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Some Fun Activities for the Bored Teenager in Your Life

Contrary to the beliefs of many a teenager, there is more to do than watch TV and play video games. Encouraging teens to get up off the couch or leave the computer can be a Herculean task at times, but it is important for parents to try their best. Getting teens active and interested in the wider world is good for their health, both mental and physical. So the next time the teen in your life complains there is nothing to do, consider these fun alternatives to another day spent in front of the television set.

- Take up an instrument. Playing guitar, drums or another instrument can be great for a teenager’s self esteem, coordination and confidence.

- Play a good old fashioned board game. Yes, even in today’s video saturated world, board games still exist, and they can be a great way to while away a boring afternoon. Try playing one of the many specialty versions of Monopoly, or a brain teasing game of Scrabble.

- Have the teen write a letter to a friend or relative. Even in the world of email and instant messaging, letters still exist, and the personal touch they provide will be welcome long after that last email has been deleted.

- Take some photographs of things around the house, or around the neighborhood. Photography can be a great hobby, and digital photography gives budding artists an opportunity to experiment with different lighting and different formats.

- Exercise and work out to their favorite music. Exercise is a great way to clear the mind and strengthen the body. Nothing can kill boredom quite as fast as a job around the neighborhood or some crunches in the living room.

- Play a pick up game of baseball, football or soccer. In previous generations sports was not as structured, and pickup games popped up all the time. Bring back the old days by getting friends together for some friendly competition.

- Help around the house. Of course this is not high on most teens list of fun things to do, but learning to help out with daily and weekly chores is a great way to build character (and muscles). Take that garbage out to the curb, wash the clothes or just pick up the clothes lying about on the floor.

- Volunteer for a local charity. Volunteering builds a sense of purpose in young people, and getting teens interested in the world around them can have lifelong benefits. If you are not sure where to start, try your church, or a local civic organization. These types of places are always looking for reliable volunteers.

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i am a teenager of 13 and i think that this is bogus none of this stuff is fun i tried it so u guys need to get some new things that r actually fun, o and by the way cleaning sucks

andrew

Well at least you would be doing something useful instead of just wasting your best years away playing video games.

Ofear

Are you really saying everything on that list is boring? Surely there must be something you would like to do? What do you do in your spare time now then?

jonnyjonny_uk

that list is lame.just by posting that you are supporting the idea that parents are oblivious. no teenager wants to help around the house for fun. thats not fun. adults dont even enjoy that. its just something they have to do. working out for fun?oh my god. sam

Wow...actually when I was kid, and this is the God's honest truth...I did clean for fun. I was really young, but it was a blast. I also worked out with my Dad from the time I was eight years old. Some of my best childhood memories were swimming with him at the YMCA and shooting hoops in the backyard. He used to also help me practice my freethrow at the gym and lift weights with me. Luckily, Sam, you may speak for yourself, and maybe even the majority...but thankfully you don't speak for me. Life is what you make of it, and time with your folks won't last forever. Clean a little, exercise a little and think of them first, just for a bit, and see how you feel. I'm not saying we got along perfectly, or that we did that every day, but to say it's lame or OMG is sad. Sometimes there is more to life than what you want to do, sometimes we do things that don't appear to be fun...and they turn out to be the foundation of our youth.

ChristineB

Well parents dont even do anything with their kids anymore, u can try cleaning or anything else on that list it still only takes up like wut, a day!

maria

Thats sad. I know lots of parents who still do things with their kids.

ChristineB

You are right, Christine, that is sad. Perhaps if more parents spent more time with their children then children will turn out a little better.

SCMOM

sorry but no teen would want to waste their time doing boring things like this .... get some new ideas mabe you should ask a cool teen for ideas not a lame person

madster

perhaps people could suggest ideas instead of bashing ones others took the time to suggest....or is that lame too?

ChristineB

As a teen i would like to say this is all boring stuff i would hate to do with my parents. Try going to the mall and playing tag. or Go egging! or Teepeeing!

blah!

No real teenager is ever going to want to do any of these activties.

SaraRose

If these aren't good activities, what are??

Steve

good luck with that question. Looks like I asked it back in December....still waiting.....

ChristineB

I think the young person named, ArticlePost, needs to stop complaining and bashing the ideas, and provide their own positive insight and ideas. If you act like a child, you will be treated as such! Advocate for yourself and educate parents.

An Adult!

right on! [:D]

ChristineB

I love helping my parents.I help them all the time!Get a life except for the parents and Christine!!!

guess

I wish I could say I even knew what that meant. If you are saying don't have a life, thats funny. I have one of traveling, protecting the coast, raising a child, freelance writing (and being published), doing volunteer work and working a full time job. I hope someday the kids that don't have the benefit of the great childhood I had, helping my folks, and thinking of others, can one day look back and say the same, or more. So, "guess" I hope you can say you offer something...other than negativity to a society that needs role models, and inspiration instead of comments from those to lazy to make a difference.

ChristineB

Obviously, everyone finds all of this stuff boring, I agree, you guys need new stuff. Everyone whose arguing with us, are adults so they have no idea what we're into. Sure you went and did stuff with your parents when you were younger, but we're old enough to the point where we just want something to do for ourselves, and some of us can't drive and sometimes donm't have the most of money, so maybe you should figure thigns out that we can do then. And on rainy days.. it's very boring. Oh, by the way, CLEANING is the WORST. Sure ONE person thinks it was fun when they were little, but that was THEN and none of us thinks its fun now. When we're bored.. cleaning is the last things we want to hear, same with hanging out with our parents. We want soemthing entertaining and cheap at the same time. You can argue but I'm pretty sure this is what everyone wants. We're KIDS, kids like to have fun. Sure helping parents and stuff is nice, but when we're bored.. we want soemthing for ourselves. Brittany, 15

Britt08

I agree with Brittany. I'm 18 years old and completely bored out of my mind every weekend because there is nothing to do. Most of the kids my age like to drink and I'm not gonna lie i like it too but it gets way boring after awhile and you want to actually go do SOMETHING! Where the hell is there to go or do? Don't ASK us what we like to do because I can EASILY say i love drinking and sex and hanging out with my friends. Don't TELL me how wrong i am either because its boring to listen to a lecture from someone and the whole topic is about boredom. GIVE ME suggestions on places to go. The LAST thing on my mind as a bored teenager is sitting at home reading or even playing an instrument cause i play guitar, piano, sing, you name it and that gets boring FAST when you do it after awhile. I want something to do outside of the house. Somewhere where its POSSIBLE for a teenager to go and have fun. How about you adults let us know what we can do to have fun outside the house that teenagers are possible because frankly i haven't seen any "everyday" fun we could have suggested. Don't say spend time with family because like everything else it gets boring fast. Give me places to go, things to do, ANYTHING or its more likely that im just going to go out, drink with my friends at YOUR house when your out of town with YOUR son/daughter and have sex that night. So far that's the ONLY source of fun i can think of but don't get me wrong here. I would GLADLY do something else... just give me something that is even REMOTELY fun at all.

chris, 18

yeah. I agree with chris. personally I don't like tv that much. and facebook has become absolutely boring. I've seriously tried a bunch of stuff but it still gets boring after a while . I NEED A NEW HOBBY!! and my non-developed brain can't think of anything new. so... think of SOMETHING, ANYTHING. having sex and getting trash, is fun but doing it every weekend........ it gets rutinary after a while. It's fun but still.Lucy, 17

Lucy 17

Hmm...well I can definitely remember being 17-18 ish as it wasn't that long ago and one thing keeps popping up into my mind. I hate to say it because I do know that even though it's not that long ago, times have changed. I will give you the quote though because it is so obvious. I think George Carlin said it but don't quote me on that...anyways..he said only boring people get bored. Take that for what it's worth but at 17ish age I can say I was NEVER bored. NEVER! I almost never watched movies, or did much of anything really but things were fun. I guess I'm confused. When I was that age hanging with friends watching stupid movies, or going for long hikes, bike rides or playing cards was fun. We did lots of fun things like going to different places...every little bit of traveling we could afford..even if it was for a day or an hour. I also worked alot, and had friends work with me. Now I'm not going to be soap boxey and say we didn't drink, we did, but we enjoyed the company of friends and even then, knew those times would be gone soon...even in days/months. Is it not enough to enjoy your freedom now..knowing it will be over soon and the real world is coming at the speed of light? it's not what you do to pass the time I guess, it's who you spend your time with and the realization that that time that seems endless now will be over run by responsibilities of huge magnitude. Appreciate the advice of those that have been there....slow down, just be, and enjoy the company of those who may not be around as long as you, physically or geographically. Make sense? Any sense at all?

ChristineB

Look, teenagers aren'y just gonna help around the house 'cause some person on the internet told them to. It just doesn't work that way. I agree with insruments and such, but really.

Feli & Aly

Lol, but kids do everything else because someone, soemwhere told them to right? Isn't that what influence and peer pressure are? So why not in a positive way? Is it so far fetched that influences on the internet and personally can only be negative? If so, thats pretty sad. I admit cleaning is well, maybe a bit lame, but for younger kids its a pretty game. Again, I say...if it's lame, what are your suggestions??

ChristineB

I'm not a teenager anymore, but I would give my right arm to be. We did so many fun things when I was growing up. We played sports, we had jobs with our friends, we were in pays, went to Red Sox games, the beach, went to the lake with the rope swing and almost killed ourselves, we walked everywhere, we went ice skating, went to Six Flages, went into Boston any chance we got, got manicures, went to the movies, played lazer tag....man people need to be more creative. We were so bored that we made fun, I mean don't get me wrong we drank and did drugs too, but that got old fast.

MIchelley

Hey, I'm a 16 year old teen, and something that sounds lame but is actually a lot of fun is havin a job. I work at a Car Spa (hand washed car wash) and it pays great ($18/hr w/ tips) and its a ton of fun with my friends. We can soak each other with the hoses, fight all the time(its a guy thing..) and stuff like that. If you can find something you like having a job can actually be relatively fun. Plus, who doesn't LOVE mulaaa $$$ haha.

BoredTeen

Hey MIchelley,I think we grew up in the same neighborhood! LOL! ...and BoredTenn is awesome!!! [:D]

ChristineB

well im a teenager and wat i find fun is hanging out with my mates and we go to the movies and play games like polo, tag, jails, 40 40 inn, curbie, please mother may i and like a million more i think if you are bored do something with your timemaybe go shopping or go hang out with your mates ? hope this has helped any one ?

jade 13

you could also go to the park and stuff and maybe you can ask your parents if they will take you 4 a day out one day but if they say no then comeon i mean some peoplethink they are hard done by cos people say oh i h8 my parents or some thing like that well i dont think so cos if you h8 them like that then you wouldnt be born into this world and you should maybe help themout once in a while im sure they will be

jade 13

okay wow, yeah. What if you live in the boondox and really dont have any friends that live close by, then what?

Dude 13

Then what? Hike, fish, rock climb, quad, take pictures, read, journal, take up a hobby! I would give my left leg to live in the boondox, now and then!

ChristineB

Im also still a teen, and i think most of these things arent as bad as some of you other teens are saying. i work out every other day, and cleaning isnt as bad as you say. just make it fun. volunteering keeps me entertained, as do board games. and your saying sports are boring? instruments are fun, but photography isnt for me.

Trevor

Again, only boring people get bored.... and good for you Trevor! [:)]

ChristineB

ok. listen up. i live way out in the boondox and am nowhere near other people. and, i guess i'm a boring person ChristineB, but that outdoor stuff got boring when i was like ten! i'm 18 now. what my friends and i do for fun is get together and play stupid games like truth or dare (by playing this game, we've become really close friends), or go pick out a really scary or really cheesy (or whatever!!) movie and watch it together. sure alcohol and drugs are cool sometimes, just don't do it too often and it adds to the excitement. try to plan ahead, the anticipation makes it more exciting too!!

Amanda

hmmm....sorry to hear your tone Amanda. I gave up responding to phrases like "listen up' years ago...I can't speak for everyone but I will say if this space has occupied some of your boring time it's probably best not to offend those who are trying to help with ideas, suggestions...

ChristineB

Teenagers are supposed to be bored with life, they think they are just waiting around until they become adults and life is exciting. Let's face it, if they aren't with their friends they often think they are bored. All the more reason to shake them awake and keep them engaged in the family anyway - even if they say they don't want to. Play board games (really, monopoly is still a great game - get their competitive spirit going), do family bowling night, swim, ride bikes - it doesn't matter what you do. Keeping them engaged (even if they pretend to hate every minute) will pull them out of their teenage slump years earlier than letting them wallow in it. If they keep it up, make them get a job (mother's helper, mow lawns or volunteer at a local hospital (which my mom did to me and was very effective to improve my attitude at home). Sitting in front of the computer can not be an all day option, that's a reward for participating in life first. Good luck.

edonovan

Granted I grew up in a small sized city, not the boonies but I was NEVER bored. I put some thought into why and I came up with two reasons...perhaps this will help Amanda and others... 1) I worked all the time! ALL the time! I worked and worked since age 16. 2) when I wasn't working, which was almost never, I had a long list of things that needed to be done. I am seriously starting to think tennagers are lazy....who had time to have the luxury of being bored? None of my friends that's for sure. If you have THAT much extra time..get a job....save some money and go to college.....

ChristineB

I'm 13, too. The things on that list don't sound too bad, but there is a problem. What is there to do when you're alone most of the day because your parents are at work and don't want you to leave the house? Also, what if you don't have many friends in general and especially don't live close? I want to be more than a lazy couch potato. I do my chores and i keep up with them so when i am bored there's not too much to do on that list.

Yamari

What about overly protective parents? This doesn't really apply to anything on that list, but sometimes when kids just want to do something fun, their parents are really over-protective...it can stop people from having fun.

James

can you give me an example?

ChristineB

Well- teens looking for something to do aren't gonna be impressed with such broad ideas; nor will we want to "play a game" so, if your looking for something to stall us with- why don't u ask us what it is that makes wideo games or watching that one t.v. show so interesting. we might actually have a pretty good reason. Sometimes you'll have to tell us to so chores, but by incorporating the things tht we do on a regular everyday basis, You can make watching a movie or playing on the comp. more fun and Parents with teens: Do things with us. We are so freakin bored bcuz we don't think of u guys as friends. you expect so much out of us and u thik we understand. Think Again. we're just kids you know.RealTeenageri agree to this. and quite a few adults think that just cause were young were stupid.im probably smarter than some 20 year olds and older, and im sure quite a few other teens are as well, i like some of the ideas. but you guys know what would make cleaning fun. making a business and charging for it. not like a whole bunch of money but its a way to get savings up, and your kept occupied by doing it. because really i have no life. so i have no friends. i never spend time with my parents. so i just sit on the computer all day and be bored. if you want us to do something do it with us

nemo 13

this message is long but probably worth readingWell- teens looking for something to do aren't gonna be impressed with such broad ideas; nor will we want to "play a game" so, if your looking for something to stall us with- why don't u ask us what it is that makes wideo games or watching that one t.v. show so interesting. we might actually have a pretty good reason. Sometimes you'll have to tell us to so chores, but by incorporating the things tht we do on a regular everyday basis, You can make watching a movie or playing on the comp. more fun and Parents with teens: Do things with us. We are so freakin bored bcuz we don't think of u guys as friends. you expect so much out of us and u thik we understand. Think Again. we're just kids you know.RealTeenageri agree to this. and quite a few adults think that just cause were young were stupid.im probably smarter than some 20 year olds and older, and im sure quite a few other teens are as well, i like some of the ideas. but you guys know what would make cleaning fun. making a business and charging for it. not like a whole bunch of money but its a way to get savings up, and your kept occupied by doing it. because really i have no life. so i have no friends. i never spend time with my parents. so i just sit on the computer all day and be bored. if you want us to do something do it with us.better yet, create any kind of busines. just managing it will keep you occupied. use your smarts and you may get a pretty penny out of it along with overcoming your boredom.

nemo 13

try crafts cuz there r alot of crafts 4 diff. things. or read, cuz there are diff. books out there so there is no excuse 4 saying that no book interest u. i go to church things alot and that is fun (i'm mormon). also in gscouts so go to overnights often.

Crystal

I'm 17, and none of those things sound 'interesting' to me. I prefer get-together things like small parties, maybe games such as poker. Going to the beach is fun, or going out having a drink and a chat with a good friend. Instruments take up too much time, board games don't really excite me either, writing a letter? -.- Photography is only fun when it's with friends. Personally I think teens prefer more social activities, that's what being a teen is all about.

Roland

Does anyone have advice for me? I'm starting a new school this year, but I just moved, so I don't have any friends yet. I have no neighbors that are anywhere close to my age, and my family members have jobs and things to do away from home. I play the piano, read, and play video games, and I've also completed all of the summer-homework for school next year. I can't drive anywhere, my family isn't around, I have no friends and I'm not very sports-minded. I'm not trying to complain! I'm very much looking forward to joining clubs and making friends when school starts, but I know that this time of my life will never come again. I don't want to waste even one more month, but I don't know how I can fix my little "slump".

Girl-14

I think I might actually try some of those things as I won't have to stay with my sister for as much of the summer.

A Teenager

I'm 13 And I Liked Your Options. The Only Ones I Hated Were The Chores And Writing A Letter. I Hate Chores And I Have No Other Family Members To Possibly Write To. (Plus Letters Suck)

Vivian

LOL! Thanks Vivian for your honesty! I agree chores are not my fave either, but still, like most things we dislike, they still have to get done. With that being said all we can do is make a game out of them or try to make them fun. Writing letters is also tough, no argument. I did try this though. I wrote (and by that I mean typed in Word) a letter to someone I as angry with. I never sent it, and had no intention of sending it, but you know what? It was great! I loved it. It may sound corny but I felt better afterwards and I guess that's all that matters right?

ChristineB

well honestly, the only thing i like on that list is trying out an instrument. that got me into at least 17 different instruments. now, because of that suggestion, i want to go to julliard!! even though it is an extremely long way off. but hey. who knows what you can accomplish when you set your mind to it!!!

Danni <3

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