Traveling with teens is its own kind of adventure…equal parts magic and mayhem. Over the years, I’ve planned countless trips for families with teenagers, and I’ve tagged along with my cousin’s kids on enough journeys to know what actually keeps teens engaged (hint: it’s not museums with no Wi-Fi).
The best destinations strike that rare balance: thrilling enough to keep phones in pockets, yet culturally rich enough to spark curiosity. I’ve seen teens light up swimming with manta rays in Hawaii, road-tripping through Iceland’s alien landscapes, and chasing sunsets in Santorini. If you’re planning a trip in 2025 and want places that’ll wow both you and your teenagers, these 13 destinations are guaranteed to deliver.
Top Places to Travel with Teenagers
Whether your family loves soaking up history or exploring exotic markets and cuisines, stick with us. Let’s explore where to go, what to see, and why these places are a hit for families with teens. Ready to plan a trip that will keep everyone engaged? Let’s get started!
1. Rome, Italy
Rome is hitting different in 2025, and honestly, it’s the perfect time to visit with teens. This is a Jubilee year, which means the city’s basically gotten a massive makeover with restored monuments and special events happening all year long. The Vatican is offering something truly special – visitors can now enter St. Peter’s Basilica through its central, Holy Door: an experience only possible during a Jubilee year.
Your teens will actually love the Colosseum and Roman Forum more than they expect. A visit to ancient Rome is the best possible thing you can do in Rome with kids and one they will never forget. I visited with my cousin’s teens last year, and they spent ages taking selfies with the gladiator reenactors outside. The new Museum of Illusions that opened in 2023 is perfect for social media-obsessed teenagers – it’s colorful, interactive, and designed for Instagram photos.
The food scene is what really wins teens over. Campo de’ Fiori market becomes this amazing sensory adventure where they can try everything from fresh mozzarella to gelato flavors they’ve never heard of. I watched my nephew discover her love for real Italian pizza here – she still talks about it. Trastevere has this hip, bohemian vibe that teenagers actually think is cool, with street art tours and cooking classes that don’t feel too educational.
Entry to most major sites like the Colosseum costs around €18-25 for adults, with reduced prices for teens. The Gladiator School experience runs about €30 per person and is worth every euro for the Instagram content alone. Rome’s proving that history doesn’t have to be boring when you’re doing it right.
- Read next: Hidden Gems in Italy Only Locals Know
2. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is dealing with some changes in 2025, but honestly, it’s still incredible for teenagers. Here’s the real talk: Camp Nou is under massive renovation until 2026, so you can’t do the traditional stadium tour. During the renovation works of the stadium, the Camp Nou Experience tour will no longer be available. This tour will be transformed into an immersive tour. But the new Camp Nou Immersive Tour is actually pretty cool – it’s got virtual reality experiences and costs around €28 for adults.
Park Güell remains absolutely stunning, and I’ve never met a teenager who didn’t love Gaudí’s wild mosaics and architecture. You need to book timed entry tickets in advance (about €10), but it’s worth it for the photos alone. The Sagrada Familia still blows minds – teens love the contrast between the old and new facades, and the audio guides actually make it interesting.
Barcelona’s beaches are where your teens will want to spend most of their time. Barceloneta Beach gets packed, but that’s part of the fun – there are volleyball courts, beach bars, and tons of other young people. The Gothic Quarter has this maze-like quality that appeals to teens who think they’re in a video game, plus incredible street art throughout.
I took my family here last summer, and we spent an entire afternoon just wandering the food markets like La Boqueria. The energy is infectious, and teenagers love the freedom to explore different stalls and try new flavors. Barcelona’s proving that you can mix culture with beach vibes perfectly, and teens actually appreciate both when done right.
- Read next: Stunning Places to Visit in Spain
- You may also like: Prettiest Places in the Mediterranean
3. South of France
The South of France is having a major moment with teenagers, especially around surfing and outdoor adventures. Biarritz has become this cool surf town where teenagers can actually learn to surf properly. Located in Lisbon, this surfing holiday camp in Portugal offers a wide range of activities in an exceptional setting, with 24-hour supervision for a completely safe stay. There are teen surf camps running from June through August, with prices around €500-800 per week including accommodation.
Nice is way more teenager-friendly than people realize. The Promenade des Anglais is perfect for those Instagram shots, and honestly, the beach scene here is much more relaxed than the crazy busy Italian Riviera spots. Nice is very easy to reach with easy access by car, train, bus, or plane. The Musée Marc Chagall might sound boring, but the colors and dreamlike quality actually captivate teens more than traditional art museums.
Cannes during the summer transforms into this playground for young people. The beaches are gorgeous, and there are tons of water sports activities. I watched my cousin’s teenager finally “get” why people love the French Riviera when we were sitting at a beachside café in Juan-les-Pins watching the sunset. The Verdon Gorge offers incredible kayaking and hiking that even screen-addicted teens find thrilling.
What really works here is the combination of beach culture and actual activities. Teenagers can surf in the morning, explore markets in the afternoon, and hang out at beach clubs in the evening. It’s sophisticated enough that they feel grown-up, but active enough that they’re not bored.
- Read next: Scenic Spots in Marseille
4. London, England
London continues to nail the teenager experience in 2025, and the Science Museum has stepped up its game big time. Immerse yourself in our hands-on gaming experience, featuring the very best video games and consoles from the past 50 years. The Power Up exhibition is basically a teenager’s dream – they can play retro games and learn about gaming history. Entry to the main museum is free, though special exhibitions like Power Up cost around €15.
The West End remains absolutely magical for teenagers. Shows like The Lion King and Hamilton are mind-blowing, and I’ve seen the most cynical teens get completely swept up in the experience. Museums don’t get more family-friendly than the Science Museum. With interactive, multi-sensory areas for children of all ages to discover science through play, it’s one of the best museums for kids in London. Tickets range from €30-80 depending on the show and seats.
Camden Market is where teenagers really come alive – the alternative vibe, street food, and unique shopping create this environment where they feel like they’re discovering something authentic. Shoreditch has incredible street art that teenagers actually appreciate as real art, not just Instagram backgrounds. I spent hours here with my cousin’s daughter last year, and she’s still following some of the artists on social media.
Greenwich and the Prime Meridian sounds educational, but teenagers love the concept of standing in two hemispheres at once. The Thames boat rides between Westminster and Greenwich give amazing views of the city, and teenagers love being on the water. London’s proving that you can mix royal history with modern culture in ways that actually engage young people.
- Read next: Best Places to Stay in London
- You’ll also enjoy: 12 Awesome Things to Do with Teens in London
- For more information about London attractions, explore the official Visit London website.
5. Costa Rica
Costa Rica, especially the La Fortuna/Arenal area, is absolutely crushing it for teenage adventure in 2025. The longest tour of all, lasting approximately three hours, your family will zoom across a series of 12 zipline cables ranging from 200-800 meters in length. The zip-lining here is next level – companies like Sky Adventures and Arenal Mundo Aventura offer courses with 7-12 lines, ranging from €65-93 per person.
I brought my cousin’s teenagers here last year, and watching them zip-line over the rainforest canopy while Arenal Volcano loomed in the background was honestly one of the most amazing moments. Sky Adventures Arenal features 7 ziplines starting at the “Hand of Arenal” sculpture and soaring through the rainforest canopy. The highest cable soars 660 feet above ground level, offering views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. The adrenaline rush combined with the incredible views creates these perfect family bonding moments.
White water rafting on the Balsa River offers class III and IV rapids that are challenging enough for teenagers but manageable for parents. The guides are incredible at reading the group dynamic and adjusting the experience accordingly. Monteverde Cloud Forest provides this mystical hiking experience where teenagers can actually disconnect from screens and connect with nature.
The hot springs around Arenal are perfect for post-adventure relaxation. Tabacón is the premium option (around €60 per person), but there are more budget-friendly options like Paradise Hot Springs (€25) that teenagers enjoy just as much. Costa Rica’s combination of adventure activities and natural beauty creates experiences that teenagers remember forever, not just post about.
- Read next: Costa Rica Hidden Gems
6. Ireland
Ireland has this magical quality that even skeptical teenagers can’t resist. Dublin mixes history with this really vibrant energy that appeals to young people. The Book of Kells at Trinity College might sound academic, but the illuminated manuscripts actually fascinate teenagers, especially when they understand the incredible artistry involved. Entry costs around €15, and teenagers love the Long Room Library for photos.
Temple Bar has this lively atmosphere during the day that’s perfect for families, with street performers and traditional Irish music that doesn’t feel forced or touristy. I watched my cousin’s teenage son get completely absorbed watching a bodhrán player, and he still talks about wanting to learn the instrument.
The Wild Atlantic Way is where Ireland really wins over teenagers. Cliffs of Moher provide these dramatic, Instagram-worthy views that make teenagers understand why people travel. The Ring of Kerry offers incredible scenery, and teenagers love stopping at traditional pubs where they can have Guinness bread and hear authentic Irish music.
Kilkenny and Galway have this youthful energy because of their university populations. Teenagers pick up on that vibe immediately and feel more connected to Irish culture. Blarney Castle remains popular with teenagers because of the legend and the slight thrill of hanging backwards to kiss the stone.
What works about Ireland is how genuine everything feels. Teenagers can sense authenticity, and Irish hospitality and culture feel real rather than performed for tourists. The landscapes are genuinely stunning, and the cultural experiences don’t feel like they’re being talked down to.
- Read next: Magical Hidden Gems in Ireland
- Discover more about Ireland’s official heritage sites and visitor information at Tourism Ireland.
7. Vietnam
Vietnam is absolutely incredible for teenagers in 2025, offering this perfect mix of adventure, culture, and amazing food that keeps young people engaged. Hanoi has this incredible energy that teenagers love – the organized chaos of motorbikes, street food vendors, and the mix of ancient and modern creates this sensory experience that’s unlike anywhere else.
The street food tours in Hanoi are where teenagers really connect with Vietnamese culture. Sitting on tiny plastic stools eating pho or banh mi while watching the world go by creates these authentic moments that teenagers remember forever. I watched my cousin’s daughter try durian for the first time in Ho Chi Minh City – her face was priceless, but she kept trying new things throughout the trip.
Halong Bay is genuinely magical for teenagers. The limestone karsts rising from emerald water create this otherworldly landscape that even screen-obsessed teens find captivating. Kayaking through hidden lagoons and caves offers adventure and natural beauty that teenagers appreciate. The overnight boat trips (around €80-150 per person) create these bonding experiences where families actually talk to each other.
Hoi An has this incredible charm that appeals to teenagers – the Japanese Covered Bridge, tailor shops where they can get custom clothes made cheaply, and lantern festivals that create magical evening atmospheres. The motorbike tours through rice paddies give teenagers a sense of adventure and freedom while staying safe.
What really works about Vietnam is how welcoming Vietnamese people are to young travelers. Teenagers feel respected and welcomed, not condescended to, which creates these positive cultural exchange experiences that broaden their worldview in meaningful ways.
8. New Zealand
New Zealand continues to be the ultimate destination for adventure-loving teenagers in 2025. Queenstown lives up to its reputation as the adventure capital – bungee jumping (around NZ$160), skydiving (NZ$300+), and zip-lining create these adrenaline rushes that teenagers crave. I’ve never seen teenagers more excited than when they’re preparing for their first bungee jump off the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge.
Hobbiton remains hugely popular with teenagers, even those who haven’t seen the movies. The set design and storytelling transport visitors into this fantasy world that captures teenage imagination. Tours cost around NZ$75 per person, and teenagers love the behind-the-scenes movie-making aspects.
Milford Sound provides these dramatic landscapes that make teenagers understand why people travel for natural beauty. The fiord cruises (NZ$80-120) showcase waterfalls, wildlife, and stunning scenery that creates lasting memories. Rotorua’s geothermal features and Maori cultural experiences offer education that doesn’t feel like school.
Adventure activities throughout both islands keep teenagers engaged. White water rafting, jet boating, and hiking provide physical challenges that build confidence. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing offers a challenging but achievable hike that teenagers feel proud completing.
What sets New Zealand apart is how adventure activities are professionally managed and safe while still providing genuine thrills. Teenagers feel like they’re pushing their limits while parents feel confident about safety standards. The natural beauty provides this incredible backdrop that makes every activity feel epic.
9. Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver has seriously upped its game for teenagers in 2025, and Grouse Mountain is leading the charge. Another attraction opening for the first time in the summer of 2025, the Grouse Bike Park prides itself as being the first lift-accessed bike part anywhere on the North Shore. The new Grouse Bike Park offers mountain biking trails for all skill levels, with season passes around CAD$500 and day tickets much cheaper.
The Skyride up Grouse Mountain (CAD$82 for adults) offers incredible views of the city, ocean, and mountains that teenagers actually appreciate. The breathtaking views of the Vancouver skyline, North Vancouver, the North Shore Mountains and the Pacific Ocean below are postcard perfect. The Lumberjack Show and Birds in Motion demonstrations provide entertainment that’s cheesy enough to be fun without being embarrassing.
Science World continues to engage teenagers with interactive exhibits that don’t feel too educational. TELUS World of Science is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm from Monday to Sunday. Admission to Telus World of Science costs $35.95 for adults, $30.95 for seniors, students and youth, and $26.95 for children. The OMNIMAX theatre provides immersive experiences that teenagers love.
Kitsilano Beach and English Bay offer urban beach experiences where teenagers can paddleboard, beach volleyball, or just hang out. The Seawall provides incredible biking and walking paths that connect downtown to Stanley Park. Gastown and Yaletown have this hip urban vibe that teenagers appreciate for shopping and dining.
I visited with my family last winter, and the proximity to Whistler (90 minutes) means teens can experience world-class skiing or snowboarding while staying in a vibrant city. Vancouver’s combination of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure creates experiences that keep teenagers engaged and excited.
- Read next: Unique Vancouver Winter Experiences
- You may also like: 12 Things to Do in Vancouver for Young Adults
10. Dubai, UAE
Dubai continues to blow teenagers’ minds in 2025 with its mix of futuristic architecture and traditional culture. The Burj Khalifa observation deck (around AED 149-500 depending on level and time) provides views that teenagers can’t believe are real. The elevator ride itself is an experience that gets teenagers excited about engineering and architecture.
Dubai Mall isn’t just shopping – it’s this entertainment complex with the Dubai Aquarium, ice skating rink, and VR experiences that keep teenagers engaged for hours. The Dubai Fountain shows provide these spectacular water and light displays that even jaded teenagers find impressive.
Desert safaris (AED 180-300) offer adventure that teenagers love – dune bashing in 4x4s, camel riding, and sandboarding provide thrills in this incredible desert landscape. The traditional Bedouin camp experiences with henna tattoos, falconry, and Arabic cuisine give teenagers cultural insights without feeling like a lecture.
Water parks like Aquaventure (AED 300+) and Wild Wadi provide world-class thrills that teenagers love. The artificial beach resorts create these perfect social media moments while offering genuine fun and relaxation.
What works about Dubai is how everything feels larger than life in ways that teenagers appreciate. The luxury and innovation appeal to their sense of what’s possible, while the cultural experiences provide depth beyond the glitz. I watched my cousin’s teenager’s eyes widen when we visited the Gold Souk and Spice Souk – the sensory overload and cultural immersion created lasting impressions that went far beyond shopping.
- Read next: Best Places to Live in Dubai
- Plan your trip to Dubai with Visit Dubai.
11. Nepal
Nepal offers teenagers this incredible combination of adventure and cultural immersion that creates transformative travel experiences. Kathmandu has this incredible energy that teenagers find fascinating – the mix of ancient temples, bustling markets, and modern life creates this sensory experience that’s completely different from anything they’ve experienced.
The trekking options around Pokhara range from easy day hikes to more challenging multi-day treks that teenagers can handle with proper preparation. The Annapurna Base Camp trek offers stunning mountain views and this sense of achievement that builds confidence in young people. Guide services and porters (around $25-40 per day) make these adventures accessible for families.
Chitwan National Park provides wildlife experiences that teenagers love – elephant safaris, rhino spotting, and jungle walks offer adventure while supporting conservation efforts. The canoe trips on the Rapti River provide both wildlife viewing and gentle adventure that appeals to teenagers.
Cultural experiences in Bhaktapur and Patan expose teenagers to art, architecture, and traditions that are completely different from Western culture. The pottery workshops and traditional craft demonstrations provide hands-on learning that teenagers appreciate more than lectures.
What makes Nepal special for teenagers is how the challenges – whether physical trekking or cultural adaptation – build resilience and confidence. I’ve seen teenagers return from Nepal with this new sense of what they’re capable of achieving and a broader perspective on the world that serves them well throughout their lives.
- Read next: Enchanting Places in the Himalayas
12. Patagonia, Chile/Argentina
Patagonia creates these epic adventures that teenagers remember forever. The Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina provides this incredible natural spectacle that even screen-obsessed teenagers find mesmerizing. The ice trekking experiences (around $80-120 per person) let teenagers walk on ancient ice while learning about climate and geology in ways that stick.
Torres del Paine in Chile offers hiking opportunities ranging from day walks to multi-day treks that challenge teenagers appropriately. The W Trek provides achievable challenges that build confidence while showcasing some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes. Refugio accommodations (around $40-80 per night) create these shared experiences where teenagers meet young travelers from around the world.
Wildlife viewing throughout Patagonia offers encounters with guanacos, condors, and pumas that create lasting memories. The estancia stays provide authentic gaucho culture experiences where teenagers can learn horseback riding and traditional skills while experiencing this unique way of life.
Adventure activities like horseback riding across the pampas, kayaking in glacial lakes, and rock climbing provide physical challenges in some of the world’s most spectacular settings. These activities build confidence and create stories that teenagers tell for years.
What sets Patagonia apart is how the dramatic landscapes and challenging activities create this sense of accomplishment and connection to nature that transforms teenagers’ perspectives. The remoteness and natural beauty provide space for family bonding and personal growth that’s harder to achieve in more connected destinations.
13. Sydney, Australia
Sydney delivers everything teenagers want in a destination – iconic landmarks, incredible beaches, and urban excitement. The Sydney Opera House tours (around AUD $43) give teenagers behind-the-scenes access to this architectural marvel, and the performance experiences create cultural moments that broaden their horizons. Bondi Beach remains the perfect teenager beach – great waves for learning to surf, beach volleyball courts, and this social atmosphere where young people from around the world gather.
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb (AUD $150-400 depending on time and package) provides this incredible adrenaline rush combined with panoramic views that teenagers find unforgettable. I’ve never seen teenagers more excited than when they’re clipped into safety gear preparing to climb this iconic structure.
Blue Mountains day trips offer adventure that’s easily accessible from the city. Scenic Railway and Skyway rides provide thrills while bushwalking and wildlife encounters offer authentic Australian experiences. Featherdale Wildlife Park lets teenagers get up close with kangaroos, koalas, and other uniquely Australian animals.
Darling Harbour and Circular Quay provide this perfect blend of dining, shopping, and entertainment that keeps teenagers engaged. The harbour ferries offer transportation that feels like sightseeing, connecting different areas while providing incredible views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
What makes Sydney perfect for teenagers is how the city balances urban sophistication with beach culture and natural beauty. Teenagers can surf in the morning, explore cultural sites in the afternoon, and enjoy world-class dining in the evening. The friendly Australian culture makes teenagers feel welcome and confident exploring independently while staying safe.
- For more reading: 20 BEST Group Trip Ideas with Friends
