When most people think about Lapland, they picture excited toddlers meeting Santa, riding reindeer sleighs and posting letters at Santa Claus Village.
But what happens when your children get older?
Do they still enjoy it?
Having now visited Lapland three times with children ranging from 8 to 16 years old, I'd actually say Lapland gets even better as they become teenagers.
As our children have grown up, the focus of our trips has naturally changed. While our first visits included many of the traditional family experiences, our latest trip was planned completely differently. We flew to Rovaniemi for our daughter's 14th birthday and deliberately skipped the usual Santa activities, instead building a weekend around adrenaline, adventure and experiences that felt a little more grown up.
Ice karting. Finnish saunas. An ice restaurant. Snowmobiles. The Northern Lights.
It completely changed the way we looked at Lapland.
If you've got a teenager who's worried the destination might be too babyish, hopefully this guide will reassure you. There's so much more to Lapland than Santa, and many of the best experiences are actually better suited to older children and teenagers.
In this guide I'll share the activities we've personally tried across our three trips, along with a few that are still firmly on our own wish list.
Planning your own Lapland adventure? From DIY itineraries and Northern Lights guides to budgeting tips and honest reviews from our three trips, you'll find everything together in our Lapland Travel Guide Hub.
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Absolutely. In fact, I'd argue that many activities become even better once your children are older.
Teenagers can usually cope much better with the freezing temperatures, making longer outdoor activities far more enjoyable. They also tend to appreciate experiences that younger children might not fully understand, whether that's sitting in a traditional Finnish sauna, eating dinner inside an ice restaurant or spending an evening searching for the Northern Lights.
Our youngest child loved meeting Santa on our earlier visits, but by the time our daughter turned 14 she was much more interested in trying experiences she couldn't do anywhere else.
That's exactly what Lapland offers.
One thing I also noticed is that teenagers generally enjoy having a little more independence. They don't necessarily want every activity to revolve around Christmas magic, but they still love the snowy landscapes, the wildlife and the chance to try something completely different.
If anything, we've found ourselves spending longer in Lapland as the children have got older because there's simply more we want to experience.
If I could only recommend one activity for teenagers, this would probably be it.
We tried ice karting during our daughter's birthday trip to Rovaniemi and it quickly became one of the highlights of the entire weekend.
The easiest way to describe it is Mario Kart on ice.
The karts are surprisingly easy to drive and the icy track means every corner becomes part race and part controlled slide. Even if you've been karting before, this feels completely different.
One thing I really liked was how well organised the whole experience was.
Rather than filling the track with lots of people at once, everyone was split into small groups so it never felt crowded. Each driver gets two driving sessions and although they're around ten minutes each, they honestly feel much longer once you're concentrating on sliding around the corners and trying to overtake everyone else.
After each session everyone heads into a warm kota where hot berry juice and biscuits are waiting while the next group takes their turn. By the time you've warmed up, it's your turn to head back out again.
Our daughter absolutely loved it because it didn't feel like a children's activity. It felt competitive, exciting and just a little bit different from anything she'd done before.
We've now done plenty of activities in Lapland over the years and this is still one I'd happily book again.
Things to know before you book:
Minimum height is usually around 140cm, although this can vary slightly between providers.
No driving licence is needed.
Allow around 90 minutes for the full experience.
You'll be provided with a helmet and any additional safety equipment you need.
If you've got teenagers who enjoy a bit of adrenaline, I'd put this right at the top of your Lapland wish list.
Snowmobiling is one of those activities many people associate with Lapland, but there are actually several different ways teenagers can enjoy it.
Over our three trips we've experienced both ends of the scale.
When we visited Levi, our younger children loved trying the mini snowmobiles at Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park. They're designed specifically for children and teenagers, allowing them to drive around a safe circuit while getting a taste of what it's like to control a real snowmobile.
As the children have got older, we've moved on to full snowmobile safaris instead.
Riding through snowy forests is an experience that's hard to describe until you've done it yourself. Following a trail through the Arctic wilderness with nothing but snow all around you feels like stepping into another world.
Most tours provide all of the thermal clothing you need and adults take turns driving while younger teenagers ride as passengers. It's a brilliant way to see parts of Lapland that you simply couldn't reach by car.
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It's worth remembering that adults normally need a full driving licence to drive the larger snowmobiles, while younger teenagers travel as passengers. Rules do vary slightly between operators, so it's always worth checking the age requirements before booking.
Whether your teenager is old enough to drive the mini versions or join you on a full safari, I think this is one of those classic Lapland experiences that's well worth doing.
Seeing the Northern Lights is something many people dream about and, if you've got teenagers, I think they'll appreciate the experience far more than younger children.
One of our favourite evenings in Lapland was visiting Polarman's Camp in Levi.
The experience starts with a pick up from Levi before driving around 20 minutes away from the village to a remote camp with virtually no light pollution.
One of the reasons I booked this particular tour was because it has a heated igloo where you can warm up throughout the evening. When we visited it was around minus 28°C, so having somewhere warm to escape to made a huge difference.
During the evening we enjoyed a traditional Lappish barbecue, hot berry juice and, for the adults, a small whisky while listening to our guides share Finnish folklore about the Northern Lights. They also explained the science behind the aurora, which made the experience feel really interesting rather than simply standing outside looking at the sky.
There was even a real snow igloo which the children loved exploring while learning how they're built.
On the night we visited there was only around a 20% chance of seeing the Northern Lights, so we'd prepared ourselves to leave without seeing them.
We'd already accepted that we probably weren't going to see the Northern Lights that evening. Then, just before we were due to leave, they suddenly appeared.
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We stood watching them dance across the sky for around twenty minutes and it was one of those moments we'll never forget.
The whole experience lasted until around 11.30pm and cost us around £63.50 per person.
Even if we hadn't seen the Northern Lights, I still think it would have been a fantastic evening because of everything else included. Seeing the aurora was simply the icing on the cake.
If your teenager enjoys trying lots of different activities rather than spending hours in one place, Arcandia is one of the most unusual attractions we've found anywhere in Lapland.
We've now visited both the daytime and evening experiences and it's become one of our favourite recommendations for older children.
Rather than focusing on Christmas, Arcandia feels much more like an outdoor adventure park set amongst the snow.
During our visit we tried axe throwing, archery, hill sliding, ice putting and knocker balls. Every activity was included as part of the experience and there was a really relaxed atmosphere, allowing everyone to have a go without feeling rushed.
The evening sessions have a completely different feel once darkness falls and the whole area is illuminated.
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Unfortunately we ran out of time to try the laser tag, but having seen the arena I'd definitely include it on our next visit. Playing laser tag through a snowy forest has to be one of the coolest ways to spend an evening in Lapland.
For families with teenagers who think they've outgrown Santa, Arcandia is a fantastic alternative.
Before our first visit to Finland, I didn't really understand why everyone talks about saunas.
Now I completely get it.
Across our trips we've experienced both the snow sauna at the Arctic SnowHotel and the incredible Sauna World at Lapland Winter Park, and they've each offered something completely different.
Our daughter wasn't sure what to expect before her first proper Finnish sauna, but by the end she completely understood why it's such an important part of Finnish culture.
Sauna World is probably the better option if you've never experienced a Finnish sauna before. You can move between several completely different themed saunas, relax in hot tubs, cool down afterwards and enjoy the experience at your own pace.
The snow sauna at the Arctic SnowHotel feels more unique.
Walking into a sauna built entirely from snow is something you'll probably never do anywhere else.
If your teenager enjoys trying unusual experiences rather than high adrenaline activities, I'd put a Finnish sauna surprisingly high on your list.
It's relaxing, completely different from anything you'll find in the UK and became one of the unexpected highlights of our most recent trip.
No trip to Lapland feels complete without meeting the huskies.
We've now done husky rides more than once and, while there are several different route lengths available, we've found the 2km ride is a great choice for families with teenagers. It lasts around 8 to 10 minutes, which doesn't sound very long, but when you're travelling through snowy woodland and open countryside in freezing temperatures, it feels just about right.
One thing that surprised us was how excited and energetic the dogs were before setting off. As soon as they realised they were about to run, they couldn't wait to get going.
Once the ride begins though, everything suddenly becomes much quieter. All you can hear is the sound of the sled gliding across the snow and the dogs running ahead of you.
If you're visiting Santa Claus Village, HuskyPark is a really convenient option as it's only a short walk away. We booked the 2km experience and thought it was the perfect length alongside the rest of our day.
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Longer safaris are available if you want a more adventurous experience, but for most families I think the 2km ride offers a really good balance between cost and experience.
The Arctic SnowHotel is one of those places that genuinely has the wow factor.
We've now visited twice, once staying overnight and more recently returning with my husband and daughter for dinner in the Ice Restaurant.
Every winter the hotel is rebuilt completely from scratch, meaning no two years are ever quite the same. Walking through the bedrooms, corridors and sculptures almost feels like wandering around an art gallery made entirely from snow and ice.
What I really like is that there's much more to do than simply looking around.
During our visits we've explored the hotel, had drinks in the Ice Bar, eaten in the Ice Restaurant, experienced the snow sauna and even spent time tubing on the frozen lake outside.
If your teenager enjoys unusual experiences, I'd put this high on your list.
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It's very different from the attractions inside Santa Claus Village and feels much more suited to older children, teenagers and adults.
Out of everything we've done in Lapland, eating dinner inside an ice restaurant is probably one of the most unique experiences.
The restaurant is carved entirely from snow and ice, right down to the tables and seats.
Fortunately, you're given warm reindeer skins to sit on.
We enjoyed a three course meal during our visit, with options including elk, salmon, chicken and vegetarian dishes. The food itself was excellent, although one thing you quickly realise is that you don't want to spend too long chatting between courses because your meal cools down surprisingly quickly.
It was also one of those meals that sparked lots of conversation because it was such a different experience from eating in an ordinary restaurant.
After dinner we headed to the Ice Bar where even the glasses are made from ice. If you order one of the famous ice shots, you can throw your glass against the wall once you've finished, which my daughter thought was great fun.
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The whole evening, including transfers from Rovaniemi, turned into one of the highlights of our trip and felt much more memorable than simply going out for a meal.
Although we haven't ridden horses in Lapland ourselves yet, it's definitely something we'd love to do on a future visit.
When we visited Lappin Saaga in Levi for our reindeer sleigh ride, we watched several horse trekking groups heading off into the snowy forest and it looked absolutely magical.
There were options suitable for complete beginners as well as more experienced riders, making it accessible for most families.
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If your teenager enjoys horse riding at home, this would be a fantastic way to experience Lapland from a completely different perspective.
It's certainly one that's firmly on our own wish list.
Some people assume reindeer rides are only for younger children, but I'd completely disagree.
We've done several reindeer experiences over our visits and they've always been something the whole family has enjoyed.
Our favourite was at Lappin Saaga in Levi.
Unlike some of the shorter rides found in busier tourist areas, this felt much more peaceful and authentic. Gliding quietly through the snowy forest behind a reindeer is a completely different experience to the more adrenaline filled activities like snowmobiling or ice karting.
It's slower, quieter and gives you chance to really appreciate the scenery around you.
Even our teenagers enjoyed it far more than I expected.
Sometimes it's nice to slow the pace down for an hour before heading back to the more adventurous activities.
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If you're worried your teenager will think a reindeer ride is too childish, I'd say give it a chance. Ours certainly didn't, and looking back it's one of the experiences we still talk about today.
You can't visit Rovaniemi without crossing the Arctic Circle.
Although it only takes a few minutes, it's one of those things you have to do while you're there. There's a clearly marked line running through Santa Claus Village and it's free to cross as many times as you like.
We always stop for the obligatory photo and our teenagers enjoyed it just as much as the younger children. It's also worth popping into Santa's Main Post Office while you're there if you'd like to send a postcard home with the official Arctic Circle postmark.
If you're already visiting Santa Claus Village, there's really no reason not to tick this one off.
We've visited Snowman World ourselves and enjoyed it, but if I'm comparing it with the Arctic SnowHotel, I'd say it suits younger children better.
There's plenty to do including ice skating, ice slides, an ice bar, ice restaurant and an indoor ice maze, so teenagers will still enjoy a visit, especially if it's their first trip to Lapland.
However, if you've got older teenagers and you're deciding between the two, I'd personally spend the money on the Arctic SnowHotel instead. It feels much more unique and offers a more grown up experience.
If your budget allows though, they're both enjoyable in different ways.
Even after multiple trips to Lapland, there are still plenty of experiences we'd love to try. One of the reasons we keep returning is that every visit uncovers something new, and these are the activities currently at the top of our wish list.
Floating in a frozen lake might sound completely mad, but it's something we've wanted to try for a while.
You'll wear a specially designed thermal survival suit that keeps you warm and buoyant while you drift on the surface of the icy water. Some tours even take place in the evening, giving you the chance to float beneath the Northern Lights if you're lucky enough to see them.
It looks like one of the most unique experiences you can have in Lapland and is definitely on our list for a future trip.
We've often spotted fat bikes while exploring Levi and Rovaniemi and they always look like great fun.
The oversized tyres are designed to cope with snow and ice, making them perfect for exploring snowy forest trails that you wouldn't normally be able to cycle along.
Most tours use electric bikes too, so you don't need to be particularly fit to enjoy them. I think this would be a fantastic option for active teenagers who enjoy being outdoors.
Snowshoeing is another activity we'd love to experience ourselves.
It looks like one of the best ways to escape the busier tourist areas and explore Lapland's forests at a slower pace. Many guided walks include hot drinks around an open fire and some even combine the experience with Northern Lights hunting or wildlife spotting.
If your teenager enjoys walking, photography or simply spending time in nature, this looks like a brilliant way to experience a quieter side of Lapland.
Ice fishing is probably the most traditional activity still on our wish list.
The idea of drilling a hole through a frozen lake before trying to catch your own fish is about as Finnish as it gets.
Most excursions include a local guide who'll show you how it's done before cooking your catch over an open fire. It sounds like a really peaceful way to spend a few hours and something completely different from the more adrenaline filled activities we've already tried.
We're hoping to tick all four of these experiences off over the next couple of winters, so don't be surprised if they eventually move into our list of tried and tested favourites.
Lapland isn't a cheap destination, so it's impossible to do everything on one trip. If you're trying to decide where to spend your money, these would be my personal priorities after three visits. Of course everyone's priorities are different, but if I was planning another trip tomorrow, these are the experiences I'd book again first.
Ice Karting
If you've got teenagers who enjoy a bit of adrenaline, this would probably be my number one recommendation. It felt completely different from ordinary karting and was one of the biggest highlights of our daughter's birthday trip.
Polarman's Camp
Even if we'd never seen the Northern Lights, we'd still have enjoyed the evening. Sitting around the fire, learning about Finnish traditions, enjoying a Lappish barbecue and escaping the cold inside the heated igloo made it a fantastic experience from start to finish. Seeing the aurora was simply an unforgettable bonus.
Arctic SnowHotel
Whether you stay overnight or simply visit for dinner, this is one of the most unique places we've visited anywhere in Europe. Walking through a hotel built entirely from snow and ice is something you'll remember long after you return home.
Arcandia
If you've got active teenagers, Arcandia offers fantastic value because there are so many different activities included. Rather than spending an hour doing one thing, you can easily spend half a day trying everything from axe throwing and archery to hill sliding and knocker balls.
Husky Safari
For us, a husky ride is one of those classic Lapland experiences that everyone should try at least once. We found the 2km ride was the perfect length and fitted nicely into a day exploring Santa Claus Village.
Reindeer Sleigh Ride
This is a much slower and more relaxing experience than many of the others in this guide, but that's exactly why we enjoyed it. It gave us the chance to slow down, enjoy the scenery and experience a more traditional side of Lapland.
Finnish Sauna
Before our first trip, I wasn't convinced I'd enjoy a sauna. Now I wouldn't visit Finland without trying one. It's such an important part of Finnish culture and a brilliant way to warm up after spending hours outdoors in the snow.
Every teenager is different, so it's worth thinking about what they enjoy before you start booking excursions.
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For thrill seekers
If your teenager loves fast paced activities and trying something new, I'd recommend ice karting, snowmobiling and Arcandia. These were some of the most exciting experiences we've had in Lapland and are perfect for older children who enjoy a bit of adventure.
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For animal lovers
A husky safari, reindeer sleigh ride or horse trek through the snowy forests are all fantastic choices. They're a much gentler way to experience Lapland while still creating some really special memories.
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For unique experiences
If you're looking for things your teenager is unlikely to have done before, I'd choose the Arctic SnowHotel, dinner in the Ice Restaurant, a Finnish sauna and Northern Lights hunting. These are the experiences that really make Lapland feel different from anywhere else.
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For photographers
Lapland is one of the most photogenic places we've ever visited.
Snowshoeing, Northern Lights tours, the Arctic SnowHotel and even simply wandering around Santa Claus Village all provide fantastic photo opportunities. If your teenager enjoys photography, don't forget to pack a tripod for their phone or camera.
Definitely. We've now visited with children ranging from 8 to 16 years old and I'd actually say Lapland becomes even more enjoyable as they get older. Teenagers are usually better able to cope with the cold and many of the activities feel more adventurous than the traditional Santa experiences.
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Not at all.
Our latest trip was planned for our daughter's 14th birthday and it ended up being one of our favourite visits. By focusing on activities like ice karting, Finnish saunas, the Arctic SnowHotel and Northern Lights hunting, it felt more like an Arctic adventure than a Christmas holiday.
We've visited for both longer holidays and a 30 hour weekend break.
If you're mainly interested in the experiences in this guide, I'd say two or three full days is enough to fit in several fantastic activities without feeling rushed.
If you've never been to Lapland before, I'd recommend booking ice karting or a Northern Lights experience as soon as your travel dates are confirmed. These were two of the most memorable activities we've done and can book up quickly during the winter season.
Yes, but don't feel your whole trip has to revolve around them.
Most teenagers still enjoy visiting Santa Claus Village, crossing the Arctic Circle and meeting the reindeer. We simply found they preferred balancing those experiences with more adventurous activities.
Before our children became teenagers, I worried they might be growing out of Lapland.
Looking back, I couldn't have been more wrong.
While they may be less interested in meeting Santa, they've embraced everything else Lapland has to offer. Ice karting, Finnish saunas, husky safaris, the Arctic SnowHotel and evenings spent searching for the Northern Lights have all become memories we'll talk about for years to come.
If you're wondering whether Lapland is still worth visiting with older children, our answer would be a definite yes.
You might just find your teenagers enjoy it even more than they did when they were little.
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