Holidaying with teens can be a challenge—but not at Akebar Park! Whether you’re dodging a downpour or making the most of glorious Yorkshire sunshine, there’s plenty to keep even the most hard-to-please teenager entertained within 30 minutes of our park.
Here are 12 brilliant activities for teens to enjoy, rain or shine:
1. Lightwater Valley Theme Park (15 minutes)
Get their adrenaline pumping with epic rides, adventure playgrounds, and a giant Angry Birds activity park. Lightwater Valley is a teen favourite and perfect for sunny days or dry spells.
📍 North Stainley, Ripon
2. Forbidden Corner (20 minutes)
This award-winning attraction is a weird and wonderful labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, and follies—ideal for curious minds and Instagram-loving teens. Expect giggles and gasps around every corner.
📍 Coverham, Leyburn
3. The Station, Richmond (20 minutes)
This restored Victorian railway station is now a vibrant hub with an indie cinema, art gallery, local food producers, and a great café. Catch a film or enjoy a slice of cake while teens browse the crafts and handmade gifts.
📍 The Station, Richmond
4. Big Sheep Little Cow Farm & Indoor Play (25 minutes)
For younger teens or animal lovers, this hands-on farm offers cuddles with goats and lambs, plus a fab indoor soft play area for when it’s tipping it down.
📍 Big Sheep Little Cow, Bedale
5. The Bowes Museum (30 minutes)
This grand French-style chateau is packed with fascinating art and fashion exhibitions. It’s ideal for creative teens, especially on rainy days, and the Instagram potential is strong!
📍 The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle
6. Cinemas in Northallerton or Richmond (20–25 minutes)
A rainy day classic. Grab snacks and settle in for the latest blockbuster at the Everyman cinema in Northallerton or Station Cinema in Richmond. Both offer comfy seats and a great atmosphere.
📍 Northallerton or Richmond
7. Thorp Perrow Arboretum & Birds of Prey Centre (15 minutes)
Let them unplug and reconnect with nature. This peaceful woodland garden offers tree trails, a tearoom, and bird of prey demonstrations that even teens will admit are pretty cool.
📍 Thorpe Perrow, Bedale
8. Masham’s Craft Shops & Ice Cream (25 minutes)
Masham is a charming market town with quirky craft shops, cafes, and Brymor Ice Cream parlour nearby. Book into a local pottery painting studio or take part in a hands-on craft workshop.
📍 Masham
9. Riverside Walks & Market Towns (10–30 minutes)
Leyburn, Middleham, and Richmond are great for shopping, exploring, and people-watching. Browse vintage stores, pick up unique souvenirs, or just enjoy a walk by the river with a hot chocolate in hand.
10. Cycling or Mountain Biking in the Dales
Bring your bikes or hire locally and take on the scenic trails of Wensleydale. Whether your teen is into relaxed rides or high-energy adventures, there’s a trail to suit. Try The Dales Bike Centre in Grinton for bike hire and trails – and excellent cake afterwards!
11. Escape Rooms – Clue HQ Harrogate
OK, we’re pushing the 30-minute mark, but it’s worth it. Team up as a family to crack codes and solve puzzles under pressure—perfect for rainy days and teens who love a challenge.
📍 Harrogate
12. Akebar Park On-Site Activities
Let’s not forget what’s right on your doorstep! Teens can enjoy our 18-hole golf course, play area, wide open spaces for games, and The Friars Head for a great meal out. Ideal for relaxed, low-effort days without leaving the park.
Planning a Teen-Friendly Holiday?
Whether the skies are blue or grey, there’s never a dull moment near Akebar Park. From rollercoasters to riverside strolls, craft days to cinema trips, you’ll find plenty to keep teenagers smiling—and off their phones!
Book your next stay at Akebar Park and discover just how teen-friendly North Yorkshire can be.
