Today's teenagers and young people are frequently criticized by the older generations for spending their lives behind screens and not enjoying the real world around them. Indeed, a Daily Mail study suggests that US teens spend 9 hours every day using social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat. Another study by the Telegraph shows that young adults spend 27 hours each week online, socializing and browsing.
However, there has been a recent trend among young people to reject time spent online and get out and about instead. The under-25 age group has something of a reputation for partying and drinking, but recent figures from the Office of National Statistics suggest that more young people are abstaining from alcohol than ever before, while underage drinking has dropped significantly. So if drinking is ruled out and a social media detox is planned, just what else is there for young people to get out and do in Britain today?
See a show, a play or a concert
Over two-thirds of young people questioned told a recent Guardian survey that staying in is better than a night out. If venues want to lure this potential market away from their bedrooms - and from their social media accounts - they need to offer something different: drinking and dancing simply doesn't cut it any more. On the other hand, watching live music is still a very popular pastime among young people. From local bands playing in pubs and cafes to the nation's many high capacity stadiums hosting grade A rock stars, there are plenty of choices.
In a 2016 Frugaa study, 71% of under-25s said they had attended a live music event in the past month. A further 52% had seen a stand-up comedian or comedy show, and 27% had been to see a play or musical during the previous four weeks. Live music and performing arts shows are also accessible on just about any budget. While those arena-filling pop stars like the Rolling Stones or Rihanna might cost up to $100 per ticket to see, free plays and gigs happen every day in every town or city.
Visit a restaurant, coffee shop or cafe
The largest generational group of restaurant consumers is still the older Baby Boomers. Yet surprisingly, the next biggest consumer group for eating out is Generation Z: those born after 1995, including today's teenagers and those in their early twenties. Spending time with friends - and spending money on activities - is one of the biggest market influences this age group creates. Young adult diners are also more likely to visit a restaurant in a large group, therefore increasing their potential value to the establishment. Both in the US and internationally, restaurants are realizing how valuable this group is and are marketing more to the under-20s.
Both Generation Z and the Millennials are fans of visiting coffee shops in their leisure time, and many will spend in excess of one hour grabbing coffee and socializing with friends. While coffee bought at an outlet like Costa or Starbucks is far more expensive than one made at home - around $2.50 versus less than 20p - it is the social aspect of these venues that draws in young people. The free Wi-fi usually offered at these shops is certainly a benefit as well!
Shopping with friends, family or partners
For those aged 24 and under, shopping is actually a hugely popular activity. However, over half these young adults - 52% - see the activity as a social excursion - one which should take all day, include a coffee or lunch, and be undertaken in groups of as many as possible. Shopping is less about the purchases and the stores, and more about the fun.
For this reason, shopping malls are among Generation Z's favorite places to visit in their free time. Larger shopping centre's like Mall of America and South Coast Plaza have great activities inside, such as multi-screen cinemas, arcades and even ice rinks. While young people are less likely to attend the cinema or the skating rink at independent venues than their older counterparts, they do make good use of these facilities within shopping centre's and this age group often makes up the largest sector of visitors.
Watching sports games and events
Young adults and teenagers are being encouraged to attend more football games, with the price of tickets for the top teams reduced by an average of 37%. The most expensive away ticket available is now just under $30, which is a lot more realistic for young people. Sports such as American entertainment wrestling have recently regained popularity with young people in the US again, and tickets for these shows at major national are available at a similar price. Local rugby and cricket games often offer entry for between $5-$10, so these are good for budget days out.
As well as trying to get more younger people watching sport, the younger generation is starting to play more sport for fun. 37% of 16-24 year olds say they visit the gym at least once a week, while an overall 48% do some form of regular exercise. While one third of these say they do so mainly to keep fit and healthy, the majority - 42% - find that having fun with friends and socializing is the most important reason to take part.
