30 Fun activities for teens during the holidays
Looking for fun activities for teens that actually get the seal of approval from teenagers?
School holidays are the perfect time to explore, unwind and make memories, but it's not always easy to find something that ticks all the boxes for your not-so-little kid. Whether you're planning a fulll day out, a last-minute weekend idea, or just something to get them off their screens, we've rounded up 30 boredom-busting teen-friendly activities to try this holiday.
From indoor escapes to outdoor thrills, here are 30 fun and engaging activities for teens that are perfect for summer holidays, rainy days, and everything in between.
Bowling
Bowling is the ultimate all-weather, all-attitude activity. It's fun, competitive, and perfect for groups, whether they're into strikes, snacks, or selfies. Search for teen activities near me, and chnaces are, a Hollywood Bowl will pop up!
With arcades, music and food and drink that actually hits, it's the kind of place teens will want to return to (with or without the family!).
Escape Room
Ready to be locked in a room with only your eyes, ears and brains to get you out? Escape rooms are ideal for puzzle-loving teens who want to feel like Sherlock Holmes or a secret agent for an hour.
It's immersive, fast-paced, and full of laughs (and maybe a few screams). Great for birthdays, rainy days, or just breaking up the boredom.
Experience Day
From indoor skydiing to ziplining, experience days turn an average day into a ''remember that time when...'' moment. There's something for every kind of teenager, thrill-seekers, chill-seekers, or wannabe chefs.
Find something epic that's way more exciting than scrolling TikTok and get your blood pumping!
Theme Parks
Big rides, big snacks, and even bigger screams, theme parks are the ultimate teen day out.
Whether they're rollercoaster junkies or just there for the merch and photos, it's an adrenaline-packed way to make memories. Bonus points if there's an ice cream bigger than their head.
Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding is like walking on water, but cooler. Teens can glide, wobble, or race their mates across lakes or beaches (and fall in, of course). It's an ideal and chill way to stay active and enjoy the summer sun, especially if you pack a waterproof speaker and snacks.
Trampoline Parks
Wall-to-wall trampolines = instant win. Whether teens want to flip, flop, or freestyle, trampoline parks are perfect for burning off energy in the most chaotic (and safe) way possible. Many centres also have foam pits, dodgeball zones, and slam dunk hoops, it's basically a gym class!
Baking Challenge
Think the Great British Bake Off, but with more mess, less stress and louder playlists. Set a baking challenge at home or with mates - cupcakes, cookies, or a mystery ingredient showdown. Teens can flex their creative muscles and eat the results. Win-win. (Just don't expect a clean kitchen.)
Explore a City
Give teens a map, a travelcard, and a snack budget, and let them loose to explore a local city.From quirky cafes to street art and hidden bookshops, there's loads to discover. It's a great way to feel independant, with just enough adult supervision to keep it safe.
Silent Disco
Everyone's dancing, but it's totally quiet? Silent discos are suprisingly fun, especially when your mates are singing along to different songs. Perfect for teens who love music, but not crowds. Great for garden parties, festivals or even a family dance-off.
Pottery Painting
Get those creative vibes flowing with a pottery painting session. Take your pick from a range of mugs, plates, or weird little trinket holders to design, and yes, it'll look amazing on Instagram. It's also a calming way to zone out from screens and try something different.
Board Game Cafe
Board game cafés are having a moment, and they're ideal for a chill hangout. With shelves stacked full of strategy, co-op, and classic games, there's something for every vibe. Pair it with friends, milkshakes and snacks? That's a next-level indoor activity for teens.
Climbing Walls and Bouldering
Up for a challenge? Indoor climbing and bouldering are great for teens who want to test their strength, focus and coordination, no ropes (or fear of heights) required. It’s a full-body workout disguised as fun, and it’s way more interesting than the gym.
Bike Ride
Grab a bike, pick a route, and go full adventure mode. Whether it’s cruising to the local park or exploring countryside trails, cycling is a great way for teens to enjoy the outdoors and feel a bit of independence. Bonus if there’s a café at the halfway point for a drink or even an ice cream!
Outdoor Cinema
Movies under the stars? Yes please. Outdoor cinemas are a summer holiday favourite for teens, especially when they include beanbags, popcorn, and fairy lights. Bring a blanket, your besties, and settle in for the ultimate feel-good night.
Arcade
Arcades are the OG teen hangout spot, and still just as fun. From retro pinball to dance mats and claw machines, it’s the kind of place where time flies (and pocket money disappears).
The Hollywood Bowl arcade has a range of games for all ages and mixes gaming with an American-themed diner for the ultimate hangout spot.
Sports Day
Who says sports days are just for primary school kids? Set up your own mini tournament with friends or family, think water balloon races, wheelbarrow relays, and tug of war. It’s low pressure, high laughs, and ideal for some sunny-day silliness. You’re never too old to make memories.
Photography Challenge
Give your teen a camera (or just their phone) and a creative brief like ‘colour’, ‘reflections’, or ‘hidden beauty’. Then send them off on a photo walk. It’s screen time, but make it artsy.
Bonus: you might end up with frame-worthy shots for the fridge.
Art Gallery and Museums
Museums and galleries aren’t just for school trips. With interactive exhibits, quirky collections and cafés, they’re great for low-cost days out. Look out for special teen-friendly events or late-night openings, and no, they don’t all involve mummies and old paintings.
Dance Classes
From hip hop and K-pop to ballet and salsa, dance classes are a great way for teens to try something new, boost confidence, and get moving. Whether they’re in it for the moves or just the mates, it’s a fab way to shake off boredom and build some new skills.
Mini Golf
Colourful courses, wacky obstacles and the thrill of getting that hole-in-one, mini golf is a go-to group activity. It’s ideal for sunny afternoons or rainy-day indoor courses. Add snacks and a little competitive banter? Perfection.
Try Hollywood Bowl’s Putt & Play for the ultimate mini golf experience!
Nature Walks
Sometimes, the best ideas are the simplest. A long walk through nature, like a forest, coast, or park, gives teens a chance to breathe, chat and take a break from screens. Add a Spotify playlist or some wildlife spotting to keep things interesting.
Indoor Go Karting
Teens + speed = excitement (with safety helmets, of course). Indoor go-karting is fast, fun, and a guaranteed adrenaline boost. Perfect for a group day out or birthday celebration, just be ready for the bragging rights and who got the fastest lap. All. Week.
Water Park
Whether it’s flumes, wave machines or lazy rivers, water parks are teen heaven in holiday form. It’s active, social, and full of splashy photo ops. And yes, it’ll wear them out in the best possible way.
Tree Top Adventure Course
Strap in, zip up and get climbing. Tree-top adventures are ideal for brave teens who love a challenge, with high ropes, swinging bridges and epic zip lines. It’s like a real-life video game. Just higher up.
Camping
Whether it’s in the wild or the back garden, camping is a classic adventure. Teens get to unplug (sort of), build fires, toast marshmallows, and sleep under the stars. Expect laughs, ghost stories, and some serious fort planning.
Safari Park
Lions? Check. Monkeys? Check. Teens acting like they’re on a David Attenborough documentary? Definitely. Safari parks are an exciting mix of road trip and animal adventure, and a great way to learn something without realising it.
Theatre
A trip to the theatre isn’t just for adults. With teen-friendly shows (think musicals, comedies, or modern plays), it’s a fun way to experience live performance. Many venues offer kids deals or behind-the-scenes workshops too.
Fruit Picking
Fruit picking is surprisingly fun, especially when the sun is shining and there’s a nice juicy punnet to take home. Think strawberries, blackberries and apples, and you’ve got the perfect combo to make a delicious pie.
This is a wholesome way to spend a sunny afternoon, and perfect for that “summer aesthetic” content.
Park Run
Teen runners (or enthusiastic walkers) can join free weekly Park Runs to stay active and feel part of something. It’s laid back and a great way to challenge themselves and keep a bit of routine over the holidays, even if they only do it for the snacks at the end.
Dog Walking
If your teen loves animals, dog walking is a brilliant way to get outside, whether it’s your own pup or helping out a neighbour. It’s responsibility-building, feel-good and guaranteed to put smiles on faces (especially the dog’s).
Planning Teenager Days Out Near You?
Finding a day out for your teenager doesn’t have to be a challenge. Whether they’re into high-energy fun, chilled vibes or creative outlets, there’s something for every kind of teen and plenty that’s easy to find locally.
And if you’re after easy, weather-proof, and guaranteed fun? Bowling is always a hit. Check out your local Hollywood Bowl and make it a day to remember.
