Welcome 2021! Like so many, we are yearning to get out and safely explore after staying at home and distancing for months on end. While there are still many travel restrictions in place at this time, it’s never too early to start planning for a future getaway. As a family, we have found that vacationing with tweens and teens opens up opportunities to include more adventurous activities and visit places better suited for older kids. These four adventure activities are sure to add some lasting memories to your next vacation. The first one still makes me smile thinking of the look on my son’s face watching a curious young manatee check us out! Each activity is paired with a vacation destination or can be part of a family road trip. Of course, be sure to review destination and attraction websites for any travel restrictions and updated business hours.
*This post was originally published in 2015, and updated January 2021. This post contains affiliate links; if you purchase something familyTravelsUSA may receive a small commission. As always, opinions are my own.
1. Swim with Manatees. We were lucky to have this experience with River Ventures in Crystal River, Florida, as part of a Florida road trip. If I had to pick, I would say this is probably my all-time favorite family vacation adventure. Picture yourself floating with your head in the water, enjoying the stillness of the underwater world when a huge manatee glides nearby. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that is both educational and fun, and will leave you with a new respect and passion for protecting these wonderful creatures. What I like the most about River Ventures is that the price includes a brief education session and that the Captain is a Certified Eco-Tour Guide. They stress passive interaction to ensure the well-being of the manatees, which are protected under the Endangered Species Act & Marine Mammal Protection Act. It’s definitely worth getting out on the water early in the day, and keep in mind that the experience will vary depending on the time of year you visit. Bring an underwater camera (at the time we went they were offering a photo package which we purchased but sadly have since misplaced). We combined this adventure with a road trip that included a visit to Universal Orlando, along with a stay in beautiful Siesta Key, but there are also plenty of other Gulf Coast beach towns to explore. While in the area, don’t forget to visit one of Florida's many freshwater springs. Many offer ample opportunities for cool outdoor adventures in a unique setting, like kayaking, swimming, and even glass-bottom boat tours.
2. Zip Line Across the Valley. When I suggested signing up for a ziplining adventure during a vacation in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, I was the only one in the family who had never done this before. But the scenery around the Great Smoky Mountains made this first-time adventure something memorable. Even though my screams could be heard across the valley, the gorgeous views from 250 feet high were worth the fear I felt when my feet first left the ground. The friendly folks at Wears Valley Zipline Adventures in Sevierville, Tennessee did a great job in making all 5 of us feel safe and comfortable. The area is also a great spot for white water rafting; some outfitters offer combination zip lining and rafting packages, which can save money if you plan to do both activities. Rent a family-friendly cabin for the week, explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and enjoy all the fun attractions in nearby Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. If you are looking to try a zip line adventure closer to home, check out this list from TripAdvisor with some of the best ziplines around the USA.
3. Ride the Giant Sand Dunes. Instead of just relaxing on the beach, why not experience the sand in a different way? At the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, there are 40 miles of sand dunes stretching from Florence to Coos Bay. Experience the thrill of speeding up and over miles of sand dunes at Sandland Adventures in Florence. Choose a 30 minute or one hour sandrail tour with a professional driver. Be warned - you will be shaking sand out of your clothes and hair for hours afterwards but don’t let that stop you (and the main reason we don’t have any good photos!). The Giant Dune Buggy Tour offers a milder option for exploring the sand dunes for those who might not want the stomach-turning experience of the sandrail tour. They currently offer rides March through December. It’s a convenient stop if you are exploring the scenic Oregon Coast, or heading over to see the deep blue waters at Crater Lake National Park. Our 19 day Pacific Northwest Road Trip includes this area and more! Other places famous for their dunes are Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado, where you can try sandboarding and sand sledding, or Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan, famous for the “Dune Climb.” 4. Take a Jet Boat Ride. Hop on board a jet boat for an exhilarating ride! Jet Boat rides can be found from coast to coast in places like California, Oregon, Colorado, and the Niagara River in New York. The boats are designed for shallow water, so it's a perfect way to explore smaller, scenic rivers. In Oregon, we choose Hellgate Jetboat Excursions on the Rogue River for our jet boat adventure. Take a 2 hour scenic tour through Hellgate Canyon, or add an adventure with lunch at the Hellgate River Lodge. Either way be ready for a fun ride with a bit of history, and always expect that you might get wet! For us, it was a nice side trip on our way to Crater Lake National Park. If you are planning a trip to Niagara Falls, consider one of the whirlpool jet boat tours up the Niagara River. It’s a chance to travel on the turbulent river waters while also learning some history of the area. After watching a boat tour from an overlook at Whirlpool State Park, it’s definitely on our family travel bucket list for our next trip to Niagara Falls! 
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