Let’s be real: a weekend getaway with older kids is not the same as a relaxing vacation or a toddler tantrum tour. It’s somewhere beautifully in between—a space filled with opinions, eye rolls, deep convos, snack stops, and your youngest convincing you to do something that makes your palms sweat.
I’m a mom of three—16, 15, and 11. Gone are the diaper bags and nap schedules. Now, it’s about group chats, playlists, and making sure someone remembered deodorant. If you’re planning a quick trip with your older kids, here are some realistic travel tips to help you keep your cool, stay present, and (maybe) even enjoy yourself.
1. Involve Them From the Start
Let them be part of the planning. Ask:
- “What do y’all want out of this weekend—adventure, rest, good food?”
- “Would you rather do a hike or hit a museum?”
- “Can someone make a playlist for the drive?”
This isn’t just delegation—it’s investment. They’re more likely to show up (mentally and emotionally) when they’ve had a say.
2. Know Their Travel Vibe
Your teen might want to sleep in while your preteen is up at 6 a.m. begging to hit the hotel pool. Know what each kid needs—and what they don’t need.
Real talk: My youngest is my daredevil. If there’s a zipline, he’s first in line and dragging me behind him. Without him, I’d never be doing roller coasters, rock climbing, or that sky-high ropes course I still have flashbacks about.
Let each child pull the trip in their own way. It makes for a fuller experience.
3. Pack Light, But With Purpose
When you’ve got tweens and teens, they’re usually carrying their own bags (hallelujah). But here’s what I always remind them to pack:
- Headphones (save your sanity)
- Comfy shoes (you know they’ll complain if you forget)
- A hoodie (no matter the forecast, someone’s cold)
- Portable charger (because dead phones are teen-level tragedies)
Also—snacks. I keep a stash for when the hangry hits mid-hike or amusement park.
4. Build In Downtime (Even If It’s Just 30 Minutes)
Every trip needs breathing room. You might be tempted to pack the itinerary to “make the most of it,” but some of our best moments have come from laying around in a hotel room, laughing at a dumb YouTube video or ordering too much food and rating it like food critics.
Downtime = connection time. Don’t skip it.
5. Let Go of the “Perfect Trip” Fantasy
You will have an attitude or two.
Someone will forget something.
You’ll spend too much money on snacks, souvenirs, or parking.
And it’ll still be worth it.
Remember: this isn’t about Pinterest-perfect travel. It’s about creating shared memories while you still can. Your big kids might not always show their excitement, but I promise you—they remember. They’re watching you say yes to adventure. They’re soaking up how you handle stress, how you laugh, and how you show up.
6. Let Them Surprise You (And You Surprise Yourself)
Say yes to the new thing. Let your youngest push you out of your comfort zone.
I once stood at the edge of a cliffside swing, knees shaking, about to say no. My 11-year-old looked up at me with the biggest grin and said, “Come on, Mom. You’ve got this.”
So I did it.
And he was right. I did have it.
And so do you.
Final Thoughts
Weekend getaways with older kids can be magical chaos. You don’t need a huge budget or a perfect plan—just a little flexibility, a snack bag, and the willingness to be present.
Whether you’re riding roller coasters, lounging in a cabin, or getting lost in a new city, know this: you’re giving your kids something they’ll carry forever. Not the itinerary, but the experience of a mom who shows up—fear, fun, flaws and all.
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And if you’re planning a trip soon—DM me on Instagram or drop your weekend destination in the comments. I love trading travel tips with fellow intentional mamas.
