Where to Go with Teens This Summer

This summer, skip the typical family resort formula and opt for trips that treat your teens like the curious, capable travelers they're becoming.

Consider urban explorations that blend history with hands-on experiences or outdoor adventures that push comfort zones—these destinations set the scene for creating those family stories you'll share over and over.

Here's your guide to summer trips that will have your teenagers putting down their phones (occasionally) and genuinely excited about the trip.

Urban Exploration

Image courtesy of The Liberty, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Boston

Boston

Boston transforms American history from textbook material into tangible experiences, while offering the urban sophistication that keeps teenagers engaged. The city's walkable neighborhoods and cultural activities create the perfect backdrop for family exploration.

What to do in Boston:

• Boston Duck Tours: These amphibious vehicle tours provide a cool perspective on the city, combining land and water sightseeing in a way that feels more like an adventure than a traditional tour.
• Boston Common and Faneuil Hall: America's oldest public park and historic marketplace offer free entertainment, street performers, and enough urban energy to impress teenagers.
• Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: Beyond its stellar collection, this museum gained renewed relevance thanks to the Netflix series This Is a Robbery, which chronicles the infamous 1990 art heist. Teens will love connecting the real-world mystery to what they've seen on screen.
• Museum of Fine Arts: The contemporary Chihuly glass installations provide striking visual appeal, while the museum's café and drop-in art projects offer interactive experiences that keep visits engaging.
• Fenway Park: Whether catching a Red Sox game or attending one of the summer concerts held at this iconic venue, Fenway is a quintessentially Boston experience.

Where to stay in Boston with teens:

Image courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Boston

Munich

Munich has a mix of cutting-edge innovation and profound historical significance, making it a great destination for teenagers who crave both intellectual stimulation and urban adventure. The city's excellent public transportation system and notably clean, safe streets make it perfect for families wanting to explore independently.

What to do in Munich:

• BMW Museum and BMW Welt: This isn't just a car showroom—it's an interactive journey through automotive innovation that will captivate any teen interested in design, technology, or engineering. The futuristic architecture alone is Instagram-worthy.
• Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site: A sobering but essential historical experience that provides powerful context for understanding 20th-century history. The site offers audio guides appropriate for teenagers and educational programs that encourage meaningful reflection. Guided tours can also give a deeper level of history and insight.
• Explore via public transit: Munich's efficient U-Bahn and S-Bahn systems make city exploration easy and give teens the independence they crave while keeping parents comfortable about safety.

Where to stay in Munich with teens:

Image courtesy of Rosewood Munich

Outdoor Adventure

Image courtesy of Teton Mountain Lodge

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole delivers Western experiences against a backdrop of dramatic mountains, offering teenagers adventure activities that create lasting memories while providing the kind of natural beauty that even screen-obsessed teens find captivating.

What to do in Jackson Hole:

• Snake River white water rafting: Professional guides lead family-friendly rafting trips down the Snake River—a rush for those thrill-seeking teens. The experience combines adrenaline with stunning Teton Range views.
• Jackson Hole Rodeo: This authentic Western experience happens twice weekly during summer months, giving families insight into genuine cowboy culture. The atmosphere is festive and family-friendly, with local traditions on full display.
• Yellowstone National Park: Just an hour's drive away, America's first national park offers geysers, wildlife viewing, and hiking opportunities—plus incredible views.

Where to stay in Jackson Hole with teens:

Image courtesy of Caldera House

Iceland

Iceland offers teenagers the kind of otherworldly experiences that feel more like science fiction than reality. The country's dramatic landscapes, unique geological features, and adventure activities encourage family bonding through shared wonder.

What to do in Iceland:

• Natural hot springs: Beyond the famous Blue Lagoon, Iceland offers numerous geothermal pools where families can relax while surrounded by dramatic landscapes. The experience of soaking in naturally heated water while potentially watching the Northern Lights overhead is unforgettable.
• Northern Lights hunting: During the right season, guided Northern Lights tours provide teenagers with the chance to witness one of nature's most spectacular phenomena. Many tours combine aurora viewing with photography instruction.
• Icelandic horses: These unique, small-statured horses offer riding experiences suitable for various skill levels. The opportunity to ride through Iceland's dramatic terrain provides adventure while connecting with the country's cultural heritage.

Where to stay in Iceland with teens:

Image courtesy of The Reykjavik EDITION

Food-lovers paradise

Image courtesy of InterContinental Lyon - Hotel Dieu

Lyon

Lyon boasts more restaurants per capita than New York City, making it a paradise for families with food-obsessed teenagers. The city's walkable size, positioned between two rivers, creates an urban experience perfect for culinary exploration.

What to do in Lyon:

• Culinary exploration: Lyon's bouchons (traditional bistros) offer approachable five-star dining experiences that introduce teenagers to French cuisine without intimidation. Many restaurants welcome families and offer prix fixe menus perfect for adventurous young palates.
• Silk-making experience: The presence of Hermès' silk factory provides unique behind-the-scenes experiences in luxury goods production. Workshops in silk creation offer hands-on cultural education that combines history with artisanal craft.
• Riverside walks: The confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers creates scenic pedestrian areas perfect for working off multi-course meals while enjoying the city's architectural beauty.

Where to stay in Lyon with teens:

Image courtesy of Sofitel Lyon Bellecour

Lake Garda

Less crowded than Lake Como but equally stunning, Lake Garda offers diverse experiences that cater to different family interests. The lake's varied geography means the southern end provides family-friendly resorts and theme parks, while the north offers vineyards and access to the Dolomites for hiking. And the Italian- and Austrian-inspired food won't disappoint.

What to do in Lake Garda:

• Water activities: The lake's numerous sailboat and watercraft rental options provide teenagers with independence and adventure while maintaining the safety of contained lake waters.
• Cable car adventures: The eastern shore's cable car system transports visitors to spectacular mountain viewpoints, complete with mountaintop restaurants serving regional specialties.
• Theme park fun: The southern region's family-friendly attractions provide entertainment for teenagers who still enjoy theme park experiences.
• Wine country exploration: The northern region's vineyard access offers cultural education about Italian winemaking traditions, with many properties providing family-friendly tours focusing on grape growing and regional history.

Where to stay in Lake Garda with teens:

Image courtesy of Grand Hotel Fasano