As young as 11 years old, my friends and I used to head to the mall for hours of unsupervised “play.” I don’t even know what we did for so long, but we would get dropped off by one parent around 11:30 AM, have lunch and then walk around the mall with our friends, shop and meet up with other kids - some we knew, some we didn’t - until someone collect-called their mom to pick us up. We didn’t have cell phones. Or we’d go to a video arcade or the movies at 7 PM and stay until it closed or ended at 10 PM. And once we started driving...forget it!
As parents and caregivers, we all were teens at one time - but times have changed. With the introduction of social media and hand-held technology, being a teenager has really transformed and aged many young people into something that looks very different than the teenagers we were. Maybe there is more danger in the world, or maybe we just know more in real-time.
Either way, most parents we’ve talked to prefer that their kids hang out with friends (that they know) at their home. It’s easier to manage what they are up to, and having a gaggle of teen girls or a herd of teen boys in the house is actually pretty fun. Yes, it means you need to have plenty of snacks and, maybe, some headphones, but their energy at home in a group is awesome.
But - according to the teens in our world - sometimes, that’s not what they want - they want to go out. But where? What’s cool? What’s safe? Union County Macaroni Kid talked with parents sand teens to compile a list of ideas for teens when hanging at home isn’t what they want.
Bowling
This was always one of my favorite things to do. It’s part gaming (though not screen-time) and all social. Usually the earlier time-slots are filled with families so there’s little risk of untoward behavior and the lights are typically ON. Check out Fox’s Alley or even Bowlero in Matthews. Sports Connection on the Ballantyne side also offers bowling - as well as gaming, rock walls and some VR booths.
Skating
Our area has two ice rinks, one of which is right here in Indian Trail. Extreme Ice Center is always bustling with teens when I’m there for hockey nights (which is every weekend). The snack bar is reasonably priced for food and beverage and DJ Ice Tray is considerate about the music he plays (family-friendly and kid-appropriate, mostly). If the ice isn’t your thing - or maybe it’s just too cold - don’t forget about Kate’s Skate in Indian Trail. There are family fun nights (Fridays and Tuesdays) and adult-only nights, so please check their calendar!
Eating
I don’t know if I’ve ever hit up a Panera or a Starbucks without seeing at least a dozen teens and pre-teens sitting, laughing and checking their phones. Even Chick-fil-A® is filled with teens hanging out after school.
Movies
The movies are a great option, albeit more expensive than it used to be! Just send them with some treats in their bags. Most theaters these days also offer some alternative form of food and some off-screen entertainment like video games. Stone Theaters in Sun Valley is also conveniently located with tons of walk-able restaurants, fro-yo and other tasty treats nearby.
School sporting events
Growing up, every Friday was reserved for either football, basketball or hockey - without fail. School administrators were strict about alcohol and smoking and we just wanted to be around our friends. A healthy dose of school spirit never hurt anyone!
Union County Public Library
Our library system is fantastic and often offers teen events for free or very low-cost. You can check those out here.
No matter where your kids hang out, remember to talk to them about good decision-making. Remember that, eventually, these little birds will leave the nest. At least this way, they are still living under your roof and you have some checks/balances.
