We can all agree being a teenager is tough — money is tight, school is stressful, and due to the repetition and routines, it’s so easy to feel bored. If you are feeling this way, fear not! We have compiled the ultimate list of activities and ideas for teens in the DFW area for every interest, budget, and location.
For The Instagrammer
Sit Pretty On the Beach
Enjoy a day soaking up the sun and posing for some perfect photos on the beach in the Lakefront at Little Elm. Whether you snap a pic in one of Lakefront’s large Adirondack chairs, frolic in the sand, or taking a spin at Hydrous, we guarantee you will have a blast on the lake.
Visit an Experiential Art Gallery
This isn’t your grandma’s art gallery! Experiential art exhibits are on the rise in Dallas, and they are chock-full of Instagram-worthy photo ops. These exhibits play on your senses and take full advantage of color and whimsy to ensure you leave with a smile and a full camera roll.
Go Mural Hopping
Any influencer knows that backgrounds make all the difference in an image, and Dallas’ countless murals act as the perfect addition to your shot. Grab a friend and your favorite preset and explore all of the artwork DFW has to offer. While there are classics like the Geometric Mural in West Village, areas like Deep Ellum constantly have new murals popping up, and they are even on the rise in the ‘burbs, like in Downtown Plano and Lakefront at Little Elm.
For The Foodie
Relax in Paradise at Hula Hut
Want to feel like you are on a Hawaiian vacation without the eight-hour plane ride? Grab a group of friends and surround yourself with palm trees and traditional Hawaiian music at Hula Hut. Hula Hut boasts a diverse Tex-Mex fusion menu with options for every craving. This location is a great spot for those who want to sit back and enjoy the view or cheer on their favorite sports team during their live watch parties.
Frequent the Food Court at Legacy Hall
Looking for a cool spot that satisfies the cravings of your entire crew? Legacy Hall is the place to be. Legacy Hall is a food court-style eatery boasting over 24 artisanal food stalls all run by local restaurants and chefs from the DFW area. Grab a meal and head outside, where they frequently host concerts and events to enjoy.
Satisfy Your Sugar Craving at Sweet Daze
For those who feel they are part unicorn, Sweet Daze is the spot for you. Sweet Daze is a modern dessert bar serving dreamy, sweet concoctions ranging from glittery doughnuts and geode cake slices to scoops of charcoal ice cream and multi-colored lemonade. Don’t worry; we won’t tell your dentist.
For the Athlete
Row, Row, Row Your Board
Looking for an activity that allows you to enjoy the great outdoors at your own pace? Head to DFW Surf and spend your afternoon paddleboarding on the water. This relaxing activity is perfect for groups of every experience level. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
Take a Hike
Dallas is packed with gorgeous trails, greenbelts, and nature preserves for you and your friends to explore. Take a trip downtown and jog along White Rock Lake, hike and bike across Oak Cliff Nature Preserve’s eight miles of woodlands and meadows, or bring your pet on a scenic stroll along Lakefront Trail.
Play a Game or Two
Bring out your inner athlete by getting a group together to play a game. Visit the Little Elm Recreation Center and take advantage of their 25,000 square foot facility, complete with full basketball and volleyball courts. If you are craving some sunlight, head over to the Little Elm lakefront volleyball courts and practice your beach volleyball skills.
For the Adrenaline Junkie
Dive in at Hydrous Wake Park
Make a splash and catch a wave or two at Hydrous Wake Park. This unique waterpark is open year-round and uses a unique overhead cable pull system to guarantee you get nothing but air. New to wakeboarding? Hydrous offers lessons and events to ensure beginners and seasoned riders have a great time.
Splat and Soar at DFW Adventure Park
Whether you want to live out your Call of Duty fantasies during a game of zombie paintball, fly above the trees on a zip line, or duck and dive in an intense game of laser tag, you won’t be bored at DFW Adventure Park. This 170+ acre space is always hosting exciting events and activities for those who love a good adrenaline rush.
Race the Clock in an Escape Room
Do you consider yourself a master of riddles and puzzles? Grab a group of friends and see if you can beat the clock in an escape room. DFW offers a variety of Escape Rooms with different themes ranging from Sherlock Holmes-esque mystery to Saw-like horror.
For the Laid-Back Lounger
Catch a Movie at Flix Brewhouse
Forget popcorn, with their extensive handcrafted menu and snack selection Flix Brewhouse is not your average movie theater. Grab a group of friends for a Friday night film or wolf down waffles during their weekend brunch. Keep an eye out for Flix’s events list, where they bring your favorite vintage cult films like Sixteen Candles back to the big screen.
Play Away At Main Event
Whether you play with bowling pins or try your hand at pinball, Main Event is a great place to meet up with friends and win some prizes. The laid back atmosphere, countless games, and savory snacks guarantee that you will spend hours of fun here.
Flex Your Crafting Muscles
Ready to bring out your artistic side? DFW’s list of interactive crafting and art activities is growing fast. Channel your inner Bob Ross at Painting With a Twist, learn calligraphy, embroidery, and other hobbies at one of Oil and Cotton’s countless workshops, or pour your own custom candle at The Candle Bar.
Regardless of if you crave adrenaline, a relaxed weekend, or a great meal, we hope that this list helps inspire you to get up, get out, and stop boredom in its tracks.