Inexpensive Activities for Teens on Staten Island
With all of life’s demands, it can sometimes be hard to spend enough time together as a family. As a parent, you worry about paying bills, work, school and so much more. Creating more family time is even more challenging if you have teenagers. Just asking a teen to put down the phone for a second can be met with an eye roll, let alone suggesting you spend a whole day together! While it’s definitely normal and healthy for teens to want to do their own thing or hang out with their friends a lot, quality time with family is also important.
Thankfully, there are many activities you can do as a family on Staten Island that teens will actually enjoy. As an added bonus, many of these activities are inexpensive or even free! Browse our list of inexpensive activities for teens on Staten Island that are sure to make even the moodiest of teenagers crack a smile!
Inexpensive Activities for Teens on Staten Island
Snug Harbor Cultural Center And Botanical Garden
1000 Richmond Terr.
718-448-2500
HOURS: Grounds open daily, dawn to dusk
PRICE: Free
Does your teen love taking photos? Snug Harbor is a smartphone user’s delight, as there are plenty of selfie opportunities here! Browse the beautiful grounds, gardens and architecture and watch your teen enjoy plenty of photo opportunities. The best part is, the outdoor grounds are free to explore, though admission rates vary to enter the on-site museums.
Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve
2351 Veterans Rd. W.
718-967-1976
HOURS: Daily, sunrise to sunset. The Interpretive Center is open Tuesday – Saturday 9am – 4:30pm
PRICE: Free
Clay Pit Ponds is not only a hidden gem nestled in the South Shore, but it is COOL. Teens will love its off-the-beaten path location, the focus on environmental conservation and breathtaking hiking trails home to so many amazing animals.
Catch A Wagner College Theatre Performance
1 Campus Rd.
718-390-3259
HOURS: Vary
PRICE: Varies
You don’t have to spend big bucks in Manhattan to see a great show! The Wagner College Department of Performing Arts hosts a variety of shows for families to enjoy throughout the year. Check the website for the current schedule.
Unreal Escapes
2571 Arthur Kill Rd.
877-867-3255
HOURS: Daily, 9am-11pm
PRICE: Call for information
An escape room experience is a fun way to bring everyone in the family together to accomplish a goal.
The Staten Island Zoo
705 Clove Rd.
718-442-3100
HOURS: Daily, 10am-4:45pm
PRICE: $10; $7 seniors; $6 ages 3-14; free for kids 2 and younger. Free for all on Wednesdays 2-4pm.
You might think the zoo is for just little kids, but it’s not! Teens will love seeing cool creatures, including reptiles, domestic animals, foxes and others. The zoo is an especially great place to visit for teens who are environmentally aware and want to learn more about saving species and habitats around the world.
Youth Conservation Classes
4411 Arthur Kill Rd.
718-948-9599
HOURS: Check the website for information.
PRICE: Free
The Zimmer Club Youth Conservation Classes returned again this year to provide free classes for kids ages 5-17. Students learn a variety of activities that bring to life a variety of environmental topics. Parents don’t have to stay for classes that are for kids ages 10 and older, but many choose to, anyway, because they’re so fun!
St. George Greenmarket
St. Mark’s Place and Hyatt Street
212-788-7900
HOURS: Open Saturdays, year round; 8am-1pm
PRICE: Varies
Have a teen interested in cooking? Browse the St. George Greenmarket together and pick out some healthy and fresh items!
The Staten Island Ferry
St. George
When it comes to inexpensive activities for teens on Staten Island, consider taking a ride on the ferry as a family! Sure, it’s a little tourist-y, but a ride on the Staten Island Ferry is a great activity to do as a family. Plus, it’s free and your teen will love all the NYC photo opportunities that pop up along the ride!
Play Laser Tag
Laser tag is a great family activity that many teens enjoy. Check out these local laser tag arenas in Staten Island and nearby.
Enjoy Dinner Out…While Saving Money!
If your kids range from tiny to teen, head to one of these dining spots on Staten Island where younger kids eat free on select days! You’ll treat your whole family to a nice dinner out without putting a major dent in your wallet.
Visit A Local Pool
It’s never too early to start thinking about summer! Once the warm weather hits, Staten Island’s public pools will open. Swimming is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon with family members of all ages.
Creative Workshops at Libraries
Libraries have tons of books and so much more! The New York Public Library branches offer so many activities for teens on Staten Island, including art sessions where kids can make origami, phone stands, buttons and other items, a teen cafe where kids can play board games or video games, movie days, 3D-printing activities, and more.
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