by TMOM CO-FOUNDER RACHEL HOEING
Most teens will spend their summers playing summer sports, hanging at the pool, working, babysitting, traveling or sleeping in. While these are all great ways for them to enjoy their summer, the bad news is that very few of those items involve spending time with their parents! I feel like each time I look at my own teens, I see the clock ticking off how much more time I have left before they are on their own. So, I asked my teens and some of their friends what activities they would enjoy with their parents this summer and came up with the list below.
Suggested BY teens, FOR teens to enjoy with their parents:
- The Quarry at Carrigan Farms – Carrigan Farms is located in Mooresville and offers open swim time in the spring-fed quarry. You can enjoy just hanging, jumping or rope swinging while there. Reservations must be made online. There is a $5 deposit and $20 cash or check due at the door.
- Disc Golf – This is a great way to have time to talk with your teen while also enjoying a sport, getting them outdoors and getting some exercise! The best part is that it is free, and chances are that there is a disc golf course close to you. You can use our Parks/Playgrounds directory here to find a park that has this option. Some of our favorites for disc golf are Horizons Park in Rural Hall, Triad Park in Kernersville, Barber Park in Greensboro and Springwood in Burlington. If it’s your first time playing, don’t worry about fancy discs, just bring a few frisbees and have fun!
- Haw River Canoe and Kayak Co – This is a great opportunity for your children to disconnect from the internet and reconnect with nature. You can enjoy kayaking on the rapids, stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing or even fly-fishing.
- Mad Splatter – Pottery and canvas design is open for walk-ins. The Splatter Zone is open by appointment only and is so much fun! Check out the photos on the website of this unique way to create your own art.
- Carowinds – Another one of our favorite places to hit in Charlotte is Carowinds amusement park and their waterpark, Carolina Harbor. If you think you will go more than once, a season pass is definitely worth the money. You can easily spend a full day just in the water park or just in the ride section.
- Triad Eco Adventures – Triad Eco Adventures hosts sightseeing tours in Winston-Salem, Greensboro and High Point. You can choose between segway tours, electric bikes or even a trolley. They also offer stand-up paddleboard instructions and activities.
- iFLY – iFLY is located in Concord and gives you the opportunity to experience flying with modern indoor skydiving. Your iFLY experience includes a brief training session and your time in the air. Watch the videos on their website to see the fun!
- Kersey Valley – Located in Archdale, Kersey Valley has enough to offer your teens that you can return again and again. Ziplines, escape rooms, laser tag, high ropes course, ax throwing and even more additions in the fall! Visit their website to see all the options and book your adventure.
- Hebron Rock Colony – Maybe it’s because we’ve raised them to love Appalachian State, but my kids have always enjoyed a day trip to Boone and a hike at Hebron Rock colony. Check out the linked blog for tips on where to start. Be sure to bring snacks or a lunch and encourage all family members to disconnect! Other fun hiking spots are Hanging Rock, Stone Mountain and Pilot Mountain.
10. Wet ‘n Wild – Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe in Greensboro is great when you have a mixture of thrill seekers in your house. If one of your teens would rather sit by the pool while another wants to try out “daredevil drop,” it can be done here! It features more than 36 water rides and includes plenty of dining options on the premises. You can also choose to eat a picnic lunch outside of the park.
