15 Safe and Fun Friday Night Plans for Teens

As children grow into teenagers, Friday nights at home as a family become less frequent. Teens would like to be out exploring the world and discovering themselves with their friends, rather than spending the evening in with their parents and siblings. As a parent, you don’t want to stifle your teen’s growth and independence, but you also worry about them encountering peer pressures that can lead towards reckless and potentially dangerous behavior. Like all parents, you want to make sure they are partaking in safe, yet enjoyable, activities.

So you can be a little more comfortable with your teen putting more space between you and them, here is a list of 15 fun, yet safe, Friday night plans for teens:

1. Have your teen invite some friends over for a make-your-own pizza party. Who doesn’t love pizza? Sit with your teen and have them help you make a list of the ingredients they think you should purchase beforehand.
2. Teens, especially teen girls, love the mall. However, frequent mall trips can put quite a dent in your wallet. As an alternative, have your teen go through their closet and take out clothes that they no longer wear. Have them invite their friends to do the same, then host a clothes swapping party. They can trade clothes and put on a fashion show to model their new outfits when they are finished.
3. Show some school spirit by attending a football game. Allow your teen to invite some friends over to have a quasi-tailgate at your house before the game. Have them help you prep the appetizers before they arrive so you get some time with them as well.
4. Take your teen and friends to a trampoline park like Krazy Air in Mesa, or Jump City in Phoenix. Not only will they have fun, but they will get in some much needed exercise as well!
5. Have them invite friends over for a mini movie marathon. Don’t forget the popcorn.
6. If you have the space, send your teen and some friends out back for an urban camp out. Let them set up a tent, and hang out around a fire pit roasting marshmallows and telling stories.
7. Host a karaoke night. Set out finger foods and soft drinks and let your teen and their friends sing the night away.
8. Check with your local multi-gen center or parks and recreation office for teen nights and activities.
9. Go miniature golfing! There are several indoor and outdoor miniature golf courses around so weather won’t have to be an issue.
10. Instead of family game night, allow your teen to invite friends over to play games like Apples to Apples, Quelf, and Things.
11. Send them off to bowl a frame or two. The bowling alley is a great space for your teen to be as loud as they wish and have some fun, without disturbing the whole house.
12. Throw a fiesta! They are too young to spring break in Cancun, but who’s to say they can’t enjoy a delicious Mexican spread.
13. Host a monthly book club for your teen and their friends.
14. You’ve probably heard of the wine and design parties that adults are having, why not have a non-alcoholic art party for your teen?
15. Life is stressful. Offer your teen and some of their friends a little R&R with an at home spa day. They can give each other facials, paint each other’s nails, etc. while enjoying fresh fruits and sipping on sparkling cider.

These are only a small number of ways your teen can enjoy some time with friends, while still staying safe and keeping your mind at ease. What are some fun activities you can think of for your teen to enjoy on a Friday night?