Vacation Ideas for Teens That Beat the Boredom Blues

By India Amos
June 29, 2025
6 Min Read

Traveling with teens is notoriously challenging. Your trip needs to strike the right balance between relaxation and engagement to stave off eye rolls — and you have to find a destination that has the types of activities they’ll enjoy. Fortunately, there are plenty of places in the world that offer incredible combinations of natural wonder, fun city vibes and beautiful beaches to please even the pickiest among them. If you’re stumped on where to go for your next trip, here are 10 of the best vacation ideas for teens to help spark your imagination.

A busy pedestrian intersection with wide zebra crossings where numerous people walk across the street during evening hours, with motion blur capturing the movement of pedestrians and vehicles. The scene is surrounded by tall commercial buildings displaying large illuminated digital billboards and signage, including recognizable brands, creating a vibrant urban landscape typical of Tokyo's Shibuya district, one of the best vacation ideas for teens. — Tokyo’s famed Shibuya Crossing is often cited as the busiest intersection in the world. Photo by Yuya Uzu on Unsplash

10 of Our Favorite Vacation Ideas for Teens

Tokyo, Japan

One of the best things about visiting Tokyo is the sheer variety of experiences teens can enjoy around the city. This bustling capital offers everything from one-of-a-kind pop culture stops and incredible shopping opportunities to Mt. Fuji day trips and nature walks in local parks. As a city overflowing with restaurants, indie boutiques and beautiful streets to explore, it’s almost impossible for your teens to say “I’m bored” here.

A forest path winds through towering redwood trees with distinctive reddish-brown bark, creating a natural corridor between the massive straight trunks. The forest floor and understory are dominated by large green ferns and lush vegetation, with natural light filtering down through the dense canopy above. — Get immersed amid the vast redwood forests of Rotorua. Photo by Daniel Hopper on Unsplash

Rotorua, New Zealand

Located on New Zealand’s North Island, Rotorua is a city renowned for its geothermal baths, Māori culture and ancient redwood forests. If you’re looking for vacation ideas with teens that allow them to explore one of nature’s most spectacular landscapes while learning about Polynesian history, you can’t miss out on a family getaway here. Hobbiton, the Lord of the Rings movie set, is about an hour’s drive away. And if you’re feeling adventurous after spending some time in the city, head to Mt. Tarawera, where you can hike around the dormant volcano’s crater and score panoramic island views.

TIP: Traveling to New Zealand might feel intimidating, but it’s actually easier than it seems. Here’s why!

A waterfront view shows calm blue water in the foreground with a stone promenade lined with palm trees along the shore, where numerous people can be seen walking. Behind the promenade stands a row of historic Mediterranean-style buildings with cream and white facades and red tile roofs, dominated by a tall stone bell tower rising prominently against a blue sky with white clouds. — The harbor in Split, Croatia, is a pleasure to stroll as you soak up the coastal ambiance. Photo by Secret Dalmatia

Split, Croatia

Ancient architecture, beautiful beaches and perfect photo ops … these are just some of the things that await your family on a trip to Split, Croatia. History-loving teens will be awestruck by the majesty of Diocletian’s Palace, and adrenaline enthusiasts won’t be able to get enough of the ziplining, rafting and snorkeling activities nearby. If you’re looking for an easy place to relax with your kids that won’t bore them, head out to the islands of Hvar or Brač, which feature white sandy beaches and idyllic turquoise water for perfect beach days.

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A golden-brown sea lion sits on a sandy beach with its head tilted upward, positioned among scattered dark volcanic rocks. The coastal scene features turquoise ocean water with white waves breaking against the rocky shoreline under a partly cloudy sky. — The Galápagos Islands are home to an unbelievable array of wild creatures, from sea lions to giant tortoises to rare birds. Photo by Amy Perez on Unsplash

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Adventure’s the name of the game when you visit the Galápagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador, either on a small-ship cruise or by land itinerary. This is one of the best vacation ideas with teens if you want a trip that’s equal parts educational and exhilarating. Follow in the steps of Charles Darwin and learn about the archipelago’s thriving ecosystem. View giant turtles, blue-footed boobies and sea lions while you explore the various islands and learn about local conservation efforts. For even more excitement, head offshore to explore local marine life by scuba diving or taking a glass-bottom boat tour around the clear waters.

A swan-shaped paddleboat carries multiple passengers across a calm pond surrounded by lush green parkland with a prominent weeping willow tree in the center and various other mature trees. Modern glass high-rise buildings rise above the tree line in the background, while people can be seen enjoying the grassy areas around the water's edge under a blue sky with scattered white clouds. — The Boston Public Garden makes an excellent jumping-off point for local sightseeing. Photo by Taylor Keeran on Unsplash

Boston, Massachusetts

Walk the paths of some of America’s most notable revolutionaries in Boston, home to colonial-era sites like The Paul Revere House, the USS Constitution Museum and the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. You can also explore the city on foot by following the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile path with 16 historic landmarks of note along the way. If you have an older teen with college on the horizon, consider combining your vacation with a college trip by visiting Boston College, Harvard College, Northeastern University and many others during your time in this famous city.

A giraffe with distinctive brown and cream spotted markings stands among acacia trees and low shrubs in an open savanna landscape with golden grassland. In the background, a modern city skyline with tall buildings and skyscrapers is visible on the horizon under a cloudy blue sky. — Nairobi National Park is the world’s only national park housed within a city. Photo by Grace Nandi on Unsplash

Nairobi, Kenya

As the starting point for many Kenya safaris, Nairobi gives you the best of both worlds, and it’s worth spending a few days in this lively city before you venture into the wilderness. This capital is teeming with urban delights like the Maasai Market, which sells artisanal crafts, clothes and artwork you can bring back home with you. Spot giraffes, zebras and lions in Nairobi National Park, within the city limits, before you transition into your safari itinerary to see them in their natural habitat.

An aerial view shows two people floating in crystal-clear turquoise water near a sandy shoreline, with one person wearing pink swimwear and another in dark swimwear. The transparent water reveals light patterns reflecting on the sandy ocean floor, while white foam from gentle waves marks the boundary between the deep blue sea and the pale sandy beach. — Beachcombing teens will be spoiled for choice on Crete. Photo by Evangelos Mpikakis on Unsplash

Crete, Greece

If your teens love spending their summers lounging on soft sand, consider a family vacation to the beautiful beaches of Crete. This Mediterranean island is the largest in Greece, and it’s home to many stretches of supple shoreline. When you’re not enjoying the island’s famous beaches (several of which have a stunning pink hue), head inland to explore the Minoan palace, Knossos, or the Historical Museum of Crete in Heraklion.

A group of hikers with backpacks and trekking poles stands on a rocky, barren slope overlooking an expansive arid landscape of rolling hills and distant mountains. The desert terrain features brown and tan-colored earth with sparse vegetation under a dramatic sky filled with white clouds against a bright blue background. — Outdoor adventures abound in Chile’s lunar-like Atacama Desert. Photo by Florian Delée on Unsplash

Atacama Desert, Chile

Planning a vacation to Chile? The Atacama Desert should be on your list of must-see destinations in the country. It’s one of the driest places on earth, giving it an otherworldly appearance you won’t find anywhere else. Make your home base in Calama and visit the Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon), awe-inspiring geysers and hidden lagoons for the ultimate outdoor adventure with your teens.

A pristine turquoise lake reflects snow-capped mountain peaks with distinctive layered rock formations illuminated by warm golden light, surrounded by dense evergreen forest. The calm water surface creates a perfect mirror image of the dramatic mountain range and cloudy sky, with tall coniferous trees framing the foreground of the alpine scene. — Moraine Lake in Banff is known for its arresting turquoise water. Photo by Jacky Huang on Unsplash

Banff, Canada

Some vacation spots are only popular during certain times of the year, but it’s always a good season to visit Banff. This city shares its name with an incredible national park nearby, and it’s an exciting spot if you need outdoor ideas for teens who love exploring rugged mountain terrain. Spend the winter months skiing down the Rockies and sipping hot cocoa in one of the chateau-style hotels, or visit in the summer to hike and raft around this part of Alberta and see the famous bright blue lakes at peak color.

The interior view shows a massive domed ceiling with intricate patterns and a ring of windows around its base, supported by ornate arches and multiple levels of columned galleries. Large circular medallions with Arabic calligraphy are prominently displayed on the walls and pillars, while warm golden lighting illuminates the elaborate Byzantine architectural details throughout the vast space. — Even the most jaded teens will be wowed by the splendor of Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia. Photo by Jeison Higuita on Unsplash

Istanbul, Turkey

A family vacation to Istanbul is perfect for teens craving a combination of captivating cityscapes and delicious food. Gaze at the gorgeous details of the Blue Mosque and the Byzantine Hagia Sophia, then wander the Spice Bazaar to load up on nuts and other local delicacies. You can also spend your day exploring the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and biggest in the world, to purchase jewelry and souvenirs that the kids can bring home to their friends.

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