Top Things To Do in New Jersey with Teens

Planning things to do with your New Jersey teen can be tricky business. You’ve got to walk a fine line between appealing to someone who’s approaching adulthood, but who also loved bubbles and slides a few short years ago.

The good news is that NJ is packed with fresh spots that teens and tweens will love exploring. Whether your teen would enjoy trying a round of upscale bowling and mini-golf, trying out a cooking class, or gaming at a retro arcade, we’ve got 17 ideas to try with your teen. And be sure to check out our Tweens & Teens Guide to New Jersey for even more ideas. 

Best Things to Do with New Jersey Teens and Tweens

1. Go to a Bowling Lounge

You don’t have to be a bowler to have fun at an upscale bowling lounge. Dimmed lights and alley-side food service give these lanes a sophisticated vibe. The Bowlero chain has locations throughout NJ, including in Green Brook, Hazlet, Fairlawn, Belleville, and Cherry Hill. Be sure to book a lane in advance.

2. Do Dinner and a Movie

Kick back in a comfy recliner and get table service at a dine-in movie theater. The AMC movie chain has theaters in Bridgewater, Edison, Hackensack, and West Orange, and there’s also IPIC in Fort Lee.

RELATED: Birthday Party Ideas for Teens in New Jersey

Speed around the track at Supercharged Entertainment in Edison. Photo courtesy of the venue

3. Try Go-Karting

Supercharged Entertainment in Edison is the perfect place for teens to unwind and have a great time. The centerpiece is a multi-story go-kart track, but there are also bumper cars, axe throwing, virtual reality games, and an arcade. Other options include RPM Raceway Jersey City, which recently got a makeover, and K1 Speed in Cinnaminson, which has fantastic courses. Check the participation requirements for driver age and height before you head out.

4. Go Golfing Indoors

Top Golf is a great place for teens to try golf for the first time—and it’s definitely not your average driving range. Grab a hitting bay, order up some eats, and start swinging. Choose the type of game to play, like Quick 9 or Angry Birds to add even more fun. Reservations aren’t required, but it’s a good idea to get one on busy days. (Note: Those under 16 need to be with someone over 21 to play.)

Gamers will enjoy the VR options at Rock ‘N AIr. Photo by the author

5. Have an Adventure at Rock ‘N Air

Rock ‘N Air in East Brunswck has lots of fun activities to make for a fun outing. There are trampolines (some with basketball and dodgeball), virtual reality games, a challenging ropes course, and rock climbing. Challenge your teen to climb Pags Peak, a 26-ft tall cylindrical wall. Plus, there’s a great cafe with lots of meal and snack options. Friday nights are glow nights!

6. Game at a Classic Arcade

If your teen no longer gets a thrill from ticket redemption arcades, try a classic arcade. Yestercades, with locations in Somerville, Red Bank, and Westfield, has both unlimited hourly play and full-day admission. And Asbury Park’s Silverball Retro Arcade has hourly, half-day, and full-day admission.

7. Show Off at Open Mic Night

Teen musicians that love to perform can attend monthly Mark LaRochelle Youth Open Mic Night for those un 21. It’s inexpensive to perform or watch, and the location changes monthly. Sites for performances include spots in Red Bank, Point Pleasant, Belmar, and Manalapan. 

8. Play Traditional or Tactical Laser Tag

NJ has some great laser tag arenas that are very teen outing worthy. Bullseye Lasertag in Edison has a 10,000-square-foot battlefield with daily walk-in play for those over 12. And Tac Ops of Florham Park and Fairfield has mission-based laser tag that requires strategic thinking in a realistic, combat, and role-play setting. Reservations are required.

RELATED: 40 Things To Do in New Jersey with Tweens

Monster Mini Golf has a Halloween vibe. Photo courtesy of Monster Mini Golf

9. Try Dark Mini Golf

Mini golf can be a fun way for your group to chat, be challenged, and have fun, but blacklight mini golf adds an extra layer of excitement. Monster Mini Golf, with locations statewide, has a Halloween vibe, while Dragon’s Lair Mini Golf in Wildwood has a Medieval flair. There’s also Blacklit Mini Golf at American Dream in East Rutherford.

10. Go for Coffee

There are some really great independent coffee shops in NJ, and many have specialty options of both caffeinated and decaffeinated varieties for teens to try.

11. Try a Cooking or Baking Class

If your teen loves to experiment in the kitchen, Candyland Crafts in Raritan has some fantastic cake and cupcake decorating workshops for older kids and teens. Or for more savory tastes, Ridgewood Culinary Studio offers courses in basic culinary arts for kids up to 16.

Teens can grab friends and visit the American Dream mall. Photo courtesy of the mall

12. Visit American Dream — East Rutherford

There are so many things to do at the American Dream mall with your teen. There are dozens and dozens of stores plus a lot of unique dining options like the Oreo Cafe and MrBeast Burger. Entertainment options are just as plentiful. They include the Paradox Museum, Skudin Surf, TilT museum, and Activate high-tech games that test your team’s physical and mental agility across various challenges.

13. Play Pickelball

Challenge your teen to a game of pickleball, the ping-pong/tennis hybrid that’s all the rage these days.

14. Throw Axes

If your teen is ready for a unique outing, axe throwing is a fun way to bond and relieve some stress. At Stumpy’s in Green Brook, kids 13 and over (with a parent/guardian) can throw Wednesdays-Saturdays before 7pm, and all day on Sundays. And, some NJ Bury the Hatchet locations allow children 14 and over to play on most days. Check the rules before you go.

15. Try Glass Blowing

Creative teens may love trying out this unique art form. Hot Sand in Asbury Park has some great glass-blowing projects that anyone over 9 can try, and if you prefer something that isn’t as toasty, Glassworks Studios in Morristown teaches visitors how to do glass-fusing projects.

16. Enjoy the Theater

Get tickets to a professional theater like the State Theatre of NJ in New Brunswick. Or support a local community theater like Summit Playhouse, which also has great programs for teens where they can audition for a chance to perform under the bright lights.

RELATED: Zip Lines and Adventure Ropes Courses for Kids in and Around NJ

Teens will enjoy the cool new sites NYC has to offer, like Summit One Vanderbilt. Photo courtesy of One Vanderbilt

17. Visit NYC

Take a day trip to NYC. There are so many options for teens in the city, including museums, shows, open mic nights, parks, and more.