Are you wondering where to take a teenager for a day out? When it comes to family days out, teenagers can be hard to please. They often want something that is both fun and challenging – something that will get their adrenaline pumping. If you're looking for ideas on where to take your teenager in the North of England, read on for our favourite spots sure to please even the fussiest teens.
Don't forget to book your train tickets in advance for the best deals and up to 60% off! Or look at purchasing a family ticket for trips with children under 15.
Sea Life Manchester
Nearest station: Trafford Park
Sea Life Manchester is filled with plenty of weird and wonderful underwater creatures with unique ways to gaze upon the illustrious denizens of the sea. Home to thousands of different species, Sea Life is sure to entertain with its colourful array of fish and other aquatic beasts.
The aquarium is split into multiple zones with different species kept in each one. Sea Life is sure to have it in abundance, as well as many more to explore.
The aquarium is guaranteed to be a great day out for all involved, so why not make travel easy and get there with Northern! You can even get 1/3 off your visit to Sea Life when you travel by train.
Putter Chaos
Nearest station: Middlesbrough
Enjoy some fun for the whole family at Middlesbrough’s first and only 18-hole indoor adventure crazy golf course. Putter Chaos was designed with every member of the family in mind and is packed with plenty of chaotic challenges and laugh-out-loud moments.
Once you’re ready to revel in your hard-earned victory or recover from putting blunders, you can head on over to the Bunkers Bar to grab a soft drink, tea or coffee to fuel your post-game energy. Once you’re settled within the Chaos Clubhouse, you can relax and laugh about all the hilarious moments and mishaps, and who knows, you might even start hatching plans for an epic second round of golf!
Soul Bowl Lancaster
Nearest station: Morecambe
As one of the world’s favourite pastimes, bowling is a guaranteed hit for the whole family and is sure to get everyone involved.
At Soul Bowl, they combine the fun of bowling with a lively atmosphere and plenty of food and drinks to go around.
If you’re looking to plan a day out with the family, then look no further than Soul Bowl. With its fantastic lanes, luxurious seats and delectable food, there’s no bowling alley quite like it.
TeamSport Go Karting Preston
Nearest station: Bamber Bridge
Calling all racing enthusiasts! Get ready for an adrenaline-filled day packed with action and speed at the TeamSport Go Karting track in Preston. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or a beginner, this is the ultimate activity for thrill-seekers.
Choose between two exciting tracks, including an incredible multi-level track spanning over three floors. And that’s not all - the track even offers a Combat Karts experience, where up to 10 drivers can go wheel-to-wheel, racing for the podium by collecting specific boosts along the way. So, what are you waiting for? This action-packed adventure promises fun for the whole family, and you can save on travel costs with our kids go half-price train tickets for ages 5-15.
North West Face Climbing Centre
Nearest station: Warrington Central
Despite their attitudes at times, teenagers enjoy learning new skills and developing hobbies that they can carry through life. Climbing and bouldering are some of the many active hobbies that can be picked up and enjoyed in both group and solo settings.
North West Face Climbing Centre offers an inclusive and welcoming environment for all levels of climbing. The centre includes artificial walls, as well as a natural wall to really test your skills on. This is a great spot for your active teens. Get a rangers or rovers ticket to climb whenever you want to!
Meet Space VR Nottingham
Nearest station: Nottingham
Gaming has quickly overtaken the entertainment landscape, especially among younger generations, so why not treat your teenagers to a glimpse of the not-so-distant future with virtual reality (VR)?
At Meet Space VR, there are a host of different options to indulge in and immerse yourself in. From solo to group, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Jump into critically acclaimed games like Far Cry or put your creative essence to work in Engineerium. There are also 19 different escape rooms to try your hand at in the world of VR; from Indiana Jones-esque to gritty futuristic worlds, VR makes it all possible.
Give your teenagers a great birthday party or just head along for good weekend fun. Travel with Northern for a smooth train journey there.
York Dungeon
Nearest station: York
Thrills, laughter and knowledge await in the York Dungeons as you embark on a journey through some of York’s more gruesome history. Your teens are sure to enjoy the mix of scares and laughs in each of the 10 unique shows on offer here, each designed to educate and thrill.
Described as a “highly sensory experience”, the dungeons will turn out the lights, flash them in your face, blast you with pungent smells, spray you with water, and more. It's a great day out for teenagers, and the dungeons will have them screaming, laughing, and jumping out of their skin.
Sandcastle Water Park
Nearest station: Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Waterparks are usually reserved for sunny weather, with the heat beating down on you. However, weather is no longer an issue with the indoor Sandcastle Waterpark. Perfect for any type of weather, especially rainy days, the waterpark is home to 18 slides and attractions, as well as a cafe and kitchen.
Sandcastle has been recognised as one of the top theme parks in the UK and it’s easy to see why. Kept at a tropical 84-degree climate, the waterpark’s slides range from thrilling, like the Master Blaster and Aztec Falls, to the less intense Typhoon Lagoon and Fort Riptide.
The park is also open during select dates throughout winter and is a great choice to get your teens moving all year round.
National Football Museum
Nearest station: Manchester Victoria
As the world’s most popular sport, Britain is no stranger to the beautiful game of football and its effects on culture. Football has a long and storied history that's being shaped every day by professional and amateur players worldwide.
The museum is ideal for football fanatics, offering a chance to learn about how football has evolved and play with interactive exhibits like Penalty Shootout, Pass Master, and Stop the Shot. With free entry for residents of the City of Manchester, and discounted tickets when travelling by train, this museum is always a great day out and will keep your teenagers entertained and active.
Escape Room Hull
Nearest station: Hull
4 unique rooms. 1 hour to escape. Do you have what it takes? Escape Room Hull makes you put your brains to the test to see how smart you really are. Will you surprise yourself and set a new record, or be humbled by the difficult puzzles that await?
The rooms are split into different difficulties, so you can work your way up to the most difficult and become an escape room master. Teenagers are sure to get stuck right into these challenges as they present a unique take on problem-solving that will bring their competitive side to the surface.
So, carve out an afternoon for some puzzle-solving fun and prepare to celebrate your victory over the puzzle master (or prepare to nurse some bruised egos). Head along with your partner in crime and save on travel with Northern's duo tickets.
With so much to do across the North of England with your teenagers you don't need to worry about getting them out of the house and moving. From clambering and climbing to getting their brains working in escape rooms, maybe you'll get them hooked on another hobby. Travel to over 500 destinations with Northern and get the whole family out and about.
Save with our family ticket
Our Northern family ticket gives you the chance to travel with your whole family, up to six people, for one great value price. Making the train a great option when travelling with the family.
Buy a family train ticketNorthern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.
Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.