It’s not breaking news – teens spend a lot of time on their devices. In fact, some surveys estimate the number at a whopping nine hours a day. So, how do you get them to unplug and engage on vacation? We’ve got you covered! Here are six Scottsdale activities that are sure to up the engagement quotient for even the most hardcore teen techies (plus a great bonus activity if they just can’t put down their phones!).
INDOOR SKYDIVING WITH IFLY
For the thrill of skydiving without jumping out of a perfectly fine aircraft, head for iFLY! This indoor skydiving experience replicates the sensation of flight using a vertical wind tunnel that allows you to float on a smooth cushion of air. Certified flight instructors help you every step of the way, helping you learn to control the movement of your body through the air.
Underwater Trekking at OdySea Aquarium
Put on a wetsuit and helmet and get ready to dive in – no experience required! OdySea’s certified SeaTREK divers will take you deep into one of the aquariums largest tanks where you’ll be surrounded by hundreds of colorful and curious sea creatures like stingrays and zebra sharks. Then, just wait until your guide releases krill into the water, creating a feeding frenzy of fish right before your eyes! OdySea Aquarium also offers touch pools, a variety of sea life exhibits, and restrooms with floor-to-ceiling acrylic walls so you can watch the sharks swimming just inches away.
OLD TOWN ADVENTURE WITH PUZZLE RIDES
Puzzle Rides combines the tension of an escape room with the excitement of a treasure hunt and puts it all on a golf cart! As your Puzzle Master drives you around Old Town, you’ll have 75 minutes to find and solve the clues that will lead you to your final destination. Adventures include Wild West Heist, Pirate’s Treasure, Hijacked by Science and the after-dark Ghost Riders Adventure. This is easily one of the most unique things to do with teens in Scottsdale!
OFF-ROADING WITH STELLAR ADVENTURES
Take the excitement outdoors and off-road with Stellar Adventures ATV/UTV Tours. Hop in, buckle up and you’ll soon be creating adrenaline-filled memories exploring the Sonoran Desert on a guided UTV tour. Zip through sandy washes, crawl over boulders and traverse twisty canyons while enjoying complimentary snacks and beverages. Licensed drivers must be 16 or older to get behind the wheel.
Kart Racing at Octane
The electric European racing karts at Octane Raceway have a top speed of 45 MPH – perfect for high-speed laps on the 1/3-mile indoor/outdoor track. Beginner and experienced racers battle for position through the track’s switchbacks and use straightaways to gain speed. There’s no age limit for racing, though unlicensed junior drivers must be accompanied by an adult. Octane also offers Velocity VR virtual reality experiences, an arcade, mini-bowling, Jumbo Jenga and the Brickyard Grille (because drivers need fuel to fire on all cylinders).
Shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square
Malls and teens go hand in hand. Luckily, Scottsdale is home to the largest retail destination in the Southwest: Scottsdale Fashion Square. The center’s more than 250 retailers include teen favorites like Nordstrom, H&M, Forever 21 and American Eagle Outfitters. Fashion Square also houses a luxury cinema, Harkins Camelview, which elevates the movie-going experience with cushy reclining seats, wall-to-wall curved screens and gourmet concessions including a gelato stand for kids and a full bar for parents.
WESTERN FASHION AT RANCHER HAT BAR
If your teen loves fashion, particularly Western wear, Rancher Hat Bar is a must-see boutique in Old Town. Choose a hat from more than 70 styles and colors, then select accessories (think bands, ribbons, charms, pins and more) and let Rancher Hat Bar’s experts help your teen create their perfect, personalized hat!
BONUS: INSTA-WORTHY FUN AT SCOTTSDALE SELFIE
After a tech-free adventure or two, round up your teens – and their phones – and head for Scottsdale Selfie where immersive, eye-catching art installations offer nearly unlimited options for Instagram-worthy pics. Vibrant colors, neon lights and interactive props in a variety of different settings promise to get everyone’s creativity flowing!
