The Best Destinations for Adventurous Teenagers

Adventure Travel With teens – The best destinations for your adventurous teens include somewhere beautiful with enough variety to keep them active and entertained.

You will find numerous incredible options, depending on your teen’s desires and preferences. Others also offer plenty of opportunities for parents to relax and chill.

If you need suggestions on where to go for your next family adventure, here are some of the best destinations for adventurous teenagers.

Reykjavik, Iceland

adventure travels with teens

Exploring Reykjavik with your teens is one of the most memorable and exciting family vacations.

Reykjavik is the perfect destination for adventurous teens who love exploring the great outdoors, trying local cuisines, and experiencing some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes. 

Iceland is one of the world’s safest countries, and you can guarantee a safe and comfortable trip to Reykjavik.

While you’re exploring the capital city, you’ll learn about the tremendous heritage of the Vikings, including Icelandic tales and legends that your teens will find interesting. 

While in Reykjavik, don’t miss the chance to join a whale-watching tour. Your teens will love seeing these giant mammals in their natural habitat. Aside from whales, you can also see dolphins, orcas, and porpoises. 

Take the time to explore other areas in Iceland by renting a car. Drive your kids to the Golden Circle loop, where they can see water shooting up to the sky at the Great Geysir.

Planning to go to more places and do some camping? Consider renting a campervan instead. You’ll have a bigger place for storing your stuff, cooking meals, and sleeping. You and the kids would love the soft sofa beds and sunroof that come with a campervan rental like this in Iceland.

Exploring the Golden Circle also offers the opportunity to explore the stunning Thingvellir National Park and discover one of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls, Gullfoss.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt is the perfect holiday destination for families, especially those with adventurous teens.

The picturesque village offers numerous fun activities for everyone. While the kids hit the slopes, the adults can look forward to relaxing moments.

There are also some excellent summer camps throughout Europe, with Switzerland being a favoured destination for many. These are perfect for teenagers pursuing adventure. 

When visiting Zermatt in the summer, you should join your teens on a scenic hike. Zermatt has several hiking trails suitable for everyone. Hiking season begins in late June and continues until early October.

One of the most popular routes is the Riffelsee to Riffelalp. It starts at a gorgeous lake, where you head out to the trail with the views of the Matterhorn in the backdrop. It is about 10 km long, but you can shorten the hike, depending on your preference.

Zermatt is the perfect destination if you want to take your teens on a skiing trip in winter. It’s one of the world’s most popular skiing destinations, home to several stunning ski resorts.

You can also benefit from experienced ski instructors who can teach your teens individual or group ski lessons. The best thing about choosing Zermatt for your family ski holiday is you’ll find numerous options for family-friendly accommodations.

Some hotels have family-friendly restaurants with child-friendly menus, perfect for if you have picky eaters.

Rome, Italy

Rome is a marvellous city to explore with your teens, especially if they are fond of history. You will find something fascinating to discover in every street corner, from the Colosseum to the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. 

One of the best aspects of Rome is you can easily explore the city on foot. If your teens love being outdoors, you can walk through Rome’s winding streets as you discover its top attractions and hidden gems.

Rome is a compact city, allowing you to explore it in one day, walking from one neighbourhood to another. 

Begin at the Spanish Steps, then towards the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona. Cross the bridge towards the Trastevere neighbourhood and explore its charming streets.

When it’s time to take a break, the kids can eat mouth-watering pizza and gelato in the bustling Piazza Santa Maria.

A more adventurous way to discover Rome with your teens is on a bike tour. The city has several bike-friendly lanes, taking you to some of the city’s famous spots.

You can book a guided bike tour, where you will follow a local guide who will take you around the city while sharing insights on the places you’ll pass by.

Florida, USA 

Boasting warm and balmy weather all year round, Florida is a go-to destination for families wanting to escape colder climates.

Aside from the great weather, Florida is home to beautiful beaches and some of the world’s best theme parks, offering numerous attractions, activities, and adventures to delight adventurous teenagers. 

If you only have time to visit one theme park, plan a trip to Universal Studios, the ideal place for the whole family.

It’s a theme park focused on the entertainment industry, with movie-themed rides and attractions. Adventurous teens can opt for thrilling rides at Universal Orlando, such as the Incredible Hulk Coaster at the Islands of Adventure.

Aside from the theme parks, take the time to explore Florida’s top museums. Visit the Museum of Arts and Sciences (MOAS) in Daytona Beach, dedicated to arts and science, with over 30,000 displays of artefacts, objects, and items. 

Head to the Naples Botanical Garden, a 170-acre garden featuring numerous plants, flowers, and trees. It’s a fantastic place to relax and spend quality time with your teens while soaking up the relaxing atmosphere.

San Jose, Costa Rica

Costa Rica is the perfect destination for families, especially those with active teenagers. It boasts beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, majestic volcanoes, and incredible wildlife.

San Jose, the country’s capital city, is an ideal base for your family getaway. It has world-class museums, gorgeous parks, and historic buildings, giving you plenty to explore with your teens.

Consider booking a walking tour of San Jose to get to know the city. You will be with a local guide who will guide you to the downtown area and share about the local culture and history. 

Take your teens to the Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica, a theatre housed in a stunning building with lavish furnishings and intricate decor. The best time to visit is in the evening when you can witness a concert or ballet performance.

Another attraction worth visiting with your teens in San Jose is the Jade Museum, which has thousands of jade artefacts, with some dating back to the pre-Columbian period.

Your teens will enjoy discovering an extensive collection of jade stones and other fascinating examples of ancient jewellery.

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