Looking for fun things for tweens to do in the summer? This list of boredom-busters is full of creative, inexpensive, and screen-friendly ideas that tweens can enjoy alone, with friends, or with family. Whether your tween wants outdoor adventure, hands-on crafts, or simple chilled-out activities, these summer ideas will keep them entertained.
Fun Things for Tweens To Do In The Summer
“I’m bored” doesn’t have to be the summer anthem. Below are fun, practical, and varied activities tweens can try to make the season more memorable. These ideas focus on creativity, friendship, outdoor play, and learning new skills—many require little or no money and help build confidence and independence.
1.) Build a Fort
Go old school and construct a cozy blanket-and-pillow fort. Building a fort encourages creativity and problem-solving, and it’s a great place to read, play games, or stage a mini sleepover. You can make a fort indoors or in the backyard using sheets, chairs, and string lights for extra ambiance.
2.) Make Slime
Slime is a classic hands-on activity that lets tweens experiment with texture, color, and scent. With a few basic supplies—glue, activator (like contact solution or borax), and mix-ins like glitter or foam beads—kids can invent their own recipes and keep busy for hours. Always supervise younger kids and follow safe ingredient guidelines.
3.) Bake Summer Treats
Baking teaches practical kitchen skills and delivers sweet rewards. Try cookies, brownies, or simple no-bake desserts. Baking can be scaled to any skill level—measure, mix, and decorate—plus sharing homemade treats with family or neighbors is a rewarding way to spend an afternoon.
4.) Make a Backyard Fire (parents required)
With adult supervision, a backyard fire pit is perfect for toasted marshmallows and s’mores. Sitting around a fire is a relaxed way to chat, tell stories, and enjoy warm summer evenings safely. Be sure to follow safety rules and have water or a fire extinguisher nearby.
5.) Get a New Summer Do
A fresh haircut or a bold color can feel like a mini makeover and boost confidence. Whether it’s a few inches off for easier maintenance or a temporary color with washable dye, changing your hair is a fun way to experiment with personal style and stay cooler in the heat.
6.) Try a YouTube DIY
YouTube and other video platforms are full of step-by-step tutorials for clothing makeovers, room decor, jewelry making, and more. Tweens can follow along, learn new skills, and personalize their projects. Choose age-appropriate tutorials and materials to keep projects safe and rewarding.
7.) Make Popsicles
Homemade popsicles are customizable and healthier than many store-bought treats. Use fruit purees, yogurt, or smoothie mixes and experiment with layers, swirls, and mix-ins like berries or chocolate chips. Popsicle making is a simple science activity and a tasty reward.
8.) Play a Neighborhood Game
Organize a water balloon fight, capture the flag, or a neighborhood scavenger hunt. Group games build teamwork and make great use of warm weather. Setting clear boundaries and including all ages keeps games safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.
9.) Make a Short Film
Creating a short movie with friends encourages storytelling, planning, and basic editing skills. Write a simple script, assign roles, and use a smartphone or camera to film scenes. Editing the footage into a finished video is satisfying and teaches digital media basics.
10.) Try a New Hairstyle
Practice braids, buns, twists, and updos. Tutorials are great for learning techniques, and trying new styles on friends or family is a fun way to bond. Mess-ups are part of learning—summer gives plenty of time to practice and perfect new looks.
11.) Create a Summer Playlist
Curating playlists for different moods—chill, party, road trip—adds a soundtrack to summer. Tweens can explore new artists, organize songs by theme, and share playlists with friends for sleepovers or bike rides.
12.) Teach a Pet a New Trick
Training a pet strengthens the bond between tween and animal and teaches patience and consistency. Use small treats and positive reinforcement. Simple tricks like “sit,” “shake,” or “spin” are fun starter goals that feel rewarding for both pet and trainer.
13.) Have a Photoshoot
Whether taking portraits, fashion shots, or nature photos, a photoshoot encourages creativity in composition, lighting, and posing. Try themed shoots, use props, and edit favorite pictures for prints or social sharing if desired.
14.) Find Local Trails
Hiking or biking on nearby trails is a healthy way to explore nature and get exercise. Trail adventures teach map-reading basics, wildlife observation, and respect for outdoor spaces. Bring water, sun protection, and a small snack and enjoy the fresh air.
15.) Go Shopping / Thrift Shopping
Shopping can be a lesson in budgeting and style. Thrift stores offer unique finds and affordable ways to refresh a wardrobe. Look for quality items, practice comparison shopping, and explore ways to upcycle or personalize purchases.
Here are a few more things for tweens to try:
16.) Make a flower crown
17.) Build a DIY slip n’ slide
18.) Make a fancy fruity drink
19.) Start a small garden or container plants
20.) Create an ice cream or sundae bar
21.) Rearrange and redecorate your bedroom
22.) Create a colorful fruit salad
23.) Start a homemade slime shop
24.) Host a movie marathon with themed snacks
25.) Plan a DIY spa night with homemade scrubs and masks
Try some of these fun things for tweens to do and banish summer boredom. Mix indoor and outdoor activities, invite friends when appropriate, and encourage curiosity and creativity all season long.
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