Planning a family holiday with teenagers? Here are some tips on top places to go and things to do, and practical advice for a successful trip.
Teenagers are just as different from each other as adults are. Some love to be active, others can't get enough of shopping, while some like to simply spend their days relaxing.
Perhaps the most important thing when travelling with your teenager is to let them take part in planning the trip – it often leads to less discussion and more excitement during the holiday! Start planning together with these tips on what to do and where to go:
1. Activities for sporty teens
The Norwegian nature is a playground for everyone looking for an active holiday. Why not go on a thrilling adventure with epic ziplines, or try one of Norway's amazing via ferratas? It's fun for both you and the teens!
If you're looking for a less airy activity, you should try mountain biking. Norway has numerous bike parks where you can safely ride down dedicated tracks in the mountains, or go biking in the forest!
Find more activities suited for adrenaline junkies:
2. Hike and bike together
Does your teen love being outside in nature? In that case, you have definitely come to the right place! All over the country you'll find incredible hiking trails, and you can definitelyfind a route that’s perfect for the whole family.
Planning a more challenging route? Remember to go with a guide. You have plenty of guided hiking tours to choose from, many of which are also good for teens.
Cycling is also a great way to experience Norway. You can rent a bike almost everywhere. All you need to do is find the perfect route (and cross your fingers for some fantastic weather).
Plan your hiking or cycling adventure:
3. City breaks for the whole family
Is your teen crazy about shopping? Plan a city break in one of Norway's biggest cities, where there are plenty of shops and shopping centres to choose from. If you're going to Oslo, you should definitely visit Oslo Fashion Outlet, Norway's biggest outlet, located just thirty-minutes outside the city. You can also find a large outlet at Ålgård, not too far from Stavanger. Round off your holiday with a relaxing spa and a visit to some cosy cafés and restaurants!
If shopping is not your thing, you still have many options. Attend a football match, visit a cool museum, or explore the city by bike, segway or even from a kayak or SUP!
Get ready for fun days in the city:
4. Learn a new skill...
...or practice your favourite activity while on holiday. There are plenty of courses you can attend, you just have to find that fits your skill level.
Feel the breeze while learning how to kite, take your horse riding skills to the next level, or have fun on the coast with some surfing and kayaking!
Get inspired:
5. Stay in a unique place
If you want to make your holiday extra special, book a night or two in one of Norway's exclusive hotels, or climb up to an unforgettable night in a treetop cabin! Or maybe it's time to indulge in the luxury version of camping, glamping? Either way, you're up for a unique holiday.
Find the perfect getaway:
6. Go fishing
With its extremely long coastline,Norway is a paradise for anyone interested in fishing. Even in wintertime you can enjoy ice fishing, fjord fishing, and deep sea fishing. If you're more into fly fishing, you're spoiled for options with many lakes, rivers and streams to choose from.
Make your fishing trip complete by spending a night or two in a genuine fishermen's cabin!
Find inspiration on what to fish and where:
7. Make a big splash in fun water parks
Have a full day of fun in Scandinavia's largest water park, Bø Sommarland in Telemark. Here, you'll have plenty of action with more than 20 different pools and slides, including one of the world's largest artificial surf waves!
You'll find another water park by the Dyreparken Zoo in Kristiansand. Badelandet Aqua Park offers plenty of fun, both indoors and outdoors.
If you're visiting during winter, Norway is home to numerous indoor swimming pools and water parks you can visit.
8. Cool theme parks
Although most theme parks have activities suited for teens, one park in particular that you should definitely visit is Tusenfryd – the largest amusement park in Norway, located near the capital, Oslo. If you are also travelling with small children, you'll find activities that are perfect for them too!
Check out more amazing theme parks:
9. Norway in wintertime
Yes, the winter in Norway can be cold, but if you're travelling during this time of year you're really in for a treat.
Plan a fun holiday for the whole family in one of Norway's top ski resorts – you'll find slopes fitted for both beginners and more advanced skiers. Norwegians also loves cross-country skiing, and there are trails all over the country, you even find skiing trails near the cities! Never been cross-country skiing before? Master the art with these beginner tips for cross-country skiing.
Not too excited about skiing? Don't worry! Check out winter activities where no skis are required:
Six tips for travelling with teens:
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Involve them in the holiday planning! Let them say where they would like to go and what activities they would like to do.
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When booking accommodation, make sure the place has good internet access (this is usually not a problem in Norway).
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Give them space. Maybe you should consider booking an extra room, so the teens can have some alone time?
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You come a long way by providing tasty food and a good night's sleep.
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...and let them sleep in! A nice family breakfast doesn't have to be early in the morning when you're on holiday.
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Be open to letting the teens try activities in their own or with friends and siblings, but also plan for activities involving the whole family – you will end up with fantastic memories to share.
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