A Mom’s Planning Tips for Visiting the OBX with Teens

By Baby Gizmo
May 25, 2021

Taking a trip with teenagers can be a lot of fun, but planning ahead helps you make the most of your time once you arrive. We brought our two teens and one tween to the Outer Banks of North Carolina for Spring Break, looking for activities that would keep everyone in the family entertained.

Traveling with teens is not always simple. They want enough to do, but too much stimulation can backfire. Parents have to find the balance. With thoughtful preparation, the whole family can enjoy the trip together.

Because my teens like being outside and staying active, I began organizing our Outer Banks visit by going straight to Outerbanks.org. I knew it would give me a full look at OBX activities so I could sort through the options and choose what fit my kids best. When hang gliding appeared, it was an obvious yes.

None of us had tried hang gliding before, which made it exactly the kind of experience that could hold the kids’ attention while giving us a first-time adventure as a family. New activities can make a big difference when traveling with teens because they stay interested and are less likely to feel bored.

Kayaking was another activity I expected them to love. It is approachable, gives everyone plenty to look at, and each person had their own kayak, which meant no arguing between siblings about how to steer. It ended up being ideal for the morning: peaceful, but still full of space for conversation. When you are raising teens, any moment that opens the door for real conversation counts as a win.

My biggest advice as a mom traveling with teens is to keep them involved through activities, conversations, and even the day-to-day travel plans, while also giving them personal downtime when they need it. Go in with a plan, but stay flexible enough for them to want to add something or switch the schedule at the last minute. Traveling with teens really can be great fun, and when the itinerary reflects what your kids want to do at the destination, the entire family is more likely to come away with a memorable travel experience.

The source page includes a video highlighting some favorite things to do with Teens in The Outer Banks.

First-Time Teen Reactions to the OBX

The source page includes first-person reflections from Sawyer, age 14; Sutton, age 11; and Savannah, age 16, about visiting the Outer Banks with their family for the first time. Their perspectives focus on the fun of Hang Gliding Lesson, kayaking with Kitty Hawk Kites, exploring the maritime forest, visiting Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head, going to the beach, eating donuts, seeing lighthouses, and wanting to return for more activities such as additional hang gliding school levels, a crabbing and fishing trip, surfing lessons, and parasailing. Savannah also strongly recommends Duck Donuts for anyone visiting The Outer Banks.

The source page also points readers toward more about the family trip and Things to Do in The Outer Banks with Teens.

Author

Baby Gizmo is one of the most popular family lifestyle sites in the world dedicated to tips, videos, fashion, travel, food and humor. Founded in 2005 by Hollie Schultz, the company is led by a popular YouTuber and parenting expert who has appeared across magazines, news segments, TV shows, and digital platforms.

Baby Gizmo has grown into a family project. Hollie’s husband, Lee, manages Mr. Gizmo, his own popular YouTube channel focused on technology, DIYs, and dad reviews. Savannah (16) is a well-known Gen Z influencer who shares teen tips, fashion, travel, and product reviews through The Savvy Life YouTube Channel. Junior Gizmo features the Schultz Boys, Sawyer (14) and Sutton (11), covering boy-focused topics such as challenge videos, gaming, product reviews, and teen/tween tips.