Things to do with your best friend teenager

Teens often complain of being bored and having nothing to do. This is why it can be hard to think of suggestions that will keep your teen occupied and entertained for any length of time. But there are many fun things for teens to do, particularly in the spring, as the weather warms up. Not only is it a great time to explore the area around them, but spring also symbolizes new beginnings. So, it's the perfect time to start something new or launch a new project.

Even if your family lives in a climate where spring can be rainy or muddy, there are still plenty of engaging activities for teens to do. So, whether you are looking to fill time over spring break, encourage your teen to set down their smartphone, or simply have a bored teen on your hands, here are 55 fun activities you can do with teens or they do on their own.

Get Outside

Spring can be a wonderful time to explore the woods or go for a walk around town. Get your family moving together and establish some healthy habits. Here are a few ideas on things that will get your teen out of the house.

• Attend a baseball game.
• Bike five miles.
• Design a scavenger hunt for friends.
• Go for a hike.
• Learn how to play rounders and organize a game.
• Organize a game of basketball, soccer, ultimate frisbee, softball, or volleyball at your house.
• Plan a picnic at a local park.
• Sleep under the stars in your backyard.
• Take your dog for a mile-long walk or go to the local dog park.
• Visit a historical site.
• Watch the sunrise and the sunset.

Make Something

Whether you're experimenting with a new recipe or creating a new craft, making something will give your teen a sense of satisfaction. Here are some things you can make together this spring,

• Create a sidewalk mural with chalk using a spring theme.
• Design a website.
• Invent a new after-school snack, milkshake, or pizza.
• Make a music video.
• Make a playlist of your favorite inspirational, get-up-and-go songs.
• Start a small business with little or no startup costs.
• Start a woodworking project.
• Take one photo every day for a month and turn it into a slideshow.
• Tie-dye a shirt or a bag.
• Write a handwritten letter to a friend or a grandparent.

Teach New Skills

Spring is a wonderful time to assess your teen's skills and consider what new responsibilities or tasks they may be ready to learn. Here are some things to consider teaching your teen.

• Complete a first-aid course.
• Establish a budget and teach them the basics of personal finance.
• Learn five to 10 phrases of a foreign language.
• Make a new recipe each week. 
• Practice using chopsticks.
• Start a checking or savings account.
• Take a class like yoga or photography. 

Grow Together

Spring is the perfect time to start growing plants or to learn more about your own family roots. Here are some activities that you can do with your teen.

• Plant a flower or herb garden on your window sill.
• Plant a vegetable garden.
• Research your family history, including interviewing older relatives.
• Take time-lapse pictures of your garden seeds every day.

Do a Good Deed

Spring also is a great time to do something kind for other people. Here are some simple, kind deeds your teen can do during spring.

• Help plan a spring dance or party that benefits a charity.
• Make cookies for a neighbor.
• Offer free babysitting for one night to someone who could use the break.
• Perform random acts of kindness every day for a month.
• Spring clean the house and hold a yard sale.
• Volunteer in a community effort for your local food pantry or other charity.

Maximize the Fun

Look for fun ways to help your teens relieve stress this spring. Discovering new pastimes can help get their minds off the busy school year. Also, participating in activities together will strengthen your relationship. Check out these fun activities to do with your teen.

• Act like a tourist in your own town or a neighboring city and see all the sites.
• Attend a book signing in your area or join a book club.
• Create a coffeehouse (bubble tea, smoothie, ice cream, or tea shop) tour and visit all the coffee shops in your area.
• Eat foods you have never tasted.
• Have an evening or all-day Saturday movie marathon.
• Plan a throwback party.
• Shop at a thrift store and use your finds to decorate their room.
• Start planning your summer bucket list. 
• Take a garden gnome on your adventures and photograph it at each stop.
• Try one thing that scares (or challenges) your teen like skydiving, eating sushi, karaoke, or public speaking.

Think Ahead

Encourage your teen to start looking toward the future. Here are some activities that can help them imagine their life after high school.

• Audit your social media accounts.
• Create one good habit and stick with it.
• Develop a list of jobs that sound interesting.
• Look for a summer internship.
• Make a high school resume.
• Shadow someone at their job during spring break.
• Visit a college or two.

By Amy Morin, LCSW
Amy Morin, LCSW, is the Editor-in-Chief of Verywell Mind. She's also a psychotherapist, an international bestselling author of books on mental strength and host of The Verywell Mind Podcast. She delivered one of the most popular TEDx talks of all time.

Thanks for your feedback!

What can a 14 year old do when bored with a friend?

What do 15 year olds do at home with friends?

What do 16 year old do for fun?

What do 14 year olds do at home with friends?