Amusement Places for Teenagers

Amusement Parks

• If you are looking for the ultimate in amusement, "amusement parks" can provide your teen with everything from fast-moving rides to games and treats. Unlike your toddler, who will most likely stick to the kiddie rides such as the merry-go-round, teens can quench their need for adventure through roller coasters and other similar speedy amusements. Teens who are looking for a true thrill can check out some of the record-breaking -- according to the National Amusement Park Historical Association -- rides such as the 456-foot Kingda Ka coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey.

Water Parks

• As your child moves into the teen years an afternoon at the pool may begin to seem boring or blah. Instead of just dropping your teen off at the local swim center, visiting a water park is an amusement-packed way to spend a hot summer day. Water parks provide teens with the opportunity to get a rush going down high or twisting slides, relax on a raft on a lazy river or socialize with friends on a park boardwalk.

Arcades

• Instead of spending the day inside playing video games, your teen can get out and about, visiting an arcade. Arcades provide your teen with the chance to play his favorite games and try out new ones that go well beyond the ones he plays with the hand-held controller he has at home. For example, your teen can race his friends on a mock motorcycle game or get up and show off his smooth moves while playing a dance game.

Trampoline Centers

• When your teen was a toddler or preschooler she may have spent hours enjoying the ball pits and bouncy houses of pint-sized jump places. Your teen may enjoy visiting the amusements offered at a more grown-up trampoline attraction. While these jump places have activities for kids of many different ages, your teen -- and her friends -- may enjoy jumping on trampoline-filled floors or even taking in an energy-filled class. For example, Sky High Sports in Camarillo, California, offers an "AIR-obics" class that combines low-impact aerobics with bouncing fun. Although your teen may seem almost adultlike, she still needs to follow the instructions at any trampoline center and play safely.