London is a great city to visit with your family. From the history, culture, attractions, and the energy; London has something for everyone. But beyond the major attractions like the Tower of London that everyone seems to enjoy; if your like my family, the hardest members of your family to please when you travel together are the teens. On their best days teens always seem jaded and hard to please. Factor in traveling together to another country and the stress levels can rise quickly. Traveling with two teens of my own, I have found that finding finding features or activities geared toward their interests will keep them more involved in the trip which intern will reduce your stress level, and in the end allow the entire family to enjoy and have a great vacation. When it comes to finding those activities focused on the interest of your teens, there is no better place to look than London. Here is just a sample of the activities that will make even the most hard to please teenager have a great time.
1. The London Dungeon
Teenagers love to be scared. Horror movies would not be so popular if this wasn't true. When the kids were younger they would probably have been to frightened to go in this place, but now they are the perfect age. I love the London Dungeon because of it's good giggly-scary fun and you will have a real adrenalin rush. Plus the actors are there to real entertain, so bring it on!
2. Jack the Ripper Tour
Keeping with the "they like to be scared" theme, a walking touring the evening hearing about the gruesome tales of Jack the Ripper in Victorian London is another option for older kids. The walk follows the streets around the east end where the murders took place and the tour guides don't hold back with their honesty, but are also entertaining.
3. Clothes Shopping
Almost all teenage girls, ( and even many teenage boys), like to shop for clothes. When you come to London they will want to be able to choose something their friends don't have back home. Tour first stop should be to the "mother of all" department stores, Harrods. Then head to Top Shop at Oxford Circus for some great High Street fashion. Its flagship store is big enough to demand a few hours of your shopping time. Further along Oxford Street, is the enormous Primark store which has very cheap fashion clothes in all the latest styles.
4. Afternoon Tea
Teenagers love being treated like an adult; and in London the ultimate in adult activities for many visitors is enjoying afternoon tea. When you treat your teenage daughter to the tradition that is the afternoon tea, the service along with the nice tea and cakes will make them feel real special.
5. Madame Tussauds
Like it or not, celebrities play a big part in teenager's lives and getting up close to some big names can be fun for all. It's all about having fun here so there's music playing when you arrive and you can hug your idols and get some great photo opportunities. There are pop stars and actors, as well as sports legends and historic figures. Try sitting in the US President's chair and pretend your the commander-in-chief.
6. Celebrity Character Tours
Speaking of celebrities, teens love so many celebrity characters, that they read about see in a movie, that are based in London. From Harry Potter, to James Bond, to Dr. Who; the will love taking tours around London seeing the real life locations for where their favorite characters lived out their fantasies. The story telling is fun and interesting, and this is a great way to see areas of London outside of the normal tourist areas.
