Travel is one of the best ways to learn about the world, especially when you’re young. There’s perhaps no better way to learn about new cultures and traditions than on location. If you love to travel, you may know this for yourself—and if you have a family of your own now, it may be high time to share both the excitement and educational potential of a travel adventure with your teen children.
As parents, you can use your trips around the world to enhance your teens’ personal growth. Traveling to a new place can cultivate their curiosity and widen their horizons, and the unique experiences they get from these trips can also lead your teens to derive valuable insights about themselves and the world around them.
However, creating a travel itinerary that teens will enjoy can be challenging—let alone a trip filled with exciting and educational moments. That’s because their interests are changing, and they may be discovering more about themselves in ways they haven’t explored yet. They’re also at a stage where they’re developing in their maturity and seeking more independence—a mindset that you should encourage in them while you’re all outside the comforts of zone.
Fortunately, there are many travel activities that you, your partner, and your teens can explore together on your next trip out of town or abroad. Here are some that won’t lack in either excitement or educational potential:
1) Explore National Parks Through Guided Hikes
National parks offer pristine wilderness areas where you and your teens can connect with nature and learn about important concepts like biodiversity conservation. Inquire about guided hikes led by park rangers, as they can provide you and your family with valuable insights into local flora and fauna, geological formations, and ecological processes that take place in the park.
Take for example, hiking experiences on the trails of Yellowstone National Park. There, you and your teens can witness geothermal features like geysers and hot springs in action, and you might even spot wildlife such as bison, elk, and bears.
During such nature explorations, wear comfortable clothing to move around freely. Shop leggings, dri-fit tops, hats, and other essentials that will offer you and your family members ample coverage and protection against the elements.
2) Embark on Snorkeling or Scuba Diving Excursions
If your teen kids are big on aquatic adventures, coastal destinations, and marine reserves are great destinations to visit together. You can explore underwater ecosystems through snorkeling or scuba diving while being guided by certified instructors. These are safe and educational experiences that allow teens to observe colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and marine life up close, perhaps igniting in them a passion for biology and the environmental sciences that they’ll nurture throughout their lives.
Some locations you can consider for these underwater activities include the Great Barrier Reef in Australia or the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador. These locations are renowned for their biodiversity and their family-friendliness, and they’ll offer unforgettable underwater adventures that you and your kids will love to look back on.
3) Go on Wildlife Safaris
Another exciting and educational travel activity for you and your teens is a wildlife safari. This is the perfect opportunity to encounter diverse ecosystems and species that are iconic to a particular country or region.
This activity is usually led by guides who can provide insights into animal behavior and local conservation efforts. In the animals’ natural habitat, your teens can learn invaluable lessons about how nature works and what efforts are being made to preserve it. Consider exploring the wonders of wildlife in African savannas, in Borneo’s rainforests, or even in the Amazon.
4) Participate in Cultural Festivals or Events
A great way to encourage your teens to learn about other cultures is by attending cultural festivals or events. Why not celebrate Diwali in India, the Carnival in Brazil, or the Lantern Festival in China? Participating in any of these festivities allows you and your teens to experience vibrant cultural expressions, traditional music, dance, and cuisine firsthand. It will also help your teens learn about the value of diversity and practice their social intelligence by engaging with locals and other tourists.
5) Visit Historical Sites
If any of your teens is a history buff, take a trip to the past by visiting historical sites. Explore ancient ruins, medieval castles, or UNESCO World Heritage sites to gain a deeper appreciation for the civilizations that were an integral part of humanity’s evolution.
Guided tours may be best if you want context, insights, and captivating stories about the site you’re visiting. The insights of a tour guide may help your teens learn the most they can about historical narratives, architectural wonders, and archaeological discoveries around the world.
6) Take Cooking Classes
Delve into the culinary traditions of your destination by taking cooking classes with your teens. If your teens are the crafty type or love helping you out in the kitchen, they’ll likely enjoy the chance to prepare traditional dishes using local ingredients and cooking techniques.
A cooking class can help them gain insight into the cultural significance of food and its role in community identity. Whether you’ll be making pasta in Italy or mastering sushi rolling in Japan, culinary workshops offer a delicious way for you and your family to explore a place you’re visiting.
7) Participate in Art Workshops
Tap into your and your teens’ creative sides by participating in art workshops during your travel. Check out art workshops that highlight local artistic traditions and techniques. These will do a lot to boost your teens’ skills at artistic expression as well as their cultural appreciation.
When you visit Greece, find a pottery making class and bring home your custom souvenir. If your family is visiting Indonesia, batik painting will offer a unique way to appreciate local artistry. Wherever your next destination is, invest in art workshops to provide you and your teens with the opportunity to learn from skilled artisans and create your own miniature masterpieces.
The next time you plan for a trip, consider the recommendations mentioned in this article. Even if your trips together will be once-in-a-lifetime experiences in their own right, they’ll impart permanent lessons on creativity, nature, cultural expression and appreciation, and other important things in life—which your teens will always take with them as they grow older.
Outdoor Family Fun: Multi-Generational Activities On Family Travel Infographic
Infographic Provided by Paddling Michigan, a provider of Pictured Rocks kayak tours
