Are you in search of fun things to do with teens? Before you jump into making a list of to-dos, know that all teenagers are different. Some are creative, while others could be more sporty or introverted. But the underlying facts are the same: they do love to have autonomy, be treated as responsible individuals, and have their independence. Movies, music, and games are always a staple in teenagers’ lives. What else can you do to make their weekends more interesting? To help you find some amazing activities to do with your teen, we have compiled a list that incorporates most elements that teen years stand for. Spending time with teens can strengthen bonds while encouraging open communication and mutual understanding. So, explore some fun ways to connect with your teenagers this weekend.
Key Pointers
- Teens can indulge in fun games and activities with their peers or family during weekends.
- They can visit theme parks, diners, or go window shopping.
- Interesting weekend activities for teens include playing video games, roller-skating, clothes swap, and taste the rainbow.
25 Fun Things To Do With Teenagers On Weekend
1. Go dining
You will need
- Nothing
How to
- Going out for a meal with friends is an excellent way for the teens to socialize. Teens do not just get great conversation, but can also enjoy a delicious meal if they choose wisely.
- The restaurant does not have to be expensive. Teens can have good quality food and drink at a reasonable price as well. Even a café would make an excellent choice. They can even see more of what’s happening by sitting outside the café.
- Another better option is taking them to a karaoke bar. They will enjoy themselves immensely with some good food and good (or bad) singing.
2. Do yoga
You will need
- Comfortable clothing
- Yoga mats
- Water bottle
- Towels
How to
- Practicing yoga with your teen can be a rewarding experience, helping both of you spend some quality time together. It can also
- promote physical wellness, mental clarity, and emotional connection.
- Follow the instructor’s guidance and engage in the practice together. Encourage each other and try to be mindful.
- Use props as needed. Encourage your teen to listen to their body and not push beyond their comfort zone.
- Some classes use calming music, which can enhance the experience. Discuss if your teen prefers a certain type of music or silence.
3. Visit theme parks
You will need
- Swimming clothes, optional
How to
- Organizing a trip to the theme park can be thrilling and fun for all. Teens can challenge their mates to ride the fastest rides, get wet from head to toe in the water park and indulge in some go-karting.
- It is possible that an amusement park has other entertainment like laser tag rooms and escape rooms.
- A trip to the theme park will take an entire day, so tell the teens to plan beforehand which theme park they want to go and where they want to eat. If the teens want to visit a water park, ensure that they carry the right clothing. And do check for youth, teenager, or student discounts. This is one of the entertaining weekend activities for teenagers.
4. Attend a music festival
You will need
- Tickets to the festival
How to
- Attending a musical festival with your teen offers an opportunity to bond over shared interests and create lasting memories.
- Encourage your teen to immerse themselves in the music by dancing and singing along.
- Explore art installations, vendor booths, and interactive experiences between sets.
- Engage in conversations about the interesting things you encounter.
- Take photos and videos together to capture your special moments. If you wish, you can gather these pictures and videos after the event and create an online collage.
5. Spend a day at the beach
You will need
- Sunscreen, hats, umbrellas, and sunglasses
- Towels
- Swimsuits and swim goggles
- Frisbee ball, volleyball, optional
How to
- Spending a day at the beach with your teen can be a fantastic opportunity to bond. By planning ahead and including a mix of relaxation and activities, you can ensure a fun and enjoyable experience for both of you.
- Walking along the shore, collecting shells, and looking for interesting rocks are some engaging activities you and your teen may try.
- Beach volleyball or a frisbee game are some other ideas you and your teen may consider to have great fun at the beach.
- Whatever you do, take photos or make videos to capture these magical moments for life.
6. Play video games
You will need
- Nintendo Wii
- Popcorn
How to
- With the introduction of multiplayer video games like Nintendo Wii, playing video games is an entirely new level of entertainment.
- Shooting games may be popular; racing and other sports are a lot more fun.
- So gather your teen and his friends at home, hand each of them a remote, a bowl of popcorn and let the fun begin.
7. Read books
You will need
- Books
How to
- Visit a bookstore or library together and allow your teen to pick out books of their interest.
- Alternatively, you can plan this activity and rent the books your teen wants to read from a local library or online.
- Choose a book to read together or let your teen read independently while you read a book of your own.
- After reading sessions, discuss the books you two read. Ask open-ended questions about the plot, characters, and each other’s thoughts about the story.
8. Play a musical instrument
You will need
- A musical instrument
How to
- Playing a musical instrument together can be an enriching experience that fosters healthy family bonds.
- Allow your teen to choose songs they love. This makes practice sessions more engaging and enjoyable. Encourage them to experiment with creating their own music or improvising.
- Share your performances on social media or with close friends and family for positive reinforcement.
9. Go skateboarding or roller-skating
You will need
- A pair of roller skates or skateboard
How to
- Roller-skating and skateboarding can be fun, relaxing and exhilarating. It is one of the fun and interesting things for teens to do on weekends.
- It won’t just provide recreation for teens, but it will also improve their overall body balance and get them in shape.
- If your teen is a beginner, then let him first practice in a local skate park or driveway. And ensure that he always wears protective gear.
It was young Indonesian blogger Clare’s dream to roller skate. One day, she finally got to visit a skating event with her father and sister. Describing her experience, she says, “My dad exhausted after the ride and finally made it, when I first try the roller skate shoe i felt really happy SUPER HAPPY and afraid too fall.”
“Well I gonna say that experience was pretty exciting for me and my favorite wish list to do. After we were done with skating the next day my feet kinda hurt when I walk. I wish I can roller skate again… But I’m ok if I can’t roller skate anymore at least I already did it once and that’s enough for me (i).”
10. Go hiking
You will need
- Comfortable clothes
- Hiking shoes
- Backpack with essentials (water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, a first-aid kit, hat, sunglasses, camera, and a map or GPS device).
How to
- Sit with your teen and shortlist a place they would want to hike.
- Collect all the essentials and take your teen through the dos and don’ts of hiking.
- Start at a leisurely pace, especially if your teen is new to hiking, and gradually increase speed and distance as they gain confidence.
- Use the time on the trail to talk about different things. Encourage your teen to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
- Take breaks to rest, hydrate, and enjoy the scenery.
- Let your teen take the lead occasionally, whether it’s navigating the trail or making decisions about the route. Encourage your teen to explore off the beaten path, climb rocks, or investigate the surroundings.
- Take photos together to document the adventure and create lasting memories.
11. Swap clothes
You will need
- Clothes that the teens have never worn
How to
- Tell your teen’s friends to bring over the clothes that they have never worn.
- When the teens arrive, gather all the clothes and put them in a pile.
- Now one by one, tell the teens to pull the clothes out and try them.
- To make the game more fun, let the teens go home wearing the clothes they have tried.
12. Watch a play
You will need
- Tickets to the play
How to
- Tell your teen to make a list of plays they would want to watch. Randomly select a play from the list and purchase its tickets.
- Arrive at the theater with enough time to find parking and locate your seats.
- Encourage your teen to pay attention to the actors, dialogue, and stage design. Discuss the performance quietly during breaks or after the show to share thoughts and insights.
- Take advantage of intermission to stretch your legs, grab a snack, and discuss the play’s first half.
- After the play, discuss your teen’s thoughts and feelings about the play, its plot, and its characters.
13. Make facial scrub
You will need
- Sea salt
- Sugar
- Oil
- Spoon
- Towel
- Banana or avocado
How To:
- Teens can also experiment with facial scrubs during the weekends. You only need to provide them with the ingredients.
- To make the scrub, mix sea salt, sugar, and olive together to make a paste. Tell the teens to exfoliate their skin with this scrub for up to a minute. Rinse it off with warm water.
- Next, tell them to apply hot wet towels on the necks and faces to open up the pores. They can leave the towels for up to a minute.
- Mash the avocado and banana and ask them to apply to their faces. Leave it to set for 15 min.
- Now again apply the towel to the neck and face.
- Ask them to make a paste of lemon juice, baking soda and warm water. The teens have to cleanse their faces for over a minute, and they wash it off with warm water.
- Close the pores by splashing the skin with cold water. One of the best weekend activities for teens to enjoy!
14. Plan a weekend trip
You will need
- Comfortable attire
- First aid kit
- Toiletries
- Snacks
- Water
How to
- Sit with your teen and make a list of weekend getaways you and your teen would want to go on.
- Discuss a list of activities you will be doing there. Select activities that meet everyone’s interests.
- Use the trip as an opportunity to have meaningful conversations and bond over shared experiences.
- Allow your teen some freedom to explore on their own within safe boundaries, fostering a sense of responsibility and independence.
- Take photos and videos to document your adventures and create lasting memories.
15. Make slip ‘n’ slide
You will need
- Water hose
- Balloons
- Lemonade
- Brownies
- Plastic tarp
How To:
- There is no better way to have fun than to get wet in hot and humid weather. So, invite your teen’s friends over for a watery day at home.
- To make a slip ‘n’ slide, place a plastic tarp on a hill. Pin it into place so that it doesn’t blow away.
- Now take a hose and pour water on it while the girls slide down.
- Teens can even have a friendly water balloon fight. Finish it off with lemonade and brownies.
- You can also make a human bowling alley by putting some bottles at the end of the slide and knocking them down as you slide.
16. Visit a historical site
You will need
- Comfortable clothing
- Site map
- Camera
- Notebook and pen, optional
How to
- Research the historical site together, discussing its significance and what to expect.
- Upon arrival, take a moment to absorb the surroundings. Look for visitor centers or information booths where you can grab maps or join guided tours.
- Allow your teen to explore at their own pace, giving them the freedom to discover things at their own pace.
- Encourage your teen to document the experience through photography or sketches.
- Take breaks to rest and enjoy the surroundings. Find a scenic spot or an onsite cafe to enjoy a cozy meal.
17. Taste the rainbow
You will need
- Skittles
- Straws
- Big bowl
How to
- Taste the Rainbow is an ideal game for a slumber party.
- Hand over one bowl and straw to each player.
- Pour the Skittles in a bowl and ask the teens to collect the skittles using a straw.
- As you say go, the teens have to try to collect as many skittles as they can. But the catch is that they cannot use their hands. They have to suck the skittles onto the straws and then transport the skittles to the cups without dropping.
- You can even line the cups at another table to make the game more challenging and harder.
- After the game, the kids can eat their winnings.
18. Go on a picnic
You will need
- Picnic blanket or mat
- Snacks
- Water and refreshing drinks
- Hand towels
- Reusable plates, cups, spoons
- Music speakers, frisbee, and other games, optional
How to
- Prepare a list of scenic picnic spots with your teen. Compile a list of essentials you would need to carry with you to make your outing fun and refreshing.
- Make a list of activities you would want to do together. Collect the necessary items based on the list.
- As soon as you arrive at your chosen location, find a comfortable spot to lay out the picnic blanket.
- Work together to set up the picnic area, placing snacks and drinks within easy reach.
- Sit down together and enjoy the delicious snacks and refreshments.
- Encourage your teen to participate in activities or take a leisurely stroll with you, allowing you to bond and enjoy nature.
19. Take your dog for a walk
You will need
- Leash and collar
- Water
How to
- Strolling with your pet can be a relaxing experience. Take your teen along and turn this simple walk into a shared adventure.
- Choose a safe, scenic route suitable for both your dog and teen. Generally, local parks or nature trails are great options.
- Ensure the leash is securely attached to the collar or harness. Start at a comfortable pace for your dog and teen.
- Teach your teen how to reward the dog with treats for good behavior, such as walking calmly or following commands.
- Take regular breaks to give your dog and teen water, especially if it’s a long walk. Utilize this opportunity to talk to your teen and discuss their life’s goals, aspirations, and dreams.
20. Do some window shopping
You will need
- A few bucks, maybe
How to
- Teens love shopping, isn’t it? But they do not have money all the time to do so. But browsing and window-shopping do not involve any money right? So tell your child to grab her group of friends and head to a mall or a large store nearby.
- They can walk in and out of the store that they find interesting.
- Or they can go to a clothing store, grab the clothes that they like and try on. And clicking pictures is a must ;)
- After the teens have done all the browsing, they can head to a local restaurant and eat their heart out.
21. Watch sunset
You will need
- Camera or smartphone
- Snacks
- Water
How to
- Find a location with an unobstructed view of the horizon, such as a beach or hilltop.
- Look up the sunset time for your location, and plan to arrive at the set location at least 30 minutes early.
- Gather all the items you will need and pack them in a convenient bag.
- Sit back and watch the sunset together. Encourage your teen to take photos or videos to capture the moment.
- Utilize your time together to discuss several things going on in your teen’s life.
22. Cook something
You will need
- Cooking ingredients
- Cooking utensils
- Apron
How to
- Invite the entire girl gang during the afternoon or evening and cook. You have to provide all the ingredients beforehand. Or if you want, you can take your girl to the supermarket and shop together for the ingredients.
- Before your teen’s friend arrives for the cooking, set out all the pots and pans and preheat the oven.
- When the teens get to the kitchen, play some music and assign certain tasks to the girls, like chopping, cleaning the vegetables, boiling the rice, etc.
23. Play soccer
You will need
- A playground
- Soccer ball
- Refreshments
- Sports or gym towels
How to
- Soccer is a fun game that many teens love to play. So, you may invite your teen’s friends over for a friendly soccer match.
- Find a suitable place, such as a park or community field, with enough room to run.
- Divide the participants into teams. Play a friendly match, focusing on fun and skill development rather than competition.
- Take breaks to avoid exhaustion and ensure everyone stays optimally hydrated throughout the game.
- After the match ends, have a light conversation with your teen and their friends to develop a close bond.
24. Join a clean-up drive
You will need
- Gloves
- Eco-friendly trash bags
- Hand towels
- Water
How to
- Encouraging your teen to join a clean-up drive is a great way to deepen their understanding of the environment and climate change.
- Look for upcoming cleaning drives in your community. Based on your teen’s interest, you may participate in cleaning a beach, a community garden, or a riverbank.
- Register or sign up for the clean-up drive.
- Dress appropriately and gather essential supplies, like gloves, trash bags, hand towels, etc.
- Reach the designated location on time and pay attention to the briefing about goals and safety guidelines.
- Encourage your teen to engage in the activity positively and dispose of trash responsibly.
- Motivate them to reflect on their experience and share their thoughts and feelings about it.
25. Take a photography contest
You will need
- Smartphones
- Prize for the winner
How to:
- Pick a location for the photography contest. It could be a nearby public park or the neighborhood you live in.
- Decide on a theme, such as animals, nature, or fashion.
- Ask your teens to take pics within a fixed time frame.
- Once the teens submit the pics, evaluate them and vote for the best picture.
- Award the prize to the person who gets the most votes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can we encourage teens to develop an interest in activities?
Communicate the benefits of the activity and empower them to make decisions. You can supplement it with appreciation, recognition, and nurturing a sense of belonging to help them discover the value and enjoyment of new experiences. You can also pick activities that align with teenage hobbies and interests.
2. How can I make group activities more inclusive and engaging for all teens?
You can make group activities for teenagers more engaging for everyone by including activities that cover diverse interests. Group activities that provide opportunities for leadership, incorporate teamwork, create a positive atmosphere, and emphasize respect are likely to be inclusive of their personalities or interests.
3. How can I balance structured activities with unstructured free time for teens?
You may be able to promote a balance between structured and unstructured time by prioritizing various activities and alternating them between scheduled and flexible activities. In addition, encouraging socialization, providing opportunities for downtime, and allowing personal space for their preferences can promote socialization and independence among teens.
4. What are some tips for choosing activities for teens?
Choose activities that align with your teen’s interests and social group. Let them be part of the planning to ensure they feel valued and motivated to join.
5. How can I find local events or activities to do with my teen?
To find local events or activities to enjoy with your teen, check community boards, event websites, and social media groups. Encourage your teen to explore and find events that match their interests.
Teenagers love experimenting with new ideas and always look for something fun and adventurous. So these ideas on fun things to do with teens can help you engage your teen son or daughter and spend some quality time with them during these activities. Take advantage of the sunny days and go roller skating, visit theme parks, go for mini-golf, or cook something hot and tasty for rainy days. You could also encourage them to explore the wild outdoors by going hiking and camping. Beach trips are the best in summer. If you wish them to remain indoors, you can encourage museum visits or playing board games. Moreover, you can explore productive activities for teenagers and enroll them in art classes, cooking classes, or sports activities. Besides, you can let them attend concerts and live sports games. With this list of fun activities for teens, you now have an activity for each weekend or holiday to make it a memorable and special one.
Infographic: Fun And Engaging Weekend Activities For Teens
After spending all their weekdays on classroom projects, homework, tuition, and other extracurricular activities, weekends provide an excellent time for teens to calm their minds and unwind. The following infographic enlists some fun things you can do with teens to help them have a fun and relaxing weekend.
Illustration: Interesting And Fun Things To Do With Teens On Weekend
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. My first roller skating experience. https://idontclareofficial.wordpress.com/2019/09/17/my-first-roller-skating-experience/
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