Family Vacations Teenagers Actually Want to Go On

Planning a vacation that the whole family will enjoy can be challenging. Especially if you have teenagers in the mix. Convincing them to put down their phone or to take a break from video games and engage with the family is easier when they are excited by the activities planned.

Ontario’s Southwest is full of fun, opportunities to learn, and ways to spend genuine quality time together. To help you with the planning, we’ve created three separate lists that are packed full of suggestions to build a perfect family vacation.

For the most part, these suggestions work best for trips in warmer weather, however, there are many options that you can pick if you’d like to visit in the colder months. If you see "❄" beside a suggestion, that means that it's open in the winter as well as the summer. "✿" indicates that you can only do those activities in the spring. 

A Grand Vacation

Spend time together in Grand Bend and the surrounding area! Grand Bend is a destination well-suited for family fun, waterfront sports, and activities in nature.

Where to Stay in Grand Bend

Two places stand out as fit for a family vacation in Grand Bend, the Colonial Hotel ❄ and Oakwood Resort ❄.

The Colonial Hotel has recently been renovated into a modern boutique hotel with suites that are luxurious and comfortable. Choosing this as your home base for the trip provides you with access to a full kitchen, wet bar, Jacuzzi, in-room fireplace, access to the outdoor firepits, free parking near the beach, and a view of Lake Huron sunsets.

The Oakwood Resort has everything that you could want in a resort including a spa, golf course, multiple restaurants, live music, proximity to the beach, and events. The Oakwood Resort is turning 100 this year, which means that they are very experienced in providing excellent customer service, but don’t worry, their rooms are up to date with everything a modern family needs.

What to do in Grand Bend

Fun, fast-paced, and teenager-approved things to do in Grand Bend:

• Enjoy a day of learning at the Lambton Heritage Museum. ❄
• Feel like you are on a tropical vacation with these waterfront experiences:
  • Parasail on Lake Huron with Grand Bend Parasail.
  • Catch fish from the side of a boat with Grand Bend Fishing Charters.
  • Experience the thrill of flyboarding, jet-skiing, speed boating, or jumping on a water trampoline with Xtreme Watersports.
• Catch a race at Grand Bend Motorplex.
• Spend quality time out in nature in these popular locations. Travel tip: Conservation Areas and Ontario Parks are very busy on weekends. Plan to visit on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
  • Pre-purchase a day-use permit to the Pinery. ❄
  • See the waterfall at Rock Glen Conservation Area. ❄
• Visit the adorable farm animals and take part in an Alpaca Walk at S.A.M.Y’s. ❄ This suggestion is located about 30 minutes away by car but is well worth the drive.
• Even if you aren't staying there, your family can still enjoy a day golfing at Oakwood Resort.

Photo taken at The Pinery.

Where to eat in Grand Bend

There is something for everyone to enjoy in Grand Bend. Here are some suggestions perfectly suited for a fun-loving teenager:

• The Lake Hound (vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free friendly) ❄
• The Tipsy Pelican (vegetarian friendly) ❄
• Midori (vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free friendly)
• Widder Station Grill & Tap House ❄
• Visit the Lambton Shores Farmers' Market near the Lambton Heritage Museum.
• Oakwood Dining Room or Dave’s Pub and Grill at the Oakwood Resort. ❄

A Charming Trip to Chatham-Kent

Chatham-Kent offers a mix of educational, recreational, and cultural experiences. With a deep-rooted history in the underground railroad, beautiful lakefront views, and prosperous agriculture, there is something for everyone. 

Where to Stay in Chatham-Kent

Willow Barrel Retreat ❄ and The Retro Suite Hotel ❄ are two unique accommodations that will stand out in your teenager's memories. Each offers a unique blend of comfort, style, and adventure, ensuring your family's stay is anything but ordinary.

Willow Barrel Retreat is perfect for the adventurous family. Located in Erieau, Willow Barrel Retreat offers a variety of cottages and suites on the shores of Lake Erie. This is the ideal location if you have a teen who is eager to explore the outdoors. With kayak, paddleboard, bicycle, and canoe rentals available, the opportunities for adventure are endless.

The Retro Suite Hotel, on the other hand, is a celebration of creativity and nostalgia. From motorcycles to sports, each room has a unique theme and whimsical design that will have your teen asking to return to try out a new room. 

What to do in Chatham-Kent

Your family may want to extend your vacation to make time for all of these exciting activities:

• Learn about the Underground Railway at the following museums and historic sites:
  • Black Mecca Museum ❄
  • Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History
  • Buxton National Historic Site & Museum ❄

• For those who enjoy playing games together, you can visit one of the following arcades, entertainment centres, or board game cafes:
  • Level Up Arcade & Bowling ❄
  • Barnetti's Arcade ❄
  • Valley Axe Chatham ❄
  • Turns & Tales ❄
• Spend the day with wildlife at the Greenview Park & Zoo.
• Catch a race at the Southern Ontario Motor Speedway. 
• Relax on the water during a Walpole Island Waterway Tour.
• See a movie at the Boonies Drive In Theatre.
• Experience the great outdoors in Chatham-Kent. Travel tip: Ontario Parks and beaches are very busy on weekends. Plan to visit on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
  • Rondeau Provincial Park ❄
  • Erieau Beach 
  • Erieau Boulevard Trail ❄ and the Erieau Marsh Trail ❄
• Try an Ontario's Southwest Signature Experience! To help you find the best of the best we've created our very own Signature Experiences. The following experiences allow you to get hands-on, learn the stories behind these experiences, and make connections with the host as well as our region:
  • Beyond the Vase - Tulip Experience at Hat Trick Farms ✿
  • Awaken Your Spirit; A Spirit Horse Encounter at TJ Stables ❄