Best Vacations for Teens

By Seren Morris

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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Things to Do in New York in August 2018

There's always something to do in the city that never sleeps; home to some of the world's most famous museums, iconic landmarks and unparalleled mix of cultures. Take advantage of the warm weather in NYC this summer out on the water or escape the heat at one of the great museums New York has to offer. If you’re looking for things to do in New York in August 2016, check out our list of the best local activities and attractions, including... Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour New Exhibits at the MoMA Landmark Cruise Star Trek: The Starfleet Experience at The Intrepid Museum and more... Save on Attraction Admission Regular admission to a number of these popular New York attractions is available on the New York City Explorer Pass. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 50% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Please note, the seasonal events taking place at these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included on the New York Explorer Pass. If you want a bigger list of seasonal events, then check out our suggested things to do in New York in the summer. Take a Big Bus New York Sightseeing Tour Get acquainted with New York City on this Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour by Big Bus New York. This tour goes through Manhattan and passes by many landmarks and attractions. You can also get off of the bus and go check out something that caught your eye, then hop back on the bus when the next tour comes by. Getting In: Hop On Hop Off Big Bus New York Tours are available on the New York City Explorer Pass. New Exhibits at the MoMA In addition to the MoMA's famous ongoing galleries, the museum is hosting several temporary exhibits worth checking out this August. Bodys Isek Kingelez (available through January 1, 2019): see sculptures and imagined cityscapes that reflect the vision Bodys Isek Kingelez had for his nation, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) when it declared independence from Belgium. Being: New Photography 2018 (available through August 18, 2018): explore how photography as an artistic mean can capture what it means to be human in this compelling exhibit that challenges conventional photography and tactics such as masking, cropping, and more. The Long Run (available through November 4, 2018): this artistic exhibition takes a closer look at the artistic process itself, discover how invention and 'breakthrough moments' in art are a result of continued experimentation, critical thinking, persistent observation, and other social and political factors experience by artists. Getting In: Museum of Modern Art tickets are available on the New York City Explorer Pass. Take a Landmark Cruise This cruise is one of the most popular in the world and a fantastic way to see Manhattan's skyline. This is one of the "must see" attractions in New York City and will help you become more familiar with the city if you're from out of town. Getting In: NYC Landmark Cruise ticket are available on the New York City Explorer Pass. The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Become a cadet, join the Starfleet program and, learn and interact with this one of a kind exhibit. This year, the Intrepid Museum is celebrating GROWLER'S 60th Commissioning Anniversary with a new exhibition, A View from the Deep; the Submarine Growler & The Cold War. Discover how USS Growler, one of America's first nuclear-missile submarines played a role in the most tense years of the Cold War and what life was like on board. Getting In: Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum tickets are available on the New York City Explorer Pass. New Summer Exhibits at the Guggenheim Museum Visit the iconic building designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright and check out the Giacometti exhibit on view from June 8, 2018-September 12, 2018. You'll get to see almost 200 works of art by Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti including sculptures in bronze and oil, plaster sculptures, and drawings never before seen in the US. Another fascinating temporary exhibit at the Guggenheim this August is One Hand Clapping, an exhibition that explores how globalization affects our understanding and perception of the future through works of art by a range of contemporary artists. Getting In: Guggenheim Museum tickets are available on the New York City Explorer Pass. Remember to Save on Attraction Admission There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in New York in August. Remember, many of these great attraction options are included on the Go New York Card, where you can save up to 50% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the seasonal events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the New York Explorer Pass. Consider adding a few of these fun options to your August vacation itinerary.
Lindsay Eagan
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New York in January

There’s nothing quite like January in New York – the snow is falling, the streets are bustling, and there’s magic in the air. From delighting in classic winter attractions to exploring the city’s most famed cultural amenities, the city’s 11 regions have an almost intimidating amount to offer. If you’re planning to make the visit, take a look at our list of the best things to do in the city to help you get started. See the Sites One of the best parts about winter in New York is the range of charming ice rinks that crop up all across the city. A beloved winter tradition for locals and visitors alike, Bryant Park is the only rink to provide a totally admission-free ice-skating experience. It doesn’t stop there though - skaters can also enjoy the park’s Winter Village. With over 170 holiday shops and food vendors to choose from, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Go for a spin, enjoy a delicious hot chocolate by the rinkside, or browse the stalls – the day is yours! It’s no secret that New York is an incredible destination for art museums. Famed for its beautiful, spiralling structure, the Guggenheim houses one of the most significant collections of impressionist, post-impressionist, modern and contemporary art within the United States. A fantastic stop for all art lovers, the institute displays a comprehensive repository of over 8, 000 famous works. The museum’s assemblage has grown to include selected pieces by Wassily Kandinsky, Pablo Picasso and Jasper Johns. Those who are travelling with kids should definitely consider checking out the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Situated on the Upper West Side, the establishment is devoted entirely to innovative educational play. At the museum, children and their caregivers can enjoy immersive art exhibitions, fun activities and hands-on workshops. Incredibly joyful and engaging, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a cold January afternoon. Take in the Atmosphere Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you have to stay stuck inside! A magical show of color, the NYC Winter Lantern Festival is one way to brighten up a damp January evening. Hosted by the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, the event features more than 1,000 handcrafted displays of almost anything you can think of. In addition, there is an interactive light display projection, a live DJ, food vendors and a gift shop. As exciting as it is mesmerizing, this festival has everything you need for a perfect winters evening. Another one of our favorite events for the month of January is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Taking place in the middle of the month, the federal holiday seeks to honor one of the country’s most influential figures of Black history. Across all boroughs, the annual event is usually celebrated with marches, parades, and speeches by civil rights leaders and politicians. To truly recognize the struggles and progression of the Black community, we also suggest volunteering activities and checking out the historic walking tours of Harlem. Don’t let the blustery January weather fool you – during the wintertime, the city brings a whole host of great outdoor activities. Offering a fun and relaxing experience, the horse-drawn carriage rides in Central Park are an integral part of any New York vacation. Along the ride, you can take in the ethereal landscapes and admire the scenic NYC skylines, which are especially wondrous this time of the year. In addition, your driver will be able to provide more background information about the city’s history. New York is renowned for leading the way in embracing diversity in culture – an attribute which is demonstrated through its remarkable abundance of great festivals. Those who are interested in experiencing this firsthand should check out Three King’s Festival. Dating back over four decades, the traditional event commemorates the arrival of the three wise men in Bethlehem after Jesus’ birth. Today, Spanish communities celebrate with colorful street parades, vibrant costumes, delicious food, and live music. Combining art, history, and culture, the festival has an incredible atmosphere that’s great fun for all the family. Find Interesting Activities If you’re trying to avoid the sleet and snow, why not warm up with the Winter Antiques Show? Running for ten whole days throughout the month, the festival features a broad selection of decorative arts from around the globe. The eclectic array includes a little bit of everything, ranging from Egyptian antiquities to postwar Italian art glass. Combining bohemian art with a lively atmosphere, the event is perfect for antiques novices, hobbyists, and just those who love shiny things! A well-recognized cultural and creative hub, New York offers plenty of talent to see. Dubbed ‘’the 1 Jazz festival in North America’’, the NYC Winter Jazzfest has become recognized as an important event in New York nightlife. Taking place in the middle of the month, the festival features over 700 artists, with more than 170 groups. With previous performances from Questlove, Angel Bat Dawid and Pino Palladino, this one is a sure winner. With so many great eateries in New York, you’d be crazy to skip out on the next item on our list. As part of the city's annual culinary tradition, New York Restaurant Week offers visitors the opportunity to try out some of the best places in the area at more affordable prices. Those who are interested should be able to choose from a broad selection of around 380 participating restaurants spread across the five boroughs. From trendy Brooklyn sandwich spots to upscale fine dining establishments, there’s a little something for everybody here. Visiting New York in January is a great idea. Whilst the weather can be cold and brisk, the city presents lots of great activities, exciting events, and interesting attractions for you and your loved ones. Whether you want to visit some of the best museums the East Coast has to offer, take a carriage ride through Central Park, or have a night-time skate at the ice rink, this place has it all. Whatever draws you to the area, you’ll find that there are lots of reasons to love wintertime in New York. And now, you don’t have to miss out on a single thing! Discover all that this unique and fascinating city has to offer with our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
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