Experience gifts for teenagers: adventure days they'll actually want

The best experience gifts for teenagers are activities they'll want to tell their friends about: white water rafting, indoor surfing, ski or snowboard lessons, coasteering and paintball all work well, and most are open to teens from 10, 11 or 12. Here are six ideas you can book or buy as a gift voucher on eola, with the age limits to check before you wrap anything up.

Quick picks

• White water rafting at Cardiff International White Water, from age 12
• Ski Level 1 Group Lesson at Alpine Snowsports Aldershot, from age 11
• Coasteering with Big Green Adventures in Crantock, from age 10
• Paintball at Adventures Wales in Porthcawl, from age 12, for groups of six or more

For the thrill-seeker: rafting and indoor surfing in Cardiff

Cardiff International White Water in Cardiff Bay has the only white water rafting course in South Wales, and its White Water Rafting session is open to anyone aged 12 or over who is confident in and around water. Wetsuits, boots, helmets and buoyancy aids are included, so they just need swimwear and a towel. Teens who have rafted before can try hot-dogging, which sends pairs down the rapids in two-person inflatable kayaks, also from age 12.

The indoor wave makes a good winter birthday treat too. Stand up surfing on the indoor wave is for ages 14 and over, while the body and knee boarding session starts at 6, so younger siblings can join in. A Cardiff International White Water gift voucher can be spent on any of these, and the centre's spotlight page shows everything else on site.

Photo: Cardiff International White Water

For the one going on a school ski trip: dry slope lessons

If there's a school ski trip coming up, a few lessons beforehand mean less time on the nursery slope and more time with their friends. At Alpine Snowsports Aldershot, the Ski Level 1 Group Lesson is for ages 11 and up and covers boots, skis, sidestepping and a first run, and there's a Snowboarding Level 1 Group Lesson for 11+ too. Juniors aged 11 to 15 need a supervising adult on site. The Alpine Snowsports Aldershot vouchers page sells a Levels 1-4 Lesson Package for juniors aged 11 to 15, as well as credit vouchers.

Photo: Alpine Snowsports Aldershot

In Lancashire, The Hill, home of Ski Rossendale runs snowboard taster sessions for ages 8 and up. It also has an airsoft target range, where they can try automatic and single-shot target shooting and take their target home at the end. A gift voucher from The Hill can be spent on anything at the centre, and there's more to do nearby on our Rawtenstall page.

For the beach lover: coasteering and surfing in Cornwall

Coasteering with Big Green Adventures means two hours of scrambling over rocks, washing through gullies, exploring caves and jumping into the sea around the Pentire headland at Crantock. The private coasteering session is for ages 10 and up, so it suits a teenager and a few friends, or the whole family. They'll need a good basic level of fitness and to be confident in water.

Photo: Big Green Adventures

If they'd rather learn to surf, Big Green also runs private surf lessons on Crantock beach. The Big Green Adventures vouchers page has packages of two to five lessons as well as credit vouchers, which is handy for a gift they'll use next summer. See more of what's on in the area on our Crantock page.

For a group of mates: paintball in Porthcawl

Adventures Wales runs paintball in a purpose-built arena at its centre in Porthcawl, with scenarios such as Last Stand and tuition in marksmanship. The minimum age is 12 and a session needs at least six players, so it works best as a birthday gift for a group. Overalls, face masks and goggles are included. Adventures Wales sells credit vouchers, and its spotlight page covers its gorge scrambling and rafting days too.

For the calmer teen: paddleboarding on the River Medway

Not every teenager wants to jump off a cliff. Stand Up Paddleboarding with Ana teaches on the River Medway in Tonbridge, and her Progressive 3 Day SUP Course takes beginners from kneeling to standing, then on to board control and self-rescue in small groups. It suits a teen who likes to get properly good at something. Ana also runs group lessons and tours around Tonbridge Island, and a gift voucher can be saved for a warm day in spring or summer.

Photo: Stand Up Paddleboarding with Ana

How to choose an experience gift for a teenager

• Check the minimum age on the activity page. Most of these start at 10, 11 or 12, but some, like stand up surfing on Cardiff's indoor wave, start at 14.
• Check whether an adult has to stay. At Alpine Snowsports Aldershot, juniors aged 11 to 15 need a supervising adult on site for the whole session.
• Make it social. Teenagers often enjoy an activity more with friends, so a group session or a voucher big enough for two can go down better than a solo lesson.
• Let them pick the date. A credit voucher works like a gift card for one provider, so they can book around school, exams and the weather.

For anything in the sea or on a river, the RNLI has general water safety advice that's worth reading together. For more gift ideas, the eola vouchers page lists providers that sell gift vouchers, and our guide to 10 experience gifts to give this Christmas has ideas for the rest of the family.

Experience gifts for teenagers: FAQ

What is a good experience gift for a 13-year-old?

Rafting and hot-dogging in Cardiff, dry slope ski and snowboard lessons, coasteering and paintball are all open to 13-year-olds. Check each listing for the minimum age and whether a parent needs to come along.

Can a 12-year-old go white water rafting?

Yes. At Cardiff International White Water the standard rafting session is open from age 12 for anyone confident in and around water. On family rafting days the rapids are turned down and children from 6 can join in.

Do teenagers need a parent with them for activities?

Often, yes. Many providers ask for under-16s or under-18s to be accompanied by an adult, so read the requirements on the activity page before you book or buy a voucher.

Related reading: What is coasteering? A beginner's guide, Learn to ski before your ski holiday and Can you go white water rafting in winter?

Book their next adventure on eola

From rafting in Cardiff to paddleboarding in Kent, you'll find activities and gift vouchers for every age on the eola marketplace, ready to book online.