If you live in or around Los Angeles, you know that the city is filled with families, tourists, and celebrities. And being in the city can be a lot of fun, but also lead to some unhealthy teen habits. There is a lot of temptation in the region for partying, drinking, and drugs and many young people get pulled into these habits by peers and other influential people in their lives. This can lead to addiction, mental health challenges and so much more. But there are also plenty of places where you can have a lot of fun but in healthy ways. And Venice Beach and the surrounding area have plenty of them. Here are some healthy things for teens to do with family and friends in Venice Beach.
Hiking
Hiking is a great way to get exercise, explore nature and connect with your environment. Plus, there are a ton of great photo ops where teens can take and share their fun selfies with their friends. Hiking also has numerous health benefits including strengthening muscles, improving balance, and increasing cardiovascular fitness. And in Venice Beach and nearby, there are plenty of great options like Baldwin Hills scenic overlook or Runyon Canyon Park.
Cycling
If you are going to bike around Venice Beach, it’s important that you take safety precautions. If a teen has no experience with biking, driving, or skateboarding, it is best if they wear a helmet and protective gear. This includes knee pads and elbow pads for falls and scrapes as well as wrist guards for falling off of their bike. Your teen might choose a mountain bike, something hybrid, or even a BMX bike to learn some great street tricks they can do for their friends.
Horseback Riding
Ocean Park Ranch is a little north of Venice Beach but is a great place to take your teen horseback riding. Riding has many physical and emotional benefits. Caring for a horse can help some depressed or anxious teens regulate their moods better and experience better mental health. It’s a much better habit than turning to drugs or alcohol which many teens also do.
Horseback riding also allows you to get out of the house and explore the world around you, which can be very beneficial for people who want to explore new places. Finally, horseback riding is a great way to meet new people from all walks of life.
Surfing
Those adventure-seeking teens would do well to learn how to surf. It’s a lot of fun and Venice Beach is known for being a great spot to catch some waves. Surfing is a great way to get exercise and have fun with friends. You can even learn how to surf at Venice Beach where there are instructors and even surfboard rentals available. Pro tip: if you like to stay warm, get a wet suit especially during cooler months.
Skateboarding
Try some land surfing, also known as skateboarding, as well. There is a skatepark right in Venice Beach or you can head over to the one in nearby Santa Monica. For teens, skateboarding offers the chance to learn new skills and tricks while also getting exercise. Not only that, but it’s a lot of fun. Plus, teens can get a lot of views on social media when they are building a channel from their skateboard tricks. It’s okay to be a beginner. Learning skateboarding helps some teens connect with new friends, learn to focus on developing a skill, and set goals. All of these are healthy habits to learn as they grow up.
Swimming
Another fun and healthy activity for teens in Venice Beach is going swimming. There is water, jump in and enjoy. Swimming is a low-impact exercise that’s perfect for teens who want to stay active but don’t want to stress their joints. While swimming can be done alone, it’s also fun to do with friends and family. Because it’s a sport that requires little equipment, teens can get started in the pool or at the beach without much financial investment. Swimming releases endorphins and other chemicals that make you feel good, reduces stress, improves sleep, helps you connect with nature and can even improve cognitive function. All of these are so important for growing teens who deal with stress at school and need a way to decompress in a healthy manner.
Conclusion
There is plenty of fun and healthy things for teens to do in Venice Beach. If you’re looking for a new hobby that will keep you active, we encourage you to try one of these activities. They all offer a different way to challenge yourself while enjoying the beautiful weather in Los Angeles.
