
Fun Midwest Vacation Ideas for Tweens and Teens
The Midwest is home to some of the best vacation ideas for tweens and teens. If you’re looking for great shows, exciting theme parks, beautiful parks and nature, and more, it’s time to book one of these amazing Midwest vacation ideas for your kids and family. Many people tend to think of the Midwest as a “flyover” state, but that just isn’t the case!
Trying to figure out a fun place for teenagers to actually want to go can be difficult…but not impossible. Being able to plan a trip to the Midwest can help overcome that obstacle easily.
The middle of the United States (known as the Midwest) offers so many great towns and venues that are certain to let everyone have a good time. It’s not hard to find age-appropriate things for your tween or tween when there are so many great options to choose from!
Fun Midwest Vacation Ideas for Tweens and Teens
Part of the reason that so many people love to visit the Midwest is that it’s full of family-friendly activities and vacation ideas. This list is going to give you so many options to choose from!
Book a family vacation in Branson, Missouri
Branson, Missouri is home to some of the best live entertainment in the Midwest. From musical shows to magic, there is literally something there for everyone no matter what their age. Teens will love the magician acts and a fun visit to Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Plus, if they’re quite of age to drive legally on the road yet, take them to all the go-kart tracks and let them feel that need for speed!
Shop till you drop at the Mall of America
Are you ready to let your teen go shopping in the biggest mall in America? The Mall of America offers hundreds and stores, great food, fun rides, and so much more all in one simple and convenient location. You can easily spend the whole day there looking at everything and most people plan on spending the weekend there at least.

Hit the slopes at Hidden Valley Ski Resort in Wildwood, Missouri
The best part about being able to go snow skiing in Missouri is that they provide the snow. You can go skiing and let your teen spend the day on the slopes, learning some new skills, being active, and having fun unplugging for their electronics for the day.
Spend the weekend touring The Windy City
Chicago is an amazing city to explore with your teens. Take the train or subway into town and just do whatever you can do on foot. Book a hotel that is walking distance, do your research before you arrive and spend your time there just exploring and immersing yourself in the overall culture that the city has to offer.
If you’ve never been to Chicago before, you and your teen are in for a true treat.

Add a little history into your vacation with a trip to the Saint Louis Arch
What a great time to visit the St. Louis Arch! It’s recently had a complete overhaul to the museum area so now is the perfect time to go while it’s fresh and new. And that view from the top of the Arch is something that everyone has to see at least once in their life! (just be prepared that if it’s a windy day, you’ll feel it swaying slightly when you’re up in it!)
While you’re in the downtown St. Louis area, make certain that you visit Union Station as well and take a ride on the brand new Ferris Wheel that just opened. It’s not as tall as the Arch but it’s still an incredible experience that your teen is certain to love.
As you can tell, there are so many fun Midwest vacation ideas that are perfect for kids who are tweens or teens. As long as you’re taking them to places where they can be a part of the fun and interact, they’re going to have a blast no matter what you decide to do.
Sit down and give them options and let them be a part of the choice as well. The more that you include them in the conversation, the more excited that they’re going to be!
