
Planning a holiday with teens and tweens can be a challenge – they’re now too old for kiddie attractions, yet not quite ready for adult getaways. But with the right mix of adventure, excitement, and Instagram-worthy experiences, family trips can become unforgettable even for these kiddos. There are no shortage of ways to keep older kids engaged, and these top ten holiday activities are sure to excite even the most hard-to-impress teens and tweens!
A family holiday in Alaska is perfect for teens or tweens who crave excitement and can appreciate breathtaking scenery. Book a cruise for front row seats to towering glaciers while experiencing wildlife encounters with whales and sea otters as well. The kids also get to trek across glaciers, a one-in-a-lifetime experience that'll be cool for their social media accounts. Add whitewater rafting on the Kenai River if your teen is into thrill-seeking adventures!
You'll surely impress your teens and tweens if you take them on a safari holiday in South Africa. There, you'll be able to experience thrilling wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes and wondrous culture experiences. Kruger National Park, one of the world's most famous safari destinations, provides the chance to spot animals like lions, leopards, and elephants on guided game drivers or self-drive safaris. Private game reserves like Sabi Sands or Madikwe also offer luxury lodges with expert-led safaris and interactive bush walks.
Now that the kids are older, they might appreciate learning more about the cultures of different countries. By holidaying through Europe, you can turn every destination into a living classroom with the many locally offered tours. In Italy, families can explore ancient history with a guided tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, while in France, they offer a family-friendly scavenger hunt at the Louvre that makes art and history interactive. Science-loving teens will enjoy Germany's Deutsches Museum in Munich while history buffs might be interested to visit Anne Frank's House.
A holiday in Patagonia is a dream come true for any adventurous tweens or tweens, offering amazing landscapes with a mix of thrilling outdoor activities. Families who frequently enjoy the outdoors together are sure to enjoy trekking through Torres del Paine National Park in Chile or hiking to Laguna de los Tres, a stunning turquoise lake beneath Mount Fitz Roy. Families can also try out other exciting activities, like kayaking past icebergs or glacier trekking. All in all, there are endless different ways to take in the jaw-dropping scenery while you're there.
If you're planning a holiday to Australia, skip Sydney and Melbourne and head straight for Carins! The ultimate highlight is a snorkeling or diving trip to the Great Barrier Reef, where your teens can explore vibrant coral gardens and swim alongside tropical fish. For thrill seekers, adding skydiving, whitewater rafting and zip-lining to your itinerary is a must! Early risers will love a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, where you'll be able to soar high above rolling green hills, farmlands and pockets of ancient rainforests in the Atherton Tablelands.
For the ultimate thrill-seeking adventure, visit Six Flags during your holiday to the USA. It's ideal for teens and tweens who love high-speed roller coasters and non-stop, action-packed entertainment. With multiple parks across North America, families can choose park destinations that fits their itinerary. Six Flags Magic Mountain in California has coasters like Twisted Colossus and X2, while on the East Coast they have Six Flags Great Adventure, home of the Kingda Ka, the world's tallest roller coaster. There are various other Six Flags parks all over the USA, and they're definitely not for the faint-hearted!
If you're looking for a more laid-back holiday, why not take your teens to Hawaii? It's the perfect blend of excitement and relaxation, with lots of activities to enjoy. For starters, learning to sift on Waikiki Beach might interest the kiddos, where expert instructors can easily guide you even if you're a beginner. Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay is also enjoyable, with its clear waters and beautiful coral reefs. It might be good to add Volcanoes National Park to your itinerary as well, where the family can walk through lava tubes and see active craters.
Holidaying in Bhutan offers a one-of-a-kind experience for your teens, and it's a place where emphasis on Gross National Happiness makes it unique and enriching. Start by hiking up to the Tiger's Nest Monastery, a cliffside temple that rewards you with stunning views. Teens can even learn archery or bike through scenic valleys during their stay in Bhutan, and a stroll through Thimphu's weekend market offers a glimpse into local life. Remember to try their butter tea and Bhutanese dumplings for a wondrous culinary experience!
Teens and tweens who are interested in history and have a sense of curiosity are probably going to enjoy a holiday in Egypt. You should definitely start the trip with a visit to the awe-inspired Pyramids of Giza, where the kids can explore the Great Pyramid and see the enigmatic Sphinx. For an immersive historical experience, a trip to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo unveils treasures like King Tutankhamun's gold mask. Families can also take a scenic Nile River cruise, stopping at temples like Luxor and Karnak. All in all, Egypt is an epic holiday destination that'll keep the kids thoroughly engaged!
One of the highlights in Xi'an, China is the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, where thousands of life-sized statues stand guard over the tomb of China's first emperor. It's a magnificent sight that brings history to life, and is likely to captivate your teens (or tweens). For an active adventure, families can also bike along the Ancient City Wall, a massive fortification that offers panoramic views of the city. Food-loving teens will enjoy exploring Muslim Street, a vibrant market filled with delicious local food, and foodies who are looking for hands-on activities can even sign up for a dumpling making class in Xi'an.
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