Planning a family vacation that keeps teenagers engaged isn’t just about finding the right destination—it’s about striking that perfect balance between adventure, culture, and experiences that feel genuine rather than forced. 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
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:
Mandarin Oriental Boston: Located in the Back Bay, this luxury hotel puts Fenway Park within walking distance while offering spacious rooms and suites. The hotel’s prime location also provides easy access to Newbury Street shopping and dining.
- Fora’s Mandarin Oriental Fan Club partner perks include a $100 food & beverage or spa credit, daily breakfast, and an upgrade whenever possible.
The Liberty, a Luxury Collection Hotel: Housed in a beautifully converted 19th-century jail, this unique property fascinates teenagers with its historical architecture while providing modern luxury. Many rooms feature interesting architectural details that spark conversation.
- Fora’s Marriott STARS partner perks include a $100 food & beverage or spa credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hotel AKA Back Bay: This all-suite hotel provides the space families need, with full kitchens in every room—perfect for accommodating teen eating schedules and preferences. The Back Bay location offers easy access to shopping and attractions.
- Fora Reserve perks include a $75 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
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:
Rosewood Munich: This luxury hotel occupies a restored historic building and offers spacious suites with separate seating areas—perfect for families needing space to spread out. The central location puts major attractions within walking distance.
- Fora’s Rosewood Elite partner perks include daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Sofitel Munich Bayerpost: Set in a beautifully converted 19th-century postal building, this hotel offers family rooms and suites with separate sleeping areas, plus a central location that makes walking to restaurants and attractions effortless.
- Fora’s Accor Preferred partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
25hours Hotel The Royal Bavarian: A design-forward property with a playful aesthetic that appeals to younger travelers. The hotel features connecting rooms and a location near Munich’s main train station for easy city exploration.
Outdoor Adventure
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 view
Where to stay in Jackson Hole with teens:
Caldera House: This luxury property offers residential-style accommodations with full kitchens and separate living areas, perfect for families who want space to spread out. The location provides easy access to Jackson’s attractions while maintaining a secluded, resort-like atmosphere.
- Fora Perks include a $100 food & beverage credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Teton Mountain Lodge: Featuring spacious suites with kitchenettes and separate seating areas, this property caters to families seeking both luxury and practicality. The mountain setting provides immediate access to outdoor activities.
- Fora’s Noble House VIP Select partner perks include a $100 resort credit, $60 daily breakfast credit, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
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:
UMI Hotel: This modern Reykjavik property offers contemporary design and spacious rooms with city views. The hotel’s central location makes exploring the capital easy, while amenities cater to families seeking both comfort and style.
- Fora Perks include a $100 spa credit, a welcome amenity, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Reykjavik EDITION: Featuring sleek, modern accommodations with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing Iceland’s dramatic skies, this hotel appeals to design-conscious teenagers. The property offers connecting rooms and easy access to Reykjavik’s cultural attractions.
- Fora’s Marriott STARS partner perks include a $100 food & beverage or spa credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Food-lovers paradise
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:
InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu: This stunning property, converted from an 18th-century hospital, offers spacious rooms and suites in a central location. The unique architecture fascinates teenagers while providing luxury accommodations for the whole family.
- Fora’s IHG Destined partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Sofitel Lyon Bellecour: Located on one of Europe’s largest pedestrian squares, this hotel provides easy access to shopping and dining while offering family rooms with separate sleeping areas.
- Fora’s Accor Preferred partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Pullman Lyon: A modern property offering connecting rooms and contemporary amenities, with a location that provides easy access to Lyon’s culinary scene and cultural attractions.
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:
Lido Palace: This elegant lakefront hotel offers spacious family rooms with lake views and direct access to water activities. The property’s classic Italian luxury appeals to parents while providing the amenities teenagers appreciate.
- Fora’s Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) partner perks include daily breakfast, VIP status, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Grand Hotel Fasano: A historic property offering suites and connecting rooms with lake access and proximity to both cultural attractions and recreational activities. The hotel is luxurious while also catering to families, so you’ll have everything you need here.
- Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Dose of Dutton 