Summer break is a great time for teens to relax, explore new interests, and have fun. However, with parents often at work during the day, finding engaging activities to do at home is important so they don’t lounge around on their phones all day. So, I put together a list of fun summer activities for teens that can be done at home, ensuring they have a memorable (not dull) summer break.
I also have ways that parents can join their teens in fun summer activities. This way you can also making some lasting memories with your kiddos before they are out on their own.
Table of Contents
- Summer Activity for Teens #1: Get Creative with Arts and Crafts
- #2 Fun Summer Activity for Teens: Culinary Adventures
- Fun Summer Activity for Teens #3- Indoor Fitness and Well-being
- #4 Summer Activity for Teens This Summer- Intellectual and Educational Activities
- #5 Summer Activity for Teens to Enjoy- Social and Interactive Activities
- Summer Activity #6- Outdoor Fun at Home
- #7 Summer Activities for Teens that Including Tech and Media
- Relaxation and Downtime Ideas
- How to Get Your Teen Started on Some Fun Summer Activities
- Summer Activities for Teens
Summer Activity for Teens #1: Get Creative with Arts and Crafts
One fun summer activity for teens is trying out various arts and crafts. Even guys can find something to do. Let’s look at a few ideas.
DIY Projects
Teens can dive into various DIY projects, which are a fun way to pass the time and create something unique. The possibilities are endless, from making homemade candles and soap to creating personalized jewelry and tie-dye shirts (my son would tie-dye everything if he could). Websites like Pinterest offer a wealth of ideas and tutorials to spark creativity.
For the teen guy in your home, they may enjoy woodworking projects. Heck, even girls will enjoy this. My daughter loves making wood-burning signs and wood carving. Another idea is building small items like birdhouses, stools, or shelves. These are all great summer activities for teens.
Another fun summer DIY project for guys is making paracord keychains and bracelets. You can buy kits that can help them get started.
If your child is a budding entrepreneur, they could even start a small business selling some of their creations. They could start by getting a table at craft fairs and go from there. There are many different opportunities for teens now.
List of suggestions:
- Soap making
- Soap Carving
- Candle Making
- Candle decorating
- Lip balms
- Tie-dying various items
- Knitting or crocheting various projects (there are simple knitting looms to make it easier)
- Decorative mugs with oil-based Sharpies
- Scrunchies
- Wood carving
- Woodworking
- Woodburning
- Paracord survival bracelets and keychains
- Bookmarks
- Greeting Cards
- Jewelry
- Drink coasters
Here are some sites that might help!
30 Cool DIY Projects for Teens
25 Cool and Trendy DIY Crafts for Teens
Drawing and Painting
Drawing and painting are fantastic summer activities for teens that help them express themselves and improve their artistic skills. They can experiment with different mediums, such as watercolors, acrylics, or charcoal, and even take online art classes to learn new techniques.
YouTube is filled with video tutorials on anything you can imagine. I love Step-by-Step Painting for acrylic painting tutorials. My kids and I have done many paintings, especially around holidays. Here is an example.
If you have a kiddo who wants to draw, Markowsky Art has 40 Free beginner drawing lessons. The lessons start very basic and walk you through how to draw. Teens can even find tutorials on drawing faces, hair, and any creature you can think of. There is plenty to keep teens engaged and having fun this summer.
Teens can also find videos on sculpting, watercolors, resin art, doodling, etc.
Scrapbooking
Creating a scrapbook can be a fantastic summer activity for teens to document their summer adventures, thoughts, and experiences. They can include photos, ticket stubs, other mementos, personal notes, and artwork to create a keepsake they’ll cherish.
Teens will love looking back at these scrapbooks, remembering times with high school friends and memories made with their family.
#2 Fun Summer Activity for Teens: Culinary Adventures
I don’t think I can make any list of learning ideas or ways to have fun that doesn’t include cooking! I just can’t do it. Cooking and baking can be so much fun, and when you’re done, you have something yummy to eat—well, at least you hope it is yummy.
Want to make history, science, reading, and math more fun? Cook or bake.
Want to have fun over the holidays? Cook or bake something.
So, when thinking of fun summer activities for teens, well, you get it. Cook or bake.
Cooking and baking are great ways to learn life skills and have fun, and this summer doesn’t need to be any different.
Cooking and Baking- A Fun Summer Activity for Teens
Teens can try new recipes, from simple dishes to more complex meals. They can experiment with different cuisines, bake cookies or cakes, and even create culinary masterpieces.
Teens can enjoy new cooking methods like grilling or cooking on a campfire. They can also try various techniques with some cool baking challenges like you see on TV. We used to love Nailed It! on Netflix and did our own Nailed It challenge. You can see it HERE. Your teens can do the same. It gets them to learn different baking techniques they may not otherwise try.
{You might also like Baking Cooking Skills Kids Need and Cooking Skills With Teens.}
Need an easy cooking checklist on what kids need to know for cooking? You can get one HERE.
Homemade Ice Cream
It’s summer. What better summer activity for teens than making homemade ice cream?
Believe me. When you live in a northern state like me, you take advantage of ice cream stands while you can.
Though going to the ice cream stand can be fun, making homemade ice cream can be even better. Making ice cream is a fabulous summer activity for teens to try.
With a few simple ingredients and an ice cream maker, teens can create their favorite flavors, experimenting with different mix-ins like chocolate chips, fruit, or candy.
Don’t have an ice cream maker?
No problem.
You can also make ice cream in a zip-lock bag. We do it all the time. You can learn how to make it here.
Now, if your teen wants to try something a little healthier, they could make “nice” cream. It is yummy and pretty simple to make, too.
It certainly is a fun thing to do on a hot summer afternoon.
Healthy Snacks for the Summer
Encouraging teens to prepare healthy snacks can be both educational and enjoyable. They can make smoothies, fruit salads, or veggie sticks with dips, learning about nutrition while having fun in the kitchen.
Teens can find so many different veggie and fruit dip recipes to try.
And smoothies! There are so many ways to make smoothies. You can make them with milk, yogurt, and healthy fruits and vegetables.
You can find fun ways to make decorative veggie platters (arranging the veggies so they create a picture). Plus, you can make some really cool decorative watermelon carvings (like a shark mouth) or cut them into shapes (like star shapes), and so much more. Teens can have a nutritious snack AND be creative, too.
Fun Summer Activity for Teens #3- Indoor Fitness and Well-being
Yoga and Meditation
Practicing yoga and meditation can help teens stay fit and manage stress. Plenty of online tutorials and apps offer guided sessions tailored for beginners to more advanced. Setting aside time for these activities can promote mental and physical well-being.
Summer is a great time to create a routine so when the school year starts, they can manage what life throws at them.
Home Workouts
Staying active is important, and home workouts are a great way to exercise. Teens can follow online fitness routines, join virtual workout classes, or create their own exercise regimen using dumbbells, resistance bands, or even bodyweight exercises.
Teens need to learn the importance of including physical activity into their daily routine. It helps with stress and keeps the body strong and healthy. During the summer, when life may be a little more relaxed is the perfect time to create this habit.
Super fun Summer Activity for Teens- Dance Parties
Dancing is a great way to have fun and get some exercise. Teens can create playlists of their favorite songs, have solo dance parties, or join virtual dance classes to learn new moves.
Another fun idea is for teens to create a playlist during the day and, at night, have friends come over to dance under the stars. Light some tiki lamps, get some glow sticks, and have a fun night of dancing.
#4 Summer Activity for Teens This Summer- Intellectual and Educational Activities
Reading
As a homeschool mom and former classroom teacher, I am a big proponent of keeping kids reading all summer. It keeps their minds active, builds vocabulary, and keeps them learning.
What better time than summer to dive into a good book. After all, they have the time. Teens can create a summer reading list, join virtual book clubs, or participate in library reading programs. Reading can be entertaining and educational whether they prefer fiction, non-fiction, or graphic novels.
Check out my at-home summer reading program. I have ideas for younger kids, but I also share how to create one for your teens!
If your teen isn’t a reader, you can introduce them to audiobooks. Audiobooks allow them to listen to a story while sitting around, working on a project, or going for a walk.
Online Courses for Summer Learning (Interest-Based Learning)
Numerous online courses are available that cater to various interests, from coding and graphic design to creative writing and foreign languages. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Khan Academy offer courses to help teens learn new skills and explore potential career interests.
Another good option is Outschool. My daughter took a Movie Club class for over a year and loved it. There are so many options on all kinds of skills and topics. There are even teen social groups.
Learning during the summer is a great summer activity for teens because it passes the time, keeps them engaged, and shows them learning (especially something fun) is a lifelong endeavor. Learning isn’t just a few months out of the year.
Puzzles and Brain Games
Engaging in puzzles and brain games can help keep the mind sharp. Teens can challenge themselves with jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku, crosswords, or online brain games that test their logic and problem-solving abilities.
We are lucky to live in an age where we can find so many apps to help us keep our minds active and thinking.
#5 Summer Activity for Teens to Enjoy- Social and Interactive Activities
Virtual Hangouts When You Don’t Drive
Staying connected with friends is important, especially during the summer. Teens can schedule virtual hangouts using video chat platforms like Zoom or FaceTime. They can play online games, watch movies together using apps like Netflix Party or simply catch up.
It’s a good way to keep teens active during the summer. Teens hanging out all day at home can be isolating, but we now have technology that allows kids to stay in touch with friends.
Pen Pals
Having a pen pal can be an exciting way to learn about different cultures and make new friends. Teens can exchange letters, emails, or even social media messages with peers from other parts of the world, improving their writing skills and expanding their horizons.
If you go to Pen Pal Community, they tell you how to safely find pen pals for your teen.
Family Game Nights
While teens are home during the day, have them plan a family game night. Family game nights can be a great way to bond and have fun together. Board games, card games, dice games, or even video games can provide hours of entertainment and create lasting memories.
I have a few suggestions HERE for some fun games. These are great for families with kids of seven years old and up.
Summer Activity #6- Outdoor Fun at Home
Gardening- A Great Summer Activity for Teens
If your teens are at home, they will have plenty of time to tend to a garden. Gardening can be a rewarding summer activity for teens that teaches patience and responsibility. Teens can start their own garden, growing flowers, vegetables, or herbs. This activity provides a sense of accomplishment and the joy of watching something grow from seed to plant.
Kids can plant in raised beds, small containers, or a garden. Here are some different methods for planting during the summer.
As summer comes to a close, kids can enjoy any fresh produce they grew and maybe even find some new recipes to use them in. ; )
Backyard Camping
Setting up a tent in the backyard can create an adventurous camping experience without leaving home. Teens can build a campfire (if safe and allowed), make s’mores, and sleep under the stars, enjoying the great outdoors in their backyard.
Need help planning one?
I shared how to create a weekend camping trip at home a few years ago. This idea is great for the backyard or your house.
What better way to spend a summer night?!
This is such a great summer activity for teenagers. They have some independence being out in the tent alone and doing some fun campfire cooking. I know a few kids that pitch a tent and sleep in it all summer. It’s a great way to get a lot of fresh summer air.
Outdoor Sports and Games Are Great Summer Activities for Teens
Playing outdoor games like badminton, volleyball, cornhole, or frisbee can help teens stay active and enjoy the fresh air. They can also set up an obstacle course or create sports challenges to keep things interesting. These are great ways for us parents to stay engaged with our teens and create some summer memories.
#7 Summer Activities for Teens that Including Tech and Media
I know today’s teens spend a lot of time consuming media in the same way. Well, why not make it productive and a learning experience for them?
I know many parents don’t like their teens spending so much time on their phones, laptops, or whatever. However, I’ve learned that you must look at what they are doing and whether it is mindless or productive.
Our world is different today, and no matter our view of technology, we need to see how we can use it to our benefit. Technology is a big part of this world and our kids’ lives. It will definitely play a part in their free time and the types of hobbies they choose.
Here are some ideas for using technology more educationally.
Creating a Blog or Vlog
Anyone with a blog, podcast, or YouTube channel can attest to all the hard work it takes to create them. So, why not use it as a creative outlet for our kids’ love of technology?
I will be honest. I have struggled with the idea of my teens being online (I have 2), so I get it. However, I’ve taught them how to be safe online, and I can monitor things before they are off on their own.
Starting a blog or vlog can be fun for teens to share their interests and experiences. They can write about their hobbies, review books or movies (my daughter has written book reviews on my blog), or document their daily lives. Platforms like WordPress and YouTube offer easy ways to get started.
You must talk to your kids about being safe online and monitor their behavior.
Creating their own sites will make them much more productive online this summer than mindlessly scrolling through what others create. Plus, they can use free platforms like Wix and Weebly. I used Weebly when I ran a preschool and daycare. You can find a list of others HERE.
Photography and Videography
Learning photography and videography can be both fun and educational. Teens can take online courses to learn about different techniques, experiment with their cameras or smartphones, and create photo albums or short films.
They can have a blast this summer photographing or creating videos of things around the house or things they do this summer. Then, they can use their photos to put in their scrapbook.
Coding and Game Development
Learning to code or develop games can be a thrilling challenge for tech-savvy teens. Many online resources and courses teach programming languages like Python, JavaScript, and HTML and game development platforms like Unity.
So, instead of just playing video games, your teens can now create their own awesome games. My son has done enough coding courses that I’ve learned to appreciate all the work and attention to detail that goes into making them.
My son has used Simply Coding. You can find out more about it HERE. They’ve added some new things since I did this review. So, be sure to check out their site, too.
It’s a great summer activity for teenagers that keeps their minds active and problem solving.
Relaxation and Downtime Ideas
Watching Movies and TV Shows
As a teen, I remember always going to the movies or renting them at the local rental place with my friends. It was a fun way to hang out together. However, I also enjoyed watching what I wanted on the TV while my parents were at work.
Sometimes, the best way to spend a summer day is by relaxing and watching your favorite movies or TV shows. Teens can catch up on series they’ve missed, explore new genres, or have themed movie marathons.
It wouldn’t be a bad idea to encourage your teens to record the movies the watch, just like we do with reading lists. I know I’m at the age where when my teen daughter asks if I saw a movie that was from the 80s or 90s, i can’t remember. The list will be fun to look back on.
Listening to Music and Podcasts for a Summer Activity for Teens
Like having the TV to yourself as a kid, wasn’t it fun to blast the music while you puttered around the house when mom and dad were away? You can sing along, dance, and just have fun when no one is watching.
Well, teens can still explore new music. It sure is easier with satellite radio, YouTube, and all the music streaming services.
Plus, teens now have podcasts on so many topics to listen to! It can be both relaxing and stimulating.
Teens can create playlists of their favorite songs, discover new artists, or tune into podcasts that align with their interests, whether true crime, science, or storytelling. It is definitely a great summer activity for teens to explore.
Journaling
Journaling can be a therapeutic way for teens to reflect on their thoughts and experiences. They can write about their daily activities, set goals, or explore their feelings through creative writing prompts.
If your teen wants to get into goal setting and reflect in their journals about this, here is a resource that may help. You can learn how to help your teens set reasonable, measurable goals. After all, it is a great life skill.
How to Get Your Teen Started on Some Fun Summer Activities
I know. You might think this all sounds good, but you don’t think your teen will go for it.
I’ll be honest. Most of my experience lately is with homeschooled teens and a group of girls in my scout troop who aren’t your typical girls into social media.
However, parents can encourage teens to be more active and find new ways to spend their time. A good place to start is for families to do some of this together.
To start, maybe you and your teen could begin planning a garden together or find a fun art class online. They may find something that clicks and start doing it independently. I firmly believe parents can influence their kiddos and be good role models for them, too.
Maybe they won’t take on multiple things to keep them active and busy this summer, but that’s okay. We want our kids to find hobbies and passions that they can do to fill their time well and carry into adulthood. It takes time.
Summer Activities for Teens
Summer at home doesn’t have to be boring or unproductive. With a bit of creativity and planning, teens can enjoy a wide range of activities that keep them engaged, active, and happy while they are home this summer.
Whether it’s through arts and crafts, cooking, fitness, intellectual pursuits, social interactions, outdoor fun, tech adventures, or simply relaxing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Encouraging teens to explore these activities can help them make the most of their summer break and create lasting memories. Plus, they many of these activities can be done throughout the whole year.
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