With summer break approaching, it can be difficult to find cost-effective, fun ways to beat the heat. Fear no more, here are some of the best summer activities for teens!
Living in Arizona can make it challenging to stay cool over the summer, but with this first place, teens can experience a splash of excitement. Hurricane Harbor is a waterpark that offers teens countless hours of fun with its water attractions. These include waterslides, lazy rivers, and family rides. Daniel Shirley, junior, said, “This place is my favorite because I can have fun without dying of heatstroke.” Hurricane Harbor is located in Phoenix, and admission prices are only $30 per person, but don’t worry, they offer deals all summer long.
Another water-based favorite for teens is swimming. This activity combines exercise with a refreshing escape from the heat, making it the perfect summer activity. Whether you’re splashing around with friends, racing each other at the lake, or simply relaxing on a floatie, there’s just something enjoyable about being in the water. Matix Murray, senior, said, “Swimming is something that I always look forward to doing when it starts getting hot.” Overall, it’s a fantastic social activity, bringing people together for games, races, or just chilling in the water.
A favorite for most students is traveling, although this isn’t cost-effective. Having two months off from school, students can travel without the stress of absences and missing assignments. The limits of traveling are endless and exciting. Given this opportunity, many students travel to new, exotic places. Ryn Lewis, sophomore, summed up her trip to Hawaii by saying, “Hawaii was so insanely beautiful, and the views were to die for. … I’m happy to have gone during the summer because the weather was amazing.” Among Thunderbird students, the most common summer destinations are California, Mexico, and Florida.
An alternative for those who can’t travel out of state is summer camp. A plethora of camps in Arizona give teens a taste of the great outdoors. Grand Canyon Youth is a summer camp that provides teens with a thrilling and educational experience about the powers of canyons in the Southwest. Activities include hiking, paddle boarding, camping under the stars, painting, wilderness exploration, and nature observation. This camp is located in Flagstaff, and general admission fees may vary. Summer camps are a great way for students to have more social interaction and make new friends, as well as providing a safe way for teens to stay active outdoors.
Arizona is scorching, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! There are tons of ways students enjoy their summer break that aren’t included in this list. Some honorable mentions are hanging out with friends, picking up a new hobby, hiking, and going to the beach. Ania Van Meter, junior, said the beach is her favorite because every summer, she visits it with her family, making it special. Summer can be boring, but it doesn’t have to be; have fun and stay hydrated!
