Music Vacations for Teens

Instead of fighting with your teen on the kind of music they’re blasting into their earbuds, embrace their love for the art form and turn it into a vacation. A music vacation is the perfect way to connect with your teen and learn to appreciate different types of music together. From rock and roll to jazz, here are some music-loving cities everyone in your family will enjoy.

Cleveland

Rock and roll lovers already know Cleveland as home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where greats like Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison and Metallica are commemorated along with an endless sea of guitars. Although Quicken Loans Arena is a popular choice for a concert, the Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica attracts music fans for its spectacular views as ferries go by on the Nautica Straight.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. Photo: Alex Grichenko | Dreamstime.com

Nashville

Nashville attracts aspiring country musicians, along with Christian rock musicians, giving it the nickname Music City. You’ll be hard-pressed to turn a corner without running into a venue with live music like the Bluebird Cafe or Mercy Lounge to hear the city’s most talented musicians. You can also stop by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum or the National Museum of African American Music to learn more about the city’s musical history.

Liverpool

Liverpool takes pride in being the birthplace of the Beatles where fans make the pilgrimage to see its history. Situated on Albert Dock, The Beatles Story introduces families to the infamous band and its history. It’s the world’s largest permanent exhibition devoted solely to the lives and times of The Beatles. There are Beatles attractions everywhere in Liverpool, so take the guided 90-minute Beatles Walk tour starting at Pier Head.

Mathew Street, Liverpool. Photo: Daniel M. Cisilino | Dreamstime.com

Austin

Austin made a meteoric rise on the music scene and has become a must-see for music lovers. The Live Music Capital of the World has an overwhelming amount of options including Bass Concert Hall, one of the most popular concert halls in the country. When the weather is nice, a relaxing afternoon of outdoor music at the Austin360 Amphitheater draws in big bands including Mumford and Sons and Drake. But don’t worry, simply eating brunch or going out for dinner almost always comes with live entertainment in Austin.

New Orleans

New Orleans boasts a rich history of jazz, blues and Creole-inspired music and was home to legends like Fats Domino. Of course, much of New Orleans music scene isn’t necessarily appropriate for the kids. But there are under 21 venues and options.

The Palm Court Jazz Cafe comes with a tasty dining experience and music. For a jazzy brunch, head to Commander’s Place for live music and pancakes. Kids can also see where jazz turned into an art form at Preservation Hall, welcoming music lovers of all ages. Just call ahead before you go, venues may end up booking adults-only shows.

© Leungphotography | Dreamstime.com

New York

New York has endless musical options that dot across all of its boroughs from indie rock to jazz and punk. But it’s real triumph might just be found on Broadway where musical theater dots the landscape between skyscrapers and restaurants. Get discount tickets at TKTS the day of a show to save. Or for a classical music experience, soak up the New York Philharmonic to introduce your kids to some finer culture. Hopefully, they’ll start blasting a little of that when you return home and impress your friends with their cultural knowledge of music.