Outings for teens 13 and up

Getting a teenager excited about a family outing can feel like an extreme sport. Between friends, screens, homework and their growing need for independence, family time often slides to the bottom of their list. But teens still value connection with their parents — they just want it on their terms. The trick is to choose activities with a real "wow" factor, give them a voice in the plan and accept that the vibe will be different from when they were little. Here are outing ideas that teens 13 and up actually enjoy.

🎧Why teen outings are different

• They want a say: being consulted matters more than the activity itself.
• They need challenge or novelty: "we've done that a hundred times" is a real objection.
• Friends count: inviting a friend can turn a reluctant teen into an enthusiastic one.
• Image matters: activities that feel "for little kids" are a hard sell.
• Energy and sleep: early-morning plans can be a battle. Afternoon or evening outings often work better.

🎈Adventure and adrenaline

• Treetop courses and ziplines: the higher and faster, the better.
• Rafting or river tubing: a thrilling summer outing with a guided operator.
• Mountain biking: bike parks and trails for all levels.
• Rock climbing: indoor gyms year-round, or guided outdoor climbing for a bigger challenge.
• Skiing, snowboarding and tubing parks: winter favourites, especially with friends.
• Surfing or wakeboarding: river surfing and lake sports have become popular in some parts of Quebec.
• Amusement parks: big rides are a classic teen favourite.

🌈Social and urban outings

• Escape rooms: teamwork, puzzles and a timer — a great family challenge.
• Concerts and festivals: music festivals and outdoor shows are a great way to share interests.
• Food tours and markets: let them pick a cuisine to discover or a famous local treat to try.
• City day trips: exploring a new city, its neighbourhoods, vintage shops and street art.
• Sports events: cheering together at a game is a strong bonding moment.
• Virtual reality and gaming arcades: let them show you their skills.
• Thrift shopping: creative, affordable and surprisingly fun with teens.

🔬Nature and meaningful experiences

• Challenging hikes: summit trails with a great view — and great photos.
• Canoe-camping or a weekend in the backcountry: unplugged time creates real conversations.
• Stargazing nights: in dark-sky areas, away from city lights.
• Volunteering: park cleanups, animal shelters or food banks give a sense of purpose.
• Photography outings: let them be the creative director of a photo walk.

🎧How to get teens on board

• Let them choose: offer two or three options and let them decide, or give them full planning control for one outing a month.
• Invite a friend: often the deal-breaker in your favour.
• Respect their rhythm: plan for later starts and some downtime.
• Balance phones, don't ban them: agree on moments to put phones away, and accept photos and videos as part of the fun.
• Give them responsibility: navigation, budget management, driving practice for those learning.
• Keep it low-pressure: not every outing needs to be a deep bonding experience. Laughing together is enough.

Talking with your teen about outings

How you bring up a family outing can matter as much as the outing itself. Teens are quick to sense when a plan is being imposed, and just as quick to warm up when they feel respected.

• Ask early, not last minute: teens often have plans with friends. Giving them a few days' notice shows respect for their time.
• Explain the why: "We'd love some time with you before the school year gets busy" lands better than "You're coming because we said so."
• Be open to their ideas: they might suggest something you'd never have considered — a festival, a new sport, a food spot they saw online.
• Negotiate the details: start time, how long you'll stay, whether a friend can come. Small concessions often win their buy-in.
• Keep the door open after a "no": a teen who declines today may join next time if they don't feel pressured.

It also helps to plan some outings that are just one parent and one teen. Without siblings around, conversations often flow more easily, especially side by side in the car, on a trail or waiting in line. These moments can be precious windows into what's going on in their lives.

Finally, don't measure success by enthusiasm. A teen who rolls their eyes on the way there but laughs during the activity and talks about it later has had a great outing. The connection is happening, even when it doesn't look like it.

💡Age-specific tips

Ages 13–14

Still open to family adventures if there's a thrill or social element. Adventure parks, escape rooms and amusement parks are big wins. Let them bring a friend often.

Ages 15–16

Independence grows. Offer outings that build skills or match their passions — a concert, a city trip, a climbing course. Some may enjoy planning an entire family day.

Ages 17 and up

Treat them almost as adults: plan trips together, share the decision-making and enjoy activities you both genuinely like. These outings can become some of the best moments of your parenting life.

One more tip: be willing to step into their world. Go to the concert of a band they love, try the video game they keep talking about or let them teach you a new skill. Teens notice when parents show genuine interest, and these shared experiences often open the door to the outings you'd like to share with them too.

💡 FamiSwipe tip: Let your teen do the swiping! In the app, tick Thrills, Sports, Festival and Show, and set their age so you skip activities designed for little kids. Their matches become the shortlist for your next outing — no negotiation needed.

🎠Connection on their terms

Teens may pretend family outings are uncool, but shared adventures still matter deeply to them. Choose activities with a real wow factor, let them have a say, invite friends and keep the mood relaxed. The memories you build now will help keep your relationship strong through the teenage years and beyond.