Fun Things to Do in North Hills with Teens: A Guide for Family Fun & Chill Time

Teens can be a hard crowd to please – somewhere between the “I’m bored” and “don’t take my picture” – but North Hills in Midtown Raleigh is one of our go-to spots that gets their stamp of approval (and ours).

With its walkable layout, cool vibe, and mix of shops, food, and entertainment, there’s something for every teen mood – from shopping sprees and sweet treats to movie nights and live music!

We love how many of the new additions to the Midtown district cater to teens, previously it was a little lacking. And we love that it’s a safe environment for our teens to explore with their friends – we feel very comfortable with them doing this!

Here’s your ultimate guide to things to do in North Hills with teens – perfect for weekend hangouts, birthday fun, or just a casual parent-teen bonding day (yes, it can happen). We created this guide in partnership with North Hills.

🛍️ Shop Til They Drop (or at Least Until They Need a Snack)

North Hills is packed with stylish stores that teens will love to browse (and add to their wish list). Here’s a few suggestions to get them started:

• Trenlend – The fashion-forward teen will love renting trendy pieces for that next party, event, or photoshoot. Trenlend is a game-changer for teens shopping for homecoming or prom gowns—without the jaw-dropping price tag. As a mom (of a senior!), I’ve had serious sticker shock at what some dresses cost. Trenlend offers a stylish and budget-friendly solution that keeps everyone happy.
• Madewell – Cool basics, denim, and accessories that match effortlessly with just about anything. Madewell also has a men’s section, perfect for the teen men in your family.
• Lululemon – Athleisure is life. Let them browse leggings, crop tops, and accessories that they’ll actually want to wear. Alo Yoga will soon be opening in North Hills giving teens another athletic wear option.
• Quail Ridge Books – For the reader or casual browser, this local favorite is cozy and welcoming. Great spot to chill and discover a new favorite author. We have a teen who reads at least 30 books a year, so Quail Ridge is her favorite place to visit in North Hills.
• Kendra Scott – Statement earrings, sparkly rings, and build-your-own jewelry options. Perfect for gifting or treating themselves. Myself and my two daughters all have much loved jewelry from Kendra Scott. We bought Kalyra a special K necklace for her sweet sixteenth!

Birth stone necklaces Kendra Scott / Quail Ridge Books

• Hellbent – If your teen is into skate, streetwear, or bold, artsy designs, this edgy boutique will be a hit.
• Anthropologie is a favorite place for teens to shop with their wide variety of clothes. At their North Hills store, they have a section for formal wear, which I think would be a great option for homecoming dances and proms – at a much more affordable price!
• Johnnie O’ Another one for the male teens in your family, especially if they’re into golf, surfing, other sports or just dressing in style!  
• Altar’d State (Coming Soon!) – Think boho meets glam—great for stylish teens who love unique fashion and feel-good vibes. Another favorite store for our teens to shop in and pick up an outfit for a special occasion. It’s definitely on fleek for teens.
• Bofemme – What teen girl would not love to accessorize in a boho style? That’s what they’ll find at locally owned Bofemme. They sell unique jewelry pieces, fashionable hats, & for the teen to enjoy with their friends, a signature make-your-own charm bar.
• Sunglass Hut – You may see teens lined up outside the door of the Sunglass Hut clutching their hard-earned money for the chance to catch the vibe of Sarina Carpenter with her signature Versace glasses! She won’t be the ambassador for long so snag those shades while you’ve still got time.

🍦 Eat, Snack, Repeat

All that walking and shopping calls for good eats – and thankfully, North Hills brings the flavor. Whether your teen is into clean eats, comfort food, or sugar overload, there’s something for every craving.

• Village Tavern – Classic crowd-pleasers. Great for lunch or dinner with hearty mains and shareables. We enjoyed a delicious brunch here with our girls. They loved the French toast and chicken and waffles! I could not go past the shrimp and grits!
• Bartaco – Street-style tacos, chips + guac, and a breezy, Instagram-worthy setting.
• Ben & Jerry’s or Kilwins – Because ice cream is always a good idea. Don’t miss Kilwins’ caramel apples or fresh fudge!
• Captain Cookie & the Milkman – Warm cookies + milk = a match made in teen heaven. My teens keep asking for a re-entry pass.
• Bul Box – Fresh and fast Korean bowls with tons of flavor and customization. So enticing, even our fussy team took a risk with a Tokyo Box!

Bulbox / Cookie & the Milkman

• Edible Art Bakery – A hidden gem for cupcakes, cookies, and drool-worthy cakes. They have my favorite gluten free cupcakes in Raleigh.
• Leo’s Italian Social or Giorgio Pizza Bar – Pasta, pizza, and all the carb-loading goodness.
• Jubala Coffee – Perfect morning stop for waffles, coffee (or hot cocoa), and a quick breakfast. Our girls cannot get enough of their banana Nutella waffles. Whenever we say coffee, they say Jubala because of them!
• Panera & Sweetgreens – When they want something fast but still feel a little healthy. Our senior often takes herself to Panera Bread for study time. Nothing gets the brain working more than a hearty tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich.
• Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar – Yes, they can get both sushi and a burger. The bento boxes are a fun choice!
• True Food Kitchen – For your plant-based or health-conscious teen, this spot is bright, colorful, and surprisingly teen-friendly.
• Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls – Great for seafood-loving teens who want a little East Coast flavor without heading to the coast.

🎳 Play, Relax & Be Entertained

North Hills isn’t just about eating and shopping – it’s a place where teens can unwind, have fun, and try something new.

• Paintbase Nail Spa – self-care day, anyone? Grab a parent-teen mani/pedi date or treat them to a little pampering with friends. Savannah grabbed me during her recent spring break and we had a great mother daughter date getting a manicure – her french tips and me, dipping powdered pink!
• Kings Dining & Entertainment – Bowling, arcade games, pool tables, and funky retro vibes. Awesome for parties or just letting off steam.
• Flour Power – Cooking classes and camps for younger teens or food-curious kiddos. Great bonding opportunity for creative parent-teen duos. This is also a great thing to do in North Hills with younger kids.
• Regal North Hills – Catch the latest blockbuster in a comfy reclining seat. Pro tip: combine with Ben & Jerry’s after (it’s right near it). And okay, because your teen demands it, Chick-Fil-A is also right there! But, if they love meat, then walk past it to Redneck BBQ instead!

• Mural Selfies – So your teens really don’t want to have photos with you or of them on their own, but this selfie generation will probably love snapping a few with their friends in front of the vibrant artwork found all over the North Hills district. You can actually follow this Art Walk map – plan for a coffee, ice cream, shopping stop along the way and they’ll be thrilled. (stay tuned we’ll be doing the art walk soon and crafting it into a fun half day in North Hills)
• Ky’s Kandles – grab the teen friends and enjoy a luxury candle making experience using eco-friendly ingredients – that all smell divine. Create your own signature scents!
• Work on your fitness – Both our teen daughters have recently been embracing gym life. For the active teen, North Hills has plenty of options with yoga (including hot) at Midtown Yoga and Dose Yoga (pick up a healthy smoothie after), Pure Barre, and Home Turf (cycling).

🎶 Don’t Miss the Events

North Hills always has something going on, especially during the warmer months and the holiday season. Here are some of our favorite events:

• Midtown Music Fest – Live music, food trucks, and a fun atmosphere teens will love on a Saturday in September! Pack a blanket, bring a friend, and soak up the vibes.
• Wellness Wednesdays – A fun option for your teens is the weekly fitness classes on Midtown Common lawn ranging from yoga to kickboxing! It’s a great opportunity for them to discover the kind of fitness style they like at a low sample price – and to have fun outdoors. Exercise + time outdoors = happy, healthy teens.
• Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony – It’s a holiday tradition! Sparkling lights, festive performances, and treats—perfect way to kick off the season together. Last year, we saw many groups of teens wandering around enjoying the markets, shopping, and having a fun time together.

Why Teens Love North Hills (and You Will Too)

There’s a freedom that comes with North Hills—it’s safe, clean, and walkable, giving teens a bit of independence while still keeping everything within easy reach for parents.

 Whether you’re dropping them off for a few hours with friends or tagging along for a fun day out, it’s one of Raleigh’s best spots for quality family time with a side of cool. So next time you hear “There’s nothing to do,” just point to North Hills—your new go-to answer.