There’s nothing teens love more than exploring the world and visiting new places. If you’re looking to get away for the summer or go on a weekend getaway, then you’ll want to consider an educational road trip. It’s easy to hop on a plane and go to a beach or theme park, but what if you could make this experience more enriching for everyone involved — wouldn’t you want to do that?
Ahead, we put together a list of educational road trip ideas and destinations for families with teens. Whether you’re interested in learning more about the history of a place through engaging with interactive exhibits or exploring nature, there’s something for everyone to enjoy with these family vacation ideas.
Marceline, Missouri
For those teens who can’t get enough of Disney, you’ll want to consider an educational road trip to Marceline, Missouri. Marceline was where Walt Disney spent his younger years and served as inspiration for Main Street U.S.A. at Disneyland. During your visit, you can plan stops to the Walt Disney Hometown Museum, the “dreaming tree,” and his family home. You’ll want to stay the night at the Hotel Marceline, which has furniture and decor inspired by Disney — some of which was even used at the hotels at Disney World in the past.
Jackson, Mississippi
If the family wants to venture south, then look no further than Jackson, Mississippi. For starters, head on over to the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum where families can learn about the Mississippi civil rights movement through eight interactive exhibits. Teens who are more interested in art will love the Mississippi Museum of Art, which has exhibitions featuring paintings, sculptures, and other works of art. You’ll also want to pay a visit to the Eudora Welty House where the Pulitzer Prize-winning author lived and wrote stories. House tours are available on the weekends and weekdays but check the website for specific times.
Boise, Idaho
Boise, Idaho, is another destination for families, especially those who love adventure and want to learn about the great outdoors. Start your road trip through Idaho with a stop at the Old Idaho Penitentiary, where teens can walk through cell blocks and areas for solitary confinement while learning about the history. Next, you’ll want to go on over to the Discovery Center of Idaho which offers STEM activities and exhibits that families can engage in together. For some added fun, you can make a pit stop at the Idaho State Museum to learn about the history of the state.
New Jersey
If you find yourself in New Jersey, then you’ll want to take your teens to check out Nickelodeon Universe at the American Dream Mall. After that, you can drive a few hours over to Glassboro to check out the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum, where teens who love dinosaurs will be in heaven looking at real fossils and interacting with working paleontologists. Then, you can stay the night and spend the next day looking around Glassboro’s historic district, which had a significant impact on the early days of glass production. In fact, just road trip your way through the entire state.
Montgomery, Alabama
If you live in the South, then you’ll want to take a road trip to Montgomery. Alabama has a rich history tied to the civil rights movement that your teen has probably learned about in school. Start your journey by stopping by the Rosa Parks Library and Museum, which is located at the site where Parks was arrested and is the only museum in the nation dedicated to her. After that, head over to the Civil Rights Memorial Center followed by the Freedom Rides Museum, which is at the site of the attack of the Freedom Riders. End your visit with something more lighthearted and adventurous, like making a stop at Alabama Safari Park to see animals in the wild.
Solvang, California
Taking a trip to Solvang, California, is a chance for your teen to experience a glimpse of Europe without leaving the country. This Danish town in Southern California is filled with architecture that looks like it’s out of a fairy tale and delicious food that everyone in the family will enjoy. You’ll want to make stops at the Solvang Viking Museum and Hans Christian Andersen Museum and some Danish bakeries to try authentic sweet treats from the region. After visiting Solvang, you can drive less than two hours and end up at Disneyland for some more family fun.
Omaha, Nebraska
If you find yourself in the Midwest, then you’ll want to plan to stop by Omaha, Nebraska, for some teen-friendly fun. For starters, head over to the Hastings Museum, which is home to a breathtaking planetarium show and even an exhibit about the creation of KoolAid, which took place in the town. If you’re looking to get out in nature, then a trip to Smith Falls State Park is in order, too. Teach your teens how to fish, hunt, kayak, and hike all in one place while taking in the beautiful scenery. Lastly, if your teen loves trains, then you’ll want to visit the Golden Spike Tower, which is home to a birds-eye view of numerous trains and where you can learn about the history of the people who helped make trains what they are today.
Southwest Wyoming
After Nebraska, you may want to head over to Wyoming since it’s right next door. If that sounds up your alley, then you’ll want to check out the Killpecker Sand Dunes which is a great spot for teens to burn off some steam by trying out some sand sports and other outdoor activities. Next, check out the Nicolaysen Art Museum, which is home to pieces from artists from Wyoming and beyond. Other educational and fun activities include visiting the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, setting out on the Oregon Trail with Historic Trails West, and participating in a dinosaur dig with Casper College.
