When it comes to entertaining a
Philly tween or teen
, it can be challenging to find activities that aren't too babyish and have the appropriate amount of cool. Philly parents must dive deep into their former adolescent selves to be reminded of what was cool when they were a tween or teen. Thankfully, hanging out at the mall or going to the movies aren’t your only options! We have rounded up some ideas for those struggling for ways to connect with these tween/teen creatures... other than by text and emoji.
1. Professional Sports
Philly kids love their teams just as much as Philly parents. Take your tween or teen to see the Philadelphia Eagles at the Linc, the 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center, or the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Lax fan? Check out the Philadelphia Wings . Soccer fan? See the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park in Chester. For a fun time in a smaller stadium, watch the Minor League Baseball team Blue Rocks in the Daniel S. Frawley Stadium in Wilmington, Delaware.
2. iFly
Experience the sensation of flying at iFly in King of Prussia. Instructors provide a training session just before participants jump into their flight suit, put on their helmet, and adjust their goggles. When it is time to fly, instructors take participants to the wind chamber.
3. Unique Museums
While some kids may find museums boring, Philly has some pretty unique ones to visit. Tweens and teens learn about medical history and the human body at the Mütter Museum of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia , participate in immersive experiences on Wednesdays at Eastern State Penitentiary , or discover all there is to know about the history of car racing at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum . On Demo Days, visitors can watch classic race cars in action.
Photo courtesy of Reading Terminal Market
4. Food
Any kid going through puberty eats constantly, making it nearly impossible for parents to keep the pantry stocked. Instead, take them for a smorgasbord of options at Reading Terminal Market . Choices include cheesesteaks, burgers, sandwiches, donuts, pizza, cookies, juice bars, Asian street food, Cajun cuisine, ribs, vegan food, and more. When warmer weather arrives, plan out an ice cream shop tour using our Ultimate Guide to Ice Cream Shops in Philly and the 'Burbs and see how many spots you can visit.
5. Scavenger Hunts and Geocaching
Spend a few hours tracking down clues and finding hidden treasures by participating in themed scavenger hunts by Watson Adventures , Through these hunts, find new sides to favorite places like the L ongwood Gardens or Old City Philadelphia . Or expand the search wider and join the world's largest treasure hunt by geocaching . There are over 3,000 geocaches in Philadelphia, and not all of them are in the outdoors. Create an account, read up on the rules, and then discover what's hidden all around (often in plain sight)!
6.Paintball and Laser Tag
Put down the iPhone and suit up for some outdoor fun at a local paintball field . This more sophisticated version of hide-and-seek is sure to make tweens and teens belly laugh as parents reminisce about their younger years playing their traditional childhood version, while ducking for cover. Rainy day? No problem. Channel that competitive spirit at laser tag venues instead.
Photo by Basel-Almisshal courtesy of Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
7. Cultural Festivals and Events
There are plenty of ways to expose tweens and teens to different cultures in Philadelphia. The Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival offers guests the chance to discover Japanese traditions, and it's one of a number of similar festivals in the area. Penn's Landing hosts its PECO Multicultural Series featuring Caribbean , Indian , and Brazilian events.
8. Fan Conventions
Whether they watch anime, read comics, or play video games, tweens and teens will feel at home at Fan Expo Philadelphia , a three-day annual event focused on comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, gaming, and cosplay, held at the Philadelphia Convention Center. Alternatively, they can level up their gaming skills at Too Many Games , an annual board game and video game convention, or at the Philadelphia Area Gaming Expo , for just board games, both held in Oaks. A little further away, Zenkaikon in Lancaster celebrates anime, gaming, and science fiction. Parents and teens can bond over shared interests, or learn something new!
9. Planetariums
Explore the night sky together at a planetarium. Why not get a taste of a college campus with a visit to West Chester University for its Public Planetarium Show ? Be sure to get tickets in advance, as shows can sell out quickly. If you go to the Franklin Institute to immerse yourself in one of the special exhibits, make a stop at the Fels Planetarium , which offers several different programs throughout the day, included in the regular admission.
Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Escape Room
10. Escape Rooms
Some escape rooms make you laugh while others creep you out . But all of them are fun, especially when you bring along a group. Venues offer different themes with different levels of difficulty. When booking, be sure to clarify the age of your group to reserve the appropriate type of experience.
11. Workshops
Get crafty together! At the Fabric Workshop and Museum , take the Screenprinting and Studio Tour, held on Saturdays. The Clay Studio celebrates clay and the community with an all-ages day of festivities at its South Kensington studio. At East Falls Glassworks , teens through adults can feel the thrill of manipulating molten glass.
12. Theater
Choices abound to view live theater productions. Among the best for tweens and teens are Arden Theatre Company , which offers shows for all ages, as well as classes and camps for ages 2 through grade 12. Out in the 'burbs check out the Barn Playhouse , which is the home of the community theater group the Dramateurs and often casts kids and teens in shows. Multiple theater companies , both big and small, mount live shows throughout the Greater Philadelphia area. For tweens and teenagers with the acting bug, consider enrolling them in theater classes and then showing up to their showcases with applause (and flowers).
13. Mini Golf and Batting Cages
Whether it's with a golf club or a baseball bat, channel energy while soaking up some rays. Among the best mini-golf locations , try out Tee's Golf Center in Conshohocken for mini-golf courses, a driving range, and batting cages. Among the best batting cages , go to the great family-fun location Freddy Hill Farms, which boasts batting cages, mini golf, a farm zoo, and ice cream.
14. Hiking and Biking
Explore nature together in the Greater Philadelphia area, starting with the best hiking and biking spots . For example, the Schuylkill River Trail stretches for 75 miles, with multiple starting points. Tweens and teens can map out a hike to take with the whole family.
15. Arcades and Gaming
For parents with fond memories of video arcades, the good news is they're back! Tweens and teens who love videogaming can step away from their consoles and PCs for some in-person button-mashing. At Game on State , schedule a time or walk in, and pay for 30-minute blocks of unlimited games. At University Fun Center , games range from interactive sports games, like basketball hoops, to fighting games, skeeball, and more. Gameplay is by credits on cards that can be purchased in varying amounts. For a different experience, try Queen and Rook Game Cafe , with board games, video games, and a full menu of burgers, pizza and more.
16. Amusement Parks
For thrills, treats, and entertainment, head for an amusement park . Take a day trip to Hersheypark , for its roller coasters and water park. Also nearby, Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom appeals to tweens and teens with thrill rides, a water park, and live entertainment. Just as close, Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey, is crammed with rides for all ages, plus eateries and restaurants.
17. Tours
Go sightseeing and learn more about the City of Brotherly Love. Among the best tours for families , the Mural Arts Philadelphia tours point out the most intriguing public art in Philly. Ghosts of Philly tour guides share stories of the most haunted places in the city. For tweens and teens who love the ghost tour, consider checking out Laurel Hill Cemetery's programs , which include tours of the plots with the most interesting stories.
18. Concerts and Music Festivals
While concert prices have jumped the shark in recent years, a surprising number of free concerts and music festivals take place in the Five Counties, with music ranging from bluegrass to reggae. For homegrown entertainment, Havertown's Kelly Center schedule includes comedy shows, band performances, and even singing competitions. Bonus: teens can take free performance or stage crew lessons, which can then morph into paying gigs at the center. The whole family will enjoy three days of live music at the Philadelphia Folk Festival , where ages 12 and up can choose to volunteer for free meals, free camping, and a reduced admission rate.
19. Swimming and Water Parks
Escape the heat by taking a dip! Try out the best swimming lakes near Philadelphia to enjoy nature while cooling off. Blue Marsh Lake is small but beautiful, with opportunities to hike nearby, while Locust Lake State Park also contains camping areas. Closer to home, Philadelphia offers a multitude of free public swimming pools .
20. Shopping
For tweens and teens who enjoy getting their bargains on, take them shopping. Thrift & Thrive in Drexel Hill serves up great deals for a good cause (the Domestic Abuse Project). For girls and women, Clothes Mentor in Springfield is full of fashionable choices on neatly-organized racks. If clothes aren't their thing, try something fun and unique, like Scrappy Cat (A Curiosity Shop) in Lansdowne, a small store packed full of quirky antiques and collectibles. Victorian antiques and oddities fill the shelves of Anastacia's Antiques , a mom-and-pop store focusing on the darker side of Victorian era aesthetics. For a broader range of stores, take a stroll through walkable neighborhoods that provide shopping, food, and more.
This article was updated and expanded by writer Alyce Wilson in 2025.
