Best Vacations for Teens

By Seren Morris
Published: May 16, 2024

Taking teens on vacation can be a challenge. You need a mix of high-energy and chilled out attractions to keep them entertained while considering their unique interests. Deciding on where to take teens on vacation can, therefore, be difficult. But we’ve put together a list of the top cities to go on vacation with teens. They’re full of exciting and diverse attractions that will impress even the most stubborn of teenagers. Our best vacations for teens are:

  • New York City
  • Los Angeles
  • Cancun
  • San Diego
  • Chicago

Save with Go City

Admission to top attractions in these cities is included with Go City. You could save up to 65% on admission vs gate price.

New York City

Image of City, Urban, It’s impossible to be bored in New York. With tons of famous sights to see, as well as cultural and sporting attractions, you won’t be short of activities to entertain your teen.

  • Empire State Building: Anyone visiting New York has to take a trip up to the top of the Empire State Building. Everyone will marvel at the breathtaking sights of the city below, and teens will relish the chance for the ultimate NYC selfie opportunity.
  • Madison Square Garden: Athletic teens – especially fans of the New York Knicks or the New York Rangers – will enjoy a behind the scenes tour of Madison Square Garden. They’ll get to see exclusive areas like the luxury suites, and might get to walk on the court itself.

Los Angeles

Image of Nature, Outdoors, Sea, Water, Shoreline, Coast, Waterfront, Aerial View, Glamorous LA is a great vacation spot for teens. It has amazing theme parks, celebrity-themed attractions, and gorgeous beaches – what more could a teenager ask for?

  • Santa Monica Pier: Take your teens to Santa Monica Pier for relaxing beach vibes, fun theme park rides and delicious food. They’ll love the mix of exciting activities and the opportunity to hang out in trendy Santa Monica.
  • Universal Studios Hollywood: There isn’t a more family-friendly attraction than Universal Studios Hollywood. It has rides, shows, and entertainment to suit everyone, but especially teens. Teenagers who love high-thrill rides will be spoilt for choice at Universal Studios Hollywood. Plus, they’ll be enjoy being immersed in the worlds of their favorite movies and TV shows.
  • OUE Skyspace and Skyslide: See Los Angeles from up high at OUE Skyspace and Skyslide. It has amazing views of the city below, plus now through 11/30/19, Skyslide is included in general admission. This is a fun activity with great photo opportunities – definitely one for the teenagers.

Cancun

Image of Water, Waterfront, Vehicle, Yacht, Nature, Outdoors, Sea, Harbor, Pier, Boat, Sailboat, Land, Shoreline, Another great option is Cancun, which has tons of action-packed attractions, as well as luxurious relaxing opportunities, making it the ideal vacation spot for families with teenagers.

  • Xplore Full-Day Admission: Take your teenagers to Xplore for a day of adventure that they’ll never forget. Full-day admission allows you access to seven different zipline routes, an amphibious vehicle, hiking and walking routes, water rafts, and swimming equipment. Additionally, you can kick back and relax with pools and lounges, and a complimentary buffet lunch.
  • “Get Up and Go” Catamaran Sail: This Catamaran Sail allows you to be as relaxed or as active as you like. You’ll cruise on the beautiful waters, and will have the chance to snorkel, explore Isla Mujeres and enjoy their beach club, and make the most of a buffet lunch.
  • Tulum Express Tour: Another great Cancun attraction for teenagers is the Tulum Express Tour. Take a tour of well-preserved ancient Mayan ruins, surrounded by gorgeous waters and sandy beaches. You’ll get to explore the archeological site with an expert guide, then, you’ll have plenty of time to explore on your own accord. Teens should be interested in the ruins, as they have an important and fascinating history. But they may equally enjoy getting to explore the local shops and the beach.

San Diego

Image of Summer, Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, Promontory, Water, Palm Tree, Tree, Landscape, Sea, Beach, Coast, Shoreline, Sky, Another city in California – San Diego - is a top destination for teenagers. This SoCal city is home to beachy activities as well as classic theme parks.

  • SeaWorld San Diego: This attraction is a mix between a theme park and an aquarium – there’s no way teens will get bored at SeaWorld San Diego. They’ll get to ride thrilling rollercoasters, and marvel at the stunning marine life.
  • 1 Hour Boat Rental: Teens will feel cool jetting through the ocean on this 1-hour boat rental. They’ll get to enjoy stunning sights of the San Diego skyline, plus plenty of selfie opportunities. Just be careful with your phones and cameras!
  • Knott’s Soak City Water Park: This is a family-friendly attraction, but teens, in particular, will love Knott’s Soak City Water Park’s 17 thrilling speed, tube, and body slides. There are also opportunities to relax and take it easier, like the lazy river and wave pool.

Chicago

Image of City, Building, Tower, Chicago is a vibrant city with lots going on for young people. From fun attractions to cultural spots, Chicago has you covered.

  • SkyDeck Chicago: SkyDeck Chicago should be at the top of your itinerary. You’ll experience unparalleled views of the Windy City, and will have some amazing photo opportunities. Definitely one for the Instagram generation.
  • Art Institute of Chicago: Arty teens will appreciate a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago. It’s home to a wide collection of art ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary American art. With a range as broad and exciting as this, there’s no way teens will be bored.
  • Navy Pier 4 Ride Pass: Navy Pier is a famous Chicago attraction, and teens will love getting to ride the Navy Pier Centennial Wheel, Carousel, Climbing Wall and Light Tower. The Navy Pier Centennial Wheel will be especially popular, as it provides great views of the city and Lake Michigan.

In summary

So there’s our list of the best vacations for teens. These cities have a great mix of adventurous, chilled out and cultural attractions to keep your teenagers entertained and engaged throughout your vacation.

Save with Go City

Admission to top attractions in these cities is included with Go City. You could save up to 65% on admission vs gate price.

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Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and share your adventure with us. Tag us at @GoCity and use #GoCityPass on your travel photos to keep us up to date with your vacation!

Seren Morris
Go City Travel Expert

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New York in July

New York really comes alive in the summertime. With interesting activities and exciting events cropping up all over the city, you’ll find many reasons to love the area this time of the year. Whether you’re looking for fun ideas for Independence Day, or something a little more off the beaten track, we’ve got you covered. So, if you’re planning a great summer vacation, make sure to check out some of our best things to do in New York during the month of July. Get Festive Travelling on Independence Day? You might want to consider checking out Macy’s July Fireworks Spectacular. Attracting a large crowd and broadcast live on NBC, the department store’s legendary display is noted as the largest in the country. Each year, thousands of fireworks shoot from four barges on the East River, granting mesmerizing views of the city skyline as you’ve never seen it before. As if that wasn’t enough, the event also features powerful performances from some of your favorite musical megastars. As exciting as it is magical, you won’t want to miss this one. If you’re looking to view the brilliant display in comfort and style, you might want to think about booking an evening cruise. While sailing across the Hudson River, guests can enjoy the light summer breeze, a delicious sea-food centric dinner and unbeatable views of famous landmarks. In addition, the cruise offers a live DJ playing your favorite party hits and all-you-can-drink beer and wine. Don't forget to take some snaps of the fireworks illuminating the night sky! Another one of our favorite things to do for the month of July in New York is visiting Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Standing out as two of the most popular attractions in the city, these outstanding monuments tell the profound story of how America became a nation. A total must for history buffs, Ellis Island provides a great educational experience for those of all ages - take a walking through the Immigration Museum, check out the historic hospital, or cruise around the city’s most notable landmarks - the choice is yours! And of course, a trip to Ellis Island wouldn’t be complete without checking out the Statue of Liberty. Not only a photo opportunity, this majestic statue stands as a beautiful symbol of hope and freedom. Get Cultured Are you looking to try out some of the city’s best culinary offerings? Well, look no further! Situated in a state park across the East River waterfront, Smorgasburg fest provides a total treat for the senses. With over 100 artisanal vendors serving up pretty much every speciality under the sun, you can feast on Korean rice hot dogs, rainbow empanadas, and souffle pancakes. Order a beer, grab a bite, and enjoy the sunset – what's not to love? Summertime in New York can only mean one thing – music festivals! Combining the stunning backdrop of Central Park with an incredible lineup of world-famous artists and emerging talent, Summerstage festival provides the quintessential New York experience for music lovers. Previous performers have included Patti Smith, the Indigo Girls, and Galactic among others. In addition, the event produces free dance, theater, film and spoken word programs for those who are interested. Summertime in New York brings a whole host of wonderful outdoor events. Held annually against the backdrop of Central Park, Shakespeare in the Park gives travellers the opportunity to enjoy prime theater under the beautiful night skies. Notable past performances have included Meryl Streep in The Taming of the Shrew, Philip Seymour Hoffman in The Two Gentlemen of Verona, and Al Pacino in The Merchant of Venice. This magical, one-of-a-kind experience should be at the top of everyone’s itinerary! Find Fun Activities to Do Those who are looking for a fun and unique way to explore the city might want to head over to Little Island. Floating high above the Hudson River and entirely admission free, this attractive urban landscape would make the perfect day trip for you and your loved ones. The perfect place for kicking back on a sunny July’s afternoon, this stunning green space is home to a wide variety of wildlife and provides magnificent views of the city skyline. On top of it all, the park serves as a venue for a whole host of great outdoor events and first-class musical performances. Take a lazy summertime stroll, watch your favorite side-splitting comedians in action, or catch a drag show– the choice is yours! Though New York is well-recognized for its renowned cultural amenities and fabulous towering structures, the city’s history-rich neighborhoods really shine in the summertime. Situated at the Southern tip of Brooklyn, Coney Island provides the perfect way to catch some rays complete with a lively beach, wooden boardwalk, and dozens of attractions and rides. Whilst you’re visiting, make sure to check out the most famous hotdog stand in the world, which has been operating since 1916. Don’t forget to bring your bathing suit! Want to amble through vast fields of purple and experience the natural beauty of New York State in all of its glory? Well, now you can! Known as one of the largest lavender farms in the United States, Lavender By The Bay provides the perfect relaxing retreat from the city. Here, visitors can take walking tours to admire the breathtaking sight of over 80, 000 colorful shrubs. July is the perfect time to amble through the preservation since the lavender should be in full bloom. Thoroughly Instagram-worthy and relaxing, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a summery July’s afternoon! There’s nothing quite like New York in the summer. With so much to see, do, and explore, it’s impossible to be bored in this sprawling metropolis. Whether you’re looking to celebrate the fourth of July to its fullest, amble through some lavender gardens, or watch Shakespeare under the stars, the city presents a wide array of exciting activities for every traveller. And now, you don’t have to miss out – with our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can find an exhaustive array of things to do, for cheaper. For more information, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
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New York in September   

There’s no doubt about it - September is the absolute best time for crunching through leaves in Central Park, visiting fun outdoor attractions, and cozying up in the museum café. If you’re looking for the ultimate Autumn in New York experience, don’t worry - we’ve got you covered! For those who are thinking about making the visit, plan ahead with our comprehensive guide for the best things to do in the area. We hope you find many of our tips useful for the future. Take in the Fall Vibes   The weather in September is still warm and balmy, making it one of the best times to visit some outdoor New York attractions. Situated between the Upper West and Upper East Sides of Manhattan, Central Park is easily accessible and offers a wide array of fun activities. Attracting over 25 million visitors each year, this is easily one of the most popular public parks in the world – and with good reason. Whether you’re looking to visit the zoo, see the conservatory garden, or just take a relaxing stroll, there’s plenty to do here.   The light autumnal weather also provides ample opportunity for some great outdoor events. Taking place every Wednesday of the month, Jazz at Pier 84 combines stunning live performances with beautiful evenings. Totally free and set along the waterfront of the Hudson River, we couldn’t think of a much cooler way to relax on vacation. So, pack some blankets and snacks and get ready to watch the sunset over the skyline! Is there any better way to enjoy the outdoors than by watching a movie under the stars? All throughout the month, you can catch free outdoor screenings right in the center of Bryant Park. Showing on Monday and Tuesday evenings, the festival features everything from critically acclaimed dramas and black and white classics to laugh-out-loud comedies and cult indie flicks. While the park provides food and wine concessions, it’s up to you to bring a blanket, since there is no seating area. In addition, there are also music, dance and theater events produced in partnership with a varied lineup of the city’s performing arts institutions. Find Fun Activities   Whilst you might be thinking that summertime is peak festival season, we’re here to tell you that you're wrong. A total treat for music lovers, Governor’s Ball is one of New York’s most respected, hyped and talked about cultural events. A total musical extravaganza, the affair features an impressive and exciting lineup with a mixed bag of genres, including hip-hop, rock, pop and electronic. With previous performances from Miley Cyrus, Drake and Stevie Nicks, this one is a sure winner! New York City has never failed to impress us with its delicious culinary offerings. To grab a slice of the action head down to Smorgasburg fest, where you can try out different specialities from dozens of local vendors. Billed as ‘’the Woodstock of eating’’, the event offers a broad variety of dishes, as well as cocktails and high-quality beers on tap. With plenty of vegan and gluten-free options to choose from, we promise nobody will go hungry!   Another one of our favorite places to go in September is Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Situated at the northeastern edge of Prospect Park, this 52-acre stretch is home to thousands of plants and trees, as well as a discovery garden with butterflies, bees and chipmunks. Attracting nearly a million visitors each year, this stunning urban landscape encourages its visitors to explore the world of plants whilst promoting a sense of responsibility for the environment. Including a number of speciality "gardens within the Garden", the Steinhardt Conservatory that houses the C.V. Starr Bonsai Museum, and an art gallery, there’s a little something for everyone here. Magical and swoon-worthy, this place makes the perfect day trip. Get Cultured One of the greatest things about New York is that the city is a total melting pot for more cultures than any other place in the United States. To experience how residents have been shaping and contributing to the culture of the city is an experience in itself – and definitely one which we recommend. If you're interested in exploring the area through its food, we suggest heading down to the San Gennaro Festival. Initially a one-day religious holiday, the event was brought over by Italian immigrants who wanted to continue the tradition they had followed in their home country, celebrating Saint Januarius, the Patron Saint of Naples. Today, the festival is a magnificent flourish of delicious food, live music, and colorful parades which is held annually in the Little Italy district of Manhattan. Soak up the festive atmosphere, enjoy some of the best Italian cuisine in the city, and definitely don’t miss the world-famous cannoli eating contest!   New York is well-recognized as the art capital of the United States. Those who are interested in exploring the city’s creative side should definitely look into booking a street art tour. Along the route, you’ll be guided through the vibrant works of many big contemporary street artists, as well as some interesting lesser-known names. In addition, you’ll get to learn more about the different styles and techniques which have been developed throughout the history of street art. Extremely Instagram-worthy and incredibly fascinating, too, you won’t want to miss this one! Those who are visiting during the anniversary of 9/11 should consider checking out the Tribute in Light installation. First introduced six months after the attacks, this piece seeks to commemorate the thousands of lives that were lost whilst celebrating the enduring strength of New York City. From the roof of the Battery Parking Garage, two beams of light are projected into the Manhattan skyline, where the passenger planes were once hijacked by terrorists and crashed into the World Trade Center buildings. We suggest going at nighttime since the lights are best appreciated after dark. New York is great all year round, but fall is especially magical– the leaves turn golden, the air is crisp, and the city offers a wide array of fun activities and events. Whether you’re ambling through the winding pathways of Central Park, enjoying jazz right beside the Hudson River, or catching a sunset movie, it's impossible to be bored. To make the most of this fleeting season, be sure to check out our New York attraction pass options as you can use an All-Inclusive pass or an Explorer pass to see more for less with Go City.
Sarah Harris
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