When looking for cheap family vacations with a teen, the options can seem endless and expensive. In this resource guide for the best places to travel in the US, there are plenty of great ideas that will allow you to have an amazing time and not spend a lot.
Planning your next family vacation is always challenging, especially when you put teens in the picture. They often want something different than the rest of the family.
The good news is, that we have rounded up affordable destinations that will appeal to everyone in the family.
Whether your teen is fond of camping and ATV riding, or just exploring new cities and towns, this guide on cheap family vacations with a teen has something for you.
So pack your bags and get ready to explore some amazing places with your family. Oh, and don’t forget your camera – you’ll want to capture all the memories!
What Do Teenagers Do For Fun?
All teens may be different, but most of them often enjoy going to the movies, hanging out with friends, shopping, and going to parties.
Don’t forget to consider these things when planning your family vacation.
But even with today’s technology, you can still plan a fun family vacation that teens will love and you can afford.
Here are some great ideas for fun vacations with teens that are affordable and adventurous!
Cheap Family Vacations with a Teen
Check out these family vacations that are not just affordable, but will also entertain your teen!
Most cabins have amazing game rooms and theater rooms, not to mention hot tubs, and a lot of the cabin resorts also offer putt-putt courses and outdoor pools.
In addition to that, being in the Smokies means tons of adventure ideas for Teens, like Whitewater Rafting, Kayaking, Hiking, ATV riding, and horseback riding.
State Park vacations are a great way to save money but still offer the teens some outdoor adventure. Many state parks offer budget-friendly cabin rentals, or you can bring your tent or RV for even more savings.
State parks offer hiking and kayaking, and in the summer months, usually have swimming and ranger-led activities. Fall Creek Falls State park offers some great adventures teens will love, such as a ropes course and rock climbing.
Another way to find some fun things that teens will love is to plan a staycation. The money you save on lodging can be used to rent an ATV at a local trail or a Pontoon Boat at the lake.
Throw in a day at the movies and another day riding go-karts or going to the arcade, and your teens are sure to find the "staycation" as fun and relaxing as a day at the beach.
The best vacation my family ever took was a 2-week road trip we set out on with NO PLANS except that we had plenty of Marriott Hotel Points for hotels.
We traveled from state to state, visiting national parks, state parks, and historic sites stopping whenever we wanted to and booking most of our rooms with the racked-up hotel points I collected over the year.
This was the most adventurous and fun vacation our family ever took. If your teens love spontaneity, they will love this kind of vacation.
If you are truly an adventurous family, plan a backpacking adventure across the Appalachian mountains on the Appalachian trail or a National Park.
This adventure can be great for teens because it may take up to a year to plan out all the details, and they can definitely be a big part of the planning process.
While there will be some expenses involved, you will be backpacking and staying in hostels and tents, so there can be some savings. Not to mention you will have time to save up for the trip since it will take so long to plan things out.
Nobody says no to beach camping. Especially with all the activities that are available to enjoy.
There's no doubt that your teen will love the water sports in Chesapeake Beach and the on-site amenities at the Camp Hatteras RV Resort & Campground, which include a jacuzzi, a gaming room, and other interesting stuff that they can't say no to!
Related Reading: 18 Cheap Family Vacations in the US You Won’t Believe!
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- 18 Cheap Family Vacations in the US You Won’t Believe!
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Have you decided on your vacation spot with your teen yet? Check out the best things to do in Gatlinburg in September, and this might just help you decide.
Is your teen excited to go on a vacation? Surprise them with one of these cameras for beginners to make the vacation even more memorable with all the photos and videos they will take!