So the soft play and swing park just don’t cut it anymore, but you want to spend a fun day out with your teen/tween. Here are 20+ outdoor and indoor activities in Harrogate for older kids, tweens and teens, all broken down by interest.
(For the beady eyed, I have put in a few activities from Leeds and York but all should be around 30 minutes travel time).
For the Adventurous Ones
Escape rooms are fun no matter what your age. Did you know that there are a few to try at Ripley Castle thanks to the team at Live for Today? They also offer a fantastic range of outdoor activities such as archery, paddle boarding and axe throwing.
Get climbing! If it’s indoor fun your after then head to Harrogate’s indoor climbing wall (now also owned by the guys at Live for Today) or for a breath of fresh air, why not drive up to Brimham Rocks? If you have smaller kids in tow as well, Clip N Climb in Ilkley offers climbing walls for all abilities.
We regularly visit Snozone at Xscape and have recently been sledging on the giant indoor slope. We were both exhausted after the 45 minute session but had such a good time. It starts from only £6.99pp too depending on the time of year.
We recently had a great afternoon at Ninja Warrior in Leeds. It’s perfect for older kids, a great way to get some exercise and test their limits.
For the Animal Lovers
Take a llama for a walk! Get to know a new furry friend whilst walking around the beautiful Yorkshire countryside with Nidderdale Llamas.
Or why not wander around a tropical Forest surrounded by butterflies at Tropical World at Roundhay Park in Leeds?
For the Brave Ones
I highly recommend the Harrogate Ghost Walk, listen to spooky stories about some of Harrogate’s most iconic buildings and try to communicate with the spirit world.
If you’re feeling even braver, then head to the York Dungeons, but beware it’s not for the faint hearted. (I think Izzy would still be a bit young for this and she’s 11).
For the History Lovers
Grab a hard hat and adventure underground the Yorkshire Dales to discover Stump Cross Caverns, keep an eye out for their special UV light times to see the caves in a totally different light.
Or for a trip the whole family will enjoy, visit the Royal Armouries in Leeds for a fascinating day out and learning all in one.
For the Techie Teens
Can’t get them away from their screens? If you can’t beat them, join them.
Treat yourself to a sofa at Everyman for the latest blockbuster, and even have pizza and nibbles brought to your seats
And if you don’t mention it’s a museum, they will love the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford, although I’m still offended that the Playschool toys are in a museum, I’m not that old!
For the Girly Ones
If you have a beauty obsessed teen treat her (and yourself) to a couple of hours at the Turkish Baths (age 16+) and giggle at each other as you attempt to get into the plunge pool. Afterwards, why not pop into town for some lunch and mocktails? We loved the ones in Banyan. Or finish off the day with afternoon tea at Betty’s. Don’t miss my Insider tips for making the most of a visit to Bettys. Perfect girly days out in Harrogate!
For the Sporty Ones
The skate park at the Valley Gardens is always great fun. Pinch their skateboard or scooter and have a go yourself.… then watch all the five year olds whizz passed you!
FootGolf in York is a perfect place to take your sporty teens. It’s 15 holes of golfing and football fun. It wore out Izzy and her friend which is hard to do nowadays! It’s football fun for all the family. Why not make it more interesting by suggesting the winner gets to pick what’s for dinner?
How about attending a Harrogate Town match? Izzy and I go all the time and she absolutely loves it. The atmosphere in the stadium is so much better than watching football on the telly. I’ve written a full blog about it visiting Harrogate Town AFC if you want to know more before you go.
For The Thrillseekers
Lightwater Valley has changed in recent years, but it’s still a great day out for the under twelves. I think since they have kept the Eagles claw, there are some rides the older kids will like too.
Driftstop at the Merrion Centre in Leeds is like playing Mario Kart in real life, so if your teen is a speed demon this is the place for them. We haven’t been to try it out yet but it looks like so much fun.
Harrogate isn’t well known for things to do with teens and tweens, but if you look hard enough, and can travel a little, there are plenty of days out and activities for teens in Harrogate. If there’s anything else that you like doing in the area, please let me know.
