Spending time with a teenager can be exciting, eye-opening, and—let’s be honest—a little unpredictable.
But finding the right activities to do together? That’s where the real magic happens. Whether you’re a parent, sibling, or close family friend, planning time with a teen isn’t just about keeping them entertained—it’s about creating memories and moments they’ll actually enjoy.
In this list, you’ll discover 20 fun things to do with a teenager, ranging from outdoor adventures and creative indoor projects to thoughtful and educational ideas. Some are active, some are cozy, and all are designed to help you connect, laugh, and maybe even learn something new—together.
Let’s dive in!
Why It’s Important to Plan Fun Activities with Teenagers
Teenagers might seem like they’d rather scroll their phones than hang out—but deep down, they still crave connection, laughter, and quality time with people who care.
Planning activities together isn’t just about keeping them busy. It’s about showing up for them in a way that builds trust, encourages open communication, and reminds them they’re valued. Shared experiences—whether it’s a weekend hike or a movie night—can turn into lasting memories and real opportunities to bond.
Fun activities can also boost a teen’s confidence, creativity, and curiosity. They get a break from academic pressure or social stress and can just enjoy being themselves.
And for parents? These moments are golden. They’re reminders that even as teens grow more independent, your time and attention still mean everything.
If you’re looking to turn quality time into something unforgettable, Tinggly offers thoughtful gifts for parents that can spark amazing shared adventures with your teen.
Best Outdoor Activities for Teenagers
Getting outside with a teenager is one of the easiest ways to make memories, spark good conversations, and enjoy new experiences together. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or just soaking up the fresh air, these outdoor activities are guaranteed to keep things fun and exciting.
1. Go Hiking on a Fun Trail
There’s something about hitting a trail that gets conversations flowing. Pick a scenic route nearby, plan a half-day trip to a local park you haven’t explored, or the weekend trip somewhere you’ve been meaning to go. Hiking encourages teamwork, challenges you physically, and gives you both a real sense of achievement once you reach the top.
Tip: Let your teen pick the playlist for the car ride there—it’s part of the adventure!
2. Try a Zipline Adventure
If you’re ready to add a little thrill to your bonding time, ziplining is a winner. Soaring above the treetops side-by-side creates an instant adrenaline rush and tons of laughs.
Want to make it even more special? Plan it as a surprise birthday outing—Tinggly’s birthday surprises include exciting adventures that teens will never forget.
3. Play a Group Sport Like Soccer or Basketball
Teens love activities that are fast-paced and social. Organize a casual pickup game with friends or family—no need to keep score unless they want to. Sports build teamwork, boost confidence, and give you all a chance to be a little competitive in a fun way.
Don’t be surprised if you end up getting schooled by your teen’s skills!
4. Plan a Camping Trip
Camping strips things down to the basics—fresh air, campfires, and real conversations under the stars. Whether you pitch a tent in your backyard or head out to a national park, camping teaches practical skills and creates some of the most meaningful memories.
Plus, cooking over a fire and telling silly ghost stories never goes out of style.
5. Go on a Biking Adventure
Dust off the bikes and hit a trail, a scenic river path, or even just explore new neighborhoods together. You don’t have to race—keep the pace easy, with lots of stops for snacks, photos, or goofy detours.
It’s active, it’s low-pressure, and it’s a perfect way to see familiar places in a brand-new way.
6. Try Outdoor Photography Together
Hand over a camera—or just a smartphone—and challenge each other to a mini photo competition. Pick a theme, like “nature shots” or “weird angles,” and go exploring. Later, you can compare photos, create a mini album, or even frame a few.
This creative twist makes even a simple walk through a park more exciting.
7. Visit an Amusement Park
Nothing beats a day packed with roller coasters, cotton candy, and endless laughs. Teens love the energy, the rides, and the chance to act a little wild.
And if you want to go the extra mile, you could gift a whole adventure with travel surprises that include theme parks and epic days out.
8. Beach Day with Games and Snacks
Even if you’re not a “lay out and tan” type, a beach day can be awesome with a little planning. Bring a volleyball, frisbee, paddleball set, or even just a pack of cards. Load up on snacks, bring a good speaker, and let the day unfold naturally.
Don’t forget the sunscreen—and maybe a friendly sandcastle-building contest too!
Best Indoor Activities for Teenagers
Not every great day needs sunshine and open fields.
When you’re looking for ways to connect indoors—whether it’s rainy, chilly, or you just want to stay cozy—these activities keep teens engaged, laughing, and making memories without leaving the house (or venturing too far).
9. Host a Board Game Night
Break out a stack of classic games—or challenge your teen to something new and strategic. Cooperative games, party games, or even fast-paced card battles can turn a regular evening into hours of laughter and friendly competition.
Let them pick the snacks, and maybe even make a winner’s prize (think bragging rights or first dibs on dessert).
10. Cook or Bake New Recipes Together
Teens love getting hands-on—and if it ends in a tasty reward, even better. Pick a few fun recipes to tackle, whether it’s homemade pizza, gourmet burgers, or colorful cupcakes. The messier, the better.
You’ll build skills, make memories, and probably end up laughing over a few kitchen disasters.
11. Movie Marathon with Favorite Snacks
Turn the living room into a mini theater for the night. Let your teen pick a theme—Marvel heroes, ’80s throwbacks, animated classics—and stack up a few movies back-to-back.
Make popcorn, pile up cozy blankets, and create a low-stress evening that’s all about chilling and hanging out.
12. Build Something Together (Like DIY Crafts)
You don’t have to be an expert to get creative.
DIY home decor, custom t-shirts, friendship bracelets, or even beginner woodworking kits can be awesome projects to tackle as a team.
It’s not about perfection—it’s about the conversations, mistakes, and laughs you’ll share while making something you can be proud of.
13. Escape Room Challenge at Home
Love puzzles? Bring the thrill of an escape room into your living room.
There are tons of printable or digital kits that turn any space into a mystery-solving adventure. Set a timer, get into character, and let the fun (and maybe a little chaos) unfold.
Perfect for a rainy afternoon or an unexpected way to shake up a weekend.
14. Start a YouTube Channel or Make Funny Videos
Teens live online—and instead of fighting it, why not join in? Brainstorm video ideas together, whether it’s silly skits, how-to tutorials, or mini vlogs.
Even if you never publish them, the process of filming, laughing, and editing can be a creative way to bond.
15. Indoor Mini Golf or Bowling
You don’t always have to stay home to keep things easy.
Find a nearby indoor mini golf course, retro arcade, or bowling alley. These classic hangouts are packed with simple fun—no major planning needed.
If you’re looking for gift ideas that make weekends more exciting, Tinggly’s gifts under $100 include cool options teens would love.
16. Set Up a Karaoke Party
Crank up the music, set up a microphone (or just a hairbrush), and let loose. Whether you belt out classic rock, the latest pop hits, or goofy duets, karaoke breaks the ice fast—and turns even a quiet evening into a memorable event.
Bonus points if you film the performances for future laughs!
Creative and Educational Activities for Teenagers
Not every activity has to be just for fun—some can help teens explore their talents, develop new skills, or connect with the world around them in meaningful ways.
These ideas combine learning with creativity, offering moments of discovery that still feel engaging (and not like homework).
17. Join a Volunteer Project Together
Helping others is a powerful way to bond and grow. Whether it’s packing donations, planting trees, or supporting a local event, volunteering gives teens a sense of purpose and community.
It also opens the door to meaningful conversations about empathy, responsibility, and the impact they can make.
18. Take an Online Course (Photography, Coding, Art)
Teens are naturally curious—and online platforms now offer endless ways to channel that energy. Pick a course you can explore together or side-by-side, like photo editing, graphic design, or basic programming.
It’s skill-building, confidence-boosting, and may even inspire future passions or careers.
19. Visit Museums or Science Centers
There’s something cool about hands-on exhibits and mind-blowing facts, especially when they’re tied to real-world wonders. Find a local museum or plan a day trip to a nearby science center.
If you’re looking to make the experience even more memorable, check out gifts for kids that include museum passes and interactive learning experiences.
20. Start a Reading Challenge
Reading doesn’t have to be a solo activity. Pick a theme—mystery, sci-fi, memoirs—and set a challenge: 5 books in 2 months, for example. You can each read the same title or swap reviews at the end of each week.
Add snacks, a reading playlist, or even create a reward at the finish line to keep things motivating.
How to Choose the Best Activities for Your Teen
Not all teens are the same—and that’s what makes planning activities both fun and a little tricky.
The best way to choose what to do with your teen? Ask them. It sounds simple, but giving them a say shows respect and increases the chances they’ll actually enjoy the time together.
Start by thinking about what lights them up. Are they into sports, music, art, tech, or the outdoors? An extroverted teen might love group adventures, while someone more introverted could prefer quiet projects or one-on-one time. Some teens crave physical challenges. Others just want space to express themselves creatively.
Mix things up: balance action with downtime, new experiences with familiar favorites. Even trying something you’ve never done before—together—can be exciting in itself.
And when you’re not sure where to start, gifts for him or gifts for her can offer fun inspiration for activities based on personality and interests.
Let your teen lead the way, and you’ll both have more fun.
Conclusion
Spending quality time with a teenager doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be intentional.
Whether you’re hiking up a hill, singing karaoke in the living room, or teaming up on a DIY project, what matters most is being present and doing fun things together. These small, shared experiences can build trust, spark laughter, and turn into memories you’ll both carry for years to come.
So pick one idea from this list—or better yet, ask your teen which one they’re excited to try. The more involved they are, the more meaningful the time becomes.
And if you ever want to surprise them with something completely out of the box, Tinggly offers unforgettable gifts that turn time spent together into something truly special. There’s something right for any age, whether you want to do fun things with your youngster, a teen or an older kid.
The best part? You don’t need a special occasion to create moments that matter. Just a little curiosity—and a willingness to try something new.