22 Exciting Things To Do With Teens Over Summer
Summer is the perfect time to create lasting memories with your teens. Whether they’re adventurous, artistic, or just looking for something fun to do, there’s something for every teen in your life. Here is a list of 22 activities that will keep your teens engaged, entertained, and excited all summer long.
Summer break is a time for teens to unwind from the demands of the school year, but it can quickly become monotonous without engaging activities to keep them occupied. I don’t know where you live but in Texas, you must either be near a pool, lake, the gulf, or plan to be inside all day every day. But, there are still a lot of fun things that you can do with your teen(s) to keep them busy and make lasting memories.
“Mom I’m bored is not a phrase any mama wants to hear over the summer”! Can I get an Amen? To prevent the dreaded summer boredom and make the most of the sunny days, it’s essential to have a lineup of fun and exciting activities.
Fun Activities For Teens To Do Over Summer Break
1. Go Camping
Camping is a fantastic way to get teens off their screens and into nature. Whether you choose a local campsite or a more remote location, the experience of setting up a tent, cooking over a fire, and exploring the outdoors can be unforgettable. These days you don’t even have to primitive camp. We enjoy camping with electricity and running water. Okay, so maybe that’s glamping! Anyhoo, kuddos to you if you are a primitive camper!
2. Beach Day
Spend a day at the beach swimming, sunbathing, and playing beach volleyball. Don’t forget to bring a frisbee or a kite for some extra fun. And please, don’t forget water and sunscreen.
3. Attend a Music Festival
Check out local music festivals or concerts. It’s a great way to expose teens to different genres of music and enjoy live performances.
4. Explore Local Attractions
Be a tourist in your own town. A couple of years ago we did a staycation after living in Texas for over a decade. We decided that we were going to be tourists and visit places so many people told us about but we never got around to it. We had a blast visiting Klyde Warren Park and AT&T Stadium. Explore your town and visit museums, art galleries, botanical gardens, and other local attractions that you might not have explored before.
5. Volunteer Together
Find a cause that your teen is passionate about and volunteer together. It could be at a local animal shelter, food bank, or community garden. Volunteering is rewarding and builds a sense of responsibility, gratitude, and empathy.
6. Learn a New Skill
Summer is the perfect time to learn a new skill because there is less obligations and distractions. Take a class together to learn something new with your teen. It could be cooking, painting, photography, or even a new sport. Learning a new skill can be both fun and enriching.
7. Go Hiking
Explore nearby trails and enjoy the beauty of nature. Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and have meaningful conversations away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
8. Visit an Amusement Park
Amusement parks offer thrilling rides, fun games, and a lot of laughter. Spend the day experiencing roller coasters and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
9. Plan a Road Trip
Plan a road trip to a destination you’ve never been to before. The journey can be as exciting as the destination with the right playlist, snacks, and stops along the way.
10. Start a Book Club
Do you have teens that love to read? Start a book club or a reading challenge with fun incentives at the end. Reward your teens with a movie ticket or entrance pass to a local bowling center or arcade.
11. Go to a Sports Game
Whether it’s baseball, soccer, or another sport, attending a live game can be a lot of fun. The energy of the crowd and the excitement of the game make for a great outing.
12. Take a Bike Ride
Plan a bike ride along scenic routes or bike trails. It’s a great way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors, and get good exercise while you are at it.
13. Go on a Picnic
Pack a picnic basket with your favorite foods and head to a local park. Bring a blanket, some games, and enjoy a relaxing day in the sun.
14. Try Geocaching
Geocaching is like a treasure hunt using GPS coordinates. It’s a fun and adventurous way to explore new places and find hidden treasures.
15. Go Kayaking or Canoeing
Are you near a lake or smooth flowing river? You can rent kayaks or canoes and spend relaxing day paddling with your teens . It’s a peaceful and scenic activity that teens will enjoy.
16. Attend a Workshop
Look for workshops or classes on topics that interest your teen. It could be anything from creative writing to robotics or coding. I must warn you though sometimes these classes and workshops start taking sign ups well before the end of the school year, so be on the lookout.
17. Create a Summer Scrapbook or Memory Book
Document your summer adventures by creating a scrapbook. Take photos, collect souvenirs, and write about your experiences to create a keepsake of your summer memories.
18. Host a Cook out
Invite friends and family over for a barbecue. Let your teens help with the planning, cooking, and setting up for a fun and delicious event.
19. Go Stargazing
Find a spot away from city lights and spend an evening stargazing. Bring a telescope if you have one, or just enjoy the beauty of the night sky.
20. Attend a Drive-in Movie
If there’s a drive-in theater near you, this can be a unique and nostalgic way to watch a movie. Pack some snacks and enjoy a film from the comfort of your car.
21. Explore a Farmer’s Market
Visit a local farmer’s market to explore fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local delicacies. It’s a great way to support local businesses and discover new foods.
22. Start a Board Game Challenge
Challenge your teens to new board games this summer. Keep score of each winners points and reward your teen with a fun treat or bragging rights.
Whether they’re exploring the great outdoors, tapping into their creative sides, or just enjoying some quality time with family and friends, there’s something on this list for every teen to enjoy. Encouraging them to try new things and pursue their interests not only wards off boredom but also fosters personal growth and lasting memories. So, dive into these activities, and watch as your teen’s summer transforms into an adventure-filled season they’ll remember for years to come!
