Summer is just around the corner. With only a few weeks left before schools let out for the year, kids are starting to think about what they want to do during their summer vacation. Many would prefer to spend it with their friends or online. But most parents probably have different ideas of how they should use these summer months. It’s important to remember that as they older, their interests and hobbies will change…and so will their plans. If you are looking for fun summer activities for teens, here are 5 they may actually enjoy.
5 Fun Summer Activities for Teens
1. Summer Sports
When we were in high school, my brothers and I were all involved in summer sports. Although it was a huge commitment, we thought it was a great way to spend time with friends while conditioning in the off-season. Our parents also appreciated that it kept us out of trouble.
It also gave me the chance to play on teams that weren’t affiliated with my school. We found many leagues and camps through our local YMCA. But as I got older, I also discovered different leagues through local groups and community centers. If you live near a large metro area, you can easily find team sports for baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, football, tennis, and even ultimate frisbee. However, there are also many options for those who prefer individual sports including running, swimming, golf, disc golf, cycling, and weight lifting.
Although I am not nearly as active as I used to be, it established a good foundation for physical health later in life. And even today, I still enjoy many of these activities as an adult.
2. Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Summer presents the perfect opportunity to slow down and appreciate nature as well as this time with your kids. So, if you are looking for ways that your family can enjoy the great outdoors, there are all types of activities that get you out of the house. And they don’t all revolve around sports either.
Check out local parks.
We are fortunate to have several great parks around town, some of which are so large that it hardly feels like you are in the middle of a busy city. These are great places to stroll along the walking trails, go fishing, have a barbecue or picnic, or spend the afternoon on the playground with kids.
Go to an outdoor concert.
My family is full of musicians, so we have always enjoyed concerts. And during the summer, you can find many outdoor concerts and community events.
Explore the hiking trails.
Despite what many people think, you don’t have to be a fitness fanatic to take advantage of local hiking trails. You can find different ones for all ages and skill levels. We’ve found a few apps like AllTrails that have made it easy. Using the search feature, you can filter trails near you based on location, distance, and level of difficulty to fit your plans.
Go to the beach.
If you live near the coast or other beaches, plan a day to enjoy the sun and the sand. You can relax with a book or listen to music as you soak up the rays. But if you’re looking for something more exciting, why not give surfing or other water sports a try?
Plan a camping trip.
Camping can be a fun weekend getaway for friends and family. Not only is it a great way to immerse yourself in nature, but it may also provide the chance to sharpen some of your survival skills.
Visit state and national parks.
Our summer plans wouldn’t be complete without a visit to some of the state and national parks. The natural beauty of these places never ceases to amaze me. And, we get to spend plenty of quality time together along the way.
3. Get Creative
Although the weather is one of my favorite parts of summer, not every day will be sunny and warm. And, not every teen enjoys the outdoors. The good news is that there are plenty of fun summer activities for teens that let them explore their creative side.
If your kids are artistic, they can take an art class through local schools or community colleges. On the weekends, you can check out local galleries or art shows. Or, perhaps a trip to the local craft store will inspire them.
Another idea is to nurture their mind and indulge in some heavy summer reading. I always had stacks of books from the local library. However, they can also earn rewards through summer reading programs that are geared toward teens.
4. Take Up a New Skill or Hobby
Though school may be out of session, that doesn’t mean learning has to stop. I may be wired a little differently, but I’ve always enjoyed learning new things, especially when I chose the subject matter. Therefore, I used my free time during summer vacation to learn more about things I was interested in. I completed many science experiments, learned new drawing techniques, took pottery and photography, and even delved into learning Spanish.
While I relied on books and people to show me the correct techniques, the internet has changed all that. Now, you can learn how to do almost anything on YouTube. With a quick search, you can find expert tutorials for nearly anything. I’ve used tutorials to learn new fitness routines and meditation exercises. There are also many great apps like Duolingo that can support you if you want to learn a different language. Thanks to the internet the options are limitless.
5. Find a Summer Job
When I turned 16, having a car meant freedom. But in order to afford it, my parents required me to get a job to pay for the gas, insurance, and maintenance. Not only did I earn enough to cover these costs, but it also gave me extra spending cash for when I went out with friends.
Finding a summer job is another way to learn new skills and start building their resume. For me, it was an important step from adolescence to adulthood, teaching me responsibility, money and time management skills, and the value of hard work.
If you think this is a good option for your teens, figure out what type of job would suit them. Then, ask around to see who is hiring. You can also look online for camps, fairs, farms, and other opportunities for seasonal work. If all else fails, friends and family may need a babysitter, yard cleanup, or other help around the house. It can be hard for a teen to know where to start looking for a job. But if you get creative and use your connections, you can help them find the right position.
Parting Thoughts
It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of everyday life and the rut of scrolling social media. However, there are tons of healthy and fun summer activities for teens that they can enjoy with their friends and family. Even if you have your own ideas about how your kids should spend their vacation, it’s important that they stay involved in the decision-making process. The more they enjoy the activity, the greater the chance they will continue doing it. This summer, you can help them discover new ways to disconnect and be an example of how new activities can support positive mental and physical health.
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