Things to Do in Newark CA for Teens — The 2025 Guide

If you are a teen in Newark, CA — or a parent trying to figure out what to do with your teenagers on a Friday night — the options can feel limited. Especially when the usual "go to the mall" or "watch a movie" gets old. Here is an honest list of the best things to do in Newark, Fremont, and Union City for teens.

1. Laser Tag at Laser Tagging Inc.

We will be upfront — this is our blog, so of course we are going to start with laser tag. But here is why it deserves the top spot: our 7,000-square-foot, two-story arena is unlike anything else in the area.

Most laser tag places are flat rooms with foam walls. Ours has ramps, bridges, elevated sniper positions, and a second-story catwalk. It is a legitimate tactical experience that teens get competitive about — and no one complains about being bored.

Games start at $9.00 per game (when you buy 2), and the best value is 3+ games at $5.00 each. Walk-ins are welcome. No reservation needed for regular play.

Where: 5759 Stevenson Blvd, Newark, CA 94560
Phone: (510) 573-1700
Book: Book online

2. Arcade Games & Prizes

Right inside Laser Tagging Inc. you will find a full arcade with air hockey, basketball, skee-ball, claw machines, and ticket redemption games. Win tickets and trade them for prizes. It is a solid way to fill the time between laser tag rounds or just hang out with friends.

3. Laser Maze Challenge

Also at Laser Tagging — navigate through a web of laser beams without breaking them. Think of it like Mission Impossible. It costs $7.99 for 2 attempts and tests agility, flexibility, and patience. Teens love competing for the best time.

4. NewPark Mall

The local mall is right down the road in Newark. It has the usual stores, food options, and is a classic teen hangout spot. It is not the most exciting thing on this list, but it is free to walk around and you can combine it with a laser tag trip since they are close together.

5. Silliman Activity Center & Aqua Park

The City of Newark runs recreational programs at the Silliman Activity Center. During summer, the Silliman Aqua Park has a pool and water features. Check their website for teen programs, open gym times, and swim hours.

6. Lake Elizabeth / Central Park (Fremont)

A short drive into Fremont, Lake Elizabeth at Central Park has walking paths, paddle boats, a playground, and open space for group hangouts. Free to visit. Good for when the weather cooperates.

7. Coyote Hills Regional Park

If you like being outdoors, Coyote Hills is on the western side of Newark along the bay. Walking trails, bird watching, and views of the bay. Good for a daytime outing but not really a Friday night activity.

8. Bowling (Union City or Fremont)

Bowling is a solid teen activity. Check out nearby bowling alleys in Fremont or Union City for cosmic bowling nights. It is a reliable option, though we would argue laser tag is more exciting.

9. Food Crawl on Thornton Ave

Newark has surprisingly good food. Thornton Ave and the surrounding area has boba shops, pizza, Asian food, and fast casual spots. Get a group together and do a mini food crawl — hit 2 or 3 spots in one outing.

10. Birthday Party at Laser Tagging Inc.

If you are turning 13, 14, 15, 16, or any age really — a laser tag birthday party is the move. Private party room, pizza and drinks, multiple rounds of laser tag, and a Game Marshal who runs everything. Your friends will talk about it for months.

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The Bottom Line

Newark is a small city, and honestly the indoor entertainment options for teens are limited. That is exactly why we built a world-class laser tag facility here — because teens deserve something genuinely exciting to do that is affordable, safe, and right in their backyard.

If you have not tried laser tag at Laser Tagging Inc., start there. Walk-ins welcome. Games start at $5. And we promise — no one has ever said it was boring.