Top 30 Fun Stuff to Do with Teens for Unforgettable Memories
Looking for new ways to make memories with your teen? We've got you covered! From thrilling outdoor adventures to creative at-home projects, find something that works just right for you. These activities go a long way in quality time, laughter, and bonding with your teen.
Whether they are into sports, arts, or just a fun day out, this list has some exciting ideas that they actually will enjoy. Plus, many of these are family-friendly and won't break the bank!
Ready for some lifelong memories together? Deep dive into our top fun things to do with teens and start planning the next adventure.
Short Summary
- Enjoy scenic views and bonding while visiting a national park or community garden.
- Spark your imagination with a tie-dye, cooking class, art event and more.
- Have a blast with rock climbing, ice skating, mini golf, and other sports.
- Try something different, like a virtual concert, scavenger hunt, or VR experience.
- Have educational fun while visiting the zoo online or take a trip around world museums via computer.
1. Go to a National Park
Strap on your hiking boots and prepare for an exciting day out! National Parks are filled with beautiful walks, great viewing points, and animals you won't see elsewhere.
It's fun to get some exercise while breathing fresh air and looking at things you've never seen before – maybe a hidden waterfall? And don't forget that there will be some fantastic views from which to take selfies with family or friends, too!
2. Play Mini Golf
If there's a mini-golf course near you, this is an activity that teenagers usually enjoy a lot. The holes are pretty crazy, and it can be fun to play them, especially if there are one or two things going "wrong" when friends or family are watching.
Perhaps someone will even get a hole-in-one! A good choice when you want something quick to do that involves a little light competition.
3. Visit the Local Library
Libraries are not just for schoolwork. You can hang out in gaming zones, attend events, discover new books, or do all three!
Lots of libraries run great workshops on writing, art, or coding – perfect if you feel like trying something different that might spark your creativity. It's free and fun, there's always something going on, and you might find it's your new favorite place!
4. Attend a Local Art Event
Community galleries are a lot more fun than they sound — and you might see some fantastic art! Being creative isn't just about drawing or making stuff at home. Sometimes, you need to get out there and see what other people are doing, too.
There could be paintings, photographs, sculptures, and all sorts of state-of-the-art things that might give you arty ideas. Or if not, it's still an excellent way to spend an afternoon.
5. Have a Picnic in a Community Garden
Gather some goodies in a basket and take them to a community garden for a picnic with a difference. While you're there, surrounded by beautiful blooming flowers and plants, enjoy spending quality time together as a family.
Why not take along some board games to play, sandwiches to munch on, or a book to read? Breathing in fresh air and being at one with nature in this way is such a rewarding experience. Everyone will feel peaceful and relaxed – and closer too.
6. Explore the Local Park
Alternatively, why not spend an entire day exploring the park nearest your home? It doesn't matter whether you prefer throwing frisbees, having picnics alongside rivers, or taking leisurely strolls as birds sing. All these activities can be done within parks.
In addition, there are playgrounds and vast grassy areas where great photographs – and memories – can be captured beneath sunny skies.
7. Enjoy Ice Skating at the Rink
Ice skating offers amazing fun – and lots of thrills. It doesn't matter if you're new to the ice or practically a pro. You'll love zooming around (maybe even racing your pals), spinning, and twirling.
It's a great exercise that also helps you get better at balancing. And after all that activity, who wouldn't want a cup of hot chocolate?
8. Spend the Day at a Theme Park
When it comes to exciting places, theme parks are hard to top! There are rides that make your heart pound, games that challenge you, live shows that entertain you – plus lots of things for people of all ages to enjoy.
While teens like the wilder rides best, there are plenty of milder ones for younger children, too. Add snacks, laughter, and an entire day of non-stop fun. A trip to a theme park is perfect for families who want to do something extraordinary together.
9. Root for Local Sports Teams
Get some hometown spirit by cheering on area sports teams! Go to a high school game or community match and enjoy the action as a family.
You'll find that between the cheers, energy, and halftime snacks, it's an entertaining way to spend time together. Plus, supporting local athletes helps build community pride.
10. See If You Can Find Your Way Out of Escape Rooms
If your teen loves puzzles or mystery books, then escape rooms are a great activity to try. These room-sized puzzle games can be real brain-benders.
And you have to solve them within a set amount of time (usually one hour). Grab a few friends to make up a team. It's fun for grown-ups as well!
11. Consider Trying Rock Climbing
Rock climbing provides the ultimate challenge to teenagers in search of an adrenaline rush! Indoor climbing gyms have routes for every ability level; outside, climbers can experience nature while they scale cliffs.
It's also an amazing workout that builds both strength and confidence. After reaching the top, climbers often celebrate with high fives all around—and take in views they'll never forget.
12. Have a Movie Marathon at Home
Transform your living room into a small cinema where you and your teen can watch back-to-back films! They choose what's on, so it could be lots of laughs and loads of tension—or perhaps some classics from years gone by that bring back happy memories.
This easy idea makes for an unforgettable evening together when the weather's bad or during those rare weekends when nobody feels like moving too far from the sofa.
13. Take a Cooking Class Together
Bond over food by taking a cooking class—teens can get excited about learning new recipes while enjoying something tasty. You could try making sushi, homemade pasta from scratch, or even posh desserts!
At the end of the session, share the delicious meal you've created. It may also spark conversation and help both of you develop lifelong skills.
14. Share a Virtual Reality Adventure
If you want to do something truly different with your teenager, why not transport yourselves into another world via virtual reality (VR)? VR technology makes computer gaming immersive and unforgettable.
Experience space exploration up close or underwater adventures as if they're happening to you. There are loads of thrills along the way with this high-tech gadget – all of which your teenager will love. So, pick up a VR headset and get ready for some family fun from the future!
15. Take a Walking Tour
A guided walk may not sound too exciting, but it can be a revelation. Suddenly, corners of your own town you'd never normally notice are full of interest: quirky facts from history, weird legends about buildings or people, or just hidden gems.
It's also something different to do with teenagers. And if there are food stops or ghost stories involved, too, that adds an extra buzz.
16. Go to a Live Music Event
There's nothing like the atmosphere at a gig. Even most teenagers agree it's thrilling. So why not take your son or daughter to see some live music?
You might end up singing along together or just enjoying each other's company while you watch a local band play acoustic songs in an intimate space. Jazz clubs, rock venues, and loads of places put on performances for all ages every day of the week.
17. Enjoy a Day at the Water Park
Have a blast with your family at a water park! Race down fast slides, float along lazy rivers, or splash around in wave pools – there is something for everyone.
Teens can get their kicks from high-speed slides, while younger children have lots of play areas designed especially for them. Don't forget the waterproof sunblock; pack a lilo or inflatable ring each, and you are set for a day of watery fun that none of you will ever forget!
18. Try These Watersports to Keep Fit and Have Fun
If you want an action-packed way to stay in shape as a family, look no further than watersports. Teenagers particularly like activities where they need strength and stamina as well as skill – such as kayaking on open water or windsurfing across a lake.
True, you can have a go at things like canoeing wherever there's a stretch of river safely roped off for swimmers, but why stop there?
19. Tie-Dye T-Shirts Together
Brighten up your day with tie-dye! Grab some white T-shirts and a few dyes, and have a go at creating patterns that pop. It's a chance for teenagers to show off their individual style – and no two tops will ever look the same.
Best of all? You can wear your wacky wardrobe for years as they also make great mementos of a brilliant family day out. Why not try making spirals, crumples, or zigzags – the crazier, the better!
20. Scale New Heights Rock-Climbing
If you fancy doing something both challenging and exciting, rock climbing could be just the ticket. It's an activity that will test your physical abilities as well as your brainpower: how can you find your way to the top?
Many climbing centers have walls with different routes according to level (including beginners), so it's an ideal sport for families with varying degrees of experience. When you're back on solid ground, there is often a real buzz, which may well increase everyone's confidence and provide an adrenaline rush.
21. Organize a Social Media Scavenger Hunt
Make the exploration of your area more fun by arranging a social media scavenger hunt! Compile a list of local places or unique objects for teenagers to locate, photograph, and share on their social media profiles.
It's an enjoyable method for them to uncover new spots while also creating lasting memories. Whether they come across funky street art or visit the town's best coffee house, each item on their ''hunt'' will present an opportunity for excellent posts.
22. Get Involved in School Clubs Or Community Organizations
One way to urge teenagers to pick up new hobbies is by having them join clubs or groups at school and in the community. There are clubs based around sports, arts, or social causes – so there really is something for everyone!
This is not only an excellent means of making friends outside their regular circle but also allows them to acquire skills they didn't have before. Volunteering groups and debate teams (in school) - all provide plenty of chances for connection as well as personal growth.
23. Plan a Day Trip with Spectacular Views
Take a mini-adventure to the most beautiful area around, perfect if one wants to spend the day out with the family. Whether it is a beach, mountain, or overlook, teens love snapping the photographic views.
Have a picnic, take a few trail hikes, or hang together to enjoy the views. That would be ideal for relaxing and bonding outside.
24. Attend a Community Art Class
Unleash your creativity in this community art class! Teens can paint, do pottery, or photograph and learn something new. This is an excellent avenue for self-expression in an atmosphere where friends can be made.
Whether it be painting a landscape or creating something unique, it's gratifying and stimulating for the teens to get their hands on.
25. Organize Teen-Friendly Sports Game
Round up the crew for some fun in the park and get a sports game going! It can be a fun, friendly competition among teens, and they can make the most of this outside stuff with basketball, soccer, ultimate frisbee, or whatever.
If desired, snacks and water can refresh them; a small speaker for some tunes is optional, though. It's an easy option to stay active, bond with friends, and keep each other cheered.
26. Visit the Local Ice Cream Shop
Sometimes, all it takes is going down to your local ice cream shop to make any outing fun! For days when the sun beats brightly, this is where teens want to be and take a sweet respite with the whole family.
Let everyone choose their personal flavors, add sprinkles or toppings, and let them enjoy. Very simple, delicious, and refreshing, such a treat will never disappoint.
27. Take Virtual Tours of National Parks
Virtually visit some of the most beautiful National Parks in the country from the comfort of your own home! Teens will explore breathtaking landscapes, like the Grand Canyon or Yosemite while receiving information about park history, geology, and wildlife.
It's a great way to experience some of the most spectacular visuals the nation has to offer while fostering an appreciation for nature and adventure.
28. Go Bowling for Some Friendly Competition
Bowling is an ageless, family-friendly activity that promises to bring you laughs and family-friendly competition. Grab a lane, lace up those shoes, and let the games begin. Quite a fun thing!
Teens will have fun trying to strike or beat their best score, and the atmosphere keeps it fun for all ages. Add some classic alley snacks like nachos or pizza, and it's even better.
29. Volunteer at a Community Garden
Get connected with nature through volunteer work at the community garden! Teens are able to pick up a few hours of planting, weeding, or watering while out in the community learning about gardening and sustainability.
Feeling good is a superb way to give back and connect with the community. Plus, they might even get to take home some fresh produce or flowers-perfect prizes for their hard work!
30. Spend a Day at the Zoo Or Aquarium
Get wild at the zoo or aquarium! Teenagers will love learning about exotic animals, marine life, and conservation. Watch sea lions dive or walk through butterfly gardens; even check out the reptile house.
Fun and educational, it stirs curiosity and respect for the natural world. And remember to take pictures with their favorite animals!
Conclusion
With all these fun things to do, there will never be a shortage of ways to bond and make memories with your teenager. Be it outdoorsy stuff, creation, or just friendly competition, each one brings something different into the light.
These are moments for laughter, learning, and enjoyment together. So go ahead, pick a few, grab whatever gear you may need, and start making memories that will last.
Whatever it is, be it a day at the theme park filled with thrill rides or an evening at home snugly watching movies, it counts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Will You Keep a 14-year-old Occupied During Summer?
Mix volunteer work, watch movies, enjoy outdoor sports, classes in the arts, and outings with friends. Keep them engaged with the right "blend" of learning and fun.
What Do Teens Love?
Activities that involve freedom, companionship, and creativity are liked by teenagers. Fun excursions, sports, or camaraderie with friends or family are the usual things that make them really happy and proud of themselves.
How Does a 15-year-old Have Fun?
It can be a day at the beach, bowling, movie nights, or hiking with friends. Socializing, exploration, or learning activities are things that teens can enjoy.
Can I Go to an Ice Skating Rink with a Teenager to Have Some Fun?
Of course! Ice skating is the best way to have fun together, get some exercise, and enjoy each other's company, of course, which is perfect for an outing with a teenager.