Top Places for Teens to Hang Out
The winter months ahead can seem particularly long if you’re stuck indoors, especially for our teenagers. But if you’re in the Gig Harbor area there are plenty of places to keep your teens social and present in the community, even when they’re not in school! Whether you’re hoping to get your teenager outside and moving or indoors for activities and social groups, you don’t have to look far!
Indoor Activities
The YMCA has many programs teen leadership development. Their late night program is a great opportunity for teens to be social and engage with caring adults and mentors.
Ocean5 is full of teen favorites- bowling, arcade, laser tag, TopGolf swing suites, food and more!
Galaxy Theatre offers all the latest movies, coziest seats and a full snack menu for the full cinematic experience.
Lost Star Tabletop Gaming Outfitter is a hidden gem for game lovers to gather and play. Lost Star is a small, board game shop that offers drop-in play and hosts amazing parties for of all different gaming flavors such as Pokémon, Dungeons and Dragons and so much more!
Java and Clay Cafe welcomes all ages to drop in and paint! They offer a wide array of pottery options for each guest to choose from. Your teen can also enjoy a drink and snack from their café while they paint.
Kimball Coffeehouse is a family friendly café and venue. Your teen might enjoy their Open Mic Night on Thursdays or live music on Friday nights.
Ethereal Arts Northwest offers arial and acrobatics classes and training for all ages!
Escape Hour is the perfect place for your teen and a group of friends to bond and experience something new together!
Peacock Paisley Art Studio offers art classes as well as large group painting nights.
Big Nate's Trading Cards is the best for collectors! This shop offers trading cards, board games, and a welcoming community vibe.
Skate Night on Fridays at the Key Peninsula Civic Center is a local favorite for K-8 students from 7-9pm.
The Edge Youth Group meets on Wednesdays at Harborview Fellowship. This welcoming and friendly environment is full of teenagers.
Peninsula Life Church has a great youth group that is growing! Your teen can join Wednesday nights off Purdy Drive.
Edgeworks Climbing and Fitness in Tacoma has fantastic rock-climbing youth programs. There are various classes to fit your teens skill level, as well as private youth coaching sessions!
Real Art Tacoma is an all ages, all-inclusive venue with concerts and events all throughout the week and weekend. Check out their calendar to catch some shows!
Community Service is another great way to get your teen out there in the community. There are plenty of Volunteer Opportunities for Teens near Gig Harbor!
Kimball Coffeehouse is a family friendly café with open mic nights every Friday from 7pm – 9pm
Bowling is always a great time for teens! Here is a list of bowling alleys in or near Gig Harbor!
Ocean5 - Gig Harbor
Brainy Actz - Tacoma
Chalet Bowl - Tacoma
Paradise Lanes Entertainment Center - Tacoma
Tower Lanes - Tacoma
Hi Joy Bowl - Port Orchard
Laser Tag and Nerf wars are also a hit amongst teens. The following places are worth the extra drive:
Odyssey 1 - Tacoma
The Tag Zone - Bremerton
Archery Arrow Tag - Tacoma
Nerf Wars - Tacoma
The Airsoft Center – Tacoma
Outdoor Activities
PenMet Parks has registration for various recreational sports throughout the year! Winter sports like basketball are wrapping up but registration for baseball is open! PenMet Parks is also hosting many events throughout the year!
Gig Harbor Skate Park is a great place for your teen to burn off some energy! It is also part of Grandview Forest Park, known for its beautiful trails with local artwork displayed throughout!
Vandenburg Skate Park in Port Orchard is worth the drive if your teen really loves skate parks! This is a beautifully maintained park with skaters of all ages looking out for one another. It’s also part of South Kitsap Regional State Park. With access to beautiful nature trails, a playground, soccer and baseball fields and other amenities, it might be a great place for the whole family to enjoy while your teen skates.
Snow Sports are a huge hit with teenagers. If your teen loves the snow, perhaps some weekend trips to the mountains are in store. Check out my post on Places to Play in the Snow with an extensive list of places to ski, snowboard, snow shoe, sled and stay while you play!
Hiking offers a great opportunity for your teen to grab some friends and head to the hills for some fresh air, exercise and great conversation. Check out my Ultimate Guide to Hikes Around Gig Harbor.
Paved trails are abundant in the Gig Harbor area. If your teen is looking for a paved place to bike, skate, scoot or run we have listed them all!
Hopefully there’s enough information here to help get your teen out in the community and perhaps taking up a new hobby or activity!
Want More Local Tips?
If you’re looking for more information about things to do in Gig Harbor—or have questions about real estate in the area—reach out to Paige Schulte! Paige is happy to provide recommendations, insights, and guidance to help you and your family make the most of life in Gig Harbor.
