| Once school ends on Friday afternoons, teenagers | | | | Almost all games are played on Saturdays and |
| generally have a lot of free time to do activities | | | | Sundays. There are a variety of opportunities for |
| they enjoy. Also, because of their age, they have | | | | them to play in recreational matches as well. Many |
| additional freedom to do these activities | | | | sports clubs host leagues of soccer, basketball |
| independent of their mothers and fathers. Some | | | | and lacrosse in their indoor facilities over the |
| teenage boys may choose to ride Element | | | | winter months. By participating in these leagues, |
| skateboards and trick bikes at a local skate park. | | | | teens have concrete reasons to get up out of |
| Girls may also choose to ride girl skateboards and | | | | bed, be motivated and do physical activity with |
| rollerblades at these parks too. In an effort for | | | | their peers. This is not only good for their minds |
| these girls and boys to stay active and keep out | | | | and bodies it also provides them with alternative |
| of trouble it is beneficial for them to have | | | | things that prevent them from getting in trouble. |
| additional choices of fun, safe activities over the | | | | Bowling alleys are an extremely social and |
| weekend. Some of these other activities include | | | | inexpensive way for teens to connect with each |
| joining a youth group, playing sports, going bowling | | | | other without having to be supervised by their |
| or seeing movies. | | | | parents. Most neighborhoods have a local bowling |
| Youth groups are organizations of kids of the | | | | facility within a 5-10 mile radius of their homes |
| same age who participate in activities that are of | | | | too. These facilities are now non-smoking, highly |
| common interest. These groups are generally | | | | supervised, well lit and provide a wholesome sport |
| founded by churches and other community | | | | for people of all ages. Also, many places have |
| organizations. Often times, these groups will do | | | | theme nights and disco bowling to provide variety |
| volunteer work for poor communities and | | | | and increased entertainment for teens. Bowling |
| individuals in need. They have mixers, dances, | | | | only costs a couple dollars per game, making it |
| parties and other social functions on the | | | | very doable for teens and parents alike. |
| weekends. They hold book clubs, round robin | | | | Lastly, going to movie theaters is a safe bet for |
| discussions and educational seminars all on the | | | | teens during the weekend hours. In addition to the |
| weekends. Teens that are involved in these type | | | | actual movies they are able to see, generally the |
| of groups have access to many opportunities and | | | | facility offers video games and places for them |
| fun activities throughout their weekend free time. | | | | to hang out and grab a bite to eat with their |
| By filling this time with planned functions, they are | | | | friends. There are frequent movie watcher |
| less likely to be involved in things that could net in | | | | programs that bring movie costs down as well. |
| trouble. | | | | These facilities are monitored by staff and |
| Playing organized sports is another great way for | | | | security guards which help ensure teens are |
| teens to occupy their time over the weekend. | | | | avoiding trouble and staying safe. |