No Teenage Wasteland Here: Young Adult Favorites in JXN
School’s out, and bored teens are back. Here are some of our favorite picks to get them off the couch, out the door, and having fun this summer.
Catch A Movie At The Capri (and stick around to bowl at Highball Lanes)
Step back in time while enjoying the latest Hollywood hits at The Capri Theatre, Fondren’s beloved revitalized movie theater circa 1939. Outfitted with state-of-the-art projection, audio, and reclining seats, The Capri regularly hosts the best of the silver screen to enjoy alongside a dine-in drink and food menu. Keep the party going at Highball Lanes next door, where a 10-lane bowling alley meets contemporary Southern cuisine. Walk-ins are welcome!
Go On An Insta-Worthy Hunt With Jackson’s Street Art Scene
We may need help understanding Gen Z terminology, but we know the importance of a good selfie. With Visit Jackson’s curated Public Art Map, teens (and teens-at-heart) can enjoy an afternoon of exploring and snapping pics of beautiful murals painted by some of the city’s most notable creative minds, including Scott Allen, Reshonda Perryman, Eli Childers, Gavin Bird, Justin Ransburg, Sabrina Howard, Adrianne Dominic and more.
Take A Workshop At Briarwood Arts Center
Founded by local rapper, producer, and entrepreneur Stephen Brown (5th Child), Briarwood Arts Center is an epicenter for young creatives in Jackson’s Briarwood neighborhood and beyond. The multi-use space frequently hosts group workshops and activities, such as arts and crafts, self-defense, dancing, and sewing, as well as tutoring and ACT prep courses.
Discover New Music At A Local Record Store
Show your teen the original music behind their favorite TikTok sound at one of the city’s premier record stores – OffBeat and The End of All Music. Located downtown, OffBeat carries a wide range of vinyl genres and hard-to-find comics, figurines, apparel, and games. At The End of All Music in Fondren, discover new and gently used vinyl spinning daily and some of the South’s best up-and-coming artists.
Indulge Their Sweet Tooth At A Sweet Shop
First, they’re sour, then they’re sweet – sometimes. Turn a teenage frown upside down at one of Jackson’s sweet stops. For candy, homemade chocolates, and authentic New Orleans snoballs (spring and summer), head to Nandy’s Candy in Maywood Mart. For ice cream and shakes, we love Mayday Ice Cream (Belhaven Town Center), Bop’s Frozen Custard (County Line), Brent’s Drugs (Fondren), and Sal & Mookie’s (The District at Eastover).
Learn Something New At An Award-Winning Museum
Even if school’s out of session, keep valuable lessons going with a trip to one of the city’s awe-inspiring museums. At the LeFleur Museum District, there’s something for everyone on the nearly 500-acre campus, from the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame to the Ag Museum and Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. Hear powerful Civil Rights stories at the Two Mississippi Museums, and see life through the artist’s eye at the Mississippi Museum of Art. For teens who love local history and government, visit the Old Capitol Museum and take free guided tours of the Beaux Arts-style Mississippi State Capitol.
Adventure Into The Great Outdoors At A Local Park Or Trail
Replace screen time with memorable moments outdoors at LeFleur's Bluff State Park, a 305-acre wildlife refuge in the heart of Jackson, outfitted for camping, fishing, picnicking, and nature trail walking. The Museum Trail and Belhaven Mountain Bike Trail are perfect for walkers, runners, bikers, and roller skaters alike. If you want a planned outing on the water, Capital City Kayak Adventures offers group excursions during the week that take you through serene wetlands and creeks in the metro area.
