12 Fun Summer Activities for Tweens in CT

12 FUN SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR TEENS IN CT

Nothing is worse then being in that “in between stage” of the teenage years. At 14 and 15, you can’t drive, you’re not quite old enough for a summer job, but you’re too old for summer camp. It’s a tough time and finding fun activities in the summer can be a challenge. Here are some “cool” places in Connecticut where your teen will definitely have a blast!

1.Sky Zone

Sky Zone Trampoline Park is an entirely indoor trampoline park. It combines fitness and fun! This is great for thrill seekers and can be made into as much fun or fitness as one should choose. Sky Zone offers trampolines as well as many fun features, such as pits filled with thousands of foam cubes. This is great for your teen because jump sessions are allotted by age. Located in Norwalk and Bethel.

2. Go Carting

On Track Karting is as easy as go carting gets. Their “arrive and drive” mode of operation allows customers to easily walk in, sign up, and drive. For a teen that is just shy of a license, driving and racing around the track is very intriguing. At age 15, you are considered an adult at On Track Karting and can race in the big leagues. Even for the younger teens, there's an upgrade option to drive just as fast as the adults. Located in Brookfield.

3. Rope Course

There are many rope and obstacle courses throughout the state. A great one for young teens is The Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum. There are 5 levels of difficulty and the tougher ones are truly a challenge! And age 14, climbers can go on any level course without supervision. This is a great place to drop off your antsy teen and some friends where they can get some fun, fitness, and fresh air! Located in Bridgeport. But if weather is an issue New Haven's IT Adventure Indoor Ropes Course is also home to the world's largest indoor adventure ropes course!

4. Mini Golf

Mini golf is fun for all ages. But Monster Mini Golf isn’t any ordinary course. There’s 18 holes of glow in the dark mini golf with monster décor and animated props around every corner. There’s even a state of the art arcade! Located in Danbury. Cove Mini Golf is another great course, right off of Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk!

5. Ice Skating

Sometimes in the middle of summer, you just need a good cool down, and this is something great that teens can do on their own with a group of friends. Rinks are located all throughout the state. Some popular ones include Sono Ice House, Darien Ice Rink, Chelsea Piers, Winter Garden Area (Ridgefield), and Stamford Twin Rinks.

6. Sports Complex

Young teens often have a lot of

stored up energy. When school sports come to a halt for the summer, teens need somewhere to release their energy. One of the best places for a teen to spend the day is a sports complex. These include activities such as batting cages, mini golf, golf ranges, paintball, arts and crafts, laser tag, bowling, arcades, ice rinks, gymnastics, basketball arenas, swimming pools, trampoline zones, and more. It's a one stop shop! Sports Center of CT is located in Shelton and Chelsea Piers is in Stamford.

7. Yoga

If enduring physical activity all day long isn't your teen's idea of a fun summer day perhaps he/she could use a little "pick me up." Yoga is another great option! Many studios offer teen yoga classes. Not only does this allow for friends to take a class together, but these classes are meant for growing bodies and are really aimed to be engaging and entertaining for young teens. Hello Yoga offers a great 1-hour yoga class just for teens! Located in Wilton.

8. Cooking Class

Not all fun activities have to be physical! Taking a cooking class can give a sense of maturity and responsibility to any growing teen. They can learn some useful skills while enjoying some fun with friends, and hey, maybe you'll get someone else to cook dinner! Aux Délices offers classes for teens as well as private sessions. This is great for teens who don’t want to be stuck with little kids in the same class. Located in Greenwich and Westport.

9. Minor League Games

Some of Connecticut's finest minor league teams include the Bridgeport Bluefish and the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Sending your teen and friends alone into a major league stadium can be a bit nerve-wracking for parents. Minor league arenas and stadiums are much smaller and easier for a teen to navigate. This way you're able to give your teen the independence he/she craves while not having to worry. Located in Bridgeport.

10. Lake Compounce

Lake Compounce is a family oriented theme park, but don't mistake the rides for childish. In fact, it

is home to the world's fastest wooden roller coaster and Connecticut's largest water park! The park itself is very consolidated and perfect for teens to wander around in on their own. A big PLUS is that they serve free drinks all day everyday! Located in Bristol.

11. Art Classes

For those humid summer days, art classes are a great way to beat the heat! Many art studios offer teen classes that focus on age-appropriate difficulty. With dozens of options, your teen can take classes they are truly interested in. Muse Paintbar has painting classes for all ages! Art Studio Plus offers classes by difficultly level so your teen can try out their painting skills. You can even bring your own snacks! These studios are located in South Norwalk.

12. Pottery and Jewelry

Another great way to put those crafty hands to work is by creating art! It is wonderful to use your imagination to bring your creations to life. Whether it be pottery, jewelry, fashion, sculpture, or painting, The Silvermine Art Center in New Canaan offers classes of all skill sets just for teens! Another great activity is painting pottery! Happy Hands Art & Pottery is appropriate for all ages and offers a very welcoming and creative environment. Located in Wilton.

Bonus!! Escape Rooms

Here's an extra for the older teens! A current new craze are escape rooms and Connecticut has some of the best! Here is the idea: You and your friends are locked in a room. You have one hour to use your mental faculties to solve clues in order to figure out the mystery and unlock the room. A fun team building experience!! Panic Room is located in Norwalk and Escape New Haven is in New Haven.

Whether it's jumping, driving, riding, playing, or cooking, there are many options to entertain your teen while they are stuck in that inbeTWEEN phase!