It can be tricky to know what to do with teenagers at times. If you are looking for days out to remember or ways to burn off some energy, there are some fantastic attractions and activities here in the New Forest that are geared up for teenagers.
Here are some of our top things to do with teenagers in the New Forest:
High adrenaline thrills
Paultons Park has a number of fast rides that are guaranteed to be fun for younger teenagers. Spin and swing in the sky on the Cyclonator, take a prehistoric adventure on the Flight of the Pterosaur and ride the Raging River Log Flumes. Pre-book your tickets to save £ off entry.
Image - Paultons Park
Book activities with some of our activity centres
Ever tried axe-throwing? Give it a try on a session with Insight Activities, near Fordingbridge. Other activities on offer include archery, cross bows, laser tag and bushcraft sessions.
New Forest Activities offers a range of different sessions that teenagers can enjoy including kayaking, bush craft, high ropes, archery and canoeing. Look out for themed events at Halloween, Christmas and Easter too.
Image - New Forest Activities
At Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre, try their Family Go Adventure Activities sessions for the chance to test out some new outdoor activities whether on land or on the water. The centre also has self-contained lodges so you can easily combine it with a short family break.
Take to the water
If you have a teenager who loves the water, or you would like to increase their confidence in the water then there are several options for watersports and activities on some of our lakes or the New Forest coastline.
The New Forest Water Park, near Fordingbridge, offers wakeboarding, kayaking, SUP and the ever-popular aqua park (think Total Wipeout and you’ll know what we mean).
Image - New Forest Water Park
Explore the waters of the Solent aboard a yacht or learn how to sail at one of the sailing clubs. You’ll often find sailing sessions and courses can be booked over the school holidays.
Calshot Activities Centre also offers both sheltered and more challenging environments for those looking for water-based fun. So why not book a session for some paddlesports, wind surfing or power boating?
Image - Calshot Activities Centre
Go on a New Forest bike ride
There are plenty of opportunities to get out and about on your bike in the New Forest, with several routes that follow gravel and off-road tracks.
Bring your own bikes along and take a look at our cycle routes or hire bikes from one of the New Forest’s cycle centres (who can also advise you on their recommended routes).
If you don’t want the stresses of navigation, New Forest Cycling Tours offers a range of rides in the New Forest which are accompanied by a British Cycling-accredited guide. Take a look at other guided cycling experiences here, too.
Go for a walk with a difference
If you struggle to get your teenagers to go out for a walk yet you are desperate to see some more of the New Forest, then how about booking onto a donkey walk?
Brockenhurst Donkey Walks has three different walk lengths that can be joined. You’ll be accompanied by some of the gorgeous donkeys as you take a leisurely stroll through the forest.
Image - Brockenhurst Donkey Walks
Indoor adventures and activities in the New Forest for teenagers
If the weather isn’t playing ball, you can still find several things to entertain teenagers indoors here in the New Forest.
Calshot Activities Centre has lots of indoor fun available including an indoor ski slope which is great for skiing, snowboarding or sliding down on a ringo. Added to this, there’s a velodrome where you can test out your track cycling skills and a large climbing wall.
Any teen who loves their cars or motorsports should also visit the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. Here, you’ll find legendary F1 cars, cars from film and TV and the World of Top Gear plus lots more.
Image - Beaulieu
If motorbikes are more their thing, then the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum shows off an extensive collection of bikes from all over the world.
For something a little different, why not treat your teen to a spa experience at New Park Manor Hotel’s spa when on a hotel break here? The spa has developed a range of wonderfully relaxing treatments for under 16s using deeply nourishing seaweed-based products. This family-friendly hotel has recently been refurbished and also offers a swimming pool and cinema.
Image - New Park Manor Hotel
Find other things to do in the New Forest
From shopping to afternoon teas, plus lots more. Explore our days out pages for more inspiration on activities you can do with your teens.
Plus, do keep an eye on our what’s on pages for up-and-coming events which may be suitable such as theatre, participatory events and much more.