Best 2025 Family Vacation Destinations: Thrills & Independence for Teens Best 2025 Family Vacation Destinations: Thrills & Independence for Teens

Best 2025 Family Vacation Destinations: Thrills & Independence for Teens


August 20, 2025

Planning a family vacation with teens means seeking out destinations packed with adrenaline-pumping adventures, memorable moments with friends, and plenty of opportunities for independence. At Herschend properties, teens will discover attractions designed specifically for their adventurous spirit and social experiences, ensuring an unforgettable trip.

 

Dive into our guide highlighting the best teen-friendly attractions for your family getaway, filled with thrilling rides, unique experiences and epic opportunities to create lasting memories.

 

Teens (Ages 13–17)

Teens crave thrilling experiences, independence and photo-worthy moments with friends. 

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Dollywood Theme Park | DropLine Dollywood Theme Park | DropLine

Dollywood

  • Drop Line: A 200-foot spinning drop tower that plunges riders in seconds, ideal for teens (55″ minimum) seeking heart-racing thrills.

  • Lightning Rod: This record-breaking hybrid coaster delivers a 73 mph launch and intense airtime, continuing to rank among America’s top coasters.

Silver Dollar City |  Time Traveler Silver Dollar City |  Time Traveler

Silver Dollar City

  • Time Traveler, the world's fastest spinning coaster (48″+), launches riders through thrilling drops and spins that spark excitement among teen thrill-seekers.

  • Teens love Mystic River Falls, a family raft ride featuring fast-moving rapids and epic splashes that encourage teamwork and laughter together.

Kentucky Kingdom Theme Park & Water Park | TreeTop Drop Kentucky Kingdom Theme Park & Water Park | TreeTop Drop

Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay

  • Treetop Drop: A towering 200-ft free-fall drop tower (50″+), delivering an intense fall teens love.

  • Wind Chaser: Smooth inversions and high-flying airtime, a teen favorite among coaster enthusiasts.

Wild Adventures | Splash Island Nights Wild Adventures | Splash Island Nights

Wild Adventures

  • Twisted Typhoon: A 52″+ inverted looping coaster with intense thrills ideal for teens seeking bold rides.

  • Splash Island Nights turns the water park into a lively teen-friendly event, complete with lights, music and evening swimming sessions.

Pink Adventure Tours Pink Adventure Tours

Pink Adventure Tours

  • Pink Adventure Tours: Off-road, scenic Pink Jeep® Wrangler adventures through rugged terrain, perfect for teens to document epic outdoor moments.

Vancouver Aquarium Vancouver Aquarium

Aquariums (Adventure, Newport & Vancouver)

  • Adventure Aquarium’s Shark & Ray In-Water Encounters (ages 12+) allow teens to have face-to-face marine life experiences under guidance. 

  • Newport Aquarium: Let teens conquer fears on the Shark Bridge, crossing above real sharks in a thrilling walk-through experience.

  • Vancouver Aquarium’s: Teens will love exploring the Survival of the Slowest exhibit, featuring fascinating sloths, reptiles, and armadillos, a cool, unexpected twist for teen exploration. They can also enjoy playful encounters at the Sea Otters exhibit, and keep up with their favorite furry friends via the popular live-streaming Otter Cam, allowing the fun to continue long after their visit.

There’s fun for the whole family at our properties. Click below to explore options for kids of all ages. 

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