Best days out with teenagers in the North

Manchester, National Football Museum

Nearest station: Manchester Victoria

Distance from station: 6-minute walk

As the world’s most popular sport, football is no stranger to Britain, and its effects on culture are evident. Football has a long and storied history that's being shaped every day by professional and amateur players worldwide.

This museum is ideal for football fanatics, offering a chance to learn about how the game 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, it’s always a great day out and will keep your teenagers entertained and active. It’s also a strong option for anyone looking for things to do in Manchester with teens.

National Football Museum

Manchester, SEA LIFE

Nearest station: Manchester Piccadilly 

Distance from the station: 20 minutes by tram

SEA LIFE Manchester is filled with plenty of weird and wonderful underwater creatures; this aquarium offers unique ways to gaze upon the illustrious denizens of the sea. Home to thousands of different species, it’s 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. If you’re looking for things to do with teens that are relaxed, interesting and easy to reach by train, there’s plenty to explore.

SEA LIFE Manchester

York, The Dungeons

Nearest station: York

Distance from station: 13-minute walk

Thrills, laughter and knowledge await 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”, this attraction 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 it will have them screaming, laughing, and jumping out of their skin.

York Dungeon

Blackpool, Sandcastle Water Park

Nearest station: Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Distance from station: 13-minute walk

Waterparks are usually reserved for sunny weather, with the heat beating down on you. However, weather is no longer an issue with this indoor Sandcastle Water Park. Perfect for any type of weather, especially rainy days, it’s home to 18 slides and attractions, as well as a cafe and kitchen.

Recognised as one of the top theme parks in the UK, it’s easy to see why this Blackpool favourite remains popular with families. Kept at a tropical 84-degree climate, the 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, especially if you’re looking for indoor activities in Blackpool.

Sandcastle Waterpark

Hull, Escape Room

Nearest station: Hull

Distance from station: 3-minute walk

4 unique rooms. 1 hour to escape. Do you have what it takes? Escape Room Hull 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. 

Escape Room Hull

Warrington, North West Face Climbing Centre

Nearest station: Warrington Central

Distance from station: 10-minute walk

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.

This centre offers an inclusive and welcoming environment for all levels of climbing. It includes artificial walls, as well as a natural wall to really test your skills on. If you’re searching for a climbing wall Warrington activity or climbing in Warrington for active teens, this is a great spot. 

North West Face Climbing Centre

Preston, TeamSport Go Karting

Nearest station: Bamber Bridge

Distance from station: 18-minute walk

Calling all racing enthusiasts! Get ready for an adrenaline-filled day packed with action and speed at this indoor track. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or a beginner, this is a strong choice for go karting for teenagers, thrill-seekers and families looking for fun adventure activities. 

Choose between two exciting tracks, including an incredible multi-level track spanning over three floors. And that’s not all; there’s even 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.

TeamSport Go Karting Preston

Middlesbrough, Putter Chaos

Nearest station: Middlesbrough

Distance from station: 12-minute walk

Enjoy some fun for the whole family at Middlesbrough’s first and only 18-hole indoor adventure crazy golf course. Designed with every member of the family in mind, it’s packed with 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!

Putter Chaos

Nottingham, Meet Space VR

Nearest station: Nottingham

Distance from station: 18-minute walk

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 experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, including gaming-led challenges that work well for creative activities teens can get involved with.

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. 

Meetspace VR

Lancaster, Soul Bowl

Nearest station: Morecambe

Distance from station: 5-minute walk

As one of the world’s favourite pastimes, bowling is a guaranteed hit for the whole family and is sure to get everyone involved.

This venue combines the fun of bowling with a lively atmosphere and plenty of food and drinks to go around. It’s a simple choice if you’re looking for bowling for teenagers that still works for the rest of the family.If you’re looking to plan a day out with the family, then look no further. With its fantastic lanes, luxurious seats and delectable food, there’s no bowling alley quite like it.

Soul Bowl

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, there are plenty of days out with teenagers that could get them hooked on another hobby. Travel to over 500 destinations with Northern and get the whole family out and about. 

For an extra treat, take a look at our discounted days out for savings at attractions including SEA LIFE Manchester, the National Football Museum and York Dungeon when you travel with Northern.