10 Best Resorts for Teens

Hard to please at times and with minds (and itineraries) of their own, teens can be the most challenging -- or on a good day, the most pleasant, of traveling companions.

Increase the odds that your next family vacation will be enjoyable for all, by checking out these top teen-friendly resorts, each fittingly designed for an active group getaway.

Written by Jackie Perrin
1.

Atlantis Resort

For water-loving teens who love their space, Atlantis Paradise Island delivers a sea of aquatic adventures along with regular “me time,” in “Club Rush,” a specially designed breathing room just for them. Encompassing 97 acres on Paradise Island's north coast, the Bahamian resort is a massive aquatic playground, with 20 swimming areas, the world's largest open-air marine habitat and Aquaventure, a 63-acre waterpark with extreme slides and a power-driven “river ride.” Add in a state-of-the-art climbing center, teen pampering treatments at Mandara Spa and a dolphin interaction program, and you’ve got a boatload of potentially brag-worthy vacation memories. Among six accommodations options, The Reef and Harborside Resort offer the friendliest quarters for families.

Read our review of the Atlantis Resort.
2.

Smugglers' Notch

Skiing isn't the only way to play outdoors in the Green Mountain State. In summer (June-September), Smugglers Notch Resort, a four-season destination, offers "Notch Squad," a full-day experience for ages 11 to 15, with active games, high and low rope courses and unique sports like mountain boarding. Daredevils up to age 15 can sign up for “High Adventure Experience Camp" -- summer camp on steroids with climbing, kayaking and zip lines -- while older teens (ages 15 to 17) get the freedom to explore it all with the "Mountain Explorers" program, creating action-packed itineraries from a diverse menu of options. Of course, winter brings an array of snow-filled fun, as well as a similar array of lively activities, with traditional snow-sports camps as well as a la carte lessons. Two Teen Centers give the crew a place to escape the ’rents, and condo-style accommodations (up to five-bedroom townhouses arranged in five resort “Villages”) mean teens can have the space they need, while affording the rest of the family some well-deserved peace and quiet.

Read our review of the Smugglers' Notch Resort.
3.

Universal Orlando Resort

Action and adventure take center stage at Universal Orlando Resort, where two popular theme parks and a sprawling entertainment district will keep your teens entertained both day and night. On select nights, visitors ages 15 through 19 can get their groove on at CityWalk, a dance club at Universal’s 30-acre entertainment and dining complex, which plays host to regular teen nights.

Onsite lodging choices include the 650 room Hard Rock Hotel (check out rockin' pool with underwater tunes), the 1,000-room Loews Royal Pacific Resort (recently renovated) and the 750-room Loews Portofino Bay Resort, which boasts the largest standard guestrooms among all three properties as well as Mandara Spa, offering treatments just for teens. A resort room key serves as an "Express Pass," affording overnight guests front of the line access to rides, preferred seating at shows and select dining venues, and complimentary resort transportation.

Read our review of Universal Orlando Resort.
4.

Beaches Turks & Caicos

Image conscious adolescents needn’t lose their cool when they check in to Beaches Turks & Caicos, part of the all-inclusive resort chain known for an entertaining parade of Sesame Street characters. Located on beautiful Grace Bay in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, this all-inclusive resort is an attractive playground for active teens as well as their younger siblings. After a day spent sailing, waterskiing, windsurfing and scuba diving, teens can try their foot at surfing on a SurfStream simulator, make their own CDs at Scratch DJ Academy, chill at Trench Town Lounge or hang out at Xbox 360 Game Garage or Liquid, an aqua-themed dance club. Treatments for teens at Red Lane Spa include "Irie Manicures" and "Reggae Pedicures," and since snacks and seconds are included, they can indulge growing appetites, without draining your bank account. In May, 2009, the resort opened The Italian Village, containing 162 family suites.

Read our review of the Beaches Turks & Caicos.
5.

Triangle C Dude Ranch

Teens can ditch the family posse and set out on a wild western vacation trail at this family-owned Jackson, Wyoming-area dude ranch offering a train of adventures just for them. Triangle C Ranch’s Teen Dude Ranch Program (ages 13 to 19) includes overnight mountain bike trips with breakfast cookouts, "Dude Disco" nights and Teen Cowboy classes. Weekly group excursions to Yellowstone National Park (included) and Grand Teton National Park (Snake River rafting-fee) are a draw, even when parents tag along for the ride. Half week (four-day) and full-week packages are available. Summer season runs Memorial Day through August.

Read our review of Triangle C Dude Ranch.
6.

Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort

Enjoy exalted status as your teen's new BFF when you treat them to a trip to Kantenah Grand Palladium Resort & Spa. Situated on a prime stretch of beachfront on The Mayan Riviera, this all-inclusive resort, one of four facility-sharing properties in the massive Grand Palladium complex, is a value for parents and a paradise for teens, with lively entertainment and food provided 24/7. Included in your stay are a number of water-centered activities such as kayaking, snorkeling and windsurfing. The Black & White Jr. teen club offers Wii, X-Box 360 and PlayStation 3, and live nightly shows, teen disco parties and a 24-hour beach/snack bar keep teens entertained into the wee hours. If you're vacationing elsewhere in the vicinity, you can purchase a day or evening pass and sample the resort's amenities.

Read our review of the Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort.
7.

The Tyler Place Family Resort

Lose the Blackberry, the video controls and -- dare we say it -- the TV at The Tyler Place Family Resort, a seasonal Northern Vermont all-inclusive resort that's big on tuning out outside influences, and tuning in to some classic outdoor family fun. From waterskiing, wakeboarding and tubing to hiking, climbing and getting from here to there on their own resort-issued bikes, your pre-drivers can express their spirit and independence, without ever once asking for the car keys. Daily programs for kids from infants to young teens (ages 13 to 15) are included in the rate at this exceptionally well-run family resort, which celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2009.

Read our review of The Tyler Place Family Resort.
8.

Fairmont Scottsdale

Located about 4.5 hours from The South Rim, the Fairmont Scottsdale isn’t exactly convenient to Grand Canyon National Park, but is instead a great stop on a Southwestern U.S. family road trip. Besides golf, tennis and Sonoran Splash (a free-form lagoon pool with two water park-style slides) there's a new Sport Court as well as The Hang Out, a private lounge for guests ages 13 to 17. The hip teen-only haunt has a cyber cafe as well as a video lounge with comfy seating and three X-Box and music video stations. Teen-friendly excursions (available through the resort concierge) include hot air balloon flights, horseback riding, mountain bike trips and off-road ATV, Hummer and Tomcar (military grade utility vehicle) tours. Casitas provide the most spaces for families.

Read our review of the Fairmont Scottsdale.
9.

Four Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo

At this teen-friendly northwest Costa Rican Resort, you can combine harmony with nature with family harmony, in a luxurious setting shared by resident howler monkeys, rare sea turtles and exotic birds. Perched on a narrow plateau 320 feet above the Pacific Ocean, the 45-acre property is secluded, but that doesn’t mean activities are sedentary. Using the resort as a base for exploration, families can surf, snorkel, sea kayak, hike, go horseback riding or zip through the rainforest on a high-flung canopy tour. Three hotel pools are cradled by two popular beaches for chillaxin’ and a nearby Beach Club, Tuanis Teen Center, free cooking and salsa lessons and an on-site spa offering “OMG” treatments provide even more diversions for teens. Lodging options include spacious standard rooms (603 square feet), one- to three-bedroom treehouse canopy suites and private rental homes.

Read our review of the Four Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo.
10.

Disney's Beach Club Resort

Walt Disney World Resort, as a whole, is a teen's fantasy vacation. Thrill rides like Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and originals such as Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean are a must for any Orlando adventurer, and recent attractions like Toy Story Mania! and The American Idol Experience give new reason to return at any age. Beyond the theme park gates, Disney's Beach Club Resort features a three-acre water park pool and villas to accommodate larger families and give teens plenty of space.

Read our review of Disney's Beach Club Resort and the Walt Disney World Resort.

You may also want to check out our Choosing Your Walt Disney World Resort Hotel article.

Recent Slideshows
 

10 Best Water Sports Resorts

12 Best Resorts That Get You Close to Animals

5 Family-Friendly Islands to Visit This Summer

10 Best Boat Tours for Families
1 of 12

10 Best Resorts for Teens
  1. Atlantis Resort
  2. Smugglers' Notch
  3. Universal Orlando Resort
  4. Beaches Turks & Caicos
  5. Triangle C Dude Ranch
  6. Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort
  7. The Tyler Place Family Resort
  8. Fairmont Scottsdale
  9. Four Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo
  10. Disney's Beach Club Resort
Related Links
 
10 Best Ships for Teens
Dude Ranch Family Vacations
College Visits for Families
Traveling with Teens
Atlantis Reviews
Atlantis Fun
becker - Mar 3rd, 2013

We just returned home after a amazing time at Atlantis. Our spending goal for 4 days was $1,000.00 and we managed to stick to it for 2 adults and a 6yr old. We took into consideration all the reviews. The things we used the most. Sun Block ... more +
A great adventure
eberger - Jan 4th, 2013

We really did enjoy being at Atlantis on our family vacation. We haven't done resort travel in a long time and forgot how much fun it can be - we also forgot how tiresome it can be. The waterparks are great! The kids took off for much of the day ... more +
Read more Atlantis reviews
Smugglers' Notch Reviews
Not what it's cracked up to be!
4EqltyMom - Aug 25th, 2011

I read about Smuggler's Notch extensively online before booking our vacation. We had 3 14yo boys we were traveling with, so it was really important they stay occupied and engaged. All of the reviews and information I read claimed Smuggs to be the #1 ... more +
great summer camp for kids
preisig - Nov 4th, 2009

This is our 2nd summer taking a vacation at Smuggs. We love the fact that the kids camp is included in the price. Our kids loved the camp and we parents loved having time to ourselves to explore the area. The pools are amazing. After camp we ... more +
Read more Smugglers' Notch reviews
 
Beaches Turks & Caicos Reviews
Great Family Vacation, Long Review!
crabbie72 - Sep 5th, 2012

We stayed for 10 days in the French Village. We had a fantastic time! Starting with arrival, nice short van ride from the airport. The room was great, our housekeeper Marsha was great. Very quickly she learned how we do things and adjusted ... more +
You have to love this place
closedspace - Apr 12th, 2012

....unless you are one of the 5% that simply prefer to complain and be unsatisfied. It mystifies me how someone can complain about the food, service, accommodations or any other aspect of this resort. You really have to have a miserable life if ... more +
Read more Beaches Turks & Caicos reviews
Triangle C Dude Ranch Reviews
Be the first to write a Triangle C Dude Ranch review!
Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort and Spa Reviews
Cancun with Children ~
SeaDebi - May 18th, 2010

After quite a bit of research to find a hotel that we would like we finally chose the Grand Palladium! Our family absolutely loved our stay. We went in late March and was certain we would run into Spring Breakers, however to our delight we had no ... more +
Grand Palladium Kantenah
sunlover74 - Oct 13th, 2009

We couldn't believe the size of this place when we arrived. It is huge and that is an understatement. We loved that it was so large, however. We like to walk around and also love long walks on the beach. Our room was comfortable. We had two ... more +
Read more Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort and Spa reviews
The Tyler Place Family Resort Reviews
Forget the mouse: THIS is the happiest place on earth.
kjchronister - Jul 1st, 2012

Everything you've read is true... and then some. This is by order of magnitude the best vacation and favorite place of ours ever. The staff - amazing. The food - amazing. The activities - amazing. The accomodations - amazing. I have never, ever, ... more +
Read more The Tyler Place Family Resort reviews
Fairmont Scottsdale Reviews
Not-so-teen-friendly
irvinefamily4 - Dec 3rd, 2011

While there was a "teen hang out" available, the equipment was missing or broken, there were no other teens there to hang out with, and there were no organized activities on property to encourage teens to gather or meet. It was an empty ... more +
Read more Fairmont Scottsdale reviews
Four Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo Reviews
Be the first to write a Four Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo review!
Disney's Beach Club Resort Reviews
Best Stay Ever
lmotten45 - Jun 29th, 2011

We went to Disney World in Orlando FL and stayed at the Beach Resort, it was the best experience we have ever had for our family. We were very pleased with the whole stay, we were treated like royalty. I will definitely stay again. The Animal ... more +
ONE WORD................WOWZERS..........................IN A GOOD WAY! LOL
enscott14 - May 28th, 2010

Our family went on a vacation and stayed at this resort last year and the experience was simply AMAZING! Everything was breathtaking, the service was fantastic, and our family can't wait to go again soon! A+++ in my book! :-)... more +
Read more Disney's Beach Club Resort reviews


  •  
    FREE Family Travel Newsletter
  • Family Travel Tips   (10 New)

    – Family Planning and Tips

    • Carnival Miracle Travel Tips
      OverviewCabinsDiningActivitiesTravel Tips All About the Extras Sail & Sign Card Carnival ships feature Sail & Sign cards, which make life so much easier. All you do is link a debit card or credit card to your Sail & Sign Card at Guest Relations or a kiosk on the ship. You'll then use your Sai...
    • Carnival Miracle Activities
      OverviewCabinsDiningActivitiesTravel Tips Carnival is known for its plethora of onboard activities, and the Miracle is no exception to this. Listed in the Fun Times, the ship's daily newsletter, activities include beanbag tosses, trivia, bingo, games, dance classes (including a "Thriller" class) ...
    • Carnival Miracle Dining
      OverviewCabinsDiningActivitiesTravel Tips During the cruise, I quickly learned that cruise food is every bit as big of a deal as the cruise itself. And when it comes to dining, the Carnival Miracle does not disappoint. Bacchus Restaurant Thousands of purple, bubble-like lights embellish Bacc...
    • Carnival Miracle Cabins
      OverviewCabinsDiningActivitiesTravel Tips Carnival Miracle's rooms are simple, yet comfortable and clean, with flat-screen TV's, phones, complimentary bathrobes and stocked mini-bars. Anything consumed from the mini bars, which offer alcohol, sodas and energy drinks, will cost you an extra fee. ...
    • 10 Best Family-Friendly College Towns
      In what seems like the blink of an eye, the kids you've raised are all grown up and off to college. As parents, you're worried. More importantly, you're anxious to visit them! Lucky for you, we here at Family Vacation Critic know what it means to be concerned parents. With that, we've taken the t...
    • Carnival Miracle
      OverviewCabinsDiningActivitiesTravel Tips One of four Spirit class ships, Carnival Miracle made its magical debut in 2004. While it's certainly not Carnival's grandest ship, it's definitely something of a "miracle" for families, who find an ample amount of amenities and activities on board. Amid ...
    • 10 Best Ski Resorts on the East Coast
      With a state (New York) that offers more ski resorts than any other place in the country and the entire region of New England to boot, the East Coast hardly lacks for quality ski resorts, making the task of listing the best areas a difficult one. Nevertheless, these are our favorites, in no particul...
    • 13 Best Early-Bird Ski Deals
      You've unpacked your boxes full of gloves, ski masks and snowsuits. You've repaired your ski poles and sharpened your skis. Now, where should you go? More importantly, where will you find a good deal, preferably one that packages lodging and lift tickets? We've uncovered the best early (and even win...
    • How to See the Magic Kingdom in 24 Hours
      So, you've got one day to see the most popular theme park in Walt Disney World. Twenty-four hours to conquer The Kingdom, the holy grail of family entertainment, all 107 jam-packed acres. Can it be done? Should it be done? I've read a lot of articles on how to see the Magic Kingdom in one day, m...
    • Beyond the Theme Parks: The Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Orlando Attractions
      No doubt about it: Walt Disney World puts Orlando on the tourism map. Additional major theme parks, like Universal Studios Florida, SeaWorld Orlando and LEGOLAND, Florida have only added to the region's lure as a family vacation destination. But there's more to see in Central Florida, both in Orland...
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
Username
Password
Remember Me
Close X