Traveling with Teens: How to Keep Them Off Their Phones (Sometimes)

A family of four embraces on a beach at sunset, all smiling

Let’s be honest—teens and phones go together like toddlers and snacks. As a mom of three (one of them officially a teenager!), I’ve learned a few tricks for getting some eye contact and actual words during trips. And while I don’t expect my teen to ditch their phone entirely (hello, I like my phone too), I do want us to make real memories—not just TikToks.

Here are 7 real-life ways to peel them away from their screens… at least for a bit.

1. Let them help plan the trip

Family of four, with two teen children, smiling and sitting comfortably on a striped couch in a cozy living room, with a bright kitchen in the background

Teens are more engaged when they feel in control. Give them a say—whether it’s choosing a lunch spot, picking a hike, or finding a cool museum.

Bonus: If they plan it, they might actually look up from their phone while they’re there.

2. Pick places with built-in excitement

If you’re heading to a destination known for good food, thrill rides, or Instagram-worthy views—lean in. You don’t have to fight the phone—just help them use it to capture experiences instead of scrolling.

3. Set realistic screen limits—but don’t go full dictator

Three teenagers holding smartphones, one wears headphones around her neck.

Trying to ban phones altogether? Prepare for mutiny.

Instead, try “no phones at meals” or “offline from 9 a.m. to noon” rules.
I let my teen use their phone during long drives or downtime—but I ask for check-ins, game nights, and phone-free dinners.

4. Bring games they’ll actually play

We pack a few teen-approved card games like Unstable Unicorns, Exploding Kittens, or What Do You Meme? Family Edition—great for hotels, Airbnb downtime, or even outdoor picnics.

5. **Use tech with them**

Joyful family of four, consisting of mother, father, a teen daughter, and teen son, sits together on grass in a park, smiling for a selfie.

Instead of constantly battling tech, use it! Try:

A shared playlist for the road trip
A walking tour app in a city you’re exploring
Creating a family photo challenge (silliest selfie wins)

It shifts the vibe from “put that down!” to “hey, let’s try this together.”

6. Be the example

A smiling family of four sits on a wooden bridge in a lush forest, enjoying nature.

I know, easier said than done. But if I’m checking emails at the zoo, I can’t be too surprised when my teen zones out on Discord. I try to stay present, even for 15–30 minutes at a time, to set the tone.

7. Schedule something they genuinely enjoy

Four teens happily jump into a clear blue pool, each with vibrant inflatable rings—pink flamingo, gold, and orange donut

Think paddleboarding, street food, outlet shopping—whatever makes your teen light up. The more fun they’re having, the less likely they are to be glued to their screen.

My mom-of-3 take:

I don’t aim for perfection—just connection. If I get a good conversation on a hike or some laughs during a game night, I call it a win. And if they sneak in a few selfies or scroll TikTok during a long drive? Same.