Seattle is a vibrant metropolis nestled between Lake Washington and Elliott Bay. With the Olympic Mountains to the west and the Cascade Mountains to the east, the views are spectacular and outdoor activities are abundant. However, plenty of opportunities await teenagers in the city itself. With a comprehensive public transportation system in Metro Transit, teenagers are able to explore a number of neighborhoods, and are sure to find many interesting activities to participate in.
M.U.S.I.C.
M.U.S.I.C. is an after-school drop-in program for teenagers that features sports, field trips, games, food and more. According to the website, the goal is to engage youth "in meaningful and productive activities that will develop their personal, educational and social skills."
Parks
Seattle is home to many parks that feature beach access, hiking trails, bike paths, skate parks and more. Parks of particular interests to teens include Discovery, Carkeek, Golden Gardens and the Arboretum. Each offers something different. For example, Carkeek has a remote-controlled airplane landing strip and Golden Gardens features barbecues, bonfire pits and volleyball nets. All feature miles of trails and water access. Seattle Parks and Recreation also runs the Outdoor Opportunities (O2) program, which includes overnight adventures and environmental education programs that teach urban conservation and stewardship.
Teen Tix
Teen Tix is a pass that allows teenagers to purchase $5 rush tickets to a variety of arts performances, workshops and more. The program is free and available to any teenager between 13 and 18 years old. It does not matter where they reside. Participating companies include theaters (A Contemporary Theatre, the Intiman Theater, the Seattle Repertory Theatre, the Seattle Children's Theatre), museums (the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, the Henry Art Gallery, the Experience Music Project--a rock and roll museum, the Seattle Art Museum and the Science Fiction Museum), the Pacific Science Center, the Pacific Northwest Ballet, the Seattle International Film Festival, the Seattle Opera, the Seattle Symphony and Unexpected Productions--an improv company.
Seattle Center
Found at the north end of downtown, the Seattle Center is the home of the Space Needle, but the grounds offer much more than access to some of the best views in the city. Almost every month of the year features a free "Festal" event. These are cultural celebrations that explore the diversity and multiculturalism of the city. The Center House offers a variety of dining options, and the Mural Amphitheatre offers free concerts and outdoor movies during the summertime. Other attractions on the grounds include the Experience Music Project, the Pacific Science Center, the Science Fiction Museum, the Seattle Children's Theatre, the Seattle Opera, the Seattle Repertory Theater, the Intiman Theater, Key Arena (home of concerts, sporting events, ice shows, circuses, etc.) and the Pacific Northwest Ballet.
Sports
Although Seattle was named the most miserable sports city by Forbes Magazine, there are plenty of opportunities to take in a game. Whether it's Mariners baseball, Seahawks football, Sounders soccer or Thunderbirds hockey, Seattle has many franchises for a variety of spectator sports. Alas, no NBA basketball since the Supersonics left for Oklahoma.
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