Summer is the perfect time for teens to explore new interests, spend time with friends, or enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. This guide covers the best summer activities for teens, ranging from outdoor adventures to fun things to do at home. Whether it’s planning summer activities for teens with friends, finding screen-free ways to have fun alone, or making the most of a rainy day, there’s something for everyone.
Summer Activities for Teens at Home
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- Try a DIY tie-dye project
- Host a backyard movie night
- Bake and decorate summer-themed cupcakes
- Start a summer scrapbook or journal
- Try new TikTok or Instagram trends
- Make homemade ice cream or popsicles
- Rearrange or redecorate your room
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- Do a virtual escape room with friends
- Try a new workout challenge
- Have a self-care spa day at home
Summer Teen Activities for Teens with Friends
- Have a beach or pool day
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- Plan a themed sleepover
- Organize a picnic in the park
- Go thrifting and find fun outfits
- Create a summer music playlist together
- Try an escape room challenge
- Have a bonfire with s’mores
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- Go to an amusement park or fair
- Play laser tag or paintball
- Make a group vision board for the future
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Summer Activities Teens Can Do Alone
- Start a bullet journal or planner
- Learn to play a new instrument
- Try an online photography challenge
- Read a summer book list
- Experiment with new hairstyles or makeup looks
- Take a free online course in something fun
- Try writing a short story or poetry
- Go on a solo coffee or ice cream date
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- Learn a new language through an app
- Start a plant-growing or gardening project
Outdoor Summer Activities for Teens
- Go on a scenic hike
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- Try paddleboarding or kayaking
- Bike ride to a new location
- Play mini golf or visit a driving range
- Go rollerblading or skateboarding
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- Have an outdoor painting or drawing session
- Explore a local farmer’s market
- Try geocaching (a real-life treasure hunt!)
- Volunteer at an animal shelter or community garden
- Watch a sunrise or sunset from a scenic spot
Inexpensive Summer Activities for Teens
Not all summer fun has to be expensive. There are plenty of inexpensive summer activities for teens, including DIY projects, outdoor games, and local community events. Even free summer activities for teens, like hiking, volunteering, or stargazing, can create unforgettable memories.
- Have a DIY photoshoot with friends
- Try stargazing with an astronomy app
- Set up a backyard camping night
- Visit a free museum day or art gallery
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- Learn new dance moves from YouTube
- Make a vision board for future goals
- Try a free yoga or meditation session
- Host a potluck picnic with friends
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- Organize a book swap with friends
- Write letters to your future self
Rainy Day Summer Activities for Teens
- Have a movie marathon with classic films
- Try making homemade sushi or pizza
- Organize a closet cleanout and upcycle old clothes
- Learn a new hobby such as origami or another fun craft
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- Play board games or card games with family
- Try indoor scavenger hunts with friends
- Start a blog, YouTube, or TikTok channel
- Write and record your own song
- Create a DIY candle or bath bomb
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- Try painting or digital art
Free Summer Activities
- Have a water balloon fight
- Go on a nature walk and collect cool items
- Visit a local library and explore new books
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- Plan a “no-spend” day of fun activities
- Organize a beach cleanup
- Offer to babysit or pet sit for neighbors for extra cash
- Offer to walk your neighbor’s pets for extra cash too
- Volunteer at an animal shelter
- Call or visit your grandparents
- Practice jump-roping
Conclusion
There are endless ways for teens to have an unforgettable summer, whether it’s spending time outdoors, staying productive at home, or enjoying simple moments alone. Trying out different summer teen activities can make the season more exciting, whether it’s an adventurous day outside or a relaxing evening with a good book. Even rainy day summer activities for teens can turn an ordinary afternoon into something fun and creative.
What’s on your summer bucket list? Try something new, revisit an old favorite, or mix things up with a combination of free and inexpensive summer activities for teens. However you spend it, make this summer one to remember!