Top 10 Things for a Scottsdale Jewish Teen to Do

Written By Tzvi Rimler

If you’re searching for things for a Jewish teen to do in Scottsdale and Phoenix, you’re not alone. Parents and teens are often looking for meaningful activities that combine friendship, leadership, fun, community service, and Jewish identity.

Whether you’re a local teen, new to the area, or visiting Scottsdale, here are ten of the best activities and experiences for Jewish teens in the Valley.

1. Thursday night social @ the CTeen House

When it comes to Jewish teen programs in Scottsdale and Phoenix, nothing compares to CTeen Phoenix House.

Designed specifically for Jewish teens, CTeen House is a dedicated teen space featuring:

  • Ping pong

  • Pool table

  • Air hockey

  • Full court basketball

  • Foosball

  • Lounge areas and games

It’s a place where Jewish teens can relax, make friends, and be part of a welcoming community. Click here to see the next Thursday night social event!

2. Join the Solomon Leadership Course

For 11th and 12th graders looking to build leadership skills, the Solomon Leadership Course offers a unique opportunity.

Students learn:

  • Leadership principles

  • Public speaking

  • Community impact

  • Networking

  • Personal development

  • Jewish values and leadership

The program also helps teens strengthen college applications while developing skills they’ll use for years to come. Click here to apply and see more.

3. Spend a Day on the Farm

Many teens are surprised to discover how much fun Arizona farms can be.

Popular options include:

Schnepf Farms

  • Don’t miss the peach u-pick. You’ll need to reserve and fast! It books up quickly. See more here.

  • Besides for peaches, there’s plenty more u-pick opportunities! Click here for more.

Justice Brothers

4. Challenge Yourself in an Escape Room

Escape rooms are one of the most popular teen activities in the Scottsdale area.

Top choices include:

Escapology

In Scottsdale, right off the 101, brand new escape rooms with varying difficulty levels. Excellent place to go with friends! Click here to reserve.

Bam Kazam

Same parking lot as Escapology, it’s a part escape room, part physical challenge, and part interactive adventure. You only get 2-3 minutes in each room and if you fail to clear to the next level you need to exit…but then you can start all over again!

Activate

A fast-paced gaming experience that combines teamwork, technology, and physical activity. Really cool because you actually need to work out together to complete puzzles - think basketball hoops that need to be made in the correct order!

5. Volunteer!

Many Jewish teens are looking for meaningful volunteer opportunities in Scottsdale. Here are some options:

Giving back is a great way to fulfill community service requirements while making a real difference.

Best for: Service hours, leadership development, and helping others.

6. Go on a hike

Phoenix is the Mecca of hiking! Here are some of my favorite:

  1. Tom’s Thumb

  2. Pinnacle Peak

  3. Camelback Mountain - Echo Canyon is my favorite. Challenging and steep, but not too long.

  4. Sunrise Peak

  5. Piestewa Peak - great trail options with amazing views, but very crowded on the weekends.

As always, make sure to take lots and lots of water!

7. Explore Scottsdale’s Food Scene

Food outings are one of the easiest ways for teens to connect with friends. If you’re looking for Kosher options, there’s a bunch:

Ideas include:

8. Attend Jewish Holiday Events and Celebrations

One of the best parts of being a Jewish teen in Scottsdale is participating in community-wide celebrations.

Throughout the year, teens can enjoy:

  • Chanukah events

  • Purim parties

  • Shabbat dinners

  • Passover programs

  • Sukkot gatherings

  • Community celebrations

These events help teens connect with their heritage while having fun with friends.

9. Take a dip!

When it’s hot in January… go to the water! We may not have the ocean but we got Great Lakes!

  • Salt River tubing

  • Saguaro Lake

  • Lake Pleasant

  • Bartlett Lake

  • Paddleboarding

  • Kayaking

Arizona’s natural beauty provides endless opportunities for adventure.

Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts and active friend groups.

10. Go to Synagogue!

When your week gets hectic, take a break, relax, and disconnect to connect.

Join a shabbat dinner, take the chance to go to your nearby synagogue, pray, socialize and grab kiddush.

Here’s some good spots near you:

Tzvi Rimler
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