

Attaching behavior to reward money, snack choices, and sound control in the car seems to work well for us. You’ll want to set the ground rules with your tweens on expected behavior on the road at the outset.

How could we have possibly of left this until last?

Snacks are the answer to all your travel woes with kids of all ages.

Long road trips especially, keeping the kids regularly fueled up – though not overhyped on sugar – undoubtedly helps pass those miles and get that little more out of their patience and stamina.

Keep to low-sugar and low-salt snacks where you can, as you’ll soon work out that over-hyped kids in small, confined spaces can be a recipe for disaster. We have a great list of healthy road trip snacks for kids here to give you some ideas on how to keep your tweens fueled up.

Remember, if you are taking any sort of family vacation with your tweens, we have a downloadable packing checklist you can use over here, plus plenty of advice here on the best types of luggage for tweens to keep them packed and organized.

Tween Road Trip Essentials

Road trip essentials for tweens we always check we have in the car with us:

• Electronic devices (loaded with games, podcasts , audiobooks )
• Water bottle
• Neck pillow
• Small backpack with toys/games
• Coloring book/journal/activity book
• Spare Battery Charging

Car-ready supplies for the whole family

• Hand sanitizer
• Car seat organizer
• Motion sickness tablets
• Back up paper maps

With thanks for this fabulous contribution from Jane at familyroadtrip.co – make sure you pop over and check out all of their road trip essentials , destination ideas, and family road trip tips .

• Still not sure where to head on your family road trip with tweens? We have this great round-up of suggestions for the best tween family vacations
• We take a look at some of the best travel gifts for tweens to get them ready for their next big adventure
• Even if you’re sticking around home, try these fun summer outdoor activities for tweens

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Road Trip Activities for Kids Age 9-12 years

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Family Road Trip Activities For Kids

Are you planning a family road trip with kids and wondering what road trip activities for kids to bring along? Everyone is excited to go on a vacation, but taking a road trip with kids can be daunting for parents. From the dreaded “I’m so BORED” or “are we nearly there yet?” to “I’m hungry” or “I feel sick.” There is a lot to consider if you want to simplify your road trip with kids . Packing a selection of car activities for kids will help keep your children busy as you travel, relieve their boredom, and keep your sanity intact.

When traveling with kids the journey should include activities such as craft or activity sets, sticker books, workbooks, printable road trip games, toys, travel games, coloring, books (including audiobooks and podcasts), music, screen time, followed by snacks, then rinse and repeat!

In this post, we share our favorite road trip activities for kids age 9-12 . Don’t leave home without these non-mess essential travel activities for your kids.

If you have children of various ages you can read our posts about the 10 Must-Have Travel Toys for Baby , or must-have Essential Toddler Travel Toys , or the Best Travel Activities for Kids Age 4-8 . We also have a Guide to the Top 25 Travel Gifts for Kids of all ages who love to travel, as well as lots of Non-Toy Gift Ideas for Kids that are suitable for travel.

What are the Essential Car Activities for Kids?

When taking a road trip with children plan to bring a few special surprises to keep up your sleeves such as a new activity or toy your child has not seen before. And don’t forget to bring the most important item of all – road trip snacks for kids . 

Over lots of years and the many thousands of miles we have traveled with our children, there are certain items we won’t leave home without .

Essential travel activities for kids include:

• Craft or Activity Sets
• Sticker Books or Workbooks
• Printable Road Trip Games for Kids
• Travel Games
• Coloring Books and Crayons or Markers
• Books at your child’s appropriate reading level
• Audiobooks and Podcasts
• Music and Songs
• Family Road Trip Movies
• iPad, Tablet or Device with Headphones, charger, and travel case

📌 Pin it for later 📌

Non-screen Road Trip Activities for Kids

​We try our best to avoid too much screen time . We find our children cannot handle unlimited amounts of technology time and they will become angry and frustrated if we do not limit the amount of time they spend on a screen. With this being said you will find that the majority of travel activities that we recommend are non-screen options.

We prefer to start with non-screen activities first to help pass as much time as possible and then use limited technology time later in the trip as a reward. Otherwise, we find that if we allow our children to pick screen time as their first activity then it’s very difficult to break that cycle and get them off the screen without a fight!

Every family can choose what is best for you and your children, but we find the journey goes better with limited amounts of screen time. 

What are the Best Road Trip Activities for Kids Age 9-12?

Here are our favorite road trip activities for kids age 9-12 years. This includes essential no-mess car activities for kids that can easily be packed in the car or a BE Family Travel Tray . These road trip activities are great options to entertain your tween while traveling.

Taboo Kids Vs. Parents Family Game is an excellent game for kids to challenge parents. The hilarious kids vs. parents game is a fun twist on the classic Taboo game. It includes a kids’ deck and an adult deck of cards. The kids’ deck features familiar Guess words and only 2 forbidden words. Get teammates to say the Guess word on the card without saying the forbidden words. Say a forbidden word shown on the card and opponents will squeak the squeaker and the other team gets the point. Race against the one-minute timer in this fun and fast-paced family game. This is a great way to entertain the whole family on a road trip with kids.

100 PICS Riddles Travel Game

The 100 PICS Riddles Travel Game is for kids who love a challenge. Kids can entertain and bamboozle themselves and others with these family-friendly brain teasers! Can be played alone but friends and family usually want a guess too! This handy travel activity fits neatly into your pocket or bag. Ideal for playing in cars, restaurants, planes, and trains. The 100 PICS flashcard games help improve vocabulary, spelling, and memory.

Friendship Bracelet Maker Kit

The IQKidz Friendship Bracelet Maker Kit keeps the threads separated and organized, and includes the braiding loom with movable pegs to hold the bracelet in place, along with step by step directions. This arts & crafts kit makes it fun and easy to create friendship bracelets alone, with siblings, or with friends. Comes in a portable fashion storage box for storage and while on the go. Kids can get crafty and create awesome bracelets while traveling in the car or on vacation. This is one of the most creative road trip activities for kids and ideal for 8 to 12-year-olds.

Toy Storage Bag and Play Mat

The Creative QT Mini SlideAway Toy Storage Bag and Play Mat means now you can say “YES” to bringing toys along! No ordinary toy bag, the patent-pending Creative QT Mini SlideAway stops the spread of kid clutter and keeps it contained while you’re out and about. Pour toys or art supplies right onto the integrated tabletop play mat, and let little imaginations run wild. Toys slide away for storage with a quick pull of the handles and a little shake. The Mini SlideAway is perfect for building bricks, crayons, toy cars, snacks and is a great way to store car activities for kids.

Kodak Printomatic Instant Camera

Kodak Printomatic Instant Camera is a 10-megapixel, point-and-shoot that offers a combination of a powerful 10MP sensor with a wide angle f/2 lens that instantly and automatically prints hi quality color or black and white photos directly from the camera body. Just point and shoot making it the ideal all-in-one solution for capturing and sharing vibrant prints instantaneously wherever your child travels. The KODAK Printomatic Instant Camera All-in-Bundle is available with Zink Paper, Deluxe Case, Photo Album, 7 Unique Sticker Sets, Markers, Scissors, Border Stickers and so much more. This creative kit provides exciting road trip activities for kids who love to travel and is another artistic way for kids to document their family adventures.

Polaroid Originals OneStep

Polaroid Originals OneStep 2 VF – Summer Blue is a blast from the past! It will bring back lots of happy childhood memories as you reminisce and remember the fun you had with this as a child. It is easy to use: just point and shoot. Kids can compose their shot, press the red button and magic will appear! An instant print camera is a great way for kids to capture their vacation memories. You child can on a family road trip documenting their adventures in a Travel Journal for Kids .

Popular Activity Books for Kids

Road Trip Activity Books for Kids are a great way to entertain your tween as you travel. Here are some of the most popular travel activity book options.

Leather Travel Journal Daily Notebook

This Leather Travel Journal Daily Notebook is 6.3″ x 9.3″ so it works perfectly for your older child as a leather travel journal and diary, sketchbook, photo album, daily notepad, and so on. A handmade leather journal is a special keepsake for your child’s thoughts, plans, and ideas, durable for travel or outdoor adventure, and good for storage. The set includes a handmade leather journal, bookmark, and high-grade kraft packing, and is the perfect size suitable for most bags to take it anywhere. This is another road trip activity to help occupy your child’s time in the car as you travel.

Sudoku for Kids

Sudoku for Kids for Kids 8-12 years is a book that contains 200 sudokus with solutions. This helps kids to improve their memory and logic while having fun and helping to pass the time on a family road trip.

All You Need Is a Pencil

When headed on vacation All You Need is a Pencil – The Stuck in a Car, Plane, or Train Activity Book . Unfortunately, it usually begins with the family stuck in the car. And the kids yelling “I’m bored”. Fortunately, with these quizzes, puzzles, games, and doodles, the fun doesn’t have to wait, even if you do. And you can do them anywhere—no electricity needed—with just a pencil. Fill in travel quotes, writing in the name of anyone who says one of the phrases on the page—like “I have to go to the bathroom” or “I think we’re lost.” Play gomoku, a two-person game that’s similar to tic-tac-toe. Plan the ultimate vacation—a week anywhere in the world. Draw creepy critters, try tongue-tripping-twisters, and unscramble anagrams. It’s all so entertaining that no one will ask the dreaded question: Are we there yet?

Would You Rather for Kids!

• Would you rather  Pet a baby lion  or  Pet a baby elephant
• Or would you rather  Eat Dinner in a hot air balloon  or  Eat breakfast inside a castle
• Would you rather Be friends with Spiderman or  Be friends with Batman
• Would you rather  Have a swimming pool  or  Have a big trampoline
• And much, much more.

This is the perfect book for travel games for kids in your car while on long car rides! Would you rather books for kids are the best form of entertainment so you can keep your children occupied while they have fun pondering the silly and fun questions to themselves! Inside you will find 200 ‘Would You Rather’ questions ready to go, some of them include…

Maze Activity Book for Kids 8-12

Fun and Challenging Mazes for Kids 8-12: An Amazing Maze Activity Book for Kids is packed with mazes to entertain, stimulate, and challenge your kids. Jumpstart your child’s learning with this maze activity book for kids 8-12. These mazes can help improve fine motor skills, problem-solving skills, and visual perceptual skills. Various types, themes, and shapes ensure your child won’t get bored which makes these the perfect road trip activities for kids. This big book of mazes includes mazes in a variety of difficulty levels from simpler to more advanced. This maze book is educational, entertaining, and sure to get kids thinking!

Survive Your Road Trip With These Activities For Kids

As tempting as it may be to push through and keep driving to your destination, it is important to take regular breaks . Every few hours throughout the road trip allow your children (and you) the opportunity to stretch, move around, and visit the bathroom. Make sure stops have plenty of space for kids to run around for 20 minutes or more before getting back in the car.

Plan your family road trip to include some attractions along your route. You can use these as incentives to help your kids ride just a little bit longer. Fun pitstops that kids enjoy include:

• Parks and Playgrounds
• Picnic spots
• Walkable downtowns
• National Parks
• Historical sites
• Scenic overlooks

The more you travel with children the easier it will become. Being prepared with these road trip activities for kids will give you the confidence to adventure in the car while making the journey more bearable for you and your children.

And remember, let’s BE Family so you can enjoy the journey.

Until next time, 💖 Ruth

For more about family travel check out these posts: What Are The Best Family Road Trip Movies? Audiobooks For Family Road Trips Simplify A Road Trip With Kids The Best Travel Activities For Kids Age 4-8

BE Family Products Inc., or (BE Family Travel) participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Using any of the links on this website does NOT cost you anything but does help us continue to create content on this blog. Thank you so much for your support and for partnering with us. Let’s BE Family.

Ruth Hutchins grew up in England and now lives in North Carolina with her husband, Doug, and their two young daughters. They always loved to travel, but once having children everything changed because family travel is more complicated. Traveling with a baby may feel overwhelming to new parents. Travel with a toddler can really test your patience, and traveling with kids can lead to utter chaos. However, travel with your little ones doesn’t have to be that stressful or exhausting. On the BE Family Travel blog Ruth shares her parenting wins, and even epic failures about traveling with kids. She provides resources to help you feel empowered to plan a family vacation and travel with your children.

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7 Ways to Enjoy Travel With Teens and Tweens

I've been traveling with my kids since before my eldest was born. True story: My son would have earned British Airways elite status if we could have figured out how to get his flights credited in utero. My son is now 15 and my daughter is 11 — a full-blown teenager and a tween going on 30. Over the years, the kids have racked up visits 20 countries and more than a school year's worth of travel time.

Mommy Points says that tweens are the toughest age to please on vacation . And, indeed, traveling with teens and tweens is in some ways more challenging than traveling with a toddler. Yes, there's less poop to deal with, but there are just as many ways to step in it. When both of your kids are taller than you are, it's hard to remember that you're still dealing with kids. Here are my top tips to help you enjoy travel with teens and tweens.

Meet Them Where They Are

Meet them where they are? What on earth does that mean? I'll give an example. A couple of years ago, my then 13-year-old son and I took a weekend trip to Puerto Rico. We had a jam-packed schedule including snorkeling, zip-lining and other "big fun" activities.

However, where my son was — and where I met him — was wrapped up in the "small fun." Stuff like scratching the 8 ball at pool. Or taking a "best of three" Ping-Pong tournament to 25 points. Or destroying me at lawn chess. I ended up canceling a kayaking excursion so we had an extra afternoon of resort time. Not only did I save a bunch of money, we ended up having more fun because I wasn't pushing him where he didn't want to go.

This also means I've spent more time at playgrounds than I care to document. You may be surprised that playgrounds feature prominently in advice for teens and tweens, but in many countries playgrounds resemble army basic training camps rather than places to play duck duck goose.

Another benefit to playgrounds is that the kids get a chance to interact with local kids. Even without a shared language, kids find a way to figure it out.

Last year in Vina del Mar, Chile, my son found a Ninja Warrior-type course on the beach. We ended up returning three times in the week we stayed in Vina. The last day, the kids met a local girl who ended up spending the entire afternoon with us building sand castles, playing chess and enjoying "conversations" over raspberry smoothies.

Recognize the Differences Between Your Kids

My kids are 11 and 15, but it's been the same since the toddler stomped on the 5 year old's Lego castle: They get on each other's nerves constantly, which means collectively they get on mine. When I feel my own temperature rising, I try really hard to remember one thing:

It's Not (Usually) the Kids' Fault

Let's face it, 24 hours a day together on vacation is a lot even for most adult married couples. And they chose each other. Siblings didn't. My two kids are each spectacular people individually. I love spending time with each of them.

That said, they are two differently spectacular people. They engage with the world in a much different manner. For my daughter, everything is awesome. Her excitement meter goes to 11 and she wants the world to know it! I so admire her boundless confidence and absolute fearlessness. My son is much more contemplative. If you get a "pretty good" from him, the item in question must be a 10. He's hilarious, thoughtful and engaging, but in a much more analytical way.

As you might imagine, the cheerleader drives the introvert crazy because she just won't calm down. And little miss sunshine is constantly wondering why her brother is such a jerk. They're both right, and they're both wrong. It's my job to understand that and navigate the chasm between them.

So, I try to split them up from time to time. When I travel solo with the kids, I use nature to my advantage. My daughter is an early bird and my son a night owl, so I try to set aside my iPhone and engage with each of them without sibling distraction. If it's a family vacation, we plan one activity that's just one parent and one kid. The older kid especially appreciates having solo time and the ability to enjoy an activity his sister isn't old enough to do.

Bring a Friend

While it isn't always practical or possible (especially on longer or international trips), if you can afford to bring along a friend for your teen, it can help keep them entertained and engaged. Be aware that this strategy may cause you to become completely invisible at times, so plan accordingly and bring your own traveling friend, partner or a good book. Also think through sleeping arrangements and the financial arrangements -- this may be a good time to spread out in a condo or vacation rental .

All-inclusive resorts can also be a great destination when bringing along a teenager's friend, as they can eat and play to their heart's content without you worrying about the rising final bill. Assuming you can work out the details, the tween/teen phase can be a fantastic time to let your child bring along a friend of their own on vacation. A word of warning, once you kids know this is an option on the table, expect them to push to bring a friend from now until forever ... or at least until they are pushing to bring a girlfriend/boyfriend!

Don't Be Mom On the Boat

On our "babymoon," my husband scuba dived while I, seven months pregnant, snorkeled contentedly off the side of the boat. Accompanying us on the boat were several families. Without fail, the dads were out snorkeling or diving with their tweens and teens while the moms sat with their youngest on the boat. I became more and more riled up thinking about the next 10 years — my husband out there gallivanting with our older kids while I was stuck on the boat. By the time he finished diving, I was in a rage. Apropos of nothing (to him), I started bawling that I just couldn't be the "Mom on the boat!"

"Mom on the boat" has since become shorthand for any holiday opportunities missed because of child care. I see it again and again: Dad rides the roller coaster while mom does the kiddie ride. Make sure you alternate who gets the thrills.

Lean In, but Don't Surrender Entirely

One thing I've learned is that "enrichment" comes in many forms. A prime example is the day last year my kids found a '90s-era Nintendo Street Fighter video game at a Walmart-type store in Chile. At first, I banged my head against the wall because we flew 12 hours and they were beyond excited about a #@$#@ video game we have on our NES Classic at home.

Thankfully, this wasn't my first time at the rodeo, so I leaned in. Yes, the kids spent 30 minutes playing a video game found at a department store. But I made them get their own change, in Spanish. My son also found a great deal on $3 T-shirts — meaning he'd figured out the currency. And my daughter ordered lunch on her own at the store snack bar. Baby steps.

Carry (or buy) Entertainment

Meals take a looooong time in many countries, so I always carry a deck of cards. I try to make restaurants a device-free zone and a game of crazy eights will usually do the trick. When the kids were younger, I relied on Mad Libs. Once in desperation (and outside), I resorted to an ad hoc science experiment: Each kid put a load of Mentos in his mouth and took a swig of Diet Coke. Hilarity ensued.

Last year in Chile, we had an hour to kill in the small town of Vicuna before our stargazing tour. I popped into the grocery store and bought two balls. That they had Peppa Pig on them was neither here nor there. We played dodgeball on the town square for an hour before giving the balls away. That was $4 well spent.

Bottom Line: Know That They Get It

I always wonder how much of our travel "sticks" and I want to share a story about when it clicked for me that they get it. Although our trip to Vietnam three years ago was memorable, I certainly didn't think it would shape my kids' worldview as much as it has. So I was happily surprised when a conversation six months after the trip revealed that my son's grasp of economics rivaled most adults.

At the time, he was in 7th grade and usually concerned himself with 7th grade issues — who likes who, when is the new Terraria coming out and the like. But on the evening news one night, he overheard then-candidate Donald Trump address fiscal policy: "You never have to default because you print the money."

Out of the blue, my son exclaimed, "That's so stupid! Isn't that why 2,000 dong is worth like 9 cents?"

Yes, it is.

When you travel with a teen or tween, you aren't just traveling to enjoy the moment as you live it. You are creating moments, experiences and memories that they will take with them — and that is fascinating, enjoyable and worth it — even if you deal with some teenage meltdowns along the way.

Tips for an Amazing Road Trip With Tweens

Busy schedules and moody attitudes might tempt you to avoid road trips with your tween, but this is the perfect time to pack everyone in the car and set off on adventures. Family time benefits kids during adolescence more than nearly any other time of life. And with a little planning, the drive becomes a fun and memorable part of travel. We asked moms about their most successful road trips with tweens and packed all their advice into this post: what to pack for road trips, road trip snacks, road trip activities for tweens, how to manage electronics on road trips and fun ways to record road trip memories.

You might also like:

• The Bottom Line on Why You Need a Vacation
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There are plenty of things I said I’d never do that came back to bite me:

• I would NEVER let my child throw a tantrum in the aisle of the grocery store while I stand there going about my business. Wrong.
• I would NEVER use TV as a babysitter because I need to get something done. Oops.
• I would NEVER wear the same pair of yoga pants for a day, and then a night, and then another day. In a row. Without taking them off. So guilty.

Funny how you don’t really know what you will or won’t do until life comes at you. 

I’ve given up on many of my self-made rules, but so far, I’m doing well on my goal to never stop taking family roadtrips. We’ve always lived a drive from family — one hour, two hours, 12 hours. We figured out how to make it work when the kids were babies (leaving at 4 a.m. and bringing loads of snacks), and now we’re exploring road trips with tweens. New challenges for sure. Namely dealing with attitudes, battling over screen time and maneuvering trip schedules around sports and other activities. 

Why Road Trips with Tweens Are a Great Idea

How sweet is this photo? The drive wasn’t all unicorns and rainbows, but they did pretty darn well. Combining two families also kept sibling fights to a minimum.

Road trips fit any budget and flex to fit all different family and travel styles. Some families log 12-hour drive days and make the ride memorable with in-car activities and music and conversation. (That’s us.) Others find fun stops along the way or split long drives into multiple days with a hotel pool to break things up. Either way, with family roadtrips, your family spends some serious time together in a tight space, and it builds relationships the same way eating meals together does. And I plan to force my tweens and teens to interact with me and the rest of our family throughout all the years they live in my house and ride in my cars.

Independence? Yes. Alone time? I hear ya, I need it too. Isolation and withdrawl? Nope. Not if I can help it.

Research agrees that tween years are the perfect time for family time and travel. The Every Kid in a Park initiative gives all 4th graders and their families free admission to all federal lands and waters “to experience the places that are home to our country’s national treasures, rich history, and vibrant culture.” They chose this age based on research that kids ages 9-11 are at a unique developmental stage where they’re starting to really understand how the world works around them. They’re receptive to new ideas about nature and the environment, but also about family. 

A new day in trip-planning and preparation also dawns during the tween years because they can start contributing. They can pack their own bags…do research on things they want to see and do…help load the car and remember forgotten items. Hallelujah, we’ve turned a corner!

Our last road trip included a 12-year-old family friend. I was in awe of that girl’s Google folder. She had a packing spreadsheet and a Google slideshow of all the major stops on our trip. My 11-year-old son helped pack and carry bags, but certainly didn’t use any of his precious screen time for trip prep. 

Tips for Recording Your Adventure

Tweens will remember family road trips, so it’s the perfect time to start traditions that preserve those memories. Several of our readers gave great suggestions on ways to do this:.

Keep a journal while on the road or encourage your tween to write one. Make notes on where you’ve been and what you’ve done, complete with sarcastic comments. The journal gives you a place to attach ticket stubs, postcards, information sheets and maps so you have a cool keepsake when you get back. The 12-year-old planner on our trip journaled and collected postcards, laptop stickers and other info in a pencil box along the way to complete her masterpiece at home.

Start a collection you continue each time you travel. I’m not a fan of adding more stuff to our house or spending vacation money on random souvenirs, but I’m a complete sucker for collections. We bought each of our kids a National Parks passport  that we keep in the glovebox of the van. The Visitor Centers at National Parks have ink pads and stamps with the date and location to add to the passport. Many also sell stickers to include in the books. It’s a low cost way to document National Park visits — and it feels like a scavenger hunt across the nation. 

There is also a coin book available for purchase at National Park Visitor Centers and tweens can collect coins at different locations to add to the book.

I loved the suggestion from a friend to buy magnets as souvenirs and use a piece of sheet metal and a thrift store frame to display trip memories at home and start fun conversations with guests. We often buy ornaments on our adventures and retell stories at Christmas when we pull them out.

My oldest son also received  the Landmass Scratch Off Map of the U.S. so he can scratch off states as we visit them — it also shows National Parks.

Road Trip Activities for Tweens

The best family roadtrips make the travel matter as much as the destination. We asked our readers for some of their best road trip activities for tweens:

• Reinvent the idea of giving small kids a prize each hour for good behavior. For every hour of harmony in the car, each kid picks a number. Each number corresponds to incentives like picking the next DVD or song or earning a dollar to spend at the next gas station stop.
• Load a phone or tablet with audiobooks or podcasts the whole family will enjoy and listen together. See if your local library uses Hoopla or Libby to download books for free, or sign up Audible for a free month of Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited .
• Look up quirky roadside attractions along your route. We made a stop at the Idaho Potato Museum for a silly photo before jumping back in the van. I’ve heard good things about the Roadside America App as a way to find random stops (it runs $2.99).

We literally jumped out, snapped a picture with the massive spud and hit the road. The museum wasn’t even open for the day.

• Check out the GyPSy Guide app to see whether it has narrations for locations you plan to visit. We hooked our phone up to the car speakers and learned all kinds of information about the history and wildlife of Yellowstone National Park as we drove through.
• Download and print some car games. I grabbed some free printable travel games for tweens from the Trip Savvy site: a map to color in states for the classic license plate game, Battleship, Big Kid Highway Quest and Find That Car bingo.
• Refresh your playlists. Grab favorite soundtracks and create fun playlists to rotate on the drive.

Tips for Managing Electronics on Road Trips

Kudos to families who go screen-free on road trips. We are not that family. However, we do limit screen time and use it strategically. The kids earn screen time with good behavior, and we set rules up front about amount of screen time allowed (i.e., one movie and one hour of other screens on an eight-hour trip). 

It usually works best to hold off on screens as long as possible. Tell kids they get screen access near the end of the trip or during a long stretch with no stops. That’s when my kids feel the most restless and when I feel least like dealing with conflicts from the back seat.

• Get unlimited wireless on your phone, at least temporarily. Then there are no concerns if you’re looking up answers to trivia questions, seeking out interesting stopping points or handing over a phone to a kid whose device ran out of power. It can also be a hotspot for WiFi in a pinch. 

We have this splitter and then started out with three pairs of these Kidz Gear headphones – a different color for each kid. As kids get older, they get pickier about their headphones, but they also tend to know which headphones or earbuds are theirs and keep them safe and stored away when they’re not in use.

• A portable DVD player . Do two screens if you have multiple kids and bring at least one 6-foot audio/video auxiliary cord .
• Bring one device per person if possible. This might be Kindles or old phones or even tablets checked out from the library. 

Best Road Trip Snacks

Long road trips seem to hinge around solid snacks and well-planned meal times. Get input from tweens on snacks and drinks they would love to have on the trip and then get some surprise items as well. Beef jerky, string cheese, trail mix and apple slices with Jif To Go can hold the troops over if you’re trying to make it another hour or two before the next meal stop. FYI – suckers take a long time to eat as you pass the time. 

In the middle of some big growth spurt years, tweens become accomplished eaters. Pack lunches at least for Day 1 of the trip for flexibility on when and where you eat. You can eat in the car instead of sitting in a drive-thru and use a stop to wander through a shop or kick a soccer ball at a park instead.

On our last trip, we flew and then rented a car for the road trip. We ordered groceries online in advance (including pre-made sub sandwiches and meat/cheese/cracker packs for lunches) and picked them up on our way out of town the first morning.      

What to Pack for Road Trips

Nothing wrecks road trip mojo like car trouble, uncomfortable passengers or a giant mess. Some up-front planning and basic supplies can keep this mostly in check. Bring things like maps, neck pillows, paper towels, trash bags and motion sickness meds for likely scenarios. Grab our Road Trip Packing Checklist for a full list.

We also hear good things about the website Ready and Roam , which curates travel advice from other experienced travelers.

Final Tips for Family Roadtrips

• Plan to stop every three to five hours so that the gas tank never falls below the halfway mark. Let kids hop out for the bathroom, drinks, snacks or seat changes. Also, put the cooler, snacks and soccer balls or other activities for stops within easy reach.
• Have some type of organization for stuff in the car/van. Maybe each kid has a backpack and all their stuff must be in the backpack before they get out of the car at a stop. Or use a tote for all devices or snacks in a central part of the vehicle and ask that everyone put devices in the tote before getting out at stops to keep clutter and broken items to a minimum. 
• Give kids a budget up-front. On our recent trip, my kids knew they had $20 from their grandparents to buy a T-shirt and $20 from us to spend as they chose. It drastically cut down on the “Can I have…” at every stop. They could have until their $20 ran out and then they were on their own dime. 

These tips don’t cover every possible scenario, but the unpredictable nature of family roadtrips means you’ll likely make some memories you just don’t plan and that’s ok. My dad still brings up the time I locked the keys in the van on our family roadtrip to the beach. It’s more funny now than it was at the time, but that memory makes us all laugh whenever it comes up. Sorry dad!

Related posts:

• 4 Traditions That Are Worth Your Time (Every Time)
• 9 Powerful Reasons to Make Time for Family Meals

Mary teaches communication at the university level and wrangles two sons and a spitfire of a daughter at home. She's outside or traveling every chance she gets, unapologetically fueled by coffee and Diet Coke.

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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

Where to travel with your tweens and teens

Oct 4, 2019 • 6 min read

Finding the right mix of cosmopolitan-cool and physical activity can be hard, but Berlin has a great mix for teens and parents alike © Matthias Makarinus / Getty Images

As their independence grows and their personal horizons expand, a ‘standard’ family holiday might seem boring and limiting to your tweens or teen. It benefits all of you to get them excited and invested in the trip, so involve them in the planning process. 

Try to think outside of the box – which you will probably enjoy too! Less obvious destinations are a good start, also finding somewhere to provide an adrenalin hit or two, and any cool or trendy destination to help their street cred or their social media feeds will usually tick the boxes. 

Berlin, Germany 

A city both glamorous and gritty, Berlin has a vibrant culture, cutting-edge architecture, fabulous food and a tangible history. Whatever interests them, there’s something for tweens and teens to get their teeth into during a trip to Berlin – and plenty to brag about when they get home. 

Bonus: as parents you get to give them an all-important education in modern history – it’s impossible to visit Berlin without talking about the Second World War. There are also plenty of funky places to check out. Make sure Bikini Berlin is on your list – a concept mall in an industrial 50s building, packed with trendy pop-ups but also boasting close-up views of the monkeys at Berlin Zoo.  

Heading to Berlin? Here’s a list of the top free things to do in the city

Jasper National Park, Canada 

The stunningly beautiful Rocky Mountains are the perfect backdrop to get your reluctant teens engaged in some serious outdoor activities. While skiing or hiking are obvious options and especially rewarding when your kids are proficient and experienced on snow or on trails, there are a variety of more unusual ways to get active in Jasper National Park . 

Depending on the season you can go glacier walking, take a sidecar tour through the mountains or try fat-biking through the snow. Half their friends won’t even know what fat-biking is (do you?!), so that’s a great story to take home. As a family you can learn to ride a horse, take to the rapids or make the most of bike routes, keeping your eyes peeled for grizzly bears as you go. What an adventure!

Looking for some wintry adventures for your family? Read this to discover the Canadian Rockies

New Zealand 

With its global reputation for adrenalin-focused activities, it’s no wonder New Zealand is on our list. A sure-fire way to get a reluctant teen more involved in a family trip is to introduce something a bit scary and exciting. The ‘adventure capital’  Queenstown is an obvious place to start, but working out where to go next will take some intensive planning. 

You can hike glaciers, raft down canyons, take to the sky with paragliders, hurl yourself off high bridges with a bungee jump, surf down sand dunes and out to sea, explore volcanoes and plunge into geothermal pools. Then, when everyone needs a rest, you can enjoy beautiful local food and a warm Kiwi welcome. Note: age restrictions will apply to some activities.

Want to find some action for your family in New Zealand? Read this for 7 family fun adventures 

Taking your teens somewhere culturally different can kickstart their engagement in the family trip. Cuba’s subversive history, its vibrant music scene, the laid-back vibe and the beautiful beaches are all reasons the country appeals to teens – as is the chance to explore the nation in a classic car. 

Step away from the resorts and stay in a private homestay (known as casas particulares) to open your children’s eyes to the challenges and rewards of independent travel as well as the importance of supporting local people and businesses. By way of balance, be prepared to pay for an afternoon of fun by the pool in one of those resorts when it’s needed. Traveling around Cuba can be an assault on the senses and those developing prefrontal cortexes need a break now-and-then.

Taking your teens to Cuba? Read here to find all the best selfie spots to blow up their Instagram

Dubai, UAE 

If your tween or teen is less daredevil, more shopaholic, then Dubai is worth adding to your list. Famous for the huge shopping malls, you’ll need to manage budget expectations before you go. Remember, these places are more than just shopping centers – they boast ski centers ( Mall of the Emirates ), an aquarium ( Dubai Mall ), a replica of Ancient Egypt ( Wafi City ) and of course,  incredible food courts. 

Don’t forget to visit a local souk such as the Gold Souk for a unique retail experience. Tacking on a trip in a water taxi or an evening dhow ride will remind everyone they are in the Middle East and not just in shopping heaven. There are plenty of chances to get hearts racing with theme parks, water parks and the desert on the doorstep.

Heading to Dubai for the first time? Here are our top tips for your first visit to the city of gold

For a Western-dwelling tween or teen,  Japan offers a huge cultural contrast along with exciting technology, interesting creativity and fascinating history. The brag factor from a trip to Japan is enormous, and your kids' eyes will often be out on stalks. Teens usually love the pop cultural explosion that is a visit to Tokyo , and with experiences such as karaoke, a robot restaurant and anime exploration, there’s plenty to keep them engaged. 

Venture away from the capital and there’s a lesson in the importance of world peace at Hiroshima , significant shrines such as Fushimi Inari shrine to learn about traditional Japanese culture and chances to ski, hike or bike in the Alps or Hokkaidō .

Putting Japan on your bucket list? Plan a perfect weekend in Tokyo 

New York City

The intangible buzz you get in New York pulls many a traveler back there again and again. It’s also the reason it’s such a good place to take your tweens and teens. This supremely cool city provides the chance to hang out over brunch in a trendy neighborhood, then take in some serious art, uplifting music or fascinating history in one of the many world-class cultural institutions. All of these will make great stories for their friends back home. 

Make sure you fit in a wander along the High Line (perhaps even independently, if your parenting is feeling up to letting go). Throw in something unique such as a hip-hop tour, a virtual reality experience or learning to skateboard and your teen will forever dream of returning to New York.

Think your family would love New York City? Read this to add trendy Brooklyn to your explorations.

Machu Picchu, Peru

If you are looking for a trip of a lifetime with older kids who are physically active and ready for a challenge, then making the three-day trek along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with your family should definitely be on your list. It’s not an easy thing to do and it requires considerable pre-planning, but the rewards are manifold. 

Taking on a challenge together helps strengthen family bonds at a time when they are changing, plus you all get to experience stunning countryside, jaw-dropping architecture and learn all about the mysteries of the Incas – something which tends to fascinate even the most unengaged teenager. Remember there are alternatives, such as the Choquequirao Trek or Lares Trail , if you want something less busy or are concerned about sustainability. 

Thinking of this trip? Read this to help plan a responsible trek .

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• Age-Friendly Travel

Traveling with Tweens (Ages 10 to 12)

Jan 1, 2009

See recent posts by Kara Williams

The good news is a family vacation can be a great time to make memories with your ‘tween, whose busy school and extracurricular life may not afford much time for you to “hang out” together when at home. Here are a few tips for making the most of your next family trip with your middle school-aged child:

Before You Go

Reserve roomy accommodations. “It may be tempting to book a standard hotel room to save money, but it is much more comfortable for the whole family if you rent a suite in a hotel, or stay at a resort with one- or two-bedroom units,” says Debbie Ferm, a Minnesota mom of three. “Everyone rests better, and you don’t have to watch iCarly 15 times in a row.”

Invite a friend. Even when your children are close in age, sometimes they are interested in different activities. Your 10-year-old may want to hang by the pool all day while your 12-year-old wants to check out the tween-scene program. By allowing your children to bring a friend, you will be sure that they will both get to do what they want. Plus, at this age, you can let your child and their friend go to the game room by themselves while you relax at the spa for an hour. See our article on bringing a friend on vacation here .

Consider a cruise. A cruise ship is contained, so ‘tweens can’t run into too much trouble if they explore the boat on their own — and trust me, the cruise staff will let you know if your child is up to shenanigans on the Lido Deck when you’re not around. Plus, on many major cruise lines, such as Norwegian, Carnival, Royal Caribbean and even Disney, there are public spaces or programs just for their age group.

Stay at an all-inclusive resort. Like a cruise, the entertainment at a Mexican or Caribbean all-inclusive resort is onsite. With events like poolside bingo, dart tournaments and beach volleyball, the resort’s activity staff can keep your ‘tweens entertained nearly from morning ’til night. While your child may say he’s “too old” for the kids’ club (even if they allow children up to age 12) and the “teen disco” may be limited to ages 13 and up, it’s likely there’s a game room or other spot at the resort where 10- to 12-year-olds congregate.

Pack a soft-sided cooler. Whether you’re road tripping or flying to your destination, consider bringing along a collapsible cooler for storing drinks and snacks for your day’s adventures. Kids this age do not like to sit through three restaurant meals a day, but they’re growing and seem to always be hungry! “When heading from one destination to the next, just throw sandwiches, cold fruit and veggies in the cooler, and let them eat on the road when they’re hungry,” Ferm says. “It’s not glamorous, but they’re eating decent food and will be ready to go when you get there.”

Alert school teachers ahead of time. The day before you leave for a cousin’s wedding in Europe is not the time to be telling your kid’s sixth-grade teachers you’re pulling him out of school for the rest of the month. “Give teachers a couple weeks’ notice, in person, if you can,” suggests Bergen. “Too early and they’ll forget and likely not have lesson plans done yet. Too late and they might get irritated at the interruption without warning. Ask what you can do to help your child make up the work — would they prefer they get it in advance or make it up when they get home?”

Limit electronics. For little kids, you might need to curtail use of the Nintendo DS, but for ‘tweens, it’s typically texting that you’ll likely have to put a stop to on a long car ride. Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you have to allow a free-for-all with the smart phones, laptops and iPods. You can declare an electronics-free hour (or two or three) in the car, on the flight or in the hotel room. If you don’t allow electronics at the dinner table or out at restaurants then that rule should apply on vacation, too.

Let your ‘tweens plan a few vacation activities. Use your time in the air or in the car to plan what activities or sites your children want to do and see while on vacation. Children like to have input when planning and they’ll be even more excited about the dolphin encounter if it was their idea. Tweens like to have a sense of responsibility. Plus, those five hours on a plane will go a lot faster when you have something exciting to plan!

On the Ground

Engage them with music and theatre. They might resist, but consider introducing your children to some sort of cultural experience at least once on your vacation, since ‘tweens are old enough to sit through performances (unlike a preschooler who will likely wail his way through the ballet). “My kids loved a Vivaldi concert, done in 17th century costume, in Venice, as well as the musical Wicked in London after high tea,” recalls Lisa Bergren, Colorado mom and co-creator/editor of The World is Calling . “Culture on location is the coolest!”

Be present. That is, join your children in an activity — even if all you really want to do is relax in a chaise lounge and read a book. “For the most part, my kids don’t want to hang out with mom and dad anymore, they’d rather do their own thing,” says Ferm. “But when we do hang out together, I have to remind myself not to just be a spectator, but get involved.” Instead of reading, get in the pool and play Marco Polo, suggests Ferm. “Ride Space Mountain instead of holding the coats.” (That’s how memories are made!)

Let your ‘tweens help document the trip. “This is a great age to give kids a decent digital camera with extra memory and let them have at it on location,” says Bergren. “Encourage them to capture unique angles and subjects, zoom in on specifics, and expect them to copy you for a while. Then expect to be amazed when your daughter gets better shots than you — not that that’s ever happened to me!”

This article has been updated as of December 27, 2013.

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10 Fun Travel Games to Play with Tweens in 2022

This is an advert for May 2022, any edits or shares beyond this date have not been asked or paid for.  Planning days out and things to do in the evening with tweens and teens on holiday can be tricky and I am often asked about ideas for things to do with older kids that won't break the bank. It's tricky when they're too old for mini discos and find holiday entertainment 'boring'.

Below are my top picks:

Mini Obama Llama 2

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40 Free Printable Road Trip Games & Activities

By: Author Jacquie Fisher

Posted on Published: May 19, 2023

Categories Travel Fun

Grab these free printable road trip games & activities for your next car trip and keep the kids busy!

We are gearing up for a HUGE family car trip this summer and I’m on the look-out for some road trip activities to keep the kids off their phones & busy en route 😉

40 Free Road Trip Activities & Games for Kids

Since we love to travel, I’ll be sharing a handful of posts over the next few months with lots of tips & ideas for family travel!  We’re also sharing many of our favorite travel items along with affiliate links to each so you can see if they’re a good fit for your family too. (Be sure to see our 40+ Road Trip Essentials & Car Organization Items too!)

Here are a few of the ways we get ready for a trip:

• Keep the car organized with these 27 Track Hacks & Road Trip Tips
• If your kids enjoy audio books, movies or educational apps, be sure to sign up for the Amazon FreeTime Unlimited FREE Trial before you go!!
• Have ad-free on-demand music for your trip: Try the Amazon Music Unlimited 30-Day Free Trial
• Grab this FREE Printable Road Trip Planner: 10 Things to do Before Your Next Road Trip
• And check out these NEW ideas — 15 Road Trip Printable Games & Travel Activities !!

The trip is going to be much longer than we thought — 10 days through 11 states covering 2600 miles!!

I know – crazy!  But we’re really looking forward to it — we believe that family travel is a great way for kids to learn all kinds of things.

It’s going to be a monster of a trip with lots of overnight stops and quite a few hours in the car.

Soooo …. time to start planning on how to keep everyone busy, happy and fed 😉

How Do You Entertain Kids on a Road Trip?

It’s the age-old question — how to keep kids busy and engaged on long car rides?!  The first thing I always tackle is putting together a binder for the trip that’s chocked full of fun (& free) printable activities.

I’m telling you — this little binder has been a huge help on our trips!

The fact that our kids have had something to look forward to each morning when we load up the car is incentive enough for them to not drag their feet when we have to pack up.  And it’s been wonderful to have a way to keep them writing and reading using fun activities on our trips.

I’ve included links below for each of the resources we’ve found including affiliate links for items that will help you put together your own road trip binder.

Tips for Making a Road Trip Binder

I have three goals when I create a car trip binder for kids, tweens or teens:

1.  Include surprise activities they can do both on their own & with others in the car

2.  Find fun things that will keep them off the tech for a while

3.  Get the kids interested in the places we’re visiting on our trip — because that’s one of the reasons we travel, right?!

First, print off a variety of travel games & activities!

I search for games they really enjoy (for example, Mad Libs are a big hit with us right now) and fun pages like coloring or design printables.

We also play the license plate game as a family every summer so that’s a big one for us too!

I look for maps & activities that highlight places on our travel route, worksheets that share fun facts about the states we visit and anything that gets them writing — like some fun travel journal pages.

Printable Road Trip Games for Kids, Tweens & Teens

Here’s a huge selection of printable road trip games & activities to make things easier for you!

Just choose the ones that fit your child’s age and ability! Or if your short on time, check out the 15 printable road trip games & travel activities in our Road Trip Pack!

• All for the Boys has some wonderful car activities — 12 pages of mini games & puzzles the kids will love!!
• Enjoy some fun family discussions with this free set of 20 Questions to play with your kids !
• I love this Travel Battleship game from Mothers Home!
• Play the License Plate Game with this free printable state map.
• Salt and Pepper Moms has a fun printable car game sheet and a travel journal page too.
• FreePuzzles.net has 6 printable car games including mazes, hangman and car bingo.
• Enjoy these 5 printable car games from In the Playroom (for US & UK travel).
• I Heart Organzing has some wonderfully colorful Road Trip BINGO and Alphabet I-Spy to keep the kids entertained.
• And you know how much we adore Scavenger Hunts!  Here are a few gems:
• Road Trip “Find It” for Tweens from Carla Schauer
• City, Suburb & Rural Scavenger Hunts from Mom’s Minivan
• Make & Takes has a fun coloring scavenger hunt too

If you need more ideas, browse all the Printable Road Trip Activities and Games on Etsy too!!

And if you happen to be heading to Disney World or Disneyland, check out this set of printable Disney Games & Activities for your trip!!

Road Trip Activities & Travel Printables to do in the Car

Try these Kids’ Travel Journal pages that are perfect for encouraging a little writing & recording the trip while on the road!

For some great state-by-state learning, visit Education.com and print out the State Puzzle Sheets for each state on your trip.

I like to include a Kids’ Road Atlas or map with the binder too.  We get ours free with our AAA membership and it’s a great for kids to learn map reading skills!

Activity Idea: Have your kids highlight the route you’re taking in the atlas and they can follow along as you drive.

Younger kids might enjoy driving a Hot Wheels car along the route as you travel.  Older kids will be intrigued to see what interesting places you might be passing en route.

More Kids Activities for a Road Trip

If your kids have a cell phone or camera, print this FREE Photo Scavenger Hunt for them to complete on the trip!

Enjoy this Hotel Scavenger Hunt from Moms & Munchkins if you’re spending the night on the road.

Picklebums has these cute and open-ended Road Trip Drawing Prompts.

Doodle Art Alley has a set of Summer Coloring pages that can be used individual or as a family coloring activity.

How to Organize Car Games & Activities in a Binder

Next, I organize all the printables into a Road Trip binder!

One thing that works well for us is to sort the pages by travel day. This way, I know that each morning of our trip there will be new activities for our kids to do!

I separate the printables using manila folders (which is great in case we want to pull out the items for one day).  Then I use a 3 Hole Punch with all the printables & manila folders and insert them into the binder.  Each set is labeled with the date so it’s easy to see.

In addition, I include a 3-Ring Pencil Pouch with the following items:

• a nice set of Colored Pencils ,
• a regular pencil & pencil sharpener,
• and an eraser.

We don’t bring markers in the car ( I learned why the hard way ).  And crayons tend to melt in the summer heat. So when we travel, we’ve found that a set of colored pencils is the way to go 😉

We also love to have these Storage Folding Lap Desks so the kids have an easy place to read/write during our trips!

I also put their summer reading logs (see all the FREE Summer Reading programs here!) in the back of the binder. We do a lot of reading & audio books in the car ( grab a copy of this free Summer Reading Log to use on the trip !).

Last, I created a fun cover for the binder along with an autograph page for the back of the binder. It’s fun to have when you’re visiting a lot of family so everyone can sign a fun note.

Here’s a front & back cover for the road trip binder you can download for FREE!

There you go — step 1 in preparing for the Ultimate Summer Road Trip!

More Road Trip Ideas:

15 Printable Road Trip Activities & Travel Journal for Kids & Tweens

The Ultimate Road Trip Guide: Why Getting There is Half the Fun

10 Things to do Before Your Next Road Trip {with free printable checklist!}

More Summer Ideas:

20 Amazing Summer Scavenger Hunts

105 Activities that Make Awesome Summer Memories

A Reinvented Mom

Boredom Busting Road Trip Games for Teens & Tweens

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. When you click on a link and/or make a purchase, I may be paid a small commission at no additional cost to you. Additionally, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my Disclosure page for more information.

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Stay entertained and banish boredom on the open road with the BEST road trip games for teens and tweens.

In today’s world, you’ve got to balance family time with tech time . And on a long car journey, it’s okay to use technology to your advantage.

This list of things to do on a long car ride utilizes classic forms of entertainment with smartphone game apps. Put some fun back into the open road and download these road trip games for teens and tweens before you leave home.

About this Guide to Road Trip Games for Teens and Tweens

When it comes to road-tripping with teens , there’s a lot to think about. You want to spend time together as a family, but you also need to respect your kids’ need for independence.

This delicate balance can get complicated when you’re logging long days in the car.

In this guide to the best road trip games for teens I’ll dive into:

• The best classic games for road trips
• A look at the best road trip game apps
• Tips for taking a break from family time

Classic Games for Road Trips

Spend quality time with your family on the road with these road trip games for teens and tweens. Each of these games is designed to help pass the time on the road and make a few memories along the way.

The License Plate Game

A super-classic game for all ages. The rules are simple: write down every license plate you see from a new state or province. Put a fun twist on this classic license plate game with these variations:

• Have everyone in the car guess how many different license plates they will see along the way.
• Pick the furthest plate they will encounter (bonus points for Hawaii!)
• Play license plate bingo .

Get a small, printed road map, some thicker thread, and a needle. Have your teen sew the route as you go. In the end, you’ll have a fun, personalized souvenir from the trip.

Bring Rest Stop Entertainment

Physical activity can be limited on road trips. We like to pack a few balls or a frisbee for pit stops. Take 15 minutes to stretch and toss a frisbee. Or have your teen lead a small yoga session with the family. The point is to move , so whatever helps facilitate physical activity is fair game.

Go Geocaching

Geocaching, or finding cool hidden objects using a GPS, is a great way to explore a new area with a teen. Tick off various found objects as you go along and start your own map. You can download the geocaching app to get started.

Let Them Drive

Alright, so this isn’t a game, but it’s definitely one of the more exciting things for teens to do on a long car ride. Let them drive part of the route. If you’re using the stitch map, you can change thread colors for different drivers.

Grab the free Road Trip Packing Checklist & hit the road without a hitch.

The best road trip game apps.

Technology can be a lifesaver on long car rides. This list of the best road trip game apps offers up a variety of entertainment for teens and tweens. Don’t forget the most important road trip essentials with the ultimate road trip packing list . And do yourself a favor – make sure you have headphones or earbuds for all to cut down on bickering.

Trivia with World Atlas

One of the best free apps for road trips is a world atlas app. Many of them have a fun quiz mode that lets you learn about the destinations you are traveling to and provides plenty of entertainment to pass the time.

Guess with Heads Up

This classic party game translates well to the car. Use your phone to guess who is who. Each player puts their smartphone on their head and a name appears. Give the person clues to guess the correct name.

RELATED: Boredom Busting Road Trip Games for Teens and Tweens

Hear the Story with Audible

Audible is hands-down the best app for books on tape. Download a book to go or rent one from your local library (some libraries have subscriptions). Listen to a story as a family or use this app as an opportunity for quiet alone time. Grab up to 2 free audiobooks when you register for a free trial.

Car DJ with Spotify

Use the paid version of Spotify to create and download road-worthy tunes. Give each kiddo a time slot to play their favorite music. If you know the words, sing along as you rumble down the highway!

RELATED: Road Trip Food List (and Must-Have Snacks)

Quiet Time with Kindle

Having a few Kindle books is a great way to relax and unwind with some solo time. Teens crave time away from their parents, so having electronic books on hand helps create personal space in a cramped car.

These road trip games for teens bring some fun to a long day on the road. Keep kids entertained and happy with simple, fun-filled options for things to do on a long car ride.

*** Pin the Road Trip Games for Later ***

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I love all your ideas. I want to download the WORLD ATLAS, but there is more than 1 listed by search. Could you specify the developer please.

It looks like the app we’ve used in the past is no longer available – so sorry.

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20 Epic Teen Travel Experiences to have as a Family

Looking to plan epic travel and adventure experiences with teens, tweens and kids? We’ve got you covered with 20 amazing ideas for teen travel to help you put together your next trip. This list has been put together from real travel experiences with our own teens and tweens. Each experience is perfect for building core memories, getting your teens out in the real world and off their phone and making your next trip fun for everyone.

If you are looking for even more adventure ideas, check out 100 Incredible Adventures with Kids: Have Amazing Family Travel Experiences .

How to Select the Best Teen Travel Experience

Not every experience below is perfect for every teen. Whenever possible, include your teen in helping to plan your trips and try to take their preferences into account. We truly think that traveling with your teen is an incredible experience and one of the best ways to build a strong relationship. You can find plenty of information on how to plan the best teen travel experienced on our family travel page of in the articles below:

• 10 Ways to Plan the Best Adventure for Teens
• Why Traveling with Your Teen is One of the Best Things You’ll Ever Do
• Why Getting Your Teens Outdoors is so Important

20 Teen Travel Experiences

Swim in a bioluminescent bay.

Swim or kayaking at night in a bioluminescent bay for a one of a kind experience. In a few places around the world tiny plankton accumulate and when disturbed at night send of a flash of light. Swimming or kayaking in a bioluminescent bay disturbs these little creatures and you will float through a magical world of glowing light.

You can find 5 bioluminescent bays in the world: 3 are in Puerto Rico and other two are in Luminous Lagoon, Jamaica and Halong Bay, Vietnam. There are also many other places that have significant bioluminescence. Take a tour to one of these bays and kayak or swim through the glowing water.

How to Visit a Bioluminescent Bay in Puerto Rico

Hike to a Backcountry Hut

If your teen enjoys hiking, than an overnight hut trip is an amazing adventure. You can find mountain huts around the world, but some of the best are in Europe in the Alps. The best part of hiking to these huts is you can just carry a day pack with clothes and layers and the hut includes bedding and food (you will need to bring a small sleep sack).

Based on your teen’s interest you can find huts with just a short hike or a much longer and challenging walk. In addition to Europe, you can find huts or hostels you can hike to in the United States and South America .

See more about hiking to a mountain hut in the Dolomites of Italy or explore other National Parks in Europe.

Try Local Cuisine

One of our favorite things about visiting another country is trying the food. Our teens love trying the local cuisine and we’ve planned our trips around trying interesting local food.

Some of the best places our teens have been and enjoyed the food include Paris, Rome, Thailand, and Mexico.

You can take this experience even further by booking a food tour or a cooking class. Try making Pizza in Italy or learning to make cheese in France.

Chase Waterfalls

Whether your teen loves to hike or prefers driving to beautiful destinations, planning a trip around finding waterfalls is an incredible adventure. Waterfalls can be found is so many countries around the world so you can make a whole vacation around visiting some beautiful falls.

One of the best countries to enjoy chasing waterfalls is in Iceland. This incredible country has so many waterfalls that you will lose track of the shear number of beautiful falls. You can drive the entire Ring Road of Iceland just going from waterfall to waterfall.

See the Best Waterfalls in Iceland.

Canoe in the Amazon

The incredible and diverse Amazon rainforest is a bit off the beaten path but is an incredible place to visit with teens. Spend a few days canoeing through the Amazon rainforest looking for pink dolphins, monkeys, snakes, sloths, and more. There are some truly lovely lodges in the Amazon to fit every budget.

We visited the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador recently and saw so many animals. Our teens loved this experience.

This is a perfect place to visit if your teens love animals.

See more about finding an Amazon Tour.

If you haven’t snorkeled with kids than this is a must-have experience. If your teens already love to snorkel, consider learning to scuba dive. Open up the entire underwater world and swim with fish, sea turtles, sting rays and more.

You can book a snorkeling tour, rent equipment on your next vacation or purchase your own snorkel gear.

Go mountain Biking

If your teen loves a bit of a thrill, mountain biking is a fun outdoor activity that can be done at many places around the world. There are many mountain biking centers that have ranked biking trails, making it wasy for beginners through advanced bikers. The best way to enjoy a mountain biking experience is to book this as a guided tour, or simply rent bikes for the day.

If mountain biking isn’t your thing, you can also rent bikes in many cities and towns and tour the city on a bike. We did this when we visited Ayutthaya in Thailand .

See more about biking in Italy .

Visit Ancient Ruins

If you,r teen is a history buff, they will love visiting some of the ancient ruins around the world. We’ve taken our teens and tween to visit the Colosseum , Pompeii , Stonehenge, the Mayan Ruins , and more. We love wandering ancient streets and learning about the people who spent their lives here.

While some of the biggest and most impressive sites may be far away, you can often find historic sites and ruins closer to home no matter where you live.

Sleep on an Island

We love to camp with our teens but one their favorite places to camp is on an island. Plan a kayak or canoe trip to an island or take a ferry to an island and enjoy a peaceful night near the water. You can find countless camping places on islands along the coast or in lakes and ponds.

If you don’t have your own boats, many places will rent boats for an overnight trip.

One of our favorite places to camp was on the Maine Island Trail and you can learn more at the Maine Island Trail Association.

Looking for a fun adventure activity – try cliff jumping. My teens and tween absolutely love to swim and jumping off a rock, a dock, a bridge or really anything is one of their favorite things to do. Anytime I book a trip, I always try to find somewhere nearby to swim and cliff jumping is a bonus!

Like many of the adventure activities on this list, always use caution and try the activity at your own risk. If you plan to jump off a rock, make sure to check the water below.

Try Surfing

When I asked my 14 year old daughter what she wanted to do on our next vacation, learning to surf was on the top of her list. Many beach destinations around the world have a surf break and offer surf board rentals or lessons. We spent a few days in San Diego recently learning to surf and not only did my teen love it, but I enjoyed trying to learn something new with her.

Go Horseback Riding

If you’re teens an animal lover, horseback riding is a great activity to try. You can find horseback riding tours at many different destinations around the world. It’s always worth doing a little research to make sure you are going with a reputable and ethic outfit.

Most horseback riding tours are for beginners so you don’t need experience. We’ve enjoyed horseback riding in Idaho , Georgia, Costa Rica, and Ecuador.

White Water Rafting

Your teens will love white water rafting! There are many rivers around the world that offer incredible opportunities for white water rafting. You can plan an entire vacation around a white water adventure or add on a half day tour to your next trip.

You can find a list of some of the best white water rafting trip here , or search on Viator for white water rafting tours near you. You can also find tours that offer white water kayaking or other water sports like paddleboarding and canoeing.

If you are looking for fun winter activities, a ski trip is one of the best adventure trips for teens. Visit a mountain resort and spend a weekend or week enjoying outdoor fun in the snow. Most ski resorts offer more than just downhill skiing. Try cross country skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, hut tub, tubing, sledding, and more.

There are so many excellent mountain ski resorts to enjoy across the United States and around the world. Since we live in New England, we’ve explored most of the best ski mountains in the northeast, but we’re planning a ski trip to the Rocky Mountains next winter and are hoping to make it to Europe to ski the year after.

See more about planning an epic ski trip with teens.

Take a Road Trip

Road trips are one of our favorite ways to explore with our teenagers. We love heading out on the road, camping and stopping at amazing destination. Some of our favorite road trips with teens involve exploring the US National Parks , but we’ve also loved road tripping through Italy and Slovenia and the Yucatan Peninsula.

When you plan a road trip with teens, make sure to get them involved in the planning – let them help with navigating and planning stops along the way.

See more about planning an amazing Road Trip with teens, tweens and kids.

Try a High Ropes Adventure Sport: Rock Climbing, Zip Lining, or Canyoneering

Trying extreme sports is one of out teenagers activities. In addition to white water rafting and skiing above, we often seek out other adventure sports. Some of these you can do on your own (like rock climbing with experience) but you can also book many adventure activities through tours – we usually book our tours through Viator .

Some of our favorite adventure activities have been zip lining in Ecuador, Canyoneering in Costa Rica and rock climbing in Panama.

Check out an Art Museum

Whenever we’re spending time in a city, we love checking out the local art museums. We’ve been to some of the most incredible museums in the world and if your teen enjoys art and culture, this is a great addition to a trip.

While you can find an art museum in most cities around the world, our favorite place to check out the art is in Paris . That said, we’ve also enjoyed smaller art museums, so don’t underestimate smaller, local museums.

Soak in a Hot Spring

If you are planning a visit to a geothermally active part of the world, enjoying a soak in the a hot spring is a top rated activity with teens. This is one of the best teenage travel experiences that involve a bit of relaxation. Hot springs range from public, luxury hot springs (like in the photo above) all the way to remote and natural hot springs that can be visited free of charge (like Fosslaug hot spring in Iceland).

You could easily plan an entire trip around visiting hot springs, or add in a stop during a road trip.

Take a Sailing Trip

If you are looking for a slightly different idea for your next vacation with teens, try going on a family sailing vacation. If you are an experienced sailor, you can bareboat charter or try booking a sailing adventure with a captain. If you and your teen are interested in learning to sail, you can find live aboard sailing trips for learning to sail, or stay in a resort and take sailing lessons.

See more about how to plan a Family Sailing Trip.

Ride in a Hot Air Balloon

This is on our families bucket list and we can’t wait to take our teens up in the air for a hot air balloon ride. The funny part is that of all the things on this list, this is the one that makes me the most nervous! But doing things with your teens that are out of your comfort zone is a great way to connect and build memories- so it looks like I’ll be heading up in a hot air balloon sometime soon.

Other Great Travel Resources for Traveling with Teens

• 20 of the Best Experience Gifts for Teens, Tweens and Kids
• The 10 Best Travel Books for Teens to Inspire Adventure
• 30+ of the Best Travel Gifts for Teenagers

Teen Travel Programs and Solo Teen Travel

We absolutely love traveling with our kids but especially as they get older we want them to try different travel experiences – sometimes on their own. You have two options for encouraging your teen to travel without you. One, you can help them organize or send them off on their own or with friends. If you’ve built good travel habits with your kids this can be an incredible way for you kids to see the world, especially for older kids.

Another option if you are reluctant to send your kids out into the world by themself if to send them on one of the many travel programs for teens. These programs off teen group travel experiencing all around the world. You can find teen travel programs or teen volunteer programs for almost anywhere around the world. These are often on the expensive side but offer incredible experiences for teens.

After working for several year for a teen travel adventure program I strongly encourage you to consider this if it’s within your budget.

About the Author: Gretchen Stuppy Carlson

A passionate adventurer dedicated to getting families outside and exploring. Gretchen is an expert in adventure travel with 15+ years of experience working in outdoor education and travelling with her own family.

View all post by Gretchen Stuppy Carlson | Website

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Printable Road Trip Games with a Fun DIY Travel Binder For Kids

featured activities for kids featured on home page free printable road trip This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Family road trips can be long and boring but with a little planning ahead, you can have a fun selection of printable road trip games that will keep your kids (including preschoolers, tweens, even teens) occupied for hours.

Today I’ll show you how to easily make a DIY travel binder (no craftiness required) that’s a perfect way to store and use printable road trip games for kids.

Your whole family will thank you for this fun activity!

Best of all, you don’t have to be crafty or DIY-included to make this homemade travel binder; it’s really easy to make and the supplies are simple too.

We’ve had some great trips in the past, and honestly some downright terrible ones, so I have a few tricks up my sleeve.

Road Trip Activity Binder

For our most recent trip, I came up with this road trip activity binder. I made one for each of my children. It’s simple and filled with fun games to play on a road trip that worked well to keep them busy…and off their tablets and phones!

The best part of this DIY kids travel binder is you can add whatever activities you like and easily personalize it for each child. Plus can reuse it again and again for future road trips!

Another nice feature is it includes an attached dry erase marker and holder so your kids won’t lose their markers in the dark crevices of your car!

Y ou’ll find a huge list of printable road trip games and activities from more awesome bloggers and sites below.

• 1/2″ binder with a clear pocket in the front (I found 6 at BJ’s for $8)
• heavyweight sheet protectors
• 1 dry erase marker per travel binder *dark colors work best
• craft cord (I used a shoelace-type craft cord at Walmart that works great)

• decorative mini duct tape
• optional – map of the route you’re traveling through Google Maps or other software (see more below)
• free printable travel activities

How to Make a Kids’ Travel Binder:

You can download the free printable cover for your child’s travel binder by clicking here .

Write your child’s name at the top.

Insert this cover into the front of the binder.

Now make the simple holder for your child’s marker.

Cut off a 2-3 inch section of the decorated duct tape. Cut a small 3/4-1″ section of tape and add to the middle of the long piece’s sticky side.

Do this again for a second piece.

Using the dry erase marker as a guide, attach the tape to the middle top of your child’s travel kit binder.

Add two pieces of tape to the sides – this adds extra strength to the marker holder.

Now, cut off about 2.5 feet of craft cord (you’ll need enough cord to comfortably reach around any pages in the travel kit binder.)

Tie one piece to the top of the dry erase marker. Hot glue this in place.

Tape the other end of craft cord to the marker holder.

And you’re done with the attached marker and holder for your travel kit!

Map Activity Road Trip Printable

The free printable map activity is my favorite part of this kids’ travel binder. It’s perfect for elementary-aged kids on up because they can follow along as you travel.

It’s a great way to teach kids how to read maps in this age of GPS too! Plus you’ll hear less “Are we there yet?” with this simple addition!

I did include these map printables in my younger children’s binders (Josh, age 6 and Luke, age 4) simply because they like to follow their older siblings and I knew they would still enjoy it.

Kids can trace the route with the attached dry erase marker and they’ll love seeing the progress you’re making.

I recommend going a step farther and plan out your route including stops so your kids can see exactly how far between stops.

Go to Google Maps or some other map program. Map out your route and stops.

Then save and print out pages, depending on how long your trip.

Our trip has 5 pages for each way – 5 for traveling to Grandma and Grandpa’s house and 5 for traveling home. I uploaded each page to the free Paint program and added stars to mark where our stops with a big star for our destination.

This simple road trip binder printable alone will make your trip easier !

Last, but not least, print out activities for each of your children, depending on their ages.

Including Bingo…

Even a travel journal…

Free Printable Travel Games for Kids:

I spy / scavenger hunt games.

• Free printable iSpy travel game – traffic signs (Living Well Mom)
• Meander & Coast – travel scavenger hunt for tweens
• Make and Takes – for preschool – elementary age kids
• Live Laugh Rowe – summer vacation I spy printable

Bingo Games

• Travel holiday bingo game – Living Well Mom
• From Playdough to Plato – bingo + scavenger hunt, story starters, I Spy, and more
• Crazy Little Projects – road trip bingo

License Plate Game

• Grab our own fun License plate game with a map right here.

Coloring Printables

• Disney (includes coloring pages, printable memory games, activity pages, etc.
• Crayola (includes tons of other games like mazes, bingo, + more)

More Printable Travel Games & Activities for Kids

• Kids Activities Woo – Printable Pinwheels
• Classroom Jr – Summer writing prompts
• Kids Activities Woo – printable mad lids
• education.com has a huge select of activities including fun facts for each state, bingo games, drawing tutorials, mazes, matching games and more.
• Mother’s Home has several printable road trip games including hangman, tic tac toe, battleship and more.
• Mom’s minivan has over 100 fun car ride games and activities for kids
• Minitime has 25+ few road trip car games to choose from
• Picklebums – cute free drawing prompts
• Country Cottage – Dr. Seuss Cootie Catcher

Get the Printable Travel Games Set

Get everything in one place with the Ultimate Travel Games Bundle!

This exciting set features 30 printables, including:

• 7 iSpy games – including restaurants, car models and colors, highway signs, and more
• license plate iSpy
• 2 scavenger hunts
• 9 bingo pages
• 4 classic games – tic-tac-toe, dot connecting, battleship, hangman
• 5 drawing prompt pages
• 2 travel journal pages
• 1 reward coupons page

Click here to get yours now!!

While these this handy travel activity binder and road trip printables can’t make the miles disappear, together, they can definitely help make the whole trip go by faster and smoother for the whole family.

Happy travels!

More Road Trip Tips:

• How to Take a Road Trip with Kids & Not Go Insane
• 7 Tips for Road Trips with Kids
• 49+ Brilliant Ideas for Enjoying a Road Trip with Kids
• Your kids might also love this super easy-to-make DIY Travel Coloring Kit !

Just pin it below to find the instructions later!

Dear Mom, Join the Living Well Mom Insiders

About erika.

Erika Bragdon is a flower essence practitioner and a second-generation homeschooling mom with 3 kids at home and 1 in college. She enjoys her chickens, goats, and gardening on a small farm in New Hampshire, and is passionate about sharing flower essences and more ways to renew body, mind, and soul with moms.

Tammileetips says

June 20, 2015 at 7:07 pm

This is a great way to keep the kids entertained in the car. I remember how bored I always got on road trips growing up.

June 21, 2015 at 10:26 am

Such a great idea. We used to buy coloring books for trips, but I like your idea better because it is personalized for the route!

June 21, 2015 at 3:58 pm

I love this idea! We’ve started a no tech in the car rule with our grandkids. It had gotten to the point where they fought over an iPad during the less than 10 minute drive from our house to theirs. I think a version of your travel binder will be fabulous even on our short everyday car rides!

valmg @ Mom Knows It All says

June 22, 2015 at 8:47 am

Using the map for the route you’re taking is a great idea! I’ve never seen anyone do that before.

Andrew says

June 22, 2015 at 9:11 am

Great idea! I have to admit, I still like to play the scavenger hunt game while on road trips! 🙂

Glenda Cates says

June 28, 2015 at 8:47 am

I love this and would not only be using it for travel but for local trips as well. As it would keep kids entertained no matter where you are going. Plus if you end up somewhere and have to wait for any amount of time they could bring it in with them to work on. So I would like to thank you for taking the time to share it with us.

Erika Bragdon says

June 28, 2015 at 12:10 pm

Great idea, Glenda! Thanks!

Nichole Moreland says

July 10, 2015 at 1:03 pm

Can you please elaborate more on how you printed the map? I am trying to put a binder together for our family vacation and I cant figure out how to get as nice of a map as you have! Thanks

July 10, 2015 at 2:54 pm

Hi Nichole, I used Google Maps to plan out our road trip route. There’s not a built-in way to print out whole map segments, so I saved a screen shot of each segment. (The number of screen shots would depend on how long your trip and how detailed you want the map to be.) Then I opened a new custom “design” in PicMonkey (sized 2550×3300 pixels – the size of regular paper), uploaded the map screen shot, and added text and graphics (a star for stops, along with the town/city, etc.)

Hope that helps! Good luck on your trip! 🙂

Heather Gaughan says

April 19, 2016 at 4:49 pm

Hi Erika! I am a travel agent and have a blog. I linked back to your site for an entry I was doing about travel binders. I included your site as one to check out for tips and forms. I hope that’s ok!

July 6, 2019 at 2:34 pm

This is awesome! I will definitely be making a binder for each of my kids. We have a 12 hr road trip next week. Thanks for the list of great printables also.

July 9, 2019 at 2:26 pm

Have a great trip, Amy!

Bridget says

June 23, 2020 at 4:13 pm

We are from NH now living in SC. About to make the summer trip back to NH for a few weeks. Thank you for the tips! My 9 yr old is going to love the binder idea!!!

July 6, 2020 at 10:56 am

Hope you all enjoy it and have a safe trip! 🙂

Jenifer Yoon says

November 17, 2020 at 1:08 pm

Thank you for putting the Road trip binder and links together. I’m not sure when you originally made the post but you may want to go back over the links, several of them didn’t work or link to anything or for I heart organizing there was no license plate game. I just wanted to let you know.

November 18, 2020 at 12:01 pm

Yes, it’s been a few years and we do need to update it. Thanks for letting me know.

Mallori says

November 5, 2021 at 12:33 am

Where did you find the license plate game with pictures of the license plates?

November 8, 2021 at 10:57 am

The original version doesn’t appear to be available any longer, however we’re finishing up our own kids travel set with a similar option and much more! It will be available very soon!

SNK Social Fame says

February 23, 2022 at 6:02 am

Thank you for the introduction of a range of information that is very interesting to see in this article. Thanks for sharing this information.

January 28, 2023 at 6:19 pm

Where did you find the picture for the front page?

February 6, 2023 at 1:24 pm

Hi Rice, I made it myself from a graphic image. It’s been a long time though. Hope you like it!

threads Bay says

September 1, 2023 at 1:15 pm

This is a great idea for a travel binder! I love the free printable games too!

September 9, 2023 at 2:03 am

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Living well is a journey not a destination

55+ Best Travel Gifts for Tweens They’ll Use & Love

Packed for Life contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my Disclosure policy for more info.

Who’s ready for the tween years? Travel with 9 – 12 year olds can be a lot of fun, as the world is opening up for them. We’ve gathered our top ideas for the best travel gifts for tweens to inspire wanderlust and to help them make the most of all their adventures.

Not only that but they are handy kids gift ideas for Christmas, Birthdays, Easter, road trips , or any special occasion. Most would work for teenagers too.

We’ve traveled extensively with our family through Canada, the USA, Cuba, as well as Europe, Central & South America solo, so we know what makes the most useful travel gifts

Our youngest also just hit the tween years and these are some of our must haves that our tweens have used and loved over the years.

These tween travel essentials are all “tween vetted and approved” by her.

Table of Contents

BEST GIFTS FOR KIDS WHO TRAVEL

Don’t have a lot of time here are our most popular, and go-to picks for tweens , perfect for the holidays..

• Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones – Tweens love to tune the world out & are the perfect travel gift. 
• Travel Neck Pillows – Comfy rest on the go, like a soft hug for their neck. Over 10 colors to choose from. Out of the 4 my youngest tried, this was her favourite, she takes on all travels.
• Crossbody Day Pack – just the right size to fit everything they need for the day. Can wear in front for extra safety, or on their back. Over 15 colors to suite their current mood.

Tips for buying gifts for traveling tweens

We often get the question from friends and family members, what would your tween like? And as we’re also planning a 6 month adventure travel gifts are on our list.

Frequent travelers know there are some key things to look for when buying tween travel essentials. Here are some things to consider:

• Light & Compact – items that can be compressed down, and don’t weigh a lot are essential. Hauling around a 50lb backpack is not on the top of anyones list. 
• Quality Gear – cheaper isn’t necessarily better, especially if your tween will be using the travel gift a lot. Buy items that are rugged, that can handle being shoved in a backpack and tossed around planes, trains,  campsites etc.
•  Age of child – While these ideas are geared towards 9-12 years old, you know your tween(s) best. Adjust for activities, maturity, lifestyle.  
• Activities – what sort of travel will they be doing? Someone who is going on outdoor adventures more frequently will need different travel gear then tweens who are sticking to more urban settings.
• Method of trave l – Consider their travel style –  By RV, plane, car or a combo? Adapt your travel gifts to how they travel. 
• Experiences – some of the best travel gifts for tweens, kids & teens are experiences. As most people remember feelings & experiences over things.

Travel Activity Gifts for Tweens

Travel activity gifts are one of the best gifts for kids who travel. Keep your tweens busy and entertained on road trips, plane rides and all sorts of travel.

1. Snorkelling Set

Dive…Dive! Explore the waterways of your vacation destinations with a colorful snorkeling set.

Perfect for snorkeling vacations, or even a fun pool or lake activity. Swimming & snorkeling is always on our list of top activities to do as a family.

2. Travel Journal

Let your tweens write down their favorite travel stories, and moments in a sweet travel journal.

I love looking back on my travel journals over the years, and reading those tidbits I’ve forgotten. Great souvenirs.

3. Scavenger Hunt Books

Mission impossible? Nope , Mission Scavenger hunt books . Take a trip through history and figure out the clues in these interactive books.

They offer major destinations around the world like   Rome, and Barcelona . We’ve found activities like this keep our older kids entertained through some more “boring” to them activities.

4. Inspiring Travel Books

Inspire wanderlust with some true travel tales for tweens, or travel inspired books.

My daughter loves her Lonely Planet The Travel Book: A Journey through every country in the World .   She will often flip through it to tell me where she would like to travel next. This is definitely a keep at home book though.

Or grab Travel Guides to their next destination so they can help plan out your next trip. 

5. Travel Games for Tweens

Travel games are a great way to pass the time on a long flight, and bonus points if they are a bit educational. Think classics like Uno, Apples to Apples Junior or even just a few card games.

Our latest favorite family games are:

• Happy Little Dinosaurs
• World Game – geography is tough, but interesting! Different levels for the ages.

Frisbees are the perfect travel activity. Small enough to tuck in their suitcase, and perfect for running off some pent of energy after a long day of travel. 

Pull them out at a park, the beach, or campground or start a friendly ultimate game.

7. Single Person Games

Sometimes family members are up for epic family game time, and sometimes not so much. So having a couple of solo games in your back pocket is essential .

Think Solitaire, but without the cards.

Keep the tweens busy & their brain engaged without excessive screen time. 

Grab a fun logic  travel game by Smart Games for those times when the kids (or adults) need a solo game. They have many travel options to choose from.

8. Coding Gifts for Tweens – A Coding Dog 

A coding robot dog is a cool & educational small gift for tweens who love science. Great STEAM activity, that doesn’t require an internet connection. Keep them learning on the road.

GIFTS FOR TWEENS & KIDS – TRAVEL EXPERIENCES

9. travel experience gift card.

Grab a gift card and they can choose what they want do.

Maybe it’s something adventurous close to home they haven’t tried yet. Or maybe it’s for their next next family vacation.

Either way a gift card gives them control & let’s them choose. Which we’ve found made our kids more engaged & excited for the trip.

10. Buy A Tour or Tween Friendly Activity

Know where your tweens are travelling to next? Give the gift of travel experiences.

Buy a cool experience their family can take on their next vacation . Something you know your favourite tween would like.

Everyone from young kids on up to teenage girls, boys and adults woul love this great gift idea.

Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

• Visit to a Volcano & Zipline in Costa Rica
• Everglades Airboat Tour in Florida
• Go City Sightseeing attractions pass

You’ll be their favorite adult forever.

FUN TRAVEL GIFTS FOR KIDS & TWEENS

Electronic devices- essential travel accessories for tweens, 11. wireless noise cancelling headphones.

Headphones are one of the best gifts for tweens, especially those that love travel.

Grab a wireless over the ear pair f or maximum comfort , with volume limiting to protect their ears. Ensure they are noise cancelling headphones to give your tweens some peace and quiet when they want to tune out the world (or their annoying younger sibilings).

Skullcandy is a popular brand with tween travelers, that comes in a few colors and stylish shape. These headphones are great for traveling tweens due to:

• Their quick charge ( 10 minutes gives 4 hours of play), or fully charged 40 hours,
• Bluetooth wireless with mic or a cord; and
• Noise cancelling.

Plus they’re collapsible with a travel bag. Definitely tween travel essentials.

12. Airpods

If you want to splurge a little, then, you can’t go wrong with Apple AirPods .

While these babies do pack a bit of a price tag, there are a lot of benefits like noise cancelling, effortless set up, comfortable fit and great sound quality. 

A practical travel gift that can be used in daily life too, which we love. 

13. Eco-Friendly AirPods Travel Case

Grab an eco-friendly travel case to go with the AirPods. Cool colors and compostable, one less thing to worry about in our tech heavy society.

Travel gifts for tweens they’ll love.

14. Samsung Galaxy Buds

For android devices , the stylish and superior sound quality of Samsung Galaxy Buds can’t be beat.

We love the active noise cancelling , up to 6 hours of playtime , and wireless charging case that comes with.

And it comes in lavender color! or the usual black and white too.

15. Waterproof Speaker 

A waterproof bluetooth speaker will have your kids rocking the beach, hotel room or just hanging with friends at home. 

This JBL speaker is another favourite tween gift brand, that also has a clip, to hang the speaker up.

16. Digital Camera

If your kids don’t own a smartphone, then a digital camera is a great travel gift idea for tweens .

Tweens will love capturing all those special moments and memories on their vacations. It also gives them a different way to look at the world around them, and pay attention more closely. 

17. Instant Camera

Or bring a little Instant Camera retro souvenir action into your holidays.

A great way to have photos to hang on their wall, gift to new (or old) friends and family members along the way.

18. Game Console & Travel Case

Ask any car full of preteen boys what makes the top of their travel list and you’ll hear a Nintendo Switch …..

Bringing a game console on vacation may not be your top priority, especially if you are trying to wean them away from technology to spend more time as a family.

It can however be useful for long travel days , and is a compact entertainment system.

Just be sure to bring a good protective travel case, like this durable Nintendo Switch travel case. 

19. Nintendo Switch Light

This Nintendo Switch Lite , is even more compact, making it perfect for travel, if you don’t have a lot of spare room.

20. Power Bank

A portable charger is an essential travel gift for kids who bring phones, & tablets, along on their vacations. Go for high-tech convenience that is compatible with all their devices.

21. Travel Adapter

Let your tween charge their devices without frying them, with this international  travel adapter .  They will be able to charge up to 5 devices at once, in over 150 countries. World traveler in the making.

22. Electronic Organizer Travel

This travel electronic organizer is perfect for keeping all their gadgets and cords organized.

23. Waterproof Cell Phone Pouch

This waterproof cell phone case will help keep your tweens cell phone safe from water, and sand . Perfect for beach vacations, or camping trips.

24. Laptop Sleeve

Protect their devices with a cool laptop sleeve.

Choose a color or pattern that suits their style.

Travel Accessories for Tweens

If you are looking for useful gifts then you can’t go wrong with travel accessories for tweens. Fun, practical and just the right size for their carry on or luggage.

All the tween travel essentials they shouldn’t leave home without.

25. Personalized Passport Wallet / Holder

A personalized passport holder is a thoughtful touch, and a great way to help them keep track of which passport is theirs if you have multiple siblings traveling. Pick your tweens favorite color. 

26. Clear Toiletry Bag

Sail through TSA clearance with a clear toiletry bag . Easily find the toiletry items you need. Your tween will love this  

27. Hanging Tween Toiletry Bag

Or get them this more “grown up” Sea to Summit Travelling Light Hanging Toiletry Bag in a fun color. 

28. Water Bottle

Kleen Canteen stainless steel water bottles are our favorite eco friendly addition to traveling. Avoid contributing  to plastic overwhelming the planet. Perfect gift for the eco concious kid

29. Filter Water Bottles

Lifestraw Go Water Filter Bottles   are a popular choice for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.

This bottle will filter out 99.9% of bacteria, making it perfect addition to your  traveling tweens packing list. 

The microfilter lasts for up to 1000 gallons, which means you don’t need to constantly purchase filters.

30. Travel Pillow

Practical present, travel neck pillows are great gift ideas for tween girls and boys .

Give the gift of a good night of sleep by giving them a comfy neck pillow. One of the best travel accessories for tweens!

31. Colorful Luggage Tags 

Be a pineapple in a sea of black… or something like that.

A fun luggage tag will make spotting their travel gear much easier. 

32. Dopp Kit

Choose a Dopp Kit for your young travellers who need a shaving & toiletry kit.

Even if they aren’t shaving yet, it can be used for their toiletries in the meantime.

33. Travel Bottles Set

A travel bottle set is an essential travel accessory.

No reason to take up more room in the suitcase than necessary.

Travel Gift Ideas for Tweens: Essential Travel Gear 

34. travel backpack.

Every kid needs their own travel backpack .

Store their toys, travel activities, games, electronics, and even a snack or two.

The best thing about buying a quality backpack is they are multipurpose and can be used for travel, school, hiking, camping, you name it. They can also be used as carry on luggage for your tweens.

Check out all our top travel backpacks ideas for kids, tweens and toddlers.

35. Crossbody Sling Backpack

Trendy, and practical, this WATERFLY Crossbody Sling Backpack is super handy for packing their day out essentials.

Wear in front for extra safety in busy cities, or on the back. Multiple compartments, a hidden headphones hole, and waterbottle pocket for all their important stuff.

36. Best Carry-On Luggage for Tweens

A carry-on sized tween suitcase in a cool color or design will have your tween stylin’ and ready to go. This size allows for a good amount of clothes, without being too bulky or heavy.

Away Suitcases are a favorite, made for travelers by travelers , and will last your tweens a very long time . In many colors & well worth the investment.

37. Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are essential travel accessories for tweens (and all travelers). A great way to keep everything organized and well contained. Especially helpful if traveling with a small backpack or carry-on suitcase. 

Multiple packing cubes can hold individual outfits, or organize by activity, day or type of clothing. I don’t know how we did it before I discovered this trick.

38. Binoculars

Bird & sloth watchers delight!

A pair of travel sized binoculars for kids are perfect addition to tropical or safari vacations to watch monkeys, whales or other animals roam, fly and swim. 

39. Period Undies for Tweens 

Period Undies are sooo great for tweens who get their periods.

Lightweight, and leakproof, these period underwear come in many cool colors, styles and designs . 

Eco friendly travel gift for tweens. 

40. Headlamps

Who wouldn’t want to run around in the dark with a headlamp?  

Foxelli headlamps are durable and come with a rechargeable option, making them a more eco-friendly travel gift. 

Headlamps are the perfect tween gift for exploring a campsite at night , reading after dark, or night hikes . Maybe even an impromptu shadow puppet play.

41. Chaco Sandals – Ultimate Tween Travel Sandal

Chaco Sandals are the ultimate in travel footwear.

Quick to dry, good grip for hiking and just general all round good sandal for travelling & camping.

42. Travel Hammock

A packable travel hammock is a fun gift for tweens.

It packs down small, so can easily fit in their backpack for camping, road trips, or beach vacations.

Eco-Friendly Gifts for Tweens Who Travel

43. bamboo utensil set.

Grab a bamboo utensil set for an eco-friendly gift that will save on plastic. Picnics and meals on the go just got easire.

44. Collapsible Travel Straw

I don’t know about you, but my kids love using straws.

A collapsible and reusable straw is a great option to reduce garbage, and small enough to tuck in their backpack.

45. Nylon Bataan Hip Pack – Cotopaxi

Your tweens will love this one-of-a-kind hip pack made with 100% repurposed nylon that was headed to the landfill. They come in a variety of colors. 

So remniscent of the 90’s fanny packs craze. 

Large enough to fit just the essentials for the day .

46. Bamboo Travel Toothbrush

Tweens will want to have fresh breath.

A Bamboo travel toothbrush fits the bill.

Best Travel Gifts for Tweens – Gift Cards

47. audible gift card.

Buy an Audible Gift Membership for your favourite tween. Gift the gift of books read out loud. Perfect for those long road trips or plane rides.

48. REI Gift Card

An REI gift card is perfect for tweens who are outdoor adventurers, or are looking for a good day pack.

49. Disney Gift Card

A Disney Gift Card is perfect for Disney lovers of all ages.

No matter if they’re looking for a light sabre, a hoodie with their favourite characters, or a Disney themed lego set.

50. Other Tween Gift Card Ideas

So many gift cards to choose from that would suit a tween traveler. More ideas include:

• ITunes Gift Card
• Visa or Mastercard Gift Card
• Food (Mc Donald’s, Starbucks, Tim Hortons, Subway etc)
• Clothing Gift Cards to stock up before their trip

More Fun Tween Travel Gift Ideas

51. would you rather.

Would You Rather questions to lighten up any moody tween and their parents.

Hilarious, thought provoking questions.

52. Kids Cruise Travel Journal

Keep the memories, cruise style with a Cruise Travel Journal.

53. National Parks Board Game

This wildy popular National Parks boardgame will help everyone learn all about National Parks before their trip. Or to bring along a road trip when there’s extra space.

54. Inflatable Lounger

Beach vacation solution!

Inflatable lounger makes for an increbibly fun gift. You may have to buy one for all the kids.

55. Taco vs Burrito

My tweens new favourite portable game; Taco vs Burrito . She asks us to play it all the time.

Fun for the whole family. Plus it was created by a 7 year old, how cool is that.

Final Thoughts: Best Travel Gift Ideas for Tweens

I hope you found our list helpful for finding a fun travel gift for kids they will use and love. These gift ideas are tween approved by our daughter.

Here’s to exploring the world with tweens.

Did we miss your favorite travel gift ideas for kids and tweens? Let us know in the comments below.

More family gift ideas, travel tips and destinations:

• Camping Gift Ideas for Kids
• Travel Subscription Boxes for all ages
• Best Anti-Theft Backpacks for safer travels
• Eco Friendly Stocking stuffers for year round gifts
• RV Gift Ideas for epic road trip adventures

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Donna Garrison is the founder of Packed for Life, an ever curious traveler with a passion for making memories with her family. With a unique perspective on travelling on a budget gathered over 30 years, 20 countries and 5 continents she gives families the tools & resources they need to experience the joys of travelling more for less through practical solutions. She helps over 20,000 families a month plan & take the family travel, camping and road trip adventures of their dreams in Canada, the USA and around the world. Contact her at: Donna [at] packedforlife.com

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50 Things To Do with Tweens

Looking for things to do with tweens ? Here are some ideas tween activities for you to do with your kids that aren’t quite teens yet. There are fun things to do at home with tweens if you find some cool activities to do.

If you’re wondering what do tweens like, this is a laundry list of things for you to do. These are 50 things to do with tweens that will keep you busy and occupied.

Tweens are right in that in-between where they’re not quite teens yet, but they’re also older than elementary. These are fun things for you to do because there is something for everyone.

I’ve compiled a list of 50+ things for tweens to do at home and beyond. It doesn’t matter exactly how old your tween is, these activities will work (and for tweens, too!). If you’re wondering about the teens in your life , I’ve got you covered, too.

This list was my favorite thing to create because it’s personal to me, I really need things to do for my kids. I also wanted to make sure these activities were fun things, too. These are things to do with tweens you will love (I promise!).

I’m all about trying to keep my kids busy right now. The last thing I want them to be doing is sitting around do nothing. It’s worse than can be to see them moping around saying, “There’s nothing to do here.” Truth? There are tons of things for tweens to do, you just need to make sure you have a list on hand to pull from for your kids!

If you’re looking for fun things for tweens to do near me, check out some of these fun activities. You can decide what one works for you and see if this is possible to do near you.

Once we’re done with this home quarantine, there are so many things that they can do outside the house! I’ve come up with a list of 101 things for teens to do , too – but all of these things don’t require you to actually be at home!

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The 10 best cruises for teens in 2024.

The best cruises for teens provide the right mix of autonomy and time with family.

The Best Cruises for Teens

Amy Smith | Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Teen spaces on cruise ships foster friendships through games, music, events and more.

Cruises 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.

Find your perfect cruise

MSC Cruises

Courtesy of 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

Courtesy of 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

Courtesy of 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

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of 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

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of 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

Courtesy of 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

Courtesy of 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

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of 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.

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