Things to do with teenagers in Kent

by My Kent Family reporter

Keeping the 13-plus crowd happy for six weeks of summer can be a tough gig.

We have some ideas to tempt teenagers out of their bedrooms.

Thrillseekers at the Cyclopark
Thrillseekers at the Cyclopark

Cycling

With 3km of tarmac for road bikes, 6km of mountain bike track and 330m for BMXs, Cyclopark, near Gravesend, will keep any adrenaline-seeking junkie entertained.

There is also a skate park, parkland and play areas for younger children.

Tickets can be bought individually for each activity, or access-all-areas tickets are available. For more information visit cyclopark.com

Driving

Want to try your hand at driving before you’re 17?

The Young Driver training area at Bluewater is a chance to get some experience. With give-way junctions, T-junctions, an area for beginners and dedicated zones for parking and manoeuvres there's plenty of driving to be done. For more information visit www.youngdriver.eu

Ice skating can be found in Gillingham
Ice skating can be found in Gillingham

Ice skating

Can’t stand the sun? Give your teens some cool summer memories over at Gillingham ice rink.

Dig out the jumpers and gloves and take to the ice for the afternoon. For timetables and admission fees visit www.planet-ice.co.uk

Indoor climbing

Head to the world’s largest Clip ‘n Climb for an action-packed arena where climbing meets theme park.

You can test your strength with 33 climbing walls of varying difficulty and size. Or are you brave enough to take on the stairway to heaven or face the vertical drop slide?

It’s £13.50 per person for a climbing slot while additional charges apply for some of the other activities. The park is in Tonbridge, close to a Jump trampoline centre in case you want to make an action-packed day of it. To learn more or book a session visit www.clipnclimbtonbridge.co.uk

Laser-tag

Battlezone Laser-Tag in Ashford has two floors, realistic sounds, light and smoke effects and the infra-red gaming guns provide endless hours of energetic fun.

Pay 'n' Play drop in sessions take place regularly throughout the week and age limits do apply. Visit www.battlezoneashford.co.uk for more details about summertime sessions.

Mini golf in Bluewater
Mini golf in Bluewater

Mini golf

Tackle the boredom by tee-ing off at a crazy golf course.

Herne Bay has an 18 hole outdoor course on the seafront (www.ifunatsandancers.co.uk), Pirate Cove at Bluewater (www.piratecove.co.uk) offers a golfing experience spanning the seven seas while there is Dino Golf in Tonbridge and near Flamingo Park in Sidcup (mrmulligan.com). There is also Quex Adventure Golf in Birchington (quexadventuregolf.co.uk) and Lillyputt Minigolf Broadstairs (minigolfbroadstairs.com).

Ready for roller skating?
Ready for roller skating?

Roller skating

Strap on your skates and have some wheelie good fun.

Kentrollerdisco.co.uk runs a number of sessions across the entire county each week inside everything from leisure centres to village halls while you can also take a trip back in time and visit the retro Roller Room in Dreamland at Margate. There is also 6,000 sqft of purpose built roller rink just waiting to be skated on at Bizz in Strood (www.medwaybizz.co.uk).

Joss Bay surf school
Joss Bay surf school

Surfing

Learn how to ride the waves at Joss Bay in Broadstairs. It's one of Kent’s most popular surf destinations and most beautiful beaches. You can even take the whole family for a day on the sand while the older members get active. Lessons are taught by professional coaches in either private or group lessons. To learn more about what is involved or to book a lesson visit www.jossbay.co.uk

Water sports

Take the plunge with a holiday activity day set on the shore of Dover Harbour. The day involves dinghy sailing, windsurfing and paddle sports as well as experiencing a powerboat ride. Visit www.doverwatersports.co.uk for further details

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