6 Awesome City Trips with Teens
These cities offer plentiful entertainment and educational opportunities for teen visitors
For parents who may not be aware, your adolescent years are some of the best times to travel. Because students are given an abundant number of holidays from school throughout the year, why not take advantage of that and expose them to new destinations? From summer vacations to winter holidays, there’s plenty of opportunities for families to take their youth on a getaway. Prepare them for college by going on a trip that will benefit their development and life skills.
New York City, NY
The Cosmopolitan city of New York is a destination every teen should experience once in their lifetime with their family. With attractions on every corner to keep you busy exploring, you’ll never be bored in New York. Some of the attractions we recommend for the whole family include visiting the Statue of Liberty, catching a Broadway show like The Wizard of Oz and going for some world-class shopping on 5th Avenue. Additionally, you will find globally renowned restaurants with some of New York’s best cuisine scattered throughout the city including Cecconi’s (Italian cusine), Hutong (Chinese cuisine) and Bagatelle (French cuisine). For teens who like exploring independently, Soho, Central Park and the Financial District are all great locations to wander around in. There’s a reason why New York City is known as “The City That Never Sleeps.”
Los Angeles, CA
Courtesy of Universal Studios Hollywood
Known as the entertainment capital of the world, LA is one of the most popular cities in the U.S. for families to visit. This sunny, palm-tree filled city is home to the rich and famous and some of California’s most iconic attractions including Hollywood’s Walk of Fame and Universal Studios Hollywood. Los Angeles is a city everyone should visit once in their lifetime to capture a glimpse of where some of the biggest movies were filmed and brought to life. The California laid-back lifestyle offers loads of different beaches and boardwalks for those looking to kick back and relax. With warm weather and sunny days year-round, it’s one of the most popular destinations for families looking to escape the East Coast winter while staying with the country.
Miami, FL
The sunny Florida city of Miami is a top destination for family gatherings, international nightlife and gorgeous beaches. While Miami has a similar laid-back lifestyle and atmosphere as Los Angeles, it offers unique attractions that sets them apart. These include the artistic walls of Wynwood, the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens and the Mattheson Hammock Park. All of these attractions are family-friendly that are sure to intrigue your teens who are looking to visit cool places while on a relaxing getaway. On the other hand, for more adventurous travelers, Everglades National Park is a short hour drive where you’ll find wildlife in their natural habitats including alligators and flamingos.
New Orleans, LA
Courtesy of New Orleans & Co.
Looking to visit a new territory while exploring rich culture, hearty cuisine and centuries of history? Then visit New Orleans, Louisiana’s tourism capital that knows how to have a good time. This southern charm is full of cultural diversity with influences from the French and African cultures. Book a tour and learn about the French Quarter’s history or opt for a specialized ghost-tour that visits some of the most haunted establishments in New Orleans. Furthermore, travelers often visit this city during February or March where they can celebrate Mardi Gras in its birthplace. With so much to offer, New Orleans is the place to go to for families with teenagers who are looking to enjoy a diverse city.
Charleston, SC
Often overshadowed by Myrtle Beach, Charleston is a port city that offers a tropical oasis for families looking to visit other parts of South Carolina while having new experiences. This destination is perfect for families with architecture lovers and history enthusiasts. Visit Rainbow Row to sightsee colorful houses along the street or opt to visit the WWll Aircraft Carrier and Museum at USS Yorktown CV-10. No matter what you choose to do in Charleston, there will be plenty of activities and attractions to keep all members of the family engaged.
Phoenix, AZ
Nestled in the center of Arizona is the capital, Phoenix. This paradise boasts a hot climate year-round with little humidity. Phoenix is home to alluring natural formations including the Desert Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Wonderland and Papago Park. Travelers can expect to experience a Western-style culture with desert wildlife and dozens of different cacti species. Visit the Valley of the Sun with your adolescents for a unique experience with the whole family.
As 2022 unfolds, winter is a great time for families to book their vacations, as hospitality establishments continue to offer flexible bookings and cancellations. Each city has their unique characteristics, with majority of them being warm all-year round. For teens in high school preparing for college applications, taking a trip with the family to a new city would be a great way to spend time together while experiencing new places.
