Convincing a teenager to leave their room, let alone step out the house, is no easy feat. But lucky for us, our community is packed with summer activities that actually appeal to teens (aka not boring or “basic” as the kids say). Whether your teen is a thrill-seeker, water-lover, fashion-hunter, or just wants somewhere cool to chill with friends, here are seven teen-approved outings that might even earn you a high five—or at least a subtle nod of appreciation.
1. Movie Magic At Starlite and Five Drive-In Theatres
Movies might be meh, but a movie under the stars with your besties? Next level. Georgia Ross (17) enjoys going to the drive-in with her friends and says the best part is the retro atmosphere. “I love getting cozy under a blanket on a lawn chair or in the trunk of the car, eating popcorn, and watching our favourite new movies until we fall asleep,” she says. “It’s a summer activity I always look forward to as the weather gets warmer.”
2. Jetskiing & Paddleboarding
Want to earn a “cool parent” badge this summer? Rent a jet ski (16+ and boating licence required), a kayak or a paddleboard and head to the lake. Teens will love the freedom of cruising across the water or mastering their balance while soaking in the summer sun. Make a day of it and pack a picnic for the beach.
3. Activate Burlington—The Real-Life Video Game
Imagine if your teen’s favourite video game suddenly required running, jumping, and teamwork. That’s Activate. It’s like stepping into a video game where physical activity and puzzle-solving meet. There are timed challenges so it’s perfect for competitive teens. Plus it gets them moving without protests of, “Ugh, exercise.”
4. Escape Rooms
If your teen loves mystery and strategy, escape rooms hit the mark. Milton’s Mission Possible Escape and other nearby spots offer themed adventures—from haunted cabins to secret spy missions. It’s great for friend groups or families who want to test their communication (and patience) in hilarious ways.
5. Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf
Classic mini golf gets a neon upgrade at Putt In Glow in Oakville. Jacob Borg (17) says, “Mini golf outdoors is fun, but playing a round of (indoor) glow-in- the-dark mini golf with the glowing colours and the music… it’s just a cool vibe. It’s something my friends and I like to do in the summer when it’s really hot outside.”
6. Thrifting For Local & Vintage Finds
Let your fashion-forward teen spend the afternoon digging for treasures at local thrift stores. It’s a great way to hunt for unique clothes, express their personal style, and stay budget-conscious. For teens who love ‘90s or Y2K looks, thrift shops are gold mines.
7. Paintball – Let Them Battle It Out (Safely!)
Looking to burn off some energy? Paintball Burlington is the perfect combo of strategy, adrenaline, and team-building. Full gear is provided, and safety is top priority, so parents can relax while teens duck, dive, and maybe get splatted by a well-aimed shot from a friend. Is it TikTok Approved? Maybe. Teen-Approved? Definitely.
At the end of the day, teens don’t need “epic” plans to be happy this summer. What they do want is a bit of freedom, a splash of excitement, and activities that feel made just for them. So go ahead and plan that outing. You might even hear the words, “That was actually fun.”
Local Links
Activate Burlington
2030 Appleby Line
Unit D20, Burlington
playactivate.com
GetMyBoat (Oakville)
getmyboat.com
Five Drive-In
2332 Ninth Line, Oakville
premiertheatres.ca/5drivein
Mission Possible Escape
300 Bronte Street South, Milton
missionpossibleescaperooms.com
905 Power Sport Rentals
1155 Beach Blvd, Hamilton
905powersports.com
Paddle Sport Performance
1236 Speers Road, Oakville
pspsupspecialists.com
Putt In Glow
2085 Winston Park Drive, Oakville
puttinglow.com
Starlite Drive-In
59 Green Mountain Road East,
Stoney Creek
premiertheatres.ca/starlite
By Lisa Thornbury
