In the age of home computers and video games, it's often difficult to get teens to go outdoors for some fresh air and fun. If you can get their attention long enough, there are a number of enjoyable outdoor activities for teens. Beyond traditional outdoor sports, biking, hiking and other recreational ideas, engaging teens in outdoor fun could simply be a matter of finding something different to do that will entertain them and let them feel free and relaxed.
Skateboarding
Skateboarding is a popular outdoor pastime for teens. Whether teenagers want a stylish and fun way to get around or are interested in the death-defying tricks that characterize competitive skateboarding, the activity offers teens a good way to spend time outside of the house and in the fresh air. The sport began in the 1960s when surfers sought a way to engage in their sport on dry land; it has since grown to become a well-loved and widely practiced recreational activity for teens of all walks of life today. Most major metropolitan areas and many suburban cities have skate parks, but these aren't necessary. Anywhere there's pavement there's a place to skateboard.
Manhunt
Manhunt combines rules of hide and seek, tag and capture the flag. The game can be played anywhere outdoors--from a public park to the general neighborhood to any specifically designated area the players choose. The teens will separate into two teams. One team hides and the other team hunts. When hiding players are caught they aren't automatically "out." In fact, they can choose to run to a new hiding spot. If they are caught and decide not to hide again, they go to an established area called the jail. Active members from their team may approach the jail and tag them, which allows them back into play. Teams change roles after all hiding players have been caught. The game is most often played at night. The dark offers maximum opportunity for stealth and the added thrill of the unknown.
Theme Parks
Theme parks offer thrilling rides that appeal especially to teenagers. Roller coasters, tilt-a-whirls, scramblers and other fast-moving or unpredictable rides provide an adrenaline rush that can't be beat. Amusement parks also allow teens to earn prizes by playing games either alone or with friends. Theme parks are a way to relax and laugh with friends; they also give teens freedom but tend to be fairly safe in their activity options. If your teen hasn't been to the local theme park lately, make sure to recommend it.
Live-Action Role-Playing Games
For the teenager who likes fantasy role-playing games, live-action role-playing games (or LARPs) provide an opportunity to engage in their favorite hobby while getting some fresh air. Players construct foam replicas of medieval weapons and engage in battle. In addition, players design their own costumes and armor. Games last in the neighborhood of five to six hours. In addition to exercise, teenagers spend time socializing and engaging in imaginative play.
Parkour
Parkour is an activity growing in popularity. Practitioners attempt to climb up or clear walls and other urban obstacles in creative ways using nothing but their own bodies. Parkour is a very physically intensive activity that requires a lot of practice to get right. Teenagers are attracted to the activity because it presents a way to engage in seemingly impossible tasks, like scaling walls with no tools. It improves dexterity and balance when practiced regularly. Parkour can be a solo activity but is equally popular with groups of friends.
