Things to Do in Long Beach for Teenagers

Teenagers may not always enjoy family vacations or act like they want to go along with their parents’ ideas of fun. With that in mind, here are some ideas for a trip to Long Beach with activities designed to help teens have fun with the family without busting their teenage cred.

GO FOR GAMING

Dave & Buster’s (7515 Carson Blvd) is a great spot for families; parents can watch a game or enjoy happy hour while kids play in the arcade. Visit their location at the Long Beach Towne Center, which also has a movie theater and many shopping and dining options. Your family will also have a blast bonding over solving puzzles in the escape rooms at PanIQ Room Long Beach (327 Pine Ave). The themed rooms range from scary (Insane Asylum and Haunted Manor) to fantastical (Pirates of Tortuga and Wizard Trials), so you can choose with your teen’s tastes in mind.

ON THE WATER

Getting out on the water will have the whole family smiling and relaxing and Long Beach has miles of protected waterways for smooth sailing. Motor around Naples Island with an electric boat rental from London Boat Rentals (186 N Marina Dr). Their fully-enclosed and cozy Duffy boats carry 12 passengers (including dogs!), and you can bring your own cooler with food and drinks. Or try biking on the water with Long Beach Waterbikes (164 N Marina Dr). These pedal-powered pontoon vessels are a unique way to explore the bay, especially on a nighttime glow ride.

ANIMAL ADVENTURES

Even an occasionally sullen teen can’t resist cuddly animals. Visit the friendly inhabitants at Feline Good Social Club (301 Atlantic Ave), a cat cafe, or the adoptable kitty residents of Cool Cat Collective (2741 E 4th St C), a cat cafe and retail shop. You may leave with a new pet! For dog lovers, combine a beach day with a visit to Rosie’s Dog Beach (5000 E Ocean Blvd), the only off-leash beach in Los Angeles County, and delight in watching the happy pups bounding into the waves. The whole family will enjoy a visit to the Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way), where you can see thousands of ocean animals, from sharks and sea otters to penguins and tropical fish. You can also see a show in the immersive Pacific Visions Theater or touch sharks or sea jellies in the touch pools.

DINING

The way to many teens’ hearts is through their stomach. At Beachwood Brewing & Distilling (3630 Atlantic Ave), they can chow down on burgers, fries, and other teen-friendly eats, then take on the pinball machines while you sample some beers or cocktails. Gaucho Beach (780 E Shoreline Dr) sits on the beach and provides lovely views of the water, along with tasty Argentinian fare. A Wheel Fun Rentals location is next door for bike rides on the city’s popular beach path. SteelCraft (3768 Long Beach Blvd) in Bixby Knolls is an outdoor food hall where everyone in your group can order from a different vendor, with options including burgers from Hangry Belly and steamed buns from I Luv Ur Buns. Or treat them to an indulgent deep-dish at Rance’s Chicago Pizza (5258 2nd St) in Belmont Shore.

SHOPPING

When all else fails, give your teen a budget and turn them loose in one of Long Beach’s shopping centers. Both The Pike Outlets (95 S Pine Ave) and 2ND & PCH (6400 Pacific Coast Hwy) offer brand name shopping with ample dining options and activities to entertain the whole family, such as a ferris wheel at The Pike Outlets. On Fourth Street’s Retro Row, they can nurture their budding fashion sense and musical interests by browsing the vintage shops and record stores. 2nd Street in Belmont Shore is a popular magnet for local families, and a good place to let your teen lead the way as they pop into shops that interest them. Plus, there are many coffee shops, bakeries, and even a gourmet donut shop called Holey Grail (4803 2nd St) where you can grab a sweet treat along the way.

Credit: 2nd & PCH

About the Author

Claire Atkinson

Claire Atkinson is a Southern California native who has lived in Long Beach for 20 years. She spends her free time visiting local parks, farmers markets, and museums, and loves learning about Long Beach history and culture.