Family Vacation Critic Names Top Resorts for Teens

Published on: April 14, 2010

The family travel editors at Family Vacation Critic have put together their picks of the Ten Best Resorts for Teens. Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas offers a massive aquatic playground with 20 swimming areas, the world's largest open-air marine habitat and Aquaventure, a 63-acre water park. Other activities include a state-of-the-art climbing center, teen spa treatments and the "no adults" hangout, Club Rush.

Smuggler's Notch, Vt., features excellent outdoor activity programs. Travelers ages 11 to 15 years can join the "Notch Squad," a full-day experience with active games, high and low rope courses and unique sports like mountain-boarding. "High Adventure Experience Camp" offers climbing, kayaking and zip lines for daredevils up to age 15, while older teens (ages 15 to 17) get the freedom to choose their own itineraries with the "Mountain Explorers" program.


Universal Orlando Resort in Florida features two popular theme parks and a sprawling entertainment district will keep 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.

Walt Disney World Resort in Florida offers thrill rides like the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean. Beyond the theme park gates, two water parks, an indoor interactive playground and 24 Disney-owned resort properties offer boundless entertainment options.


Beaches Turks & Caicos features days spent sailing, water-skiing, windsurfing and scuba diving, as well as trying to surf on a SurfStream simulator. Youngsters can 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.


The Triangle C Dude Ranch in Wyoming has a Teen Dude Ranch Program (ages 13 to 19) that 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.


The Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort and Spa, Mexico, is an all-inclusive resort offers value for parents and a paradise for teens, featuring lively entertainment and food 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, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, while live nightly shows, teen disco parties and a 24-hour beach/snack bar keep teens entertained into the wee hours.


The Tyler Place Family Resort in Vermont says “no” to the Blackberry, the video controls and -- dare we say it -- the TV. This all-inclusive resort is big on classic outdoor family fun. Activities include water-skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, hiking and climbing, among others, and teens get around on their own resort-issued bikes. 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.


The Fairmont Scottsdale in Arizona is a great stop on a Southwestern U.S. family road trip. The resort offers golf, tennis, a free-form lagoon pool with two water park-style slides, a new Sport Court and The Hang Out, a private lounge for guests, ages 13 to 17. Teen-friendly excursions include hot air balloon flights, horseback riding, mountain bike trips and off-road ATV and Hummer tours.


The Four Seasons Costa Rica at Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica is a secluded resort where 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, and a nearby Beach Club, Tuanis Teen Center, free cooking, salsa lessons and an onsite spa provide even more diversions for teens. For more information, visit familyvacationcritic.com

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