The Best Destinations for Luxury Family Adventures with Teenagers 

The best vacations for families with teens are those where parents and kids enjoy themselves. These trips often involve destinations that blend beach fun with wildlife, culture, photo opportunities, and family adventures. Take your teens out of their comfort zone with an exhilarating trip to the Galapagos Islands, or visit the sun-drenched island of Bali to relax and have fun.

Need more ideas? Here are the best destinations for luxury family adventures with teenagers.

• The Galapagos Islands

A trip to the remote Galapagos Islands is the ultimate vacation for adventurous families with teens. It’s a rare opportunity for kids to unplug from social media and enjoy the wonders of nature. The islands offer a unique environment where teens can explore diverse ecosystems and encounter wildlife up close. From snorkeling with sea turtles to observing giant tortoises and playful sea lions, the Galapagos creates lasting memories and strengthens family bonds.

Your teens will be thrilled to get close to sea lions and iguanas. These Galapagos animals, unafraid of humans, remain still as you approach, making it an extraordinary location for budding wildlife photographers to hone their skills. As you snorkel in the Galapagos, you’ll encounter penguins popping up around you, along with black-tipped reef sharks and graceful sea turtles gliding through the warm waters.

You’ll likely spend a day in bustling Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Here, sea lions lounge on wooden benches and disturb market vendors for fish. At the Charles Darwin Research Station, your kids can observe giant tortoises and see baby tortoises in the breeding pens.

Enjoy luxurious accommodations in high-end resorts. These resorts offer comfortable, stylish lodgings with pools, spas, and gourmet dining. Relax in well-appointed rooms and take advantage of organized excursions to explore the Galapagos’ unique wildlife and stunning landscapes. 

• Chile 

Chile is a land of geographical extremes, featuring the Atacama Desert, the second driest place in the world, and parts of Tierra del Fuego, an archipelago at the southernmost tip of South America where penguins reign. If your teens love the great outdoors, Chile is a fantastic destination.

Valparaíso is a must-visit, renowned for its vibrant arts scene that draws bohemians, musicians, and artists. Its streets teem with visual art while cafes hum with lively conversations, and a dynamic local music scene ensures an engaging experience for you and your teens. Visit a graffiti workshop, where you can explore the craft of street art together. Then, venture to a boutique winery to discover the winemaking process and savor some of Chile’s finest wines.

Another great location to visit is Patagonia in Chile for an exciting adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes and perfect for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, home to Torres del Paine National Park. This region boasts massive glaciers, crystal-clear lakes, lush forests, and snow-clad peaks. As one of the world’s most untouched wilderness areas, it boasts awe-inspiring landscapes guaranteed to leave you and your teens in awe.

• Argentina

From street side tango to Malbec wines and gaucho culture, Argentina’s expansive diversity of culture and natural landscapes rivals its impressive size. With an array of activities tailored for teenagers, it stands out as one of the premier destinations for luxury family adventures.

Buenos Aires serves as Argentina’s primary gateway for visitors, often the city you’ll pass through upon arrival and departure. As the vibrant capital, it offers an array of family-friendly attractions and activities, making it the perfect base for your holiday with teens. The La Boca neighborhood continues to charm travellers with its vibrant, colourful buildings and sidewalk tango dancers. Meanwhile, Recoleta boasts upscale boutique hotels in a picturesque environment, making it an ideal accommodation choice for families with teens. Palermo’s blend of hipster boutiques, trendy restaurants, and quirky hotels creates an eclectic atmosphere for sightseeing and entertainment.

A trip to Argentina wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Iguazu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the country’s northeastern region. Here lies the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls, a colossal, horseshoe-shaped wonder comprised of over 270 cascades stretching for one and a half miles. It’s a mesmerizing spectacle that will captivate you and your teens!

• Maine, USA

Families will love Maine’s picturesque beaches, pine forests, charming small cities with working waterfronts and intriguing museums – especially teens. Even those usually glued to screens find it hard to resist Maine’s pristine natural beauty and abundant wildlife.

If you’re a family who loves hiking together, visit Acadia National Park. Here, you can hike along scenic trails, take road trips, or cycle along the Carriage Roads. You can also enjoy kayaking in the park’s crystal-clear waters. Stay in Maine luxury cabin rentals secluded in the woods. Relax by a warm fireplace, savouring home-cooked meals and gather around to share stories about your day’s adventures.

Embark on a whale-watching tour from Bar Harbor or Kennebunkport to see these majestic creatures up close, from humpback whales to fin whales and more!

Take your teens to Portland and visit the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine. The museum features exciting exhibits to engage your teens, interactive theatre shows, and educational programs designed to inspire creativity and learning. With various hands-on activities and performances, it provides a fun and enriching experience for you and your kids!

While in Portland, take the time to discover the historic Old Port district, visit the Portland Museum of Art, and take a ferry to explore the nearby Casco Bay Islands.

• Bali

Bringing your teens to Bali, the Island of the Gods, is a good idea. Beyond its beautiful beaches and fascinating cultural attractions, Bali offers numerous kid-friendly vacation spots that promise an unforgettable experience for everyone.

Are you looking for a thrilling and family-friendly activity? Dive into the excitement at Waterbom Bali, the island’s premier waterpark. At 3.8 hectares, it’s a must-visit destination in the heart of Kuta, just a 6-minute drive from the airport. With an array of exhilarating rides, including the adrenaline-pumping Smashdown 2.0, standing at a towering 26 meters high, there’s endless fun for teens and the whole family to enjoy at Waterbom Bali.

Who says beach clubs are just for adults? Treat your teens to the luxury experience of Flamingo Bali, where they can enjoy all the perks of a beach club in a kid-friendly environment. Nestled at Saba Beach in Gianyar, it’s the perfect spot to indulge in quality time with your teens, offering amenities like a kids’ pool, an adult pool, a restaurant, and much more!