50+ Fun Summer Activities for Teens & Tweens

Is there anything better than summer vacation? Long days, warm nights, and nothing to do.

I always loved summer break . . . for the first 6 weeks or so. And then boredom started to kick in. I had already read all my books, tried all my new recipes, and watched all my movies. The days started to drag.

If you are a teen with perhaps a little to much time on your hands or a parent who wants to keep your kid active and off their phone this summer, this list is for you! I scoured the internet (by which I mean Pinterest) for awesome and fun ideas for summer activities.

Summer Boredom Busters for Teens & Tweens

Go-To Activities

1. Get a job – Even if you’re too young to work at the mall or don’t have transportation, there are always small jobs you can do around your neighborhood. You could mow lawns, walk dogs, pet sit for neighbors while they are on vacation, or babysit.
2. Volunteer – Visit Volunteer Match to discover opportunities that match your interests and schedule

Outside Summer Activities

It’s time to head outside! Here are all sorts of activities to do outside, some by yourself and some with friends or family.

1. Grill pizza
2. Hit the pool
3. Create a slip and slide at home (This sounds epic, BTW)
4. Plant a veggie garden or flowers
5. Take a hike
6. Walk to the local convenience store to buy a Slurpee.
7. Go for a bike ride
8. Hit up yard sales next weekend
9. Visit a national or state park
10. Head to the skate park
11. Play tourist in your home town
12. Wash a car
13. Train for a 5K
14. Play a backyard game like croquet or volleyball
15. Stargaze at night
16. Eat a meal (any meal) outside
17. Go geocaching
18. Water gun fight!
19. Make s’mores – this is pretty much required, right?
20. Visit the zoo
21. Create a scavenger hunt and invite friends to participate
22. Go for a picnic
23. Find a list of local festivals (check out the local newspaper’s website for a list or your buddy Google) and pick a few to attend
24. Pick up game of basketball, baseball, kickball, whatever

Inside Summer Activities

Lets’ face it – the summer is hot. Sometimes too hot to stay outside all the time. Or you might be more interested in the “Great Indoors.” 🙋🏽

1. Read a book. I’ve got some ideas here and here.
2. Write – you could keep a journal or write short stories. Or even create a blog and write there.
3. Set up a game night with family or friends.
4. Complete a jigsaw puzzle.
5. Figure out how to fix something that is broken in your house. (Talk to the parents first!)
6. Find a recipe that looks delicious and then cook it.
7. Bake cookies and take them to the local fire department.
8. DIY Spa Day at home – check out Pinterest for ideas
9. Visit the local thrift store
10. Make a scrapbook
11. Learn to play a musical instrument
12. Redecorate your room
13. Make ice cream in a bag
14. Go bowling with family or friends
15. Plan a family vacation (I did this, but it took my mom and me TEN YEARS to finally take that vacation. Totally worth it, though.)
16. Movie marathon – even better with popcorn and friends
17. Find an interesting local museum and go visit it
18. Jam session with friends

Crafty Summer Activities

1. Learn to knit or crochet
2. Photo-a-day challenge
3. Make bath bombs
4. Tie-dye t-shirts
5. Make soap
6. Candle-Making
7. Sew cloth napkins
8. Create kindness cards and then place them all over the neighborhood
9. Want more ideas? Head here or here.

What are your favorite summer activities? Let me know in the comments below!

---

Related Posts: Summer 2020 Bucket List: Have Fun Safely, How to Spend the Summer Before Senior Year, How to Beat Summer Procrastination This Year, Summer Slide Activities for Teens, How to Keep Teens Loving Social Studies All Summer