We all want our kids to have an unforgettable, carefree summer. But when it comes to teenagers, finding fun summer activities can be tricky.
That’s because teens are notoriously hard to please. Activities that used to keep them entertained all day long now risk being labeled as “boring” or, even worse, “embarrassing”. However, there’s still plenty of exciting summer activities for teens – that’s where we come in!
From thrilling outdoor adventures like ziplining and whitewater rafting to indoor escape rooms and trendy craft kits, we’ve handpicked our top 36 things to do this summer, perfect for even the pickiest of teens.
Outdoor Summer Activities for Teenagers
Sometimes all your teen needs is some good old fashioned Vitamin D! So, get up, ditch the phones, and explore the great outdoors.
1. Take on an Aerial Obstacle Course
Head to a nearby adventure park and tackle an aerial obstacle course together. Teens will have a blast navigating suspended bridges, swinging logs, and other thrilling obstacles. For the grand finale, they’ll finish in style by flying down a zipline. Bonus points if you snap a few photos for the ‘Gram’!
2. Try a New Watersport
Make a splash with your teen this summer! From kayaking and paddleboarding to surfing and snorkeling, there’s so many fun and exciting water sports to choose from. Plus, they’re a great way to cool off on those blazing hot summer days.
3. Go on a Donut Tour
What do teens love most? Food, of course! And if they’ve got a bit of a sweet tooth, then these donut tours are right down their alley. Together, you’ll visit the best bakeries in town and taste an array of sweet treats – from traditional flavors to more innovative creations.
Pro tip: there’s plenty more food tours where that came from! Click here to check out all of our tasty adventures, sure to fill up your bottomless pit of a teen (at least for a little while).
4. Visit a National Park
Picture this: you and your teen trading in the hustle and bustle of everyday life for the pristine wilderness of a national park. Together you can explore a trail, look for wildlife, or simply set up a few hammocks next to a lake. No matter what, be sure to bring along a picnic lunch with all your favorite goodies.
5. Go Off-Roading
Take your summer adventures off the beaten path with an off-roading expedition. Kick up dust on an ATV or join a guided tour and navigate rugged terrain, rocky trails, and muddy puddles. Embrace the thrill of the ride as you conquer challenging obstacles and explore the great outdoors.
6. Book Their Ticket to the Skies
Did you know that teens can learn how to fly? It's true! During these discovery flights, your teen will slip into the pilot’s seat and experience the freedom of soaring through the air. While an FAA-certified instructor handles takeoff and landing, they’ll learn basic maneuvers at cruising altitude.
Pro tip: even though most learn to fly experiences will accommodate teenage students, they’ll still need to bring a photo ID and have a parent or guardian fill out a waiver.
7. Conquer Whitewater
Gear up for an unforgettable whitewater rafting adventure! Join a guided trip and paddle through exhilarating rapids, swirling eddies, and stunning canyons. No matter what, you’re sure to share a few high-fives!
8. Take Them Fishing
Cast your lines and spend a relaxing day fishing with your teens. Whether you prefer freshwater or saltwater fishing, there's nothing quite like the peaceful rhythm of casting, waiting, and reeling in your catch. Plus, you never know what could be at the end of your line!
Pro tip: if you’re new to fishing, don’t worry! These guided charters will take you to all the best fishing holes, ensuring you have the best chance of reeling in the big one.
9. Go Horseback Riding
Tell those teens to ‘giddy up’ outta their chairs! Ok, maybe not, that might get you a few eye rolls. Still, whether you’re a riding newbie or an expert equestrian, horseback riding is a super fun way to spend time with your teens this summer. Trot along scenic trails, meander through forests and fields, and snap selfies with your trusty steeds.
10. Zip Around on Segways
At first, you’re teens might laugh at the idea of rolling around on Segways, but trust us, they’re super fun! They won’t be able to stop smiling as they hop aboard these futuristic vehicles and explore local landmarks, parks, and attractions. Plus, who could say no to a Segway selfie?
11. Host a Backyard BBQ
Nothing says summer like a backyard BBQ. Fire up the grill and bring all the fixings: burgers, hot dogs, chips, the works! After, build a bonfire and roast a few marshmallows or head inside for a movie marathon.
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12. DIY Outdoor Movie Night
Transform your backyard into a cozy outdoor cinema. Simply set up a large screen or hang a white sheet between two trees and cover the ground with comfy blankets and pillows. Now showing: your teen’s favorite movie!
13. Learn How to Rock Climb
Try your hand at rock climbing at an outdoor crag or local gym. Learn the basics of climbing safety, equipment, and technique from experienced instructors, and put your skills to the test as you scale vertical walls. Trust us, there’s nothing like climbing all the way to the top!
Pro tip: these outdoor rock climbing adventures include everything you need to get started: shoes, harnesses, helmets, ropes, and more.
14. Splash at a Water Park
What’s summer without a trip to your local water park? They’re a great place to cool off, have fun, and create lifelong memories with your teen. Together, you’ll splash down towering water slides, relax in the lazy river, and play in exhilarating wave pools.
Indoor Summer Activities for Teenagers
These indoor activities for teens were tailor-made for those rainy summer days (or even the excruciatingly hot ones)!
15. Win an Escape Room
Simply put, winning an escape room is easier said than done. You and your teen will have to work together to find clues, solve puzzles, and decipher challenging riddles – all in 60 minutes or less! Do you have what it takes?
Pro tip: we recommend choosing an escape room theme that will be engaging for both you and your teenager. Something like a haunted mansion, bank heist, or prison break!
16. Play at Immersive Gamebox
If your teen loves video games, this is one summer activity they’ll never forget! At Immersive Gamebox, you’ll experience the world’s smartest gaming room and slip on a high-tech visor. Then, get ready to touch, move, and interact with the room as you complete fun and exciting challenges.
17. Throw a Bullseye
Axe throwing has taken the world by storm, and for good reason! It’s an electrifying activity that combines skill, precision, and a healthy dose of competition. Players will learn the basics of throwing before stepping up and taking aim. Your teens will have so much fun competing for the title of axe master.
18. Let Them Blow Off Some Steam
Being a teen is hard, and it’s not always easy to find ways to deal with emotions. That’s where rage rooms come in! Your teen can blow off some steam in a safe and controlled environment. With every smashed item, they’ll feel their worries slowly slip away.
Pro tip: most rage rooms allow you to pick from a variety of breakable items. Our personal favorite? It’s gotta be old TVs.
19. Relax at the Spa
For a different way to blow off steam, treat them to a rejuvenating spa day. Whether you opt for a professional massage, pedicure, or indulge in some DIY skincare at home, it's a wonderful way to unwind and recharge. So go ahead, pamper your teens with a little self-care – it may just be the reset they need!
20. Go Indoor Skydiving
Experience the thrill of freefalling (without having to jump out of a plane)! Indoor skydiving offers a safe and exhilarating adventure for teens and parents alike. Soar through the air in a vertical wind tunnel and feel the rush of adrenaline as you float on a cushion of air.
21. Cook Something New Together
Get creative in the kitchen and whip up a delicious meal or dessert together. Cooking with your teens is a wonderful way to bond, learn new skills, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Whether you're trying out a gourmet recipe from a cookbook or experimenting with a trendy dish from social media, the possibilities are endless.
Pro tip: If you’re a kitchen newbie, don’t miss these hands-on cooking classes. You and your teen will learn how to chop, sauté, and cook the perfect meal – all with the help from an expert chef!
22. Take an Art Class
It’s time to let their imaginations run wild! Whether it's painting, pottery, or even glassblowing, art classes are a great way to experiment with different techniques under the guidance of experienced instructors. Plus, you can take your masterpieces home and show them off for years to come.
23. Let Them Redesign Their Room
Teens tend to spend a lot of time in their rooms. So, why not take a little time this summer to make it extra snazzy? Let them draw out their perfect space, then hit the store and pick out some new decor together. A set of twinkle lights might look fabulous on their ceiling!
24. Challenge Them to a Pizza Bake Off
Teens love pizza. This summer, instead of ordering take out, whip up the perfect pie from home. Challenge your family to a bake off and see who comes up with the tastiest creation, or let them customize their own personal pizzas. No matter what, we think there should be brownies for dessert.
25. Bowl a Strike
Lace up your bowling shoes and hit the lanes for a fun-filled game of bowling. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, bowling is a timeless pastime that offers hours of entertainment and friendly competition. Loser buys ice cream!
26. Take a Dance Class
Don’t be fooled, dance classes aren’t just for couples. From hip-hop to salsa, there's a style for everyone to enjoy. So, slip on your dancing shoes, embrace the rhythm, and get ready to bust a move alongside your teen!
Affordable Summer Activities for Teenagers
Summer adventures don’t have to cost an arm and leg. Connect with your teen and save money with these budget-friendly ideas.
27. Volunteer
Summer is the perfect time to give back and show your teen the importance of helping others. Whether it's serving meals at a soup kitchen, cleaning up a local park, or helping out at an animal shelter, volunteering is a rewarding way to bond and make a positive impact on the world.
28. Selfie Scavenger Hunt
Who says scavenger hunts are just for kids? Not us! With these amazing treasure and scavenger hunts, organizing the perfect outing has never been easier. Simply download an app to your smart device and get hunting.
Pro tip: for families with teens, we highly recommend this thrilling Zombie Scavenger Hunt. In this immersive game, you’ll experience the virtual chaos of a zombie apocalypse and join other members of the colony to scavenge for supplies.
29. Ride Bikes
A true summertime classic! From cruising along scenic trails to exploring someplace new, riding bikes is a fun and active way to spend time together as a family. To make things more exciting, pack a picnic lunch or challenge your teens to a race around the block.
30. Hunt for Ghosts
Your summer just got a little spooky! Ghost tours are the perfect blend of history and spine-chilling tales. You’ll visit the nation’s most haunted locations while searching the darkness for ghosts. You just never know who…or what…might show up!
31. Trendy Craft Kit
These at-home craft kits are perfect for when the summer weather takes a nasty turn. Everything you need to get started will be shipped to your front door. Plus, you can choose from tons of trendy options like paint pouring, mandala dot painting, wood burning, and more.
32. Make Homemade Ice Cream
Beat the heat and satisfy your sweet tooth with homemade ice cream. Break out the ice cream maker and experiment with different flavors – from classics like chocolate and vanilla to more innovative creations. Then, set up the world’s best sundae station. Include all the best toppings like whipped cream, sprinkles, cherries, and chocolate syrup.
33. Play Their Favorite Video Game
If you’re not a gamer, this one may seem a little scary. But we believe in you! Pick up that controller and let them show you the ropes. Who knows? You might just walk away with a new high score. Even if you don’t, you’ll probably share a few laughs – and who could say no to that?
34. Outdoor Yard Games
Cornhole, ladder ball, giant Jenga, all the fun outdoor games! Set up a tournament with your teens and see who can become the ultimate champion. Winner gets to choose what’s on the menu for dinner.
35. Walk the Dog Together
Everyone benefits: you, your teen, and your dog! Walking is a great way to get outside, boost energy, and ditch the phone screens. If your teen needs a little extra motivation, consider walking to a nearby fast food joint and treating them to lunch.
36. Create a Summer Scrapbook
With all of these exciting summer activities, you’re bound to end the summer with tons of fun photos. Print out all your favorites and put together a one-of-a-kind scrapbook. You’ll have so much fun going through your photos and reliving the best summer ever.
Summary
After reading these 36 Summer Activities for Teenagers, we hope you feel inspired to get out (or stay in) and enjoy some quality time with your teen. If you’re still on the hunt for one-of-a-kind adventures, don’t miss our full collection of experiences across the US.
