Summer and vacations are synonymous, especially for families with teenagers. But booking a trip that will please picky teens and their parents can seem daunting. If you’re thinking about your next family vacation but aren’t sure about fun options with teens, keep reading. We’re sharing 12 summer trips to please teens and adults, ranging from big resorts where everything is taken care of to sports experiences and theme parks. Even better, all of these are located in the United States, so it’s a quick flight or road trip to get anywhere.
Large resort stays
Resort vacations are an easy one-stop shop for adults and teens. Nearly everything you could need is located right at your hotel, but if you pick the right spot, there’s even more to explore outside of the resort grounds.
The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Collection in Park City, Utah
If your family is looking for a resort that will please teens and adults, set along a beautiful landscape, The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Collection is a fantastic option. Located about 30 minutes from Park City, the mountain escape gives a reprieve from the hot summers around most of the country, plus there are endless outdoor adventures to be had.
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The resort hosts activities like beekeeping, stargazing, and even falconry experiences, plus trail rides and fly fishing for more outdoor time. And if you really want to take in the beauty of nature without being “out” in nature, The Edge Spa is the best spot at the resort to relax, enjoy a massage, and take a dip in the infinity pool overlooking the hillside.
Best for: Families who love the great outdoors with adventurous teens.
La Concha Key West, Autograph Collection in Key West, Florida
Key West is a beautiful summer retreat where beaches, great food, and the laidback lifestyle all converge in one spot. Make your home base at La Concha Key West, Autograph Collection, a stunning historic resort that’s celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Even better, the cute pink resort just completed a full renovation mixing modern Spanish architecture with 1920s glamor.
The resort is right on Duval Street, which gives you great access to some of Key West’s best attractions, like the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, Mallory Square, and the photo op at the Southernmost Point. And don’t miss my favorite spot in Key West, Garbo’s Grill, a food truck parked at Hank’s Hair of the Dog Saloon, where the entire menu is worth trying. I particularly love the Korean BBQ tacos, which are sweet, spicy, and super filling.
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When it’s time to head back to the resort at night, head straight for Tropicado, the resort’s mojito bar. Here, happy hour starts with the conch call, and mojitos (and other cocktails) are shaken to order. There’s also weekly salsa dancing with a live band here.
Best for: We love this for families with older teens who want a more chill vacation without needing to be entertained every minute of a trip.
Massanutten Resort in Massanutten, Virginia
Set across 6,000 acres, the sprawling Massanutten Resort is nestled right in the heart of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. The resort is open year-round, but truly shines in summer for families with teens with things like a 3,400-foot-long mountain coaster, a family adventure park, rappelling and rock climbing, a massive water park (which is also getting a 25,000-square-foot addition in 2027), escape rooms, biking and hiking trails, and so much more.
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For lodging, the resort offers a host of options, from standard hotel-style accommodations to stand-alone homes. I’ve stayed in the Regal Vistas condos, and they were perfect for my family. The condos are split into two sides, and while both are private, the sides can be opened into one large home if you need more space. My family opted for a single side, which still accommodates up to six people with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, plus a full kitchen, deck, garage, and laundry. Because the accommodations were more like a real home, everyone can have their own space, and you can save some money by making some of your own meals.
Best for: Families with younger teens who want the best parts of summer at their fingertips.
Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa in Galena, Illinois
The Midwest gets looked over quite a bit for summer vacations, but it’s truly a goldmine of opportunity for families with teens. One resort offering indoor and outdoor adventures is Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa. For those who want to hit the links, there are four golf courses with varying ranges of difficulty. Other exciting outdoor activities include hot air balloon rides, 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, boating, and fishing on Lake Galena, and more.
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There’s also plenty of indoor fun for days when the weather isn’t cooperating or if you just need a break from the sun. The resort has a pool with a retractable roof, so the weather never impacts swimming, plus a full-service spa for parents who want to treat themselves.
Best for: Families with teens who love the great outdoors.
Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, in Orlando, Florida
If you’re looking for a luxury hotel in the heart of Orlando that feels a world away from the hustle of the theme parks, then your family will want to check in at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. The five-star family-friendly resort is known for its incredible family offerings, where teens and parents can have a relaxing vacation together.
This summer, the resort is hosting Summer by the Lake, featuring live music, evening events, fireworks, movies, poolside activities, and pick-up games on the sports courts. Think of it as the ultimate block party, but with an elevated twist. Additionally, the resort boasts a new water park, an award-winning spa, and a golf course (which hosts the PNC Championship every year).
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And if you really want to splurge on something special this summer, the resort has some truly unforgettable experiences that you can book, dubbed The Ritz-Carlton Signature Experiences. One option is the Space Exploration Experience, which includes a private helicopter ride from the resort to Kennedy Space Center along with a private tour of the facilities. One that I think would be really fun is the Daytona Supercar Drive. The four-hour adventure lets you pick a supercar of your choice (cars may include vehicles from McLaren or Ferrari), then drive to the Daytona International Speedway, where you will get a VIP tour of the Speedway. There’s even an option to add on a drive around the track.
Best for: Families looking for a luxury resort with unique experiences on- and off-site
Cruises and theme parks
Cruising and theme parks are quintessential summer vacations, and while I’ve included some typical options, there are some here that you might not have thought of for teens.
Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida
For the ultimate theme park vacation with teens, Universal Orlando Resort is the spot to be. The three theme parks (including Universal Epic Universe) and water park offer plenty of fun for a week-long vacation. I particularly love Islands of Adventure for families with teens since there’s so much to do, from Harry Potter- and Jurassic Park-themed roller coasters, plus a few water rides to stay cool on warm summer days.
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And speaking of water rides, you’ll want to spend a whole day at Volcano Bay. The on-site water park has an abundance of body slides and raft rides, plus a rapids-style river, a wave pool, and so much more. And if you don’t want to hit up the water park during the day, on select nights this summer, the park hosts Volcano Bay Nights, which includes shorter waits for most attractions, free sodas and snacks, and more.
To make the most of your stay at Universal Orlando Resort, you’ll want to stay at one of the on-site hotels. I always suggest booking one that includes Universal Express Pass with your stay. My favorite option is Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel, not just for the included Express, but because it’s within walking distance of Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, and a short bus ride to Volcano Bay and Epic Universe.
Best for: Families with older teens who want a week-long theme park vacation.
Norwegian Cruise Line
If your family loves cruising but is always looking for something new to try, Norwegian Cruise Line may be a great way to end summer before school starts back up. The family-friendly cruise line will open its newest offering, Great Tides Waterpark, on its private island, Great Stirrup Cay, on September 4, 2026. Ships that sail around the Bahamas and Caribbean call upon the private island, so guests will have the chance for some fun in the sun on and off the ship.
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The new water park is an added cost, but there truly is something for everyone. The nearly six-acre park will have 19 water slides, all with varying degrees of thrill. Plus, there’s the industry-first cliff jump for the most daring thrill seekers. One thing I cannot wait to try out is the lazy river, which is over 800 feet long.
Best for: Families with active teens who want fun in the sun.
Princess Cruises to Alaska
If your family has been putting off that once-in-a-lifetime trip to Alaska, take this as your sign to book now. One of the best options is Princess Cruises, which is taking its newest cruise ship, Star Princess, to the Last Frontier for the first time this year. The ship is filled with amenities to please multi-generation families, including those with teens. Think everything from spectacular shows and movies under the midnight sun, to silent discos and incredible dining.
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And when it’s time to get off the ship, each port of call has plenty to do. In Ketchikan, families can enjoy walking Creek Street, while Juneau offers the chance to hop into a helicopter for a flightseeing tour to a glacier. The best thing about cruises to Alaska is that you can tailor your activities to your family’s interests since there’s so much to do.
Best for: Multi-generational families traveling with teens.
Wild Adventures in Valdosta, Georgia
While the big theme parks get most of the hype in the South, one park that’s perfect for thrill-seeking teens (and families on a budget) is Wild Adventures. The park is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and while operations are seasonal, it’s open every day this summer through August 2, before moving to seasonal hours on August 3.
The theme park has over 35 rides and 300 animals, plus Splash Island Waterpark for families with teens to enjoy. This summer, Wild Adventures LIVE! concert series brings some iconic acts right to the park, all included with your park ticket. Some of the concerts you can catch this summer include The Beach Boys, Skillet, and Travis Tritt.
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And don’t worry about where to stay because Safari Campground is on-site and offers tent and RV spots, plus tiny-home cottages to rent.
Best for: Families with tweens and teens who want a theme park vacation without the high cost.
Sports and experiences
Sports tourism has gotten bigger over the past few years. So whether your family wants to learn a new sport or experience a live sporting event, these options fit the bill.
The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern in Santa Ynez, California
Teens and adults looking to try a new sport will enjoy checking in at The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Collection. This summer, the resort in Santa Ynez, California, is hosting a “Play Polo with the Pros” package. The lessons are made possible in partnership with La Herradura Polo Club, and hotel guests will learn from the 16-time U.S. Open winner, Guillermo “Memo” Gracida. All guests need to do is show up on time, because everything you need, from horses and equipment to expert guidance, is all provided.
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Outside of the polo experience, the hotel offers plenty for families with teens. We particularly love the cottages for accommodations. Some have two bedrooms, plus a beautiful common area for the entire family to hang out. And with four restaurants and lounges, plus plenty of weekly activities, you may never want to leave.
Best for: Luxury seekers who want to try a new sport.
Arizona Cowboy College in Scottsdale, Arizona
Pack your cowboy boots and chaps because the family is heading to Arizona Cowboy College in Scottsdale, Arizona. If your teens love hands-on vacations where everyone can learn something along the way, Cowboy College is a great option. Everything takes place on a real working ranch where groups are limited to just six people, perfect for two smaller families or one larger family to feel like they have the entire experience to themselves. Even better, every college is different and can be tailored to your level of expertise.
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Some of the activities your family may take part in include things like horseback riding, a roping lesson, horseshoeing, working on a ranch, and there’s even a Cowboy College graduation at the end of the week (though shorter programs are also available). Additionally, you’ll eat and sleep under the stars, making the experience even more authentic.
Best for: Families with teens who want to learn a new skill.
Cleveland, Ohio
While you might be questioning why Cleveland, Ohio, is worth your precious vacation days, hear me out on this one. The city has a ton to offer for sports fans, with three major teams, the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Guardians, and Cleveland Cavaliers, all of which have stadiums located in the heart of downtown. If you time your visit right, you may be able to see two games from different teams on the same trip.
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Besides the major sports, Cleveland is also home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Baseball Heritage Museum, offering sports fans a special look into both sports. And if you want to hit the links, Sleepy Hollow Golf Course is one of the state’s best public golf courses. After taking in all of the sports you can handle, you’ll be glad to know that Cleveland still has more to offer with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Playhouse Square (the largest performing arts center outside of Broadway), and so much more.
And if you’re looking for a place to stay, consider the Hilton Cleveland Downtown, which is right in the middle of the action and within walking distance of many of the city’s best attractions and sporting venues.
Best for: Families who love a variety of sports.
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