The Ultimate Teen Bucket List: 20+ Activities To Do

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Need help finding activities to do with teens? Look no further. Whether you're planning a family day out or looking for fun activities with your teen, we've got you covered. Keeping teens engaged and entertained can be challenging, especially when they constantly seek new and exciting experiences. That's why it's essential to find activities that capture their interest and offer opportunities for learning and growth.

So, prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey filled with adventure, creativity, and bonding time.

20+ Fun activities to do with teens

Whether your teen loves solving puzzles, getting into thrilling adventures, or exploring their creative side, there’s something here for everyone. Dive into these cool activities for teens and discover new ways to bond, learn, and have a blast together.

1. Escape room adventures

Elevate your teen's problem-solving skills with a thrilling escape room adventure. Escape rooms are the perfect blend of challenge and excitement. Teens love the thrill of solving puzzles under pressure, making these experiences a top pick for a fun day out. Whether deciphering codes, finding hidden keys, or unraveling mysteries, escape rooms offer a unique way to engage and entertain your teen. Use the Morty App to find the best escape rooms near you.

Want to learn more? Check out our beginner’s guide to escape rooms.

2. Haunted attractions

Add some hair-raising fun to your teen’s day with a visit to haunted attractions. Haunted houses and attractions provide a spine-tingling experience for those who enjoy a good scare. Teens can explore spooky settings, encounter eerie characters, and experience heart-pounding moments. Haunted attractions are a hit with teens, perfect for those looking to add a little thrill to their day. Morty makes it easy to find and book haunts near you.

3. Immersive art experiences

Spark your teen’s creativity with immersive art experiences that turn spectators into participants. Immerse your teen in a world of creativity with immersive art experiences. These interactive installations allow visitors to become part of the artwork, offering a unique and engaging way to experience art. From digital projections to interactive exhibits, these experiences are both educational and fun. Still trying to figure out where to start? Try Morty for immersive experiences of all types.

Immersive what? Check out our immersive art explainer.

4. Robotics kits

Ignite a passion for technology and engineering with hands-on robotics kits. How cool would it be for your teen to go back to school after a break and tell their class they had built a robot? Studies show that engaging teens in building and programming robots helps develop technical skills and an interest in engineering (Evans et al.).

The best part? There are a ton of kits you can buy for all skill levels and ages.

In more of a DIY mood? Explore these resources on how to build robots at home.

5. DIY escape room at home

Transform your living room into a puzzle paradise with a DIY escape room at home. Whether you buy an escape room kit or go DIY, your teen will be engaged for hours, solving puzzles and challenges. This is a great way to bring the fun of an escape room into your living room. Get creative with themes and challenges tailored to your teen’s interests.

Ready to start? Check out our complete guide to escape room kits.

6. Virtual reality gaming

Step into a new dimension with virtual reality gaming that immerses your teen in exciting worlds. Virtual reality gaming offers an immersive experience that can transport your teen to different realities. Many VR centers provide a variety of games that are perfect for teens, from action-packed adventures to creative explorations. This activity can be a great way to introduce your teen to new technology and innovative gameplay.

7. Coding

Open up a world of possibilities with coding classes that could be the gateway to your teen’s future career. While coding may not sound like the most “fun” teen activity, for the right teenager, building a simple game, website, or app could be a portal into their future (plus something to brag to the kids at school about). In fact, studies show that “exposure of students to STEM careers can enhance their interest in pursuing careers involving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics” (Blotnicky et al.). If you think your teen might enjoy learning to code, we suggest investigating extracurricular classes, an online course, or even a coding camp.

8. Book club for teens

Foster a love for reading and discussion with a book club tailored for teens and their friends. Choose a book to read each month and host discussions about it. This encourages reading and critical thinking while providing a social outlet. You can also explore different genres and authors to broaden their literary horizons.

9. DIY craft projects

Unleash your teen’s inner artist with DIY craft projects that are both fun and skill-building. Whether painting, knitting, or building something from scratch, craft projects are a fun way for teens to express themselves and develop new skills. Plus, you’ll have some unique handmade items to show off. Look for projects that can be completed in a single session or that can be ongoing over several weeks.

10. Cooking classes

Turn your kitchen into a culinary classroom with cooking classes that teach your teen valuable life skills while they’re having fun. Many local community centers and online platforms offer classes suitable for all ages and skill levels. Experiment with different cuisines and techniques to keep things interesting.

11. Movie marathon night

Create unforgettable memories with a cozy movie marathon night featuring your teen's favorite films. Pick a theme, gather some snacks, and settle in for a night of cinematic fun. This is a great way to spend quality time together and enjoy classic teen movies. Consider themes like superhero films, classic comedies, or even a series binge-watch.

12. Music jam session

Encourage musical creativity with a jam session that brings together your teen and their friends. Gather some instruments, invite some friends over, and let the music flow. This is an excellent way for teens to express their creativity and collaborate. It’s also a great opportunity to record their sessions and track their musical progress.

13. Physical activities

Promote a healthy lifestyle with fun activities that keep teens active and fit. Physical activities like team sports, walking, hiking, cycling, and yoga teach teamwork and discipline and, studies show, promote physical health throughout your teen’s life, regardless of gender (Hernández). Check out local sports clubs or community centers for team sports and classes, or plan a weekly walk, bike ride, or hike in a nearby park with your teen.

14. Trivia night

Boost your teen’s knowledge and have a blast with a friendly trivia night competition with friends and family. Prepare questions on various topics and enjoy a friendly competition. This is a great way to engage reasoning and critical thinking skills and have fun simultaneously. Customize the trivia categories to include your teen's favorite topics for extra engagement.

15. Science and tech museums

Expand your teen’s mind with a visit to science and tech museums that make learning fun. These museums often have interactive exhibits that make learning enjoyable. They are perfect for curious minds who love to explore new concepts. Look for special programs or workshops that might align with your teen's interests.

16. Volunteer together

Teach valuable life lessons while giving back through volunteering together for causes your teen cares about. Find local organizations that need help and spend a day making a difference. This can be a rewarding experience that teaches teens about empathy and social responsibility. Choose causes that resonate with your teen to make the experience more meaningful.

17. Photography walks

Capture the world through a lens with photography walks that inspire creativity and new perspectives. Whether they use a professional camera or a smartphone, this activity can spark creativity and provide a new perspective on familiar surroundings. Encourage them to experiment with different techniques and subjects.

18. Gardening projects

Cultivate a green thumb with gardening projects that teach responsibility and environmental stewardship. Whether planting flowers, vegetables, or herbs, gardening can be therapeutic and rewarding. Plus, it teaches teens about responsibility and the environment. Consider starting with easy-to-grow plants and gradually expanding your garden.

19. Adventure courses

Challenge your teen’s courage and physical abilities with adventure courses like zip-lining, rock climbing, or obstacle courses. These activities are perfect for teens who love a physical challenge and the thrill of adventure. Ensure safety by using reputable courses and proper equipment.

20. Visit a theme park

Create lasting memories with a fun-filled day at a theme park packed with thrilling rides and attractions. Theme parks offer a variety of attractions that are sure to give teens something to talk about for months afterward. To make the most of your visit, plan ahead and check for any special events or discounts.

From detectives to aliens: Genre-based activities teenagers love

Add excitement to your teen's activities with themes that resonate with their interests.

1. Mystery and detective stories

Engage your teen’s curiosity with activities centered around solving mysteries. Activities that revolve around solving mysteries and playing detective are always a hit, and as a bonus, they stimulate critical thinking and problem-solving skills in teens.

Mystery activities include:

A mystery-themed board game night

A DIY murder mystery party complete with clues and a storyline for everyone to follow.

A mystery-themed escape room. Morty can help you locate one near you.

2. Science fiction and fantasy

Dive into fantastical worlds with activities inspired by science fiction and fantasy. Immerse your teen in the world of science fiction and fantasy through books, movies, and themed events. These genres offer endless opportunities for imaginative play and creative thinking.

Science fiction and fantasy activities include:

Genre-specific book clubs that meet once a month or every couple of weeks to discuss the book over snacks. (Pro tip: send discussion questions beforehand to ensure the conversation flows freely.)

Sci-Fi/Fantasy movie club that meets regularly to watch genre-based movies and talk about them.

Get a group together to attend a convention. Chances are, there is a convention near you themed around sci-fi, fantasy, comics, anime, etc.

3. Horror and thrillers

Add a touch of suspense and excitement with horror and thriller-themed activities. For teens who enjoy a good scare, horror and thriller activities provide the perfect mix of excitement and adrenaline. To keep the experience fun, ensure that the level of fright is appropriate for your teen’s comfort level.

Horror and thriller activities include:

Visit a haunted house with a group or as a family. Morty can help you find one.

Hold a scary movie marathon complete with themed snacks and drinks.

Book a horror-themed escape room with Morty.

How activities with teens can foster family bonds & critical thinking

Engaging in activities with teens does more than just fill their time; it can significantly strengthen family bonds and enhance critical thinking skills. The right activities can create shared experiences that bring families closer together and promote essential cognitive and social skills. Below, we explore how different types of activities can foster a problem-solving attitude, improve teamwork and communication, and contribute to overall personal growth. These benefits extend beyond the fun, offering valuable life lessons and opportunities for meaningful connections.

Problem-solving attitude and critical thinking

Encourage a sharp mind with activities that challenge your teen to think critically. Activities like escape rooms and DIY science experiments encourage teens to think critically and solve problems. These skills are important for personal development and academic and career success. Encourage your teen to reflect on the strategies that worked and those that didn’t to enhance their learning experience.

Teamwork and communication

Build stronger relationships with group activities that teach valuable teamwork and communication skills. Participating in group activities teaches teens the importance of teamwork and effective communication. Whether it's through sports, music jam sessions, or volunteering, these experiences help teens learn how to work well with others. Want to know more? Read our article about why escape rooms are great for team building.

For a comprehensive list of fun activities to do with your teen and to find the best escape rooms, haunted houses, and immersive art experiences, download the Morty App today and start planning your next adventure!

FAQs

How can a 16-year-old have fun?

A 16-year-old can have fun by engaging in escape rooms, haunted attractions, immersive art experiences, sports, and DIY projects. The key is to find activities that match their interests and allow them to explore new skills.

What do normal 16-year-olds do?

Normal 16-year-olds engage in various activities, including socializing with friends, participating in sports, exploring hobbies, and spending time online. Encouraging them to try diverse new activities can broaden their interests and skills.

Where do teens hang out?

Teens often hang out at malls, parks, cafes, and entertainment venues. They also enjoy spending time at home with friends, gaming, movie nights, and DIY projects.

What are some low-cost activities for teens?

Teens can enjoy plenty of low-cost activities without breaking the bank. Consider options like hosting a game night with board games or card games, organizing a potluck dinner with friends, or exploring local parks and nature trails. Many community centers offer free or low-cost classes and workshops. DIY projects, such as crafting or home science experiments, are also budget-friendly and can be done with everyday household items.

How can I encourage my teen to try new activities?

Encouraging a teen to try new activities can be achieved by involving them in planning and considering their interests. Discuss different options and ask for their input on what sounds exciting or intriguing. Starting with activities that have a social aspect, like joining a club or group, can also make trying something new less intimidating. Highlighting the benefits, such as learning new skills or making new friends, can motivate them to step out of their comfort zone.

The ultimate teen bucket list: 20+ activities to do with teenagers