Teens have to be the most difficult age to keep entertained and engaged, seriously they are a tough crowd to please.
They have a tendency to view everything outside of social media to be boring or stupid which, can lead to challenges in getting them involved with activities. Then there is the problem with getting them out of bed before noon. With the right incentives this shouldn't be an issue.
As we know Cornwall is a fabulous destination for family holidays and is brimming with attractions to occupy young children but there is also plenty to keep teenagers happy too both indoors and outdoors.
We have risen to the challenge and are happy to provide some suggestions to tempt any teenager out the door. Below are our suggestions of exciting and teen friendly entertainment. We are sure they will embrace these suggestions.
Watersports
There are numerous places in Cornwall where you can learn to paddle-board, sail, kayak, windsurf, paraglide, snorkel, coasteering and much more. With opportunities to try these sports on both a lake and in the sea. Instructors are friendly and experienced and great with all ages, friendly, patient and encouraging. All the equipment needed is included in the cost of the lesson. You can choose the length of the course, with day and week options available. Whilst the teenagers are occupied, you can head off and explore or enjoy lunch in the local restaurants.
Flow Rider and Aqua Parks
Retallack Aqua Park in St Columb Major is a huge inflatable wipe-out style water park that is such fun for all ages. Featuring a giant trampoline, catapult, water wheel, climbing wall, slides, blast bags, balance beams and more. Some obstacles are challenging but great fun. They will have a blast launching parents or siblings off the catapult. They provide wetsuits and buoyancy aids in the price.
They also have a FlowRider, guaranteed fun on the waves. It offers the chance to learn to surf in a safe environment or you can practice your surf moves.
A fun workout for all, you will find them smiling throughout. It doesn't matter if it is a rainy day as you will be getting wet anyway. It is even fun just to watch others trying to tackle the course. Be prepared for a big thumbs up.
There are also Aqua-parks at Adrenalin Quarry and Kernow Adventure Park.
Biking
If there is anyone who enjoys mountain biking then, we have the place just for you. Just outside Fowey is a fantastic bike park run by enthusiastic mountain bikers. There are trails for all abilities, ranging from blue to double black as well as an uplift service.
The Track at Portreath is five acres fun-filled bike-made fun. With jumps, ramp and a foam pit to perfect your tricks. It is suitable for both mountain bikes and BMX’s, it also has a tarmac section suitable for scooters and skaters. It really is outdoor fun at its best. It offers the chance for your teenagers to cut loose and go wild. With a range of obstacles that suit every level and ability, from beginners to experienced rider. The Track is open to families with children aged two and over.
Adrenaline Junkies
For the ultimate destination for the adrenalin junkie, head to Adrenaline Quarry with lots of activities to try out. Situated in an old quarry in Menhenlot, South East Cornwall. Activities include a fast and furious zip wire that has you flying over a large lake, the giant swing takes you over a 150ft cliff edge to free fall, not for the faint hearted, coasteering with climbing, tomb-stoning and blob or try your hand at axe throwing, where you hurl axes at tree stumps, great to vent any frustrations and challenge your inner viking.
They have parallel zip lines allowing two people to go down simultaneously, brilliant fun whizzing down in pairs.
There is the option to buy video footage and photos of your experience.
The Eden Project has similar activities. They have a zip wire, free fall and giant swing. You can look down at the amazing view of the biomes whilst soaring through the air. Afterwards, you can explore the biomes, and learn all about their conservation projects, very topical with teenagers.
Cornwall Waverunner Safaris
Make your way to Lusty Glaze Beach in Newquay or to Carlyon Bay at St Austell for a thrilling experience. Cornwall Waverunner Safari's offer a choice of jet ski tours and sessions, wet and wild boat experience, banana boat rides, beach games and lots more. They can tailor specific activities to suit.
The safaris are a fantastic way to explore the fabulous coastline here in Cornwall, stopping at regular points of interest along the shore, allowing you to get a completely different perspective of the land from this angle. After a brief safety talk you are taken out on the jet skis, can hire one each or share, there are opportunities to swap drivers half way through. If you are lucky enough you might get to see seals and dolphins, and there is the opportunity to swim in deep water. Probably the most fun you can have a water.
Suitable for age 10 upwards. A truly amazing experience, it will exceed all expectations.
Segway
This is something out of the ordinary and sure to pique their interest. Head to Goonhill Satellite Station near Helston or to Hendra Holiday Park in Newquay for the ultimate Segway experience. Take control of your very own Segway and experience this unusual form of transport, it is said to be like gliding. There are two types of Segway an on-road and an off-terrain model.
It is subject to weight restrictions but you teenager should be fine. After getting your safety gear you are given an introduction on how to move and control your Segway then you are ready to go, it does take a little while to get the knack of them. There are different sections to the session, with smooth and easy riding on roads followed by cross country tracks and an assault course. There are various courses which are both engaging and challenging. The session ends with a fun competition on an obstacle course. Time to see who can get their name on the leader board!
Goonhilly is a fantastic location; you are riding your Segway under massive satellite dishes.
A seriously fun experience where you can let your hair down. Not the cheapest of activities but well worth the money.
Go Karting
Keeping with the wheels theme, perhaps have a turn at go-karting maybe one of the least adventurous activities here but nevertheless still thrilling and exciting as you zoom around the circuit. There is a requisite safety talk before you engage in the actual session, you will soon be zooming around in your go-kart.
With all-weather tracks you can drive come rain or shine. There are karts to suit all ages and abilities, they come in varying engine sizes. All safety equipment is provided. Race on the massive track and see who the overall winner is and at the end of your session gets the trophy. With fast sections and some technical turns there is plenty to challenge all abilities. You get to take home a print-out of your lap times, maybe you can improve on them next time.
There are a number of Go-Karting venues located throughout the region.
Beach Buggying
Cornwall is well known for the famous wide open beaches; and a great way to experience these large expanses of sand is on a Kite Buggy. Basically, you have your own three wheel buggy and are swept along by a kite billowing in the wind, sounds cool we know.
There are a number of places offering this exhilarating activity Watergate Bay, Fowey, Padstow and St Ives, but for the best beach it has to be, Watergate Beach near Newquay, you can't beat it. There are classes in which you are given clear instructions on the basic kite control, safety aspects and finally riding, this is how to get your buggy moving, steer with your feet and most importantly how to control your kite, an all action activity. You will find yourself moving around in no time at all. All equipment is included so just need to take yourselves along.
Get the whole family involved and have races across the two miles of sand. The speed of the buggys are matched to the rider by the use of kite size, the larger the kite, the faster you go! Being so close to the ground it feels as if you are going so much faster.
You will be buzzing afterwards and find yourselves talking about this experience long after you return home, it is addictive.
Instagram Trail
Photo opportunities abound here in Cornwall and there is no shortage of instagram moments, like the iconic St Michael's Mount, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Lands End signpost, Bedruthan Steps, The Lizard and Kyance Cove, Minack Theatre, St Nectan's Glen, Bodmin Moor, are just a few of the incredible places here. That is without mentioning the gorgeous beaches and villages that abound in this region.
An Instagram trail is a fabulous way to get everyone out and about. A great way to admire nature at its best whilst getting lots of fresh air. Take a picnic and enjoy at one of these fabulous stops, or stop for lunch at one of the amazing eateries around.
Zorbing
This activity might not be for everyone, and it might be hard to see the attraction, but teenagers are mad for it. It must be fun to roll-down a giant hill in an inflatable otherwise why would you do it, it is certainly something different. There is the choice of harness or hydro zorbing at Cornwall Zorbing, just outside Newquay. With the harnessed option, you are strapped in and flip upside down as you roll down the slope. In hydro zorbing, some water is added to the zorb, causing you slip and slide around as the ball rolls. You soon get over any apprehensions you have.
The custom built zorbs offer the ultimate adrenalin rush, as you speed down the hill. There are staff with you to keep you moving and on track and to take you back up the hill again.
Be warned these activities are pure exhilaration and can become addictive, not just to your teenager. Go have fun and a good laugh!