Fun Things to Do in Philadelphia With Teens

Tim Ponisciak said:  This unique and sobering piece of Philadelphia history offers mp3, self guided tours of the compound which features historical exhibits and art installations. Al Capone once spent time at Eastern State, and visitors can see his cell.

This National Historic Landmark is recommended for kids aged 7 and over. Kids can pick up a Challenge Book, and participate in a scavenger hunt throughout the tour. See site for admission & ticketing, starting around $10 for kids 7-12.

T-VOCE said:  Teen Voices of the City Ensemble, or T-VOCE (tee-VO-chay), is a FREE inclusive choir that welcomes youth from all backgrounds to share their talents and be themselves in a safe and supportive space. We use choral music to build musicianship and vocal skills, but also as a means of self-expression, explore issues important to our members, and to build community. There are no auditions; all teens need is a love of singing! It’s FREE to participate! There are multiple performance opportunities throughout the year and rehearsals are Saturdays Oct 12-Apr 25. Interested teens can register here.

10 am - 12 pm

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The Teen Lounge at Fleisher Art Memorial is a drop-in after school program that encourages students to create art, make new friends and hang out in a welcoming and supportive environment. Students can create projects using clay, painting, wood, silkscreen, jewelry, crafts, animation, collages, darkroom photography and more. It provides students a place to explore and hone their talents as well as the opportunity to work with local teaching artists through an RFP process.

Ages: 13-19

Cost: Free

Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays

4 PM - 6 PM (During the Philadelphia School District Year)

Shila said:  Beadworks is a full service bead store. They also host beading & jewelry making classes, along with a variety of parties (e.g. Ladies Night Out, Me Time, Children's Birthdays, etc) for creative people ages 9+. Check out the class schedule online, and you'll see a range of subjects (from introductory to advanced) for you & your older child or teen to consider crafting beautiful handmade jewelry together.

Class prices vary, some around $15/class.

Shila said:  Think the game of Dart, but using an axe! Alongside a parent, kids can participate and throw axes as long as they have the strength and coordination to do so (as judged by Kick Axe Throwing). If your child cannot pass the axe test, they can still play the game throwing foam axes and score wherever they hit the target.

Put on some clothes you aren't afraid to get dirty and learn the basics of working on the pottery wheel at The Clay Studio. In addition to ongoing classes, there are special family workshops that invite parents and kids or teens to create something together!

Shila said:  Self defense classes here use concepts & methods deemed as practical, direct & realistic. No bowing, no points & not sport. In addition to Vale Tudo self defense, kickboxing, martial arts & catch wrestling, they also have rape prevention workshops & seminars for women of all ages (including teens & girls) to learn practical self-defense & situational awareness.

Children of all ages, most popular for tweens & teens can also take a class in bully prevention. This class emphasizes defensive techniques that neutralize threats, defuse confrontations with words & gain control of situations.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  When teens have a need for speed, check out the Speed Raceway for indoor F1-inspired electric go-kart racing with locations in Horsham and Cinnaminson. They can race their friends or go alone and meet new people! Kids can play in the Arcade with sports and video games as well as classic options such as SkeeBall. The Horsham location offers Mini Golf as well.

Cost: $20/ages 12+ for one race (14 laps). $15/After School Special (Mon - Fri, 2:30 PM - 5 PM).

$6/annual membership required (Includes free race in birthday month, use of helmets and gear, online scoring and special offers).

Vanessa M. said:  If you are looking for family adventure, look no further than Dutch Springs, the 50 acre lake adventure center. Take advantage of the beautiful, freshwater lake with scuba diving, snorkeling, and aqua park. The Sky Challenge incorporates rock climbing, rope bridges, and other height-defying feats. The cost for snorkeling and the Sky Challenge is included in Aqua Park admission! Make your adventure last all weekend with on-site camping!

Ages: scuba 10+, snorkeling 8+, Sky Challenge 48+ inches tall
Cost: Aqua Park $22-36, Scuba $45

Erin P. said:  Adventurous teens will love this fun treetops ropes course, where they can enjoy the Poconos from a new vantage point - up high! The course includes swaying bridges, wobbly logs, zip lines, vertical cargo nets, ladders, high-wires and much more. With over 100 aerial obstacles, there is no shortage of adventure! And parents, experienced guides are located throughout the course to offer directions, tips and encouragement.

Ages: 9 and over. See site for other restrictions.

Cost: Full Treetops Course: $40/person - 9AM start only. (Advance registration required); $50/person - all other time slots.

Shila said:  Located about 1 hour from Philadelphia on a 60-acre rural facility fit with a dedicated shooting range, Zombie Survival Camp teaches "recruits" how to prepare for a disaster, whether it be a natural catastrophe or... a zombie apocalypse!

Programs offer fun experiences aimed to really teach survival skills, basic firearms, crossbow, build a bug-out bag, first-aid and Zombitsu (hand-to-hand fighting style). Led by certified instructors, your family will walk away having learned a thrilling set of skills. Contact and register online in advance.

Ages: 15+ with an adult over 25

Cost: $179 per person