Things to Do for Teens: 60+ Ideas They’ll Actually Enjoy (That Don’t Involve Screens!)

Key Takeaways

• Teenagers need a mix of independence, social connection, and creative outlets to thrive
• The best activities balance fun with skill-building, from cooking classes to volunteering
• Budget-friendly options like DIY projects and outdoor adventures work just as well as expensive outings
• Weather in the UK means having both indoor and outdoor activity lists ready
• Let teens have some input in choosing activities to boost their engagement and enthusiasm

Right, let’s talk about the eternal question that every parent of a teenager faces: “I’m bored, what can I do?”

I’ve got three kids (14, 13, and 8), and let me tell you, keeping the older two entertained without them defaulting to their phones every five minutes is a proper challenge. Gone are the days when a trip to the soft play would sort them out for an afternoon. These days, I’m competing with TikTok, group chats, and whatever new thing is trending this week.

But here’s what I’ve learned after years of trial and error: teenagers actually do want to do things. They just need the right mix of independence, social time, and activities that don’t make them feel like they’re five years old. They want experiences that feel grown up, chances to express themselves, and honestly? They want us to back off just enough that they feel trusted, but not so much that they feel forgotten.

So I’ve put together this massive list of things to do for teens that have actually worked in our house and with my kids’ mates. Some cost money, loads don’t. Some are solo activities, others are brilliant for groups. And yes, quite a few will get them off those bloomin’ screens.

Let’s get into it, shall we?

Creative Activities That Actually Feel Cool

1. Start a TikTok or YouTube Channel

Look, I know this technically involves screens, but hear me out. Creating content is completely different from mindlessly scrolling. My 14-year-old started making videos about vintage trainers, and the amount of planning, filming, and editing involved is actually impressive. Plus she’s learning proper skills like video editing and storytelling.

2. Learn to Make Friendship Bracelets

Thanks to Taylor Swift, these are having a massive moment again. Stock up on embroidery thread and watch the tutorials together. My daughter and her friends spent an entire Saturday making them whilst chatting, and it was lovely seeing them do something with their hands.

3. Try Tie-Dyeing Clothes

Get some cheap white t-shirts from Primark and some tie-dye kits. Do this in the garden on a nice day because it gets messy. The teenagers love customizing their own clothes, and they’ll actually wear what they make.

4. Create a Vision Board

This works brilliantly at the start of a new year or school term. Grab some magazines (charity shops usually have loads), scissors, glue, and poster board. Let them visualize their goals, dreams, and the vibe they want for the year ahead.

5. Learn Calligraphy or Hand Lettering

There’s something quite meditative about this, and the results look gorgeous. You can find loads of free tutorials online, and all you need is some decent pens and paper to get started.

6. Pottery or Clay Sculpting

Air-dry clay from a craft shop is brilliant for this. They can make plant pots, trinket dishes, or little sculptures. It’s hands-on, screen-free, and they end up with something they’ve actually made themselves.

7. Photography Challenges

If they’ve got a phone (and let’s face it, they do), set them photography challenges. Things like “capture shadows,” “find five shades of blue,” or “photograph something old and something new.” It gets them looking at the world differently.

8. Start a Journal or Bullet Journal

Teenage years are intense, and having a place to process everything is so valuable. Whether it’s creative bullet journaling with stickers and drawings or simple writing, it’s a brilliant habit to encourage.

Things to Do for Teens Who Love Being Outdoors

9. Geocaching Adventures

This is like a real-world treasure hunt using GPS. Download the free app and there are probably caches hidden all over your area. My kids love the thrill of finding them, and it gets us walking without them realizing they’re exercising.

10. Bike Rides to New Places

Instead of just cycling around the estate, plan actual destinations. A cafe in the next village, a park they’ve never been to, or even just finding the longest downhill in your area. Make it an adventure.

11. Outdoor Bouldering or Rock Climbing

So many outdoor centers offer climbing sessions, and teenagers love the physical challenge. If you’re in London like us, places like The Castle climbing center are brilliant, but there are outdoor climbing spots all over the UK.

12. Forest Bathing or Nature Walks

I know “forest bathing” sounds a bit hippy-dippy, but it’s basically just mindful walking in nature. The New Forest, Epping Forest, or any local woodland works. No phones, just fresh air and the sound of birds. My kids initially rolled their eyes but actually admitted it was peaceful.

13. Skateboarding or Rollerblading

If there’s a skate park nearby, brilliant. If not, a quiet car park or smooth path works too. The learning curve keeps them engaged, and there’s a whole community around skating culture.

14. Wild Swimming

Now, I’m not saying chuck them in the Thames, but there are proper wild swimming spots across the UK. Always check safety guidelines and water quality first. The Hampstead Heath ponds are gorgeous in summer.

15. Start a Garden Project

Whether it’s a window box, a small vegetable patch, or even just some herbs in pots, growing things is surprisingly satisfying. My son grew his own chili peppers and was ridiculously proud when we used them in a curry.

16. Parkour or Free Running

There are parkour classes in loads of places now, but honestly, any park with benches and walls works. It’s all about creative movement and seeing your environment differently. Just maybe make sure they’re warmed up first!

Indoor Activities for Rubbish Weather Days

Because let’s be honest, we live in the UK. Half the time it’s absolutely chucking it down.

17. Cooking Challenges

Set up your own version of MasterChef or Bake Off. Give them a budget, let them plan a three-course meal, or do a mystery ingredient challenge. My kids are way more enthusiastic about cooking when there’s a competitive element.

18. Learn to Bake Proper Bread

Not the quick stuff—I’m talking proper sourdough starter, or a focaccia, kneading, proving, the whole lot. It takes time and attention, but the satisfaction when they pull a perfect loaf out of the oven is unbeatable.

19. DIY Room Makeover

Let them rearrange furniture, paint an accent wall, or create a photo wall with fairy lights. My 13-year-old completely transformed her room for under £50, and she’s so much happier in her space now.

20. Board Game Tournament

Forget the kids’ games. Get proper strategic games like Catan, Ticket to Ride, or Pandemic. Host a tournament with friends, keep score, and have a proper winner’s trophy (even if it’s just a wooden spoon with ribbons tied on).

21. Learn Magic Tricks

YouTube is full of magic tutorials. Give them a few weeks to practice, then have them put on a show for the family. My son became obsessed with card tricks, and now he’s the entertainment at every family gathering.

22. Escape Room at Home

You can buy DIY escape room kits online, or create your own with puzzles, codes, and locks. Hide clues around the house and set a time limit. Teenagers love the challenge, especially in groups.

23. Film Marathon with a Theme

Not just “watch Netflix all day.” I’m talking curated film marathons with a proper theme. All the Star Wars films in order, every Wes Anderson movie, or films from a specific decade. Make it an event with themed snacks and other movie essentials.

24. Teach Them to Sew

Start with simple stuff like sewing on buttons or hemming trousers, then work up to making cushion covers or tote bags. It’s a life skill they’ll be grateful for when they’re at uni and everything needs mending.

25. Paint by Numbers or Diamond Art

These are having a massive comeback, and honestly, they’re quite addictive. You can get really detailed, grown-up designs now. Perfect for teens who want to be creative but feel intimidated by a blank canvas.

Social Activities for Groups of Teens

26. Host a Proper Dinner Party

Not pizza and chips. I’m talking they plan the menu, cook everything themselves, set the table nicely, and host their friends properly. It teaches planning, budgeting, and social skills.

27. Outdoor Cinema Night

String up a white sheet in the garden, use a projector (you can get cheap ones now), pile up blankets and cushions, and watch a film outside. Add fairy lights and it’s properly magical.

28. Sports Day or Mini Olympics

Set up different challenges in the garden or local park. Egg and spoon races, three-legged races, tug of war, obstacle courses. Make it ridiculous and competitive in equal measure.

29. Murder Mystery Party

You can buy these kits online, or find free ones. Everyone gets a character, dresses up, and has to solve the mystery. My daughter’s friend group did this for a birthday and they’re still talking about it.

30. Karaoke Night

Whether you’ve got a proper karaoke machine or just YouTube karaoke tracks, this never fails. Make it even better with scoring sheets, props, and maybe a costume element.

31. Volunteer Together

Whether it’s for a charity, food bank, beach clean, or helping at a community garden, volunteering in groups is brilliant. They feel good about giving back, and it looks great on college applications too.

32. Start a Book Club

Pick books they’ll actually want to read (maybe graphic novels or YA fantasy), meet monthly to discuss, and always include snacks. The social element makes reading feel less like homework.

Things to Do for Teens That Teach Life Skills

33. Learn Basic Car Maintenance

Check oil, change a tire, top up windscreen washer fluid. If they’re nearly driving age, this is gold. My husband taught our 13-year-old, and she felt so grown up knowing how to do it.

34. Budgeting and Money Management

Give them a monthly entertainment budget and let them manage it. They’ll quickly learn about prioritising when they blow it all in week one and have three weeks of being skint.

35. First Aid and CPR Course

St John Ambulance runs brilliant courses. It’s empowering, looks good on CVs, and could literally save a life. My daughter did hers through school and felt so confident afterwards.

36. Learn to Do Laundry Properly

I know, revolutionary. But separating colors, reading care labels, treating stains, using the right settings, it’s stuff they need to know before they leave home.

37. Meal Planning and Grocery Shopping

Give them a budget and have them plan a week’s worth of dinners. Then take them shopping and let them stick to the budget. Eye-opening for them, hilarious for you when they realize how much food actually costs.

38. Basic DIY Skills

Hanging pictures, fixing a wobbly chair, unblocking a drain, changing a lightbulb. Honestly, these are the things they’ll ring you about from uni, so teach them now.

Tech and Digital Activities That Add Value

39. Learn to Code

There are loads of free resources like Codecademy or Khan Academy. Even just learning basic HTML or Python gives them skills they can actually use.

40. Start a Blog or Website

Whether it’s about books, fashion, gaming, or their football team, creating their own blog or website teaches design, writing, and digital skills. Plus it’s something tangible they can show.

41. Photo or Video Editing

Learning to use apps like Lightroom or CapCut properly turns casual phone use into actual skill development. These are skills colleges and employers value.

42. Podcast Creation

They don’t need fancy equipment to start. Two friends, some microphones (even phone mics work), and something they’re passionate about talking about. It teaches speaking skills, editing, and consistency.

43. Digital Art and Design

Apps like Procreate turn tablets into art studios. Whether they’re into anime, portraits, or abstract stuff, digital art is a massive industry now.

Things to Do for Teens on a Budget

44. Car Boot Sale Challenge

Give them £10 each, go to a car boot sale, and see who can find the best bargains. Then maybe they can resell stuff online for a profit. Teaches budgeting and negotiation.

45. Free Museum Days

Loads of museums in the UK or London are free anyway (perks of London!), but many others have free entry days. The British Museum, V&A, Natural History Museum – all free, all brilliant.

46. Library Adventures

Modern libraries are amazing. Not just books, but DVDs, audiobooks, magazines, free wifi, study spaces, and often workshops or events. Completely free once you’ve got a library card.

47. Beach Combing and Shell Art

If you’re anywhere near a coast, this costs nothing. Collect shells, sea glass, driftwood, and create art with it. Even landlocked folks can do this with river walks.

48. Free Outdoor Events

Festivals, outdoor theatre, open-air cinema, community events – there’s loads happening for free if you know where to look. Check local council websites and community notice boards.

49. YouTube Workout Challenges

Loads of fitness YouTubers offer free workout programmes. From yoga to HIIT to dance workouts, they can get properly fit without a gym membership.

50. Stargazing

Download a free stargazing app, wait for a clear night, and head somewhere with minimal light pollution. Completely free, educational, and actually quite magical.

Rainy Day and Winter Activities

51. Hot Chocolate Bar

Set up a proper hot chocolate station with different toppings: marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate chips, cinnamon, caramel sauce. Let them create elaborate hot chocolates whilst watching films.

52. Indoor Camping

Yes, really. Pitch a tent in the living room, or build a fort with sheets and furniture. Sleep in sleeping bags, tell ghost stories with torches, make s’mores under the grill.

53. Jigsaw Puzzle Marathon

Get a really challenging puzzle (1000+ pieces), set it up somewhere it can stay out, and work on it over several days. There’s something quite zen about it.

54. Learn an Instrument

Whether it’s guitar, keyboard, or even ukulele, there are loads of free tutorials online. The initial screechy phase is rough, but stick with it and they’ll have a lifelong skill.

55. Spa Day at Home

Face masks, nail painting, hair treatments, cucumber water, relaxing music. Both my teens love a pamper session, and it’s a lovely way to decompress.

56. Origami Challenge

From simple cranes to complex dragons, origami is meditative and satisfying. All you need is paper and patience. YouTube tutorials make it much easier to follow.

Things to Do That Get Them Moving

57. Dance Party

Just stick on their playlist and go for it. No judgment, no rules, just dancing around the living room like absolute lunatics. Burns energy and releases endorphins.

58. Yoga or Pilates

Loads of free classes on YouTube. Even 20 minutes makes a difference, and it’s brilliant for both physical and mental health. My 13-year-old does yoga most mornings now and says it helps with anxiety.

59. Swimming

Whether it’s your local leisure centre or outdoor lido, swimming is brilliant exercise. My lot love the variety, sometimes it’s serious lengths, other times it’s just messing about.

60. Parkrun

These free, timed 5k runs happen every Saturday morning across the UK. They can run, walk, or volunteer. Brilliant community vibe, and totally free forever.

61. Try a New Sport

Tennis, badminton, rounders, frisbee – try something none of you have done before. Being equally rubbish together is quite bonding.

62. Trampoline Park

Okay, this one costs money, but the amount of energy they burn is worth it. An hour of bouncing and they’ll sleep brilliantly that night.

A Few Final Thoughts about Activities for Teens

The thing about teenagers is they’re not little kids anymore (obviously), but they’re not quite adults either. They need that sweet spot of feeling independent whilst still knowing we’re there if they need us.

Some of these activities they’ll love, some they’ll think are naff, and that’s okay. The key is offering options, not forcing anything. And honestly? Sometimes the best thing we can do is just ask them what sounds fun, give them a reasonable budget or parameters, and let them figure it out.

My kids are way more likely to engage with something if they’ve had a say in planning it. Revolutionary concept, I know.

Also, don’t underestimate the power of just doing stuff alongside them. Not in a forced, “let’s bond” way, but just being present. Some of my best conversations with my 13 and 14-year-old happen when we’re cooking together or doing a jigsaw puzzle. Something about not having direct eye contact makes them more likely to actually talk.

And look, if all else fails and they want to spend a Saturday on their phones? That’s okay too. As long as it’s not every single day, a bit of downtime scrolling isn’t the end of the world. Pick your battles and all that.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are good activities for teenagers who say they’re bored?

Start with activities that give them some independence, like cooking a meal they plan themselves, learning a new skill through online tutorials, or creating something they can share with friends. Teenagers often respond better when they feel trusted to do things on their own rather than having parents organise everything for them. Also, try activities that fit their interests rather than what you think they should enjoy.

How can I encourage my teen to do activities that don’t involve screens?

Rather than banning screens completely (which rarely works), offer compelling alternatives that feel more rewarding. Creative projects, physical activities with friends, or things that let them earn money often work better than just saying “get off your phone.” The key is finding activities that give them the same things they get from screens: social connection, achievement, entertainment, or relaxation.

What are budget-friendly things to do with teenagers?

Loads of brilliant activities cost little or nothing: cooking together with ingredients you already have, free museum visits, outdoor activities like hiking or cycling, DIY projects using materials from charity shops, volunteering, exploring new neighbourhoods, having game nights, or learning new skills through free online resources. The most memorable experiences often aren’t the most expensive ones.

How do I find activities my teenager will actually enjoy?

Ask them! It sounds obvious, but involving teenagers in the planning makes them way more likely to actually participate. Present options rather than making demands, consider their current interests and friendship groups, and be prepared to try things that might not appeal to you personally. Also, what worked at 13 might not work at 15, so be flexible and keep trying new things.

What are good social activities for groups of teenagers?

Group cooking challenges, outdoor cinema nights, sports tournaments, murder mystery parties, volunteering together, escape rooms, beach or park meet ups, group bike rides, or hosting themed parties all work brilliantly. The key is activities that encourage interaction and conversation rather than everyone just staring at screens in the same room.

How can teenagers be productive during school holidays?

Mix structured activities (like cooking classes, volunteer work, or learning a new skill) with completely free time. Productive doesn’t always mean busy – sometimes the most valuable thing is giving them space to be bored, which often leads to creativity. Consider activities that build life skills, allow them to earn money, or explore potential interests for future study or careers.

What Would Your Teens Add to This List?

Right, that’s my massive list of things to do for teens sorted. I’d love to know what works in your house! Drop a comment below with your teenagers’ favorite activities, especially any I’ve missed. And if you’ve got younger ones as well, check out my guide to [keeping kids entertained during school holidays] for more family activity ideas.

Also, if this helped, do share it with other parents who are hearing “I’m bored” on repeat. We’re all in this together, trying to raise humans who can occasionally look up from their phones and engage with the actual world!

Happy parenting (and good luck getting them to actually choose something from this list – you’ll need it!). See more of my Parenting Posts here.

Pin this for later! [Save this post to your parenting board so you’ve always got ideas when boredom strikes]