In today’s fast-paced world, teenagers’ diverse interests and expansive horizons can be overwhelming to keep up with. Despite their ever-changing passions, there’s always something that can bring them together. To cater to this dynamic group, I’ve curated a list of 41 engaging activities that appeal to various levels of involvement. This eclectic collection aims to provide something for everyone, regardless of their mood or interests.
Whether you’re looking for solo pursuits or ways to bond with your teenager, this list offers a mix of creative and fun ideas that can be enjoyed individually or with parental participation.
Paper Hat
A timeless classic in crafting, creating a simple paper hat is an accessible and enjoyable endeavor that requires minimal materials. With any type of paper at your disposal – from newspaper to tissue paper – you can transform it into a charming chapeau. Whether for a celebratory occasion or just for fun, these hats are perfect for wearing around the house with friends or as a unique party favor.
Origami Blossom Hearts
Discovering origami, the ancient art of paper folding, has brought me an unexpected sense of calm. As I meticulously create various shapes or animals, I find it to be a therapeutic outlet that’s particularly well-suited for teenagers. The process requires a bit more mental effort than other crafts, yet yields intricate and lifelike creations that not only stimulate the mind but also provide a healthy distraction from life’s stresses.
Tie-Dye Shirt
Summer may be the most iconic time for tie-dye, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative year-round. With the right indoor space, this classic technique is doable anytime of the year. We’re big fans of this kit, which comes equipped with everything you need to bring your tye-dye dreams to life, as long as you’re working with lighter washes; the possibilities are endless.
In recent years, bleach dyeing has gained popularity, offering even more flexibility and freedom in terms of what colors you can use – although it does result in slightly less color variation compared to traditional methods.
Macrame
As I delved deeper into the world of crafting during the pandemic, macrame emerged as another beloved hobby of mine. The intricate patterns and textures that can be achieved through this art form truly captivate me. Before diving headfirst into a specific project, I highly recommend taking the time to master the fundamental techniques and concepts – including knots and different types of projects. Once you’ve built a solid foundation, the possibilities are endless.
What’s more, macrame is an excellent way to spend quality time with your teenagers on a weekend afternoon. The collaborative nature of crafting can foster meaningful conversations and create lasting memories.
Paper Rose
In our household, we have a special fondness for paper creations that rival the art of origami. Among these is the charming world of paper flowers. A school project many years ago sparked this fascination when my child brought home a beautiful bouquet of simple paper blooms on Mother’s Day. The joy it brought us was immense, and since then, we’ve been hooked on crafting more intricate and elaborate paper flower designs.
Watercolor Painting
Watercolors are a timeless favorite among artists of all ages. To add some excitement to your watercolor project, consider starting by creating a rough outline of your image using a non-bleed black or dark-colored marker. This simple step can actually make the colors pop even more when you begin painting.
Macrame Bracelet
In this household, macrame is more than just a hobby – it’s a beloved tradition. We’ve crafted numerous pieces for ourselves and as gifts to our friends over the years. Whether you choose to add whimsical charm or beads for an extra touch of personality, or opt for the timeless simplicity of traditional braiding and knotwork, these creations are sure to delight. Plus, with their durability, they can be treasured for years to come.
DIY Wall Art
When it comes to most teens, their social circle is often at the forefront of their minds. To give them a fun and unique way to showcase their friends, consider creating a DIY wall art piece that displays all their closest buddies in one place. This thoughtful gift can be easily customized to fit your teen’s style and interests.
Start by selecting a shape or design from a craft store, or get creative and make your own – a pinata-style construction works particularly well for this type of project. With a little imagination and some basic crafting supplies, you can create a one-of-a-kind piece that celebrates the importance of friendship in their life.
Yarn Pom Poms
Yarn pom poms have become one of my favorite DIY projects in recent times, bringing an undeniable touch of whimsy to any creative endeavor. Their versatility lies in their ability to instantly elevate the charm of a project, making them a perfect addition to any craft. While yarn pom poms may seem like a simple and uncomplicated activity, they offer a delightful opportunity for creativity, even appealing to teenagers who might not be keen on more intricate crafts.
I had the pleasure of experimenting with this multi-pack of yarn, which proved to be an excellent investment.
DIY Bath Bombs
Creating bath bombs is an exciting activity that allows for endless creativity and fun. Not only do you get to choose which one to use in a relaxing bath, but you can also customize the process with your teen. With this starter pack, they can pick from various molds, essential oils, and additives to create unique combinations. The best part is that they have complete control over how their craft is constructed.
As with any creative endeavor, it’s crucial to ensure that the materials used are skin-friendly. When selecting essential oils, make sure to check if they are safe for use on the skin. A personal experience has shown me the importance of being mindful of this detail.
Paracord Bracelet
While macrame bracelets are a popular choice for many, a paracord bracelet may be a more appealing option for your teenager, depending on their personal style. The versatility of paracord means it’s often readily available, having been used in various applications around the house or workshop. In fact, I was initially planning to create a macrame piece but found myself lacking the necessary materials, which led me to explore the alternative of using paracord.
Notably, this type of cord also has a practical advantage – it can potentially serve as a means of self-rescue in emergency situations.
DIY Leather Tassel Key Ring
One of my most recent and treasured DIY projects is this charming leather tassel key ring, which I’ve had a blast making. What I love about it is the versatility – not only does it come with pom poms, but also a range of colors that can be mixed and matched to suit any crafter’s style.
Friendship Bracelets
For many of us, our teenage years were marked by a quintessential rite of passage: crafting friendship bracelets. It’s an experience that transcends generations, but if your teenager hasn’t yet had the pleasure, there are plenty of ways to get them started online; you can find endless patterns and designs to inspire creativity, or let them take the reins and experiment with their own unique styles.
The best part: These bracelets offer a fun and easy way for teens to express themselves and connect with friends, and as an added bonus, it’s a fantastic activity to include in any teen birthday party, guaranteed to bring the group together and create lasting memories.
Seashell Necklace
Inspired by a cherished vacation custom, creating a beautiful shell centerpiece is an exercise in creativity and simplicity. Whether you opt for naturally collected shells from your beachside getaway or store-bought alternatives, the end result is entirely up to you. A crucial step before crafting your masterpiece is ensuring any natural shells are thoroughly cleaned to preserve their delicate beauty.
Homemade Soap
Homemade soap-making offers an unparalleled combination of creativity, flexibility, and simplicity. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to craft unique bars that suit any taste or occasion. Whether you’re creating a seasonal holiday treat or something special for a loved one, the process is delightfully straightforward.
Lavender Candle
As concerns about the chemicals used in mass-produced candles grew, I began exploring the world of DIY candle-making. This desire for control over ingredients led me to create a batch using lavender essential oil, a fragrance that holds a special place in my heart and has become a staple in my crafting repertoire.
Macrame Keychain
When it comes to utilizing leftover macrame rope, my go-to creative outlet is surprisingly straightforward – simply creating something beautiful with those odds and ends. And I’m not alone in this sentiment; even teenagers can get in on the action by incorporating beads or other embellishments that add an extra layer of excitement to their creations.
Bullet Journaling
For the creative and organized teenager who craves tangible expression, bullet journaling offers an engaging outlet. This flexible system allows for recording various elements such as lists, calendars, photos, and journals, making it an ideal hobby for those who appreciate structure and self-expression. If your teen is new to this concept, exploring online resources will reveal a plethora of ideas and inspiration to spark their interest.
And, as an added bonus, bullet journaling can be a productive activity to enjoy on a cozy rainy day at home.
Polymer Clay Earrings
For a memorable girls’ or friends’ night in, consider crafting polymer clay earrings. To get started, you’ll need a few basic materials: paint, clay, and some shaping tools. The beauty of this activity lies in its flexibility – experiment with various color combinations to create unique pieces.
Baking Cookies
Baking cookies can be a fantastic way to introduce teenagers to the world of cooking, and it’s an activity that’s hard to resist – who doesn’t love the sweet reward at the end? When it comes to baking with teens, starting with a simple cookie recipe can help build confidence and basic skills. For those with a natural talent for baking, more complex recipes are certainly achievable. However, for most teen bakers, a pre-mixed cookie package can provide a fun and easy way to get started.
DIY Bottle Vase
Transforming an ordinary vessel into an extraordinary work of art is a fantastic upcycling project. Use any bottle or unique jar as your canvas, and get creative with layers of paint. Allow each layer to dry completely before moving on to the next one. Once you’re satisfied with the base color, add any final details to give your vase some personality.
22 . DIY Tassel Chain Necklace
As soon as I finished crafting my leather tassel key chain, the concept of a DIY tassel chain necklace started swirling in my mind. The small collection of tassels, offering a variety of hues, seemed like the perfect starting point for a project that would allow me to get creative with metal colors. By experimenting with different metallic shades, I was eager to add an extra layer of interest to the finished piece.
DIY Marbled Mugs
For teenagers who have a passion for tea or are just discovering the world of coffee, crafting DIY marbled mugs is a unique way to express their creativity and create personalized drinkware. The key to achieving vibrant colors on the bottom of the cups lies in utilizing excess nail polish as the primary coloring agent. To add an extra layer of customization, markers can be used to create unique designs or messages on top of the marbled color.
Once the mugs are decorated, they should be baked to ensure that the colors and any other markings are permanent. This DIY project is a fantastic sleepover activity for teen girls, allowing them to bond over their shared love of crafting and coffee culture.
Paper Lantern
Paper lanterns are a staple in our household, particularly around special occasions or holidays. While we’ve experimented with various materials, our go-to choice has been craft paper of this sort. In fact, one of our little ones was so enamored with the process that they insisted on having their very own bedroom lantern. To make it even more functional and safe, we paired it with an electric tea light that can be easily turned on and off by the child themselves.
DIY Tassel Garland
For a teen who embodies minimalist chic with a dash of playfulness, creating a DIY tassel garland can be a delightful and creative outlet. The beauty of this project lies in its adaptability – the crafter can customize the color palette to suit their personal style, whether it’s bold and bright or subtle and understated.
The material used for the tassels themselves is entirely up to individual preference, with yarn, decorative paper, leather, or any other suitable medium offering endless possibilities for experimentation.
DIY Scrunchies
For those who adore scrunchies or know someone who does, creating your own DIY scrunchies is an excellent group activity. This project is perfect for individuals new to sewing, as a starter kit provides a great introduction to get started. We began by exploring this idea together and have since taken the leap to create our own custom scrunchies. The experience has been incredibly enjoyable, and we’ve found that crafting holiday-themed scrunchies for kids has been an absolute delight.
DIY Bracelet out of Shoelaces
My friend recently shared this with me, and it perfectly aligns with my passion for macrame and paracord bracelets. The beauty of shoelace jewelry lies in its accessibility – you can easily source high-quality shoelaces from a variety of retailers. To take these creations to the next level, consider purchasing three or more shoelaces in distinct colors or patterns, then weave them together to produce an even more distinctive piece.
Knit Headband
When crafting a custom headband pattern for my kids proves elusive, I opt for self-sufficiency and create my own. To get started, I repurpose a plain, off-the-rack headband or breathe new life into an old one that’s seen better days. For the makeover, I turn to a treasure trove of fabric scraps salvaged from past projects or scour local craft stores and thrift shops for fresh material to cover my hairpiece.
DIY Phone Holder
For teenagers with cellphones, crafting just got a whole lot more affordable and fun. The foundation of this project is an ordinary toilet paper roll, which may seem unconventional at first, but trust us, it’s a game-changer. A small, snug opening allows for easy phone insertion, making it the perfect DIY solution for any teen on a budget.
DIY Herb Garden Mason Jars
For teenagers keen on exploring the natural world, cultivating a small herb garden is an excellent starting point. Encourage them to begin by experimenting with easy-to-grow herbs that catch their attention. Alternatively, suggest they start with a simple yet fascinating selection, and let them take charge of planning the rest. To enhance their experience, recommend keeping a journal or notebook to document their progress.
This practice can be expanded upon in subsequent years, or even plan a future garden together for the next season.
Paper Flowers
As a parent, I’ve discovered that sharing passions with my kids can be incredibly enriching. My love for paper flowers is one such interest that brings us closer together. Not only do I find solace in the calming process of creating these delicate blooms, but I also believe strongly in the therapeutic benefits they bring to both mind and body.
While traditional craft paper remains a staple in my toolkit, I’ve recently started experimenting with patterned paper, which has yielded some surprisingly adorable results.
Photo Collage
For a modern and visually appealing approach, consider creating a fun photo collage that streamlines the wall art from earlier on this list. The great thing about this design is its adaptability – you can tailor it to fit your budget or your teen’s personal style. One creative way to bring this idea to life is by using washi tape to frame each image in a cohesive pattern. This not only adds visual interest but also creates a sense of structure and balance.
Alternatively, layering the framed photos for a more dynamic look can also yield impressive results.
DIY Jewelry Trays
One of the most charming crafts is creating unique trays from air-dry clay, which offers endless possibilities for customization. Unlike other crafting materials that require firing in a kiln or oven, air-dry clay simplifies the process by allowing you to shape it and let it sit until fully dry. This project is actually a two-part process, as once the clay has dried completely, you can then add color and personality with paint or various mediums.
Vision Box
For teens who share a room or lack sufficient wall space to create a traditional vision board, consider proposing a vision box instead. This alternative concept still enables them to collect inspirational materials and revisit their goals regularly. The beauty of a vision box lies in its ability to accommodate more than just clippings, allowing the contents of the container to remain intact and fostering creativity and vision for achieving their objectives.
DIY Photo Display Board
Imagine transforming a humble corkboard into a charming keepsake, much like giving an old piece of furniture a fresh coat of paint. This accessible DIY project is perfect for teens, allowing them to breathe new life into an old board or create something entirely unique from scratch. The best part: the payoff is immediate and lasting, providing a treasured memento that will be cherished for years to come.
DIY Notebook
To take bullet journaling to the next level with your teenager, consider having them create their own notebook from scratch. This can be achieved using scrap paper and sturdy materials. Alternatively, you can begin with a book-making kit that provides a comprehensive starting point. As they gain more experience in crafting notebooks, it can become a rewarding activity that even generates income through sales.
Lotion Bars
Lotion bars offer a fantastic DIY experience for teenagers, allowing them to craft their own unique product. To get started, engage in a conversation with your teen about what they hope to achieve with their lotion bars – perhaps they want to create a moisturizing formula or a sweet-smelling treat. Once you’ve established the desired outcome, have them research the necessary ingredients and materials required to bring their vision to life.
If essential oils are part of the plan, it’s crucial to ensure that your teen has either a carrier oil on hand to prevent irritation or selects skin-safe oils to avoid any potential complications.
DIY Cocoa Lip Balm
As a teenager, I have fond memories of indulging in fragrant lip balms and chapsticks. While they may not have been the safest option, my DIY cocoa lip balm is a natural and delicious alternative. The best part: you can customize it to your liking by experimenting with various scents and ingredients. Feel free to share any unique creations you come up with in the comments. For me, this recipe is especially appealing during the holiday season when dry, chapped lips are common.
Making these around that time has become a fun tradition for my family, allowing us to enjoy the festive spirit while also nourishing our skin.
DIY Body scrub
As teenagers enter this pivotal age, they often develop a fascination with unique or alluring scents. This phenomenon is not limited to teens, as adults can also appreciate the allure of a luxurious body scrub. While store-bought scrubs may suffice, there’s something special about crafting a homemade DIY body scrub that uses only the freshest and most wholesome ingredients.
Unlike commercial products, which often contain additives to extend their shelf life, a homemade scrub is free from preservatives and artificial enhancers. The therapeutic benefits of creating and using such a scrub can be profound, particularly for teens who may find it a meditative process. As an added bonus, this self-care ritual can have a positive impact on skin health when incorporated into a regular weekly routine.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to combining ingredients, allowing users to create unique blends that cater to their individual tastes and preferences. For instance, a recent experiment involved pairing lavender with vanilla for a spring-inspired treat that was nothing short of delightful.
Coloring Mandalas
While traditional forms of creative expression like drawing and painting can be intimidating, coloring offers a unique therapeutic outlet that yields tangible results in the form of beautifully crafted artwork. This activity is particularly appealing to teenagers who may not be ready to commit to more complex artistic pursuits but still crave a sense of accomplishment at the end of the session.
In contrast, to child-oriented coloring books featuring ponies and dinosaurs, mandalas represent a more sophisticated and intricate form of coloring that can be enjoyed by teens and adults alike. The meditative quality of this activity makes it an ideal way for individuals of all ages to relax on a rainy afternoon while watching a movie or engaging in other leisure activities.
Pressed Flower Mason Jar Luminaries
Combining creativity and nature, these stunning pressed flower mason jar luminaries bring together multiple passions in one unique project. While we often use flowers, we’ve also experimented with various foliage, such as smaller leaves, clover, grasses, and even preserved insects. To create these beautiful pieces, upcycle old pasta sauce jars or opt for a set of pots. As the foliage or flowers require approximately a month to press correctly, this project allows you to plan ahead.
If you’re looking to shake off boredom, try one of these engaging teenage activities that will keep you occupied.