By Pakar PBN 
When my kids were little, I envied parents who vacationed with teenagers, who seemed so self-sufficient compared to my clingy toddlers. But when my own children became teenagers, I realized that their idea of vacation heaven didn’t include spending time with their parents. Luckily, independence is exactly what older kids get at the best all-inclusive family resorts for teens, while also allowing them to spend time with family. Here are my top picks for teen-friendly resorts that perfectly blend independence and organized activities.
THE BEST IN THE WORLD: 15 Best All-Inclusive Family Resorts in the World
1. Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands
My top pick for families with teenagers, Beaches Turks and Caicos offers all-inclusive luxury on the shores of Grace Bay. The resort offers age-appropriate clubs, including Club Liquid Teen Lounge and an Xbox Play Lounge, allowing teens to socialize and have fun. With water sports, tennis lessons, beach volleyball and Pirates Island Water Park, complete with a lazy river, surf simulator and thrilling water slides, teens never get bored. The food, drinks, and endless activities make this resort a teen paradise. (Read our full review and guide to Turks and Caicos beaches here.)
2. Club Med Punta Cana
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
At Club Med Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, teenagers aged 11 to 17 can enjoy Club Med Passworld, offering water sports, horseback riding, archery and circus arts activities like trapeze. At night, outdoor beach movies and dance parties create a fun and social atmosphere. Situated on a beautiful Caribbean beach with sugary sand and coconut palms, it’s an ideal getaway for families with teenagers from the resort brand that originated the all-inclusive concept.
3. Moon Palace Cancun
Cancun, Mexico
At Moon Palace Cancun, teens and tweens have access to the stylish Wired Lounge, their own gaming center and arcade. It’s a stylish space filled with popular console video games that invites teens to hang out every day from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. So there’s always somewhere to go when your teenagers need a little break from their family vacation. A tasty snack menu is the icing on the cake. Accommodations at this resort are bright and spacious, and a range of dining options gives families plenty of dining options.
4. The paradise island of Atlantis
Paradise Island, Bahamas
With 11 pools spread across the property and plenty of teen-friendly activities, your teenagers may never even dip a toe in the sand at Atlantis Paradise Island. The resort’s Aquaventure water park offers thrilling slides and one of the best lazy rivers in the Caribbean, while Dolphin Cay invites teens to swim with dolphins or try snuba. Teens can also enjoy Crush Nightclub, an underwater-themed arcade or movies by the pool. For a cultural touch, they can join a Bahamian dialect class.
5. Grand Residences Riviera Cancun
Puerto Morelos, Mexico
Situated between the world’s second largest barrier reef and a serene nature reserve, Grand Residences Riviera Cancun is ideal for a vacation with teenagers. Teenagers enjoy their own club with activities like beach soccer, water polo, bodyboarding and sandcastle competitions. They can also participate in Spanish lessons, cooking demonstrations, salsa classes and movie nights. The resort also has several swimming pools, tennis courts, and a sports office offering equipment for snorkeling, kayaking, and cycling.
6. Massanutten Resort
Massanutten, Virginia
Located in the heart of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the 6,000-acre Massanutten Resort is full of recreational opportunities to tempt teens. Highlights include an indoor/outdoor water park, ziplines, mountain biking, hiking, sports fields, and an escape room. Skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing are popular in the winter, while special teen nights in the summer and during the holidays add extra excitement. Accommodations range from budget motels to condos with kitchens, and various dining options to suit every taste, making this a favorite getaway near Washington, DC.
7. Hawks Cay Resort
Duck Key, Florida
Located in the Florida Keys, Hawks Cay is a premier resort for active families and teens looking for outdoor fun. It’s the only resort in the continental United States to offer dolphin interactions, with teens able to join the Dolphin Trainer for a Day program for a hands-on experience. Facilities include a games room, volleyball court, saltwater lagoon, five swimming pools, and an on-site marina for snorkeling, fishing, and scuba diving. Tennis fans will love the courts, lessons and clinics.
8. Inn by the sea
Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Cape Elizabeth, one of New England’s most picturesque seaside villages, is also home to Inn by the Sea, a family-friendly resort with a serene path leading to a sandy beach. Just minutes from Portland, it offers teens the chance to connect with nature through activities like lobster fishing in Casco Bay or gardening classes. Yoga, a full-service spa, and an upscale restaurant keep everyone relaxed, while the handmade dog treats are pet-friendly. It’s perfect for spending quality time with family in a relaxed setting.
9. Woodloch Resort
Hawley, Pennsylvania
A family-friendly lakefront resort in the Poconos, the teen-friendly Woodloch Resort exudes the kind of hospitality that keeps families coming back year after year. Although there is no teen club here, activities like paintball, go-karting, archery, snow tubing and ice skating are aimed at older children, and competitions Friendly events like Bakery Wars and Olympics encourage family bonding. Evening entertainment includes juggling, magic shows and comedy. Just two hours from New York City, this all-inclusive resort also satisfies hungry teens with hearty meals and homemade pastries.
10. Carmel Valley Ranch
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Close to Monterey’s famous beaches, upscale Carmel Valley Ranch entertains the whole family with golf, tennis, and hiking. For a unique experience, teens can explore the resort’s apiary, learn beekeeping, hive science and taste honey during a 90-minute class. They will also be able to meet the ranch’s Swiss goats, whose milk is used by the house cheesemaker. A resort spa and several saltwater pools add to the appeal, including one aimed at families that includes a hot tub and water jets.