Summer is here, and the kids are out of school. Here’s a list of things for teens to do over the summer. Check out our ultimate summer bucket list for teens, which includes a free printable of teen activities! I’m sure your teen will find a thing or two to do on this list over the summer!
The Ultimate Summer Bucket List for Teens
If you have a teen in your household, you know how hard it can be to keep them occupied during the summer months. They are no longer little kids who love to make crafts and watch cartoons, but they aren’t quite adults yet either. And so, keeping them occupied during these summer months can pose a challenge. Instead of getting discouraged, look at this ultimate summer bucket list for teens. {If you have a tween, be sure to check out 25 things for tweens to do this summer!} You will find that keeping your teens busy in the summer doesn’t have to be stressful, but can, in fact, be simple and fun. Let’s get started!
You can download this free printable version of our teen summer bucket list here: Teen Summer Bucket List Printable.
Keep in mind, due to the current status of our country, some of these items on this list will have to wait until it’s safe to do! If you’re going out, don’t forget your mask. You can learn how to make your own mask with items around your house.
Things for teens to do during the summer months
1. Head to a local theme park and ride the rollercoaster that scares you the most. We took the boys to Holiday World and they had a BLAST! If you’re near Cedar Point, this is also an amusement park to add to your bucket list (and currently open right now).
2. Visit a local park and hike their most challenging trail.
3. Create your own version of “Chopped” and challenge a friend to a creative cook-off.
4. Dedicate yourself to at least 90 minutes of physical activity each day.
5. Create a list of classic movies and see how many you can get through.
6. Try a new sport you haven’t played before. Ask your friends to join you.
7. Try a new fruit or vegetable each week during the summer. Explore new flavors you haven’t tried yet.
8. Try planting your own mini garden. Plant simple vegetables and herbs you can cook with.
9. Go to the library and check out some cookbooks. Try out some new recipes. (Check your library to see if they are open. Or you may be able to check out books and do curbside pickup).
10. Head to a local thrift store. Look for an item you can sell on eBay or use apps like Mercari for profit. See how much money you can make.
11. Do some extra chores to earn cash for something you want or need. This is also a good time to declutter. Use this printable to help you keep organized and on track.
12. Turn an old piece of clothing into something new and fresh.
13. Find a list of the top young adult books for the summer. Try to read at least two.
14. Stargaze at night and look for the various constellations. Or, you can even create your own.
15. Head out in the evening and listen for owls. Bonus points if you can snap a picture of one.
16. Create funny comic skits and record them to share with family and friends.
17. Head to free concerts or outdoor events being offered in your town. (This may not be available in your area due to the quarantine).
18. Make your own fun summer beverage concoctions using fruit and juice.
19. Download free game apps. These can help keep you busy on rainy days.
20. Play Staycation Bingo with friends. Grab this free printable and see who will win first. Create your own Staycation Bingo with this free template.
21. Have fun with slime. Look up sparkly slime recipes and give them a try.
22. Volunteer at a local pet shelter. Help walk, feed, and care for the pets. [ don’t forget your mask]
23. Try making your own kite. Take it for a spin and see how it does.
24. You can also try making your own boat. Take it to a nearby pond and see how it floats.
25. Help babysit a younger friend or family member for some extra spending money.
26. Take the time to get to know a friend. Spend time with them talking about what interests them. Here are some conversation starters you can print and use. You can also play a game of would you rather- grab the free printable here.
27. Try camping out either at a local campground or in your own backyard. Check out our camping bucket list, that’s full of ideas.
28. Play a fun game of flashlight tag after the sun goes down.
29. Practice your favorite sport and host a tournament at a local park.
30. Learn a new card game you haven’t played before.
31. Host a sleepover with friends complete with video games, movies, and snacks. Or you can have a social distance outdoor movie night.
32. Keep a journal of your summer, use this free self-reflection journal prompts printable.
33. Keep a sketchbook of any cool animals or nature items you encounter during the summer.
34. Try a new look. Whether it be new hair color or hair cut.
35. Donate clothing you no longer need to charity or sell it to a consignment shop for extra summer cash.
36. Write a thank you letter to your favorite teacher.
37. Watch a cartoon you loved as a child. Print out this free Disney movie Bingo and give it a try.
38. Offer to walk a neighbor’s dog for some extra spending cash.
39. Don’t forget to watch local fireworks displays with friends.
40. Enjoy a beach day with friends complete with sand, the sun, and great food.
Of course, I didn’t mention things like going to the Y, playing basketball, and swimming every week. Sit down with your teens and put together a fun summer bucket list. You can check out our teen summer bucket list for adventure ideas.
Don’t let summer boredom get your teens down. Instead, consider this ultimate summer bucket list for teens. Whether you knock out 10, 20, or all 40, you will find they are great ways to stay busy and active during the summer months!
Be sure to pin this to your Pinterest board!
Print our summer teen bucket list here.
Other things for teens during the summer months:
Swim Safety Tips For Older Children And Teens
Easter Basket Gift Ideas for Teens
How To Afford A Fun Summer + Travel
How To Engage Your Kids In Game Night
lisa says
This is a great list!! We do a lot of these things you have listed, just the other day we gathered some old clothing and donated them to the community center. My oldest daughtered decided she wanted a new hairdo, we purchased a few books for the kids to read while out for summer, and they been earning cash doing threads…lol
Kristi says
I’m going to pin this. We need some fresh ideas for two semi-bored tweens. A month left before school starts… plenty of time to check off some of this list!
Jamie says
I love this list! Teens really do have different wants and needs when it comes to having fun and I think it is important to make sure each of my kids gets to do some special things each summer!
Becky says
I remember having a similar bucket list when I was a teen. It lead to amazing summers loaded with fun, and I learned a lot! Wouldn’t trade those experiences for the world!
AnnMarie John says
This is one great bucket list. I will have to download this next summer for the kids as we get out of school earlier than you do.