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Do you have a teenager in the family that needs amusing this summer? Here’s a few ideas of things to do to get you started.
Not a definitive list by any means (you can find that here) – simply our recommendations, plus a few things you may not have thought of.
Anything we've missed? Email me (Emily) on [email protected] with any suggestions you might have.
1. Pioneer Club Skatepark in St Albans
Suitable for ages 9-18, the Pioneer Club Skatepark has a huge indoor area with a range of ramps to suit everyone's ability. They offer parkour classes, skateboarding lessons, 16+ nights and sessions for inliner skates and scooters. They run specific sessions for beginners with the option of hiring a skateboard, pads and helmet so you’ll be set. Parking is free and easy.
Check the website for the full schedule: www.pioneerclub.co.uk
2. Interactive Science Exhibition at Stockwood Discovery Centre
Running from Monday 1st July til Sunday 8th September and aimed at kids 7+, this exhibition is fully interactive, allowing kids to discover how bones work, how fast your brain reacts, how to make an instrument sound without strings, how to interact with electrical lights by your hand's movement and to create electricity, all with fun challenges and hands-on machines.
Tickets can be bought here: www.lutonculture.com/stockwood-discovery-centre/whats-on/2019/07/01/interactive-science-exhibition/2855
3. TeamSport Indoor Go-karting in Dunstable
This multi-level indoor kart circuit is, at 500m, one of the longest tracks in the area. There are loads of different options like Open Timed Race sessions (where you get a lap time report at the end of each session to see how well you have done), the 50 Lap Race (F1 style racing against your mates in a group or go along as an individual and meet some new competition) and Junior Track Days for 8-16 year olds that run all morning, include lunch.
You can book online at: www.team-sport.co.uk/go-karting-dunstable
4. Paintballing in Bricket Wood
Only 10 mins drive from St Albans is the Bricket Wood Paintball Centre. They have 9 game zones all with different themes, a fully stocked shop selling guns and equipment, food served from our country club bar, and loads of free parking. Choose from a half or a full day of paintballing.
You can book online at: www.bricketwoodpaintball.co.uk
5. Snowboarding at The Snow Centre
Here you’ll find a huge 160m main slope as well as the largest indoor ski lesson slope in the UK. Both ski and snowboarding slopes are over 30m wide and maintained with the perfect snow surface. They offer loads of different types of sessions, for example, Junior 1 ½ Hour Group Lessons are available for 11-16 year olds and are available every weekend throughout the year.
Check the website for timings and availability: https://www.thesnowcentre.com
6. Go Ape in Cockfosters
Thrill seeking teenagers will love Go Ape, and is well worth the half-hour drive to Cockfosters. There is the slightly tamer Tree Top Adventure and Tree Top Adventure+ for those still finding their feet, or the Tree Top Challenge which offers the highest tree to tree crossings and biggest free-fall Tarzan swings. Not one for those who are scared of heights!
Book online at: https://goape.co.uk
7. Don't Get Locked In, Leighton Buzzard
There are two fully immersive escape rooms at Don't Get Locked In - a 1940's Bletchley Park-themed war room called 'The Secret Hut', and a second, prison-themed room called 'The Rock' based on Alcatraz which looks genuinely terrifying! Both rooms take 2-6 participants so the whole family can do it together. They also have a 'Kudos Challenge', with bronze, silver and gold tiers according to how many clues you ask for to solve the puzzles- PERFECT for competitive teenagers (and dads). Would also make a fantastic birthday party option for older kids. Highly recommended!
Book online at: www.dontgetlockedin.com
Please note that Mum’s guide to St Albans are not paid or affiliated with any of these places, all opinions are my own. Please check websites before you travel.
