Planning a holiday with teenage kids

It’s not that your teens don’t want to have fun, but the days of everyone eagerly jumping into the family car to go to the same place are certainly behind you. These days, your kids are likely more interested in their phones, friends, and the newest trends. So, how do you make sure everyone has a good time and is actually enjoying themselves (and not just enduring)? It starts with getting everyone on board, planning the right activities, and giving them the independence they crave.

Something for everyone

It’s all about finding that sweet spot where your kid doesn’t feel like they’re being dragged to some dusty museum and you’re not stuck listening to 12 hours of the latest pop hits on loop. A little bit of research can go a long way. Think about places that offer a mix of attractions; maybe a city with some cultural spots, beaches with space to chill, or a resort where they can try something new, like water sports or a cooking class?

Make sure your teens are part of the decision process. Ask them what they’d enjoy doing during the holiday. Let them choose a few activities that cater to their interests. Remember, they’re more likely to enjoy the trip if they feel like it’s not entirely your agenda. The more you involve them in planning, the more invested they’ll be. You don’t need to make them responsible for everything, but giving them input on what activities they’d like to do will make them feel like active participants, not just passengers. So, as the October holidays approach, ask them to research activities they’d enjoy in the destination!

Give them space (but not too much)

Here’s the thing: teens need their space. While a family trip should bring everyone together, you’ll also want to build in opportunities for your teenagers to break away and do their own thing. Let them go off and explore for a few hours on their own. This time alone will allow them to recharge while still being part of the family experience.

You don’t need to hover over them. Instead, plan activities where they can take part but have moments of independence. For example, if you’re all going to a theme park, let them roam freely in certain areas while you and your partner enjoy the rides. Or, if you're in a city, let them roam around for a bit while you do the cultural stuff.

It’s the delicate balance between togetherness and giving them the space they crave. You’ll find the trip more enjoyable when there’s room for everyone to breathe.

Keep the tech in check

You can’t fight it: your teen is probably glued to their phone. And while it’s tempting to get into a power struggle about screen time, let’s be real – you’ve got better things to do than have a tech-free battle. Instead, plan some downtime where they can enjoy their gadgets, but also encourage some screen-free activities. Set some guidelines for when and where devices can be used. This way, you’re not constantly hearing, “Where’s the Wi-Fi?” or dealing with grumpy teens because their phone died halfway through the day.

When it comes to their devices, a little compromise goes a long way. Let them keep up with their social media or play games on the long drives, but also make time for family games, hikes, or shared meals. You’ll be surprised at how easily it all balances out when you set some boundaries and keep the fun rolling.