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Original poster

Ideas for weekend away for teen

34 replies

jessiefletch89 · 19/01/2026 11:38

Ds will be turning 14 in the Easter holidays. Rather than spending loads of money on gifts he doesn’t need, I thought about booking a little mini break either over the weekend or Monday-Friday. Center parcs or similar would be good but it’s so expensive. We go to the coast a lot anyway so that wouldn’t really feel special. Wondering about a city break but not sure what to do or where to go. We are midlands based.

If you have any inspiration I’d love to hear it! Younger sibling will be coming too.

OP posts:
SeaShellsSanctuary1 · 19/01/2026 15:24

If he's a football fan stadium tours can be really good

Original poster
jessiefletch89 · 19/01/2026 15:17

Ds has been asked and has said he’d like it to be the whole family. He is outdoorsy, enjoys the beach and walking/exercising. He loves the pool at centre parcs which is why I mentioned there. Also a big football fan so I’ve tried looking to see if there are any good fixtures in places we could maybe make a weekend of it. Currently struggling for the days we have available.

OP posts:
Redcandlescandal · 19/01/2026 12:16

Does sibling have to come? I agree it seems unfair.

What are DC interests? Organise around that.

Whowhatwhere21 · 19/01/2026 12:06

If he's quite outdoorsy and adventurous, have a look at zip world in Wales! My 15 year old loves it there. There are plenty of options for accommodation around there as well.
You can also hire a Canadian canoe at lots of different places, all jump in and have a day paddling. There are usually pubs along the way that you can tie to and hop off for some lunch

SuperSharpShooter · 19/01/2026 12:06

Newcastle - Amstersam mini cruise
Two over night there/back crossings and a whole day in Amstersam 👍

TeenYearsAreBrutal · 19/01/2026 11:43

I took DD to Edinburgh when she was the same age and we had a brilliant time. There’s things like Arthur’s Seat to climb, the castle, walking tours (we did a HarryPotter one), ghost bus tours, underground caverns tour, camera obscura.

Clavella · 19/01/2026 11:43

What are the birthday boy’s interests? It should be chosen for him.

mindutopia · 19/01/2026 11:42

How much do you want to spend? I’ve just done 4 days in Alicante with mine. Flights cost £140 total. Accommodation was £300. Food and activities what you make of it. We did a lot of markets and supermarket picnics (food shopping that we’d buy at home) and beach or walking (free). Accommodation could have been cheaper but I booked it with about 48 hours notice and didn’t shop around.

That said, not much of a birthday treat if annoying sibling has to come along. I took mine away individually and Dh stays with whoever is at home.

Seeline · 19/01/2026 11:40

How old is the younger sibling?
Seems a bit unfair to label it as a birthday present and then have to make everything work for the younger one too.