ACTIVE FAMILY FUN WITH TEENS & TWEENS
In our experience, tweens and teens love a good physical challenge. Besides these specific lists, we keep a calendar of family-friendly sporting events such as races and benefit walks. These events are perfect things to do with teenagers and for any families who want to spend time being active.
Archery
Several Twin Cities area parks have free archery ranges. Some offer family programs that provide everything you need to try out the sport for about $10/pp or less. The DNR even offers free family archery programs (see link for the calendar) in some State Parks. The cost is just a $7 vehicle permit.
Bringing younger kids? Check the age requirements for these archery programs first. Many do not permit kids under age 8; other courses allow all ages as long as an adult is present.
Biking
Teens are at a great age for family bike rides, they probably have more stamina than mom and dad. Hitting the web of bike trails in the Twin Cities can be a fun way to do some sightseeing while enjoying some family together time.
Bowling
Teens and tweens love to go bowling. It’s also one of those great things to do with teenagers when you want rainy day indoor activities, or a cool spot when you need some AC. And speaking of beating the heat, the Kids Bowl Free summer program offers two free games a day per kid at a participating bowling alley. Shoe rental is required for a minimal fee at most.
The University of Minnesota boasts the best bowling deal in the Twin Cities according to these teens. Bowl for just a buck until 5pm Mon-Fri ($2 shoe rental) at Coffman Union. Plus, there are video games, billiards, and copious amounts of snacks.
Bringing younger kids? Most lanes will offer bumper bowling to keep it fun instead of frustrating.
Disc Golf
Disc golf (or “frisbee golf” if you’re not feeling proper) is all the rage with our tweens and teens. It’s a fun, free way to keep them active and happy when they’ve outgrown the playground at the park. Disc golf is played by throwing the disc (or frisbee) into each of a series of metal baskets situated on an outdoor course. The object is to complete the course using the fewest possible throws. Find our huge list of disc golf courses here.
Bringing younger kids? Plan to hit up a course with many holes arranged close to the playground. Highland Park in St Paul is a good example of this. Make sure to pack a picnic and plenty of water.
Mini Golf
Suggesting a mini golf outing for my teen is always a hole in one. Whether you are looking to golf outside in the beautiful summer months or inside to escape the heat and humidity, we’ve rounded up all the mini golf courses in and around the Twin Cities. Our favorites include imaginative outdoor courses like Big Stone Mini Golf & Sculpture Park (shown) and Can Can Wonderland Mini Golf indoors.
Older kids (ages 8+) looking for an extra challenge alongside parents might enjoy the Centennial Lakes Putting Course in Edina. Not considered mini golf, but instead “golf in miniature” on grass fairways. The course is open seasonally.
Bringing younger kids? A smaller, lower-priced course can be found at Como Regional Park in St Paul (adjacent to the enticing Como Town Amusement Park and all-ages pleasing Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.) It’s also inexpensive for little ones to golf the courses at Grand Slam (Burnsville & Coon Rapids) while teens and tweens hit the batting cages and laser tag.
Ninja & Trampoline Parks
Older kids have extra energy to burn. They love to challenge the physical limits of their bodies. Indoor parks such as Big Air (located in Burnsville) has them literally bouncing off the walls, slamming dunks, navigating a ropes course and making like ninjas on the obstacle course. Other places to “fly” include Sky Zone Trampoline Parks, and Urban Air Adventure Park.
Bringing younger kids? There are always spaces set aside for the little ones to get in on the action. Most parks even offer special sessions just for preschoolers to have at the trampolines.
Beautiful weather and it’s time to head outdoors? Teens and tweens inevitably outgrow the local playground and may even become (unintentional) hazards for younger kids who want to play there. Try a trip to Schaper Park Challenge Course in Golden Valley. One of only a few timed ninja-style courses in the Twin Cities, this was a major hit with my teen.
Bringing younger kids? They’re welcome to test their ninja skills, too. Just be aware that the course is popular and there may be a line to use the timer. This is definitely a park where you’ll have to be on your toes (though that’s part of the fun!).
Open Gyms
For a free way to burn off some steam, Saint Paul Parks offer Teen Open Gym times at various rec centers around the city for ages 12-17. Find a teen open gym near you here.
Rock climbing
Are your teens climbing the walls at home during the cold winter months in Minnesota? Take them rock climbing instead! Places like Vertical Endeavors and the Minneapolis Bouldering Project will gladly accept the challenge of pushing them higher. No experience necessary; staff are on hand to give orientations to first-time climbers. This would make a great active outing for a parent and teen.
Sledding & tubing hills
Teens and tweens embrace our Minnesota winters by throwing themselves down steep slopes at top speeds. Whatever gets them outside and active works for us! Sledding hills are free and abundant and good for mild thrills (find our suggestions at the link.) Tubing hills can be a fun family splurge.
Bringing younger kids? We have noted in our guides where “bunny hills” are provided alongside the daredevil tracks.
Roller rinks & skate parks
One of our teens wrote about the Twin Cities best roller rinks when he was younger. We have since added the indoor skate parks. Looking for an outdoor skate park? Check our park directory.
Skiing & snowboarding
Whether you’re a winter sports beginner or you’re dealing with thrill-seeking tweens and teens, we’ve got family skiing and snowboarding suggestions for the season.
Bringing younger kids? Some slopes, like the Como Park Ski Center in St Paul are very budget-friendly and offer special family nights where everyone skis for $15/pp, rentals included.
Minnesota State Parks
Hike and camp at Minnesota State Parks (or National Parks). High school kids may be too old to pitch a tent in the backyard, but they can still enjoy nature on a real camping trip — enjoy the sunset, sunrise and stars, go birdwatching, learn a new skill or just spread blankets on the beach and chill.
Water parks & swimming
Our teens and tweens like to fill the slim summer window of hot temps with time spent chilling by the water. How to break down all the swim spots? Consult our comprehensive guide to TWIN CITIES WATER FUN.
Swim outdoors
We’ve collected a master list of all the Twin Cities beaches, outdoor swimming pools, and water parks into one handy guide.
Bringing younger kids? Many pools have special Tot Time open swim hours. Take a dip with your little one for a reduced price; teens and tweens can join in once the pool has opened for all ages.
Find more ways to fill your school break with our Ultimate Summer Guide to Family Fun in the Twin Cities.
Swim indoors
In cooler temps, check out our list of Twin Cities Indoor Waterparks and Pools to get a little time on the water slides.