Parent-Teen Bonding Activities While Traveling
Because yes, they might actually have fun with you
Let’s be real—traveling with teens can be… tricky. One minute they’re taking selfies with you, the next they’re glued to their phone pretending you don’t exist. But here’s the good news: with a little planning (and a lot of snacks), you can totally sneak in some bonding time that doesn’t feel forced or awkward.
As a mom of 3 (and yes, one moody teen), I’ve tried it all. And I’m sharing the 10 activities that actually worked—and even got some eye-roll-free smiles.
1. Food Tours or Cooking Classes
If your teen’s a foodie (or just loves eating), this is gold. Local cooking classes or street food tours are fun, hands-on, and delicious. Bonus: they’ll remember that time you made pasta from scratch in Rome or tried spicy noodles in Bangkok.
2. Photo Challenges
Give your teen a mission—“Take the weirdest statue selfie” or “Capture the most colorful street art.” Compare photos at the end of the day and vote on a winner. It’s silly, creative, and you get to see the trip through their eyes.
3. Playlist Swaps for Road Trips or Flights
Make a shared travel playlist and take turns adding songs. I learned a lot about my teen’s taste in music—and snuck in some of my ‘90s favorites too.
4. Journal or Scrapbook Together
Even teens who “don’t journal” might enjoy gluing in a train ticket or writing a one-line memory from the day. Keep it low pressure—just a few minutes each night with snacks and a laugh about the day.
5. Adventure Activities
Ziplining? Snorkeling? Paddleboarding? Teens love a little thrill. Pick something active (and Instagrammable) and they might just forget to check their phone.
6. Try Something New—Together
Whether it’s trying a weird snack, taking a dance class, or riding a tuk-tuk, the novelty of new experiences can bring you closer. You’re both out of your comfort zone—and that’s kind of the magic.
7. Let Them Be the Guide for a Day
Hand over the map (or Google Maps) and let your teen plan one day. Give them a budget, a general area, and let them lead. They’ll feel trusted, and you might find a cool hidden gem.
8. Late-Night Walks or Dessert Runs
Some of the best convos I’ve had with my teen happened while wandering quiet streets after dinner or grabbing dessert at 10 p.m. No distractions. No schedule. Just time.
9. Board Games or Card Games
Pack a deck of cards or a travel-sized game. It’s perfect for long waits at airports, downtime in hotels, or rainy days. And it brings everyone to the table—literally.
10. Capture a Daily “One Good Thing”
Every evening, ask, “What’s one good thing from today?” Keep it simple. No deep talks required. But it creates a tiny moment of connection every day.
Final Thoughts:
Travel won’t always be perfect—there will be moody mornings and hangry afternoons—but even those make memories. The secret to bonding with teens on the road? Lower your expectations, stay flexible, and say yes to dessert. Always.
More teen travel reads:
- Traveling with Teens: How to Keep Them Off Their Phones (Sometimes)
- Top 10 Teen-Friendly Travel Destinations Around the World
- How to Involve Teens in Planning Your Family Trip
