Community Voices: There’s Nothing for Teens to Do in Worcester—A Youth Perspective by Ava Taylor, Age 17

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For Real, Worcester, We’re Bored

Hey—Ava here. I’m 17, and if you’re a teen in Worcester, I bet you already know what I’m about to say: there is nothing for us to do in this city, and honestly, it feels like there’s nothing for teens to do in Worcester. Seriously, nothing for teens to do in Worcester makes us feel forgotten.

I know that adults love to say, “Go outside! There’s so much to do!” But what, exactly? Walk around the same park? Try and look busy in front of Dunkin’? Scroll TikTok on a park bench until your battery dies? For the most part, that’s what it is. And trust me, it gets old quick.

Im not alone. All our friends say the same thing: there’s truly nothing for teens to do in Worcester, and it’s crazy.

Roller Skating? Arcade? Where?

It’s a bummer because we just want to find something fun to do. Yet, nothing for teens to do in Worcester keeps ringing in our heads.

The truth is, we’re not being dramatic when we say there’s literally nothing for teens to do in Worcester anymore.

Back in the day—so my mom reminds me—Worcester had roller rinks. Now? Nah. We got nothing. I straight up Googled “roller skating Worcester MA” thinking maybe I just missed the memo, but nope! Closest thing is wayy out in the burbs or it’s some grownup fitness thing.

Arcades? The kind where you dump out your backpack change and play air hockey all night? Gone. Chuck E. Cheese isn’t for us, and Dave & Buster’s isn’t a Worcester thing. We had one in the mall, but—wait, we barely have a mall anymore, either.

These experiences only highlight the fact that there’s nothing for teens to do in Worcester.

It’s like a broken record—we keep running into the same issue of nothing for teens to do in Worcester.

So many of us just want to vibe with friends, but instead, it’s just nothing for teens to do in Worcester.

Every time we think to hang out, we’re met with the sad truth: there’s nothing for teens to do in Worcester.

We don’t want to sound whiny, but it’s real—nothing for teens to do in Worcester is a big deal for us.

Shopping? Kind Of a Joke

Let’s talk about the “malls.” What malls? The place at Greendale—that’s more doctors’ offices than stores now. Auburn Mall? It’s not even in Worcester and half the shops are empty. If you want to actually hang out and look at cool stuff, you gotta get someone’s parent to drive you all the way to Natick or Solomon Pond. Might as well be a field trip.

We need places where we can go without facing the harsh reality of nothing for teens to do in Worcester.

And downtown? It’s cool for a selfie or two, but unless you’re into bougie brunch or just want to sit on the Common, it’s not really a teen vibe. You see people your parents’ age hanging out more than kids.

Same Old, Same Old

So what do we actually do? Hit the same playground, pick a random basketball court, or, if we’re lucky, go to a movie (and pray nothing’s sold out). Otherwise, our “options” are to wander, eat somewhere, or post up at a friend’s house—if their parents are cool with it.

Not every city is like this. We hear about other places having options, while we’re still stuck with nothing for teens to do in Worcester.

Every city says, “Oh, we have parks!” Sure, but once you’ve walked Green Hill or Elm Park for the millionth time, there’s just not much left. Especially if you don’t play organized sports. Even the community centers aren’t really made for us—either you’re too old for the little kid stuff or too young for whatever’s meant for college kids.

The frustration is real; all we want is to change the narrative of nothing for teens to do in Worcester.

And honestly, for a lot of us? We can’t just Uber somewhere else. That stuff adds up.

What We’re Looking For—It’s Not That Deep

We’re not asking for a six-flags cheat code, okay? We just want something fun that’s made for us—not stuck in a gym or buried in homework. Here’s the wish list:

• A place to hang out that’s actually for teens.
  Not a toddler play space, not a bar, not a loud-auntie coffee shop. Somewhere you can chill without anyone side-eyeing you for just… existing.
• Real games, not just Wi-Fi.
  Bring back the old-school arcade, or even some next-level gaming lounge where you can play, talk, and NOT get kicked out after an hour.
• Late hours—at least like 10 or 11pm.
  Not everyone’s parents want you home by 7. The world doesn’t shut off after sunset.
• Stuff that doesn’t break the bank.
  We’re NOT loaded. Even $10 can be a lot, so entry should be cheap—or free.
• Different vibes for different people.
  Not everybody is into ball or music. Some of us want art, or books, or just a safe place to meet friends and do nothing.

What Other Places Got (and Worcester Needs)

I follow creators in other cities—shout out to my cousin in Providence, she’s always humble-bragging. Her city’s got:

• Youth centers open late where you can make music, play games, or just hang out.
• Actual teen nights at community spaces or roller rinks.
• Pop-up events with food and DJs that aren’t just for old heads.
• Retro arcades where you don’t need to be 21+ just to get in.

Some places even have art walls you can paint on, legit public basketball tournaments with music, or movie nights outside that aren’t just for little kids. Worcester’s missing out, for real.

What Happens When There’s Nothing to Do?

Here’s the real talk: when you got nowhere to go, you start making bad choices, or at least dumb ones. Sitting around, getting bored—or worse, getting in trouble because adults act like we’re always up to something shady if we hang out in a big group.

Sometimes, we just wanna exist, you know? Let us live. Give us a spot, and watch how Worcester teens show up.

So if you’re listening, remember that these voices matter and highlight that nothing for teens to do in Worcester is a real issue.

Why Don’t We Have This Stuff?

If you ask me… it’s a little bit about money, a little bit about adults not listening, and a lot about no one wanting to actually ask US what we want. There’s always talk about youth programs, but who picks out the activities? Not us.

Let’s come together and address the concern of nothing for teens to do in Worcester. It’s time for change.

Some kids I know just wish the city would do a quick online survey. Put us on the planning board. Ask at school. It’s not rocket science—just care enough to ask.

Yeah, I Love My City—But It Could Be Better

Look, I love Worcester. I’m proud when people talk about how tough and creative we are here. But being tough shouldn’t mean being bored out of our minds.

We got a lot of creative, smart, chill kids in this city. But it feels like Worcester is sleeping on us.

So if anyone’s listening—city officials, business owners, grownups who actually wanna help—let’s build something new. Teens got voices, ideas, and plenty of energy. Let us use it!

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My Challenge for You

I’m speaking up because maybe, just maybe, you’ll read this and ask your own kid, or your own little brother or sister, what they would do for fun if they could design something for Worcester. And actually listen.

If you care about keeping good kids happy, safe, and making actual memories—give us a place to go and something dope to do.

Let’s Make Some Noise, Worcester

If you agree with me, or you’ve got your own ideas for what teens NEED in this city, speak up! Drop your comments on the What’s Up Worcester socials, or hit up your school counselor and say you want more.

And if you’re someone out there who could actually make this happen—don’t just talk about it. Do it!

—Ava Taylor
Worcester High School

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Want your voice heard?
What’s Up Worcester wants stories, photos, and perspectives from teens—just like this. Got something to say? Send it in (with your parent or guardian’s okay if you’re under 18) and let the city know what you think.

For more community stories and youth voices, visit WhatsUpWorcester.com.

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#NothingForTeens #WorcesterYouth #MakeItFun #CommunityVoices

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