When kids are in elementary and middle school, summer break gives them more time to have fun. Teenagers are on track to graduate and become independent adults, so it’s crucial to use their free time wisely. These are a few summer activities for your teen to try this year. They’ll prepare for the future while still having fun.
1. Find a Part-Time Job
Young people learn many valuable skills during their college years, but your teenager can start learning them this summer. Help them find a part-time job by browsing online job posts or talking with local businesses. On-the-job experience will teach them communication, time management and other skills that will help guarantee an easier time in college.
2. Volunteer in the Community
If your high schooler’s typical school year commitments make it challenging to keep a part-time job, they can also volunteer. They’ll use the same skills to help feed people at community kitchens, pack food bank boxes or run animal adoption events. The work will also look good on their college applications, just like any other student with a job on their resume.
3. Visit College Campuses
Teenagers are busy with constant studying for tests and exams during the school year. Use their summer vacation to tour college campuses and prepare them for their university years by learning what they want in a school. By visiting a coastal school or strolling a mountainside campus, your teen will feel confident about their future when it’s time to start applying.
4. Tour Nearby Museums
There’s always more to learn about the world outside of school. Use your teen’s summer break as a chance to tour nearby museums. They’ll continue learning about the past, present and future without waiting for school to start. It’s a much better use of their time than sleeping the day away.
5. Join a Club
There are many great clubs students join during the school year, but community clubs also meet during the summer. Parents typically find them through virtual community posts on social media groups, newspapers or other parents. Look for clubs that feature your teen’s favorite hobbies, like reading groups, knitting circles or movie review clubs.
6. Create a Fitness Goal
Some of the best summer activities for your teen will involve physical activity. It’s all too easy to use free summer time to lounge on the couch, so set a fitness goal together. You could train during the summer for a 5k race in the fall. The shared goal will require time and commitment from both of you, making it a bonding activity and a smart use of your teen’s summer.
7. Start a Garden
Many teenagers struggle with their mental health. Summers are much more difficult for anyone with depression or anxiety because they lose the chance to see their friends every day. In addition to helping your teen visit their friends every week, you could also create a summer activity that supports their mental health.
Gardening is an excellent way to improve anyone’s mental well-being. It requires patience and commitment but teaches many valuable lessons about self-acceptance and love. Consider buying planters or clearing a section of your yard. Your teen can grow whatever plants they’d like and enjoy the mental health benefits that come with the hobby.
8. Attend a Summer Camp
Although a few summer camps are available for adults, it’s much more challenging to have that experience after turning 18. Give your teenager the gift of a summer camp experience by signing them up for a few this year.
They may love the freedom of spending a week at an overnight camp in the mountains. Maybe they’d like a day camp in your town that lets them spend all day on a tennis court. Talk with your teenager about how they’d like to spend their time to find camps that will make the next few months the best summer yet.
9. Take a Summer Class
Your teen doesn’t have to be behind in school to take a summer class. They can also sign up for one online and improve their skills. Let them try their hand at learning how to do things like:
- Paint a picture
- Cook a fancy meal
- Compete in chess games
- Read computer code
- Play the keyboard
Even if the class doesn’t teach as kill your teenager will need in their career, it’s still helpful to try new things and learn what they enjoy. They may need the ability to play piano or chess to ground themselves during times that challenge their mental health later.
10. Host a Weekly Game Night
Your teen won’t feel out of touch with their friends if you help them host a weekly game night. Whether everyone meets virtually or in person, they’ll stay connected until classes pick up in the fall. Board games will also help them flex skills they’ll need in college, like communication and strategy.
Plan Summer Activities for Your Teen
Consider these summer activities for your teen when you’re ready for them to spend their free time doing something other than playing video games or napping. They’ll prepare for their future, become a more competitive college applicant and learn more about themselves by trying ideas like these before school starts again in the fall.
