Looking for some summer boredom busters for tweens and teens?
Keeping older kids entertained, especially during school breaks, can be a bit stressful (and potentially expensive) but it doesn’t have to be! Keep reading to see our fun list of boredom busters.
Summer Boredom Busters for Tweens and Teens
Try out one of these fun boredom busters to keep your kids (and yourself) entertained during the long days of summer.
Start a YouTube Channel
This one’s probably going to be the most popular of the boredom busters for kids. YouTubers are the rising stars of the moment. Teens love to connect with each other through shared hobbies and interests and to show their talent in a specific field. Whether it is makeup tutorials or how to get rid of acne with natural products, there is a niche for almost any topic on YouTube.
Plus, if your videos get enough views, and you get enough subscribers, your kids may qualify to receive payment from advertising on YouTube. Think about it! You become famous online, do what you love and get paid for it. That’s an offer impossible to refuse.
Volunteer for a Good Cause
Do you have a kid that wants to change things? Are your kids worried about the changing climate and pollution? Do you believe there are solutions to help homeless people on the streets? Many important movements that resulted in actual change started with a few young people who wanted to make a difference.
Whether you raise awareness or funds, or even take direct actions (a beach clean-up operation), fighting for a cause will help you gain a healthier and more responsible outlook on life.
If your kid loves animals, find out if their local SPCA or other animal shelter allows kids to volunteer. Many do!
Learn a New Sport
Summer is the perfect season to take up various sports, such as: learn tennis, swimming, soccer, baseball, etc. If you are a fan of a sports team but have no idea how to play the game, this summer can change this state of things. There are many clubs (some of them supported by your high school) that you can join to learn sports
Redecorate the Kids’ Rooms
Does your room look somewhat outdated? The color on the wall and the decorations no longer represent you? Then it’s time to make a change! You don’t need to spend a fortune to give your room a fresh new look. A paint roller, a bucket or two of paint and some good elbow grease are quite enough.
Plus, you can organize a garage sale to make a little money from your old action figures and comic magazines. This will also help clear some space in your room to decorate with other items.
Go camping!
There is nothing much more real and down to earth than spending a few days and nights outdoors, in a tent. Your tweens and teens will discover a whole new world of plants, animals, birds and insects. You will hear new sounds, as well as the feeling of complete peace and quiet.
Camping is good for the body and soul. You will have time away from distractions to figure out who you are and what you want to do with your life. Plus, you will develop some useful life skills, like building and putting out a fire, basic cooking and looking after yourself.
Go Backyard Camping
If going on a real camping trip just isn’t in the cards, try backyard camping.
You could simply go outside, pitch a tent in your yard, and even use this opportunity to have a movie night in the back yard. While you’re out there, watch the sun rise and set and take pictures!
Go outside and play!
Tag, Red Rover, Duck, Duck, Goose and all of those games that you enjoyed as kids are still fun boredom busters for tweens – and they are free! Teens may not be so keen, but these games are usually pretty welcome up until around age 11 or so, depending on the kids.
Plus, you can get in on playing them, too! Play hide-and-seek with flashlights at night. Play parachute with a large sheet. Whatever you choose, take advantage of the longer days.
Go to the library – free Summer Boredom Busters
This is one of my favorite boredom busters for teens. Check out five books each, then sit outside in the shade and have a read-a-thon. Take this time to read the classics to your children over the summer. The library also has free activities to attend over the summer months, as do other local attractions. Splash pads, parks, and even Nature Parks are all open for free summertime fun so hit them up!
Play board games outdoors
If you don’t like the idea of running around too much, or you can’t, just get outside and sit still while playing a board game or card game with your kids. You can even take coloring books outdoors and do an art project.
Go on a bug hunt
Take pictures of the bugs you find. Upload those to your computer and make a slide-show with them. If bugs aren’t your thing, go on a nature scavenger hunt and find leaves and rocks, or have an alphabet treasure hunt in your own neighborhood.
Catch fireflies and release them for extra fun.
It’s OK If Kids Are Bored Sometimes
Before I get to a few ideas to help keep the kiddos entertained, here’s a thought: Maybe it’s OK if the kids are bored.
Here’s the thing: An adult who has no idea how to amuse themselves without outside stimulation is in for a heck of a challenge. They’ll always be looking for something or someone to amuse them. They’ll be the kind of person who can’t just sit and be alone with their thoughts and feelings.
Do you want your kid to be that kind of adult?
If your kids are bored, maybe it’s not a bad idea to try to tough it out for a bit.
In our house, the words “I’m bored” are greeted with the standard response, “Oh, that’s funny. Being bored means that you’re a boring person. I don’t think you were a boring person. I think that you’re the kind of person who’s smart and resourceful and who can figure out how to find something to do. Off you go, I bet I’m right; I bet you’re not a boring person at all, are you?”
I think this teaches them that being bored is a signal to dig deep and find some creative ways to spend their time.
All that said, there are definitely times it’s good to have some ideas to spur some creative energy.
Need some more help? Check out these fun hobbies for kids for a helpful list!
