Teenagers, by their very nature, can be hard to please, especially when it comes to holidays. My kids are still tiny, but I already anticipate that finding holiday destinations that will keep the teens happy is going to be a challenge.
That said, I have a list of places I think will be just perfect, and Lido di Jesolo is one of them. Located on the coast in the Veneto region of Italy, this tourist town is home to one of the longest beaches in Italy – which in itself is a huge draw!
Apart from being in the ideal place for a quick visit to Venice (read on for top Venice attractions), Lido di Jesolo has lots on for teenage kids. If you want to qualify for Parent of the Year, heed these tips for what to see and do with teens in Lido di Jesolo.
What to See
Tropicarium Park
Definitely one of the most popular attractions in the area, the Tropicarium Park is home to over 400 different species of reptile and primate. Kids will have the chance to see lots of animals they may never have seen before, and no teenager I know would pass up the opportunity to see the ‘Killer Animals’ exhibition.
For only €20 per person, this place makes a fabulous family day out. Check out what other people think about this venue.
Located in Pala Arrex, the park is open from 10am-6pm daily.
Predators
Also in the Tropicarium Park, this is an exhibition that features sharks and crocodiles – both fascinating and dangerous creatures that you and the kids will learn lots about.
Sea Life
Visit this fantastic aquarium and you will all feel like you have stepped into another world. Housing sea creatures from all over the globe, this is a really exciting place for kids and adults alike.
Adults and kids over 12 pay €16.50 entrance, but book online and you pay only €14. Located in Jesolo Laguna Shopping Mall, next to McDonald’s, the aquarium is well signed. Open 10am-6pm.
Guerre Stellari Play
Most teenagers I know have heard of Star Wars and many are big fans. In fact, I know plenty of adults who enjoy the sci-fi classic too. The exhibition at Guerre Stellari Play is one of the most comprehensive in the world. Featuring official scale models, a variety of memorabilia, and models, this place is a must-see for every fan!
Open every day from 10am-10pm, the exhibition can be found at Pala Arrex.
What To Do
Aqualandia
A great place to take the kids when they need to burn off some energy, Aqualandia is the largest waterpark in Europe. With pools, slides and all manner of other attractions, this is one of the most loved attractions in Jesolo.
Located only 5 minutes walk from Piazza Marina. For more information, see the website.
Pista Azzura
If your teens enjoy an adrenaline fix from time to time, take them to the Pista Azzura. Here they can follow in the footsteps of many a great racing driver and have a go at driving karts and minimotos.
Easy to find, the track is located on Via Roma Destra 90, just after the Picchi roundabout.
Centro Ippico Città di Jesolo
Another adrenaline-fuelled activity is horse riding, and if you and the kids fancy it, head to this riding school. Just off Via Roma Destra and close to the Golf Club, this place is a haven for (wannabe) horse riders!
Ruota Panoramica
For an exhilarating experience and a great view of the area, head to the Ruota Panoramica observation wheel. Standing at 55m, there are 42 capsules that slowly rotate round, offering guests some incredible photo opportunities.
How to Get to Lido di Jesolo:
Venice, the closet city to Lido di Jesolo, has two excellent airports: Venice Marco Polo and Venice Treviso. Flights from the UK to either airport take just over two hours. Book in advance with one of the many budget airline choices and you could pick up flights for £100 per person. Monarch, easyJet, and Thomson Airlines offer some good deals, as does British Airways (if you can be flexible with dates).
As parents travelling with impatient teens, you will be pleased to know that the transfer from either airport to Lido di Jesolo is short. Book with Shuttle Direct and you can enjoy your 40-minute Venice Marco Polo transfer or your 55-minute Venice Treviso transfer in your own private vehicle. Costing around €40*, the transfers can be booked in advance, so you and the kids can be whisked straight off to your final destination as soon as you land.
*Prices correct as of August 2016.
Where to Stay:
Hotel & Residence Niagara – Big pluses of the Hotel & Residence Niagara are its vicinity to the beach and its great restaurant that serves a whole host of delicious local food, including fabulous fresh fish. Modern rooms make life at this hotel simple and relaxing, and the private beach is perfect for sending the kids off to when you just want to sit by the pool.
Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Jesolo – Offering excellent value for money, the Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa has so much on offer. Kids will love the free Wi-Fi and mums and dads are bound to appreciate the wellness centre. Air-conditioning is a great feature for when everyone needs to cool off, and a minibar and Nespresso coffee machine are on hand. Close to lots of attractions, including water sports and the Aqualandia waterpark, this hotel is a winner.
Park hotel Brasilia – The Park Hotel Brasilia is a great choice for families with older kids who enjoy a little independence. The two pools and private beach mean there is lots for teens to do on site – that is when they are not accessing the free Wi-Fi or watching the satellite TV. The excellent restaurant serving local dishes is ideal if your kids are into tasting lots of different foods – a substantial breakfast is served here too.
About Shuttle Direct:
For fast, reliable and convenient transfers from any airport, cruise port, train station or hotel in Europe and North Africa, choose Shuttle Direct. Advance booking facilities, competitive prices, and the choice between private and shared services make us the number one choice. Get your holiday off to the best start and leave the on-the-ground travel logistics to us.
