While it can be challenging to keep up with the diverse interests and rapidly evolving worlds of today’s teenagers, there are plenty of fun activities that can help bridge the gap. From solo pursuits to shared experiences, I’ve compiled a list of 41 eclectic options that cater to varying levels of involvement. Recognizing that teens’ passions can shift quickly, this collection aims to offer something for everyone – regardless of their interests or moods.
Whether you’re looking to share a fun project with your teenager or join in on the excitement yourself, I hope this list provides a great starting point for an enjoyable afternoon.
Paper Hat
A classic paper hat is an excellent starting point for your crafting journey. With any type of paper at hand – construction, newspaper, or even tissue paper – you can create a fun and playful chapeau. Not only are these hats easy to construct, but they’re also a great way to get creative with family or friends. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just want to add some whimsy to your daily routine, paper hats are a fantastic way to get started.
Origami Blossom Hearts
Origami has unexpectedly become one of my most cherished leisure activities, as the process of creating various shapes or animals provides a therapeutic outlet for me. I believe it’s an ideal hobby for teenagers, requiring a bit more mental stimulation and producing lifelike creations that can help alleviate stress by focusing the mind on precise folds.
Tie-Dye Shirt
A timeless summer staple that can be enjoyed year-round with the right indoor setup. We’re particularly fond of this comprehensive kit, which provides everything needed for a successful tye-dyeing experience. The beauty of this process lies in its versatility – as long as you’re working with lighter washes, anything is achievable. While bleach dyeing has gained popularity in recent years, offering greater freedom and flexibility, it does come with the trade-off of reduced color variation.
Macrame
Macrame has become one of my go-to crafts during the pandemic, and I’m hooked! To get started, I recommend mastering the fundamentals – knots, various projects, and techniques. Once you’re comfortable with the basics, choose a project that excites you and let your creativity shine. Macrame is an excellent way to spend quality time with your teens on a weekend or any day of the week.
Paper Rose
In our household, the art of creating paper masterpieces extends beyond traditional origami to encompass a range of paper-based delights. Among our favorites are paper flowers, which have become a beloved tradition over the years. A memorable school project one year sparked this interest, as a simple yet thoughtful Mother’s Day gift featuring paper blooms left a lasting impression.
Since then, we’ve experimented with increasingly complex designs, further solidifying their place in our hearts and homes.
Watercolor Painting
Watercolors are a timeless favorite among artists of all ages. To add some excitement to your watercolor project, consider laying the groundwork with a quick sketch using a non-bleed black or dark-colored marker before diving into the painting process. This simple step can have a profound impact on the final result, allowing the vibrant colors of the paint to truly pop.
Macrame Bracelet
In this household, macrame is an undeniable passion! We’ve created numerous stunning pieces over the years, gifting some to our friends and treasuring others as personal mementos.
While embellishments like charms or beads can elevate your creations to new heights, there’s something undeniably charming about a beautifully crafted piece that lets its natural beauty shine.
Whether you prefer whimsical additions or a more minimalist approach, macrame is an excellent choice for a quick and rewarding project that will remain a beloved accessory for years to come.
DIY Wall Art
When it comes to teens and their social circles, it’s clear that friendships are a top priority. That’s why this DIY wall art project is a fantastic way to celebrate their friends in one convenient location. To get started, choose a shape from your local craft store or unleash your inner artist by creating your own design. A pinata-style construction is particularly well-suited for this project, allowing you to easily add each friend’s name and likeness.
Yarn Pom Poms
One of the most delightful DIY projects I’ve attempted recently is creating yarn pom poms. These tiny treasures add a playful touch to any craft project, making them perfect for adding an extra layer of fun. While they may seem intimidating at first, yarn pom poms are actually quite simple to make, even for those without extensive crafting experience. With the right materials and a little creativity, anyone can create these adorable decorations.
In my case, I opted for a multi-pack of yarn, which turned out to be an excellent investment, as it allowed me to experiment with different colors and patterns.
DIY Bath Bombs
The world of bath bomb creation is a treasure trove of fun and creativity, especially when it comes to customizing the final product. We began our journey with a starter pack, which proved to be an excellent introduction to this delightful craft. What’s more, our experience showed us that having full control over the creative process can lead to some truly remarkable results.
By selecting their own molds, essential oils, and additives, teens (or anyone for that matter) can bring their unique vision to life. When purchasing essential oils, it’s crucial to ensure they are skin-safe, as we’ve learned from personal experiences with friends who had adverse reactions due to lack of caution.
Paracord Bracelet
If your teen is looking for an alternative to a macrame bracelet, consider a paracord option instead. The versatility of paracord makes it a great material to work with – we often have it lying around after using it for various projects. In fact, I once planned to make a macrame bracelet but was short on materials, which led me to create a paracord alternative.
Not only can you craft a stylish accessory, but the paracord also has practical uses – in a pinch, it could help you get out of a sticky situation.
DIY Leather Tassel Key Ring
While my pom-pom creations have been a hit, another DIY project that’s caught my attention is this leather tassel key ring. What I love about it is the versatility – the accompanying pack contains an array of colors and materials, making it perfect for crafters of all ages and skill levels, from teens to adults. Whether you’re looking to create something unique or simply want to add a personal touch to your accessories, this DIY project has everything you need to get started.
Friendship Bracelets
Most of my teenage summers were a blur of friendship bracelet-making, a rite of passage that transcends time. If your teen hasn’t yet joined the ranks of bracelet enthusiasts, grab them this amazing pack and encourage their creativity. With endless patterns available online or through experimentation, these bracelets offer an effortless way for teenagers to have fun while expressing themselves.
As one of the most enjoyable teen birthday party activities, they’re sure to be a hit with your little ones.
Seashell Necklace
The concept behind this project originated from a cherished tradition we observe during our beach vacations. Interestingly, store-bought shells can be just as effective in creating the desired outcome. The level of ornamentation or simplicity is entirely up to personal preference. However, it’s essential to ensure that any shells used are thoroughly cleaned, whether they’re sourced from the beach or purchased commercially.
Homemade Soap
Homemade soap making is an enjoyable hobby that offers endless possibilities for creativity and personalization. With just a few simple ingredients, you can craft unique bars that reflect the season or any special occasion. To add an extra touch of charm to your gifts, consider pairing your handmade soaps with natural paper and twine. The rustic packaging will complement the soap’s homemade charm, making it an even more thoughtful present.
Lavender Candle
Upon discovering the unappealing array of chemicals often present in store-bought candles, I decided to take matters into my own hands and embark on a journey to create my own. The outcome was nothing short of rewarding, especially when I experimented with lavender as one of the final scents I tried.
Macrame Keychain
While the thought of working with scraps of macrame rope might seem underwhelming at first, it can actually be a very enjoyable and creative process. The fact that it’s accessible to crafters of all ages is also a big plus – for teens in particular, adding beads or other embellishments can add an extra layer of fun and self-expression.
Bullet Journaling
For teenagers who value creativity and organization, bullet journaling offers a unique way to document their lives. By incorporating lists, calendars, photos, and journals into a single notebook, they can create a personalized reflection of their experiences. If your teen is new to the concept, it’s worth exploring further to uncover the many possibilities this art form has to offer.
As an added bonus, bullet journaling makes for a productive and engaging activity perfect for a rainy day spent indoors.
Polymer Clay Earrings
Transforming into a creative haven with friends is effortless when crafting with polymer clay earrings. With just three essential components – paint, clay, and shaping tools – you’re ready to unleash your imagination and design unique pieces that reflect your personality or serve as thoughtful gifts. The process itself becomes an adventure, as you experiment with various color combinations, allowing the resulting earrings to be as diverse as your friendships.
Baking Cookies
While it’s always a good time to bake cookies, incorporating this activity into a teenager’s routine can have a significant impact. Not only do they gain hands-on experience with their oven, but they also develop essential skills in a tangible way. For teens who show a natural aptitude for baking, offering more complex cookie recipes can help them continue to grow and refine their craft.
On the other hand, providing a simple premix recipe can be an effective way to introduce average teen bakers to the process, allowing them to build confidence and develop their skills in a supportive environment.
DIY Bottle Vase
Transforming an ordinary bottle into a unique piece of art is a fantastic upcycling project that requires minimal effort and creativity. Start by selecting any bottle or jar you find interesting, as well as various layers of paint. Allow each layer to dry completely before moving on to the next one, ensuring the final appearance of the bottle meets your satisfaction. Once the base color has dried, add any desired detailing for a personalized touch.
22 . DIY Tassel Chain Necklace
The concept of creating a DIY tassel chain necklace lingered in my mind after crafting a leather tassel keychain. This compact collection of tassels offers an ideal starting point for experimenting with jewelry, allowing me to play with various metallic hues and create a truly unique piece that showcases the beauty of color combinations.
DIY Marbled Mugs
For teenagers who have developed a taste for tea or are just discovering the joy of coffee, these DIY marbled mugs make a thoughtful and personalized gift. The key to achieving the vibrant colors on the bottom of the cups lies in reusing excess nail polish. To add an extra touch of creativity, grab a few markers and use them to decorate the design on top of the mug. Finally, bake the mugs at a low temperature to fix the color and any additional markings.
This unique craft project is sure to be a hit with teen girls, making it an ideal sleepover activity.
Paper Lantern
Paper lanterns are a staple in our crafting repertoire, often used to add a touch of festive flair to special occasions or holidays. While we’ve experimented with various materials, craft paper remains one of our go-to choices for creating these lovely creations. In fact, its versatility has led us to create not just one, but several lanterns over the years – including a particularly special one that now adorns the bedroom of one of our kiddos.
To make it even more functional and enjoyable, we’ve paired it with an electric tea light, allowing the child to easily turn it on and off as desired, adding an extra layer of independence and fun to this already delightful craft.
DIY Tassel Garland
For teens who embody a perfect blend of minimalism and whimsy, a DIY tassel garland is an ideal decoration. The beauty of this project lies in its versatility – the crafter can tailor the look to suit their personal style by choosing from a range of materials, including yarn, decorative paper, or even leather for the tassel itself.
This openness allows for creations that are either bold and colorful or understated and simple, making it an excellent option for teens who like to keep things fresh and fun.
DIY Scrunchies
For those who adore scrunchies or know someone who does, DIY scrunchies offer an excellent group activity. To make this project accessible to everyone, regardless of sewing skills, we began with a starter kit and have since branched out on our own. This creative endeavour has been a delightful experience, yielding wonderful gifts that are perfect for the holiday season. Making festive scrunchies for little ones has brought us immense joy.
DIY Bracelet out of Shoelaces
I recently came across a creative idea that aligns perfectly with my passion for macrame and paracord jewelry. The concept is to create shoelace bracelets, which can be easily sourced from various stores. What’s great about this project is the versatility it offers. To take it to the next level, you can purchase multiple shoelaces in distinct colors or patterns and combine them into a one-of-a-kind piece by weaving the strands together.
Knit Headband
When faced with the challenge of finding a headband pattern that suits my kids’ style, I’ve learned to take matters into my own hands. Rather than settling for an unflattering option, I’ll create my own bespoke headband by upcycling a plain or thrifted band. This DIY approach allows me to get creative with scraps from past projects or vintage finds, giving me the freedom to customize the design and make it truly unique.
DIY Phone Holder
For teens with a cellphone, this craft is an affordable and adorable option. At its core, the project starts with a humble toilet paper roll. The ingenious twist? A small opening that perfectly accommodates a phone, making it a functional and fun DIY accessory.
The best part? Teens can get creative and decorate their masterpiece however they like – or, if they prefer, simply leave it as is, its original form intact.
This craft’s ease and affordability make it an excellent choice for those working with a tight budget.
DIY Herb Garden Mason Jars
For teenagers who are just beginning to explore their connection with nature, cultivating an herb garden can be an excellent starting point. By focusing on easy-to-grow herbs that spark their interest, teens can develop a sense of ownership and responsibility over the process. To make it even more engaging, encourage them to maintain a notebook or journal to track the growth, changes, and experiences throughout the season.
As they gain confidence and knowledge, consider expanding the garden each year or planning a new one together for the following year.
Paper Flowers
As a self-proclaimed lover of paper flowers, I’m delighted to share that my passion extends to my children as well. My enthusiasm for art therapy is unwavering, and crafting paper flowers holds a special place in my heart as a means to calm the mind and soothe the body. While traditional white paper has always been my go-to material, I’ve recently experimented with patterned paper and been thrilled by the adorable results that have emerged.
Photo Collage
To create a modern and visually appealing photo collage, you can opt for a simplified version of the wall art showcased earlier. The beauty of this project lies in its flexibility, allowing you to adapt it to suit your budget or your teenager’s personal style. One creative approach is to utilize washi tape to frame individual images, maintaining a structured taping pattern or layering the framed photos for added visual interest.
DIY Jewelry Trays
The art of creating customized decorative trays is incredibly satisfying, as each one’s unique design is the result of personal creativity. One such technique involves air-dry clay, which simplifies the process by allowing for quick molding and a wait-and-see approach until it reaches its fully dry state.
Vision Box
When a teen lacks wall space or shares a room, propose an alternative to a traditional vision board – the vision box! This containerized concept allows them to collect and revisit their inspiring materials at will. The beauty of a vision box lies in its ability to accommodate more than just clippings; it can hold mementos, notes, and other tangible representations of goals and aspirations.
By harboring this creative expression, the box fosters a deeper connection to one’s objectives, making it an effective tool for teens seeking to manifest their desires.
DIY Photo Display Board
Envision this as a charming canvas waiting for creative expression. This craft is perfect for teens who want to revamp an old corkboard or give a new one a stylish makeover. With minimal effort, they can transform it into a unique and personalized space that will remain a treasured possession for years to come.
DIY Notebook
Taking bullet journaling to the next level with your teen? Consider having them create their own notebook from scratch! With scrap paper and semi-sturdy materials, they can craft a unique and personalized book that reflects their style. If you’re both new to this process or need some inspiration, there are many resources available, such as DIY book-making kits that can guide you through the process.
Not only is creating notebooks a fun and creative activity, but it can also be a great way for your teen to earn some extra money by selling their handmade books.
Lotion Bars
When it comes to DIY projects for teens, creating their own lotion bars can be an engaging and educational experience. Rather than simply providing them with a pre-made recipe, encourage them to think about what they want their lotion bars to achieve – perhaps softening dry skin or leaving a pleasant scent like freshly baked cookies. As they brainstorm, discuss the importance of researching the ingredients needed for their project, including essential oils if they plan to add fragrances.
It’s crucial that teens understand the significance of using carrier oils to prevent irritation or opt for skin-safe essential oils to ensure their creations are gentle on the skin.
DIY Cocoa Lip Balm
As a teenager, I was obsessed with sweet-smelling lip balms and chapsticks. While their safety might be questionable, this DIY cocoa lip balm is a game-changer – not only does it smell amazing, but it’s also all-natural. The best part? You can customize it to your heart’s content by experimenting with different scents and ingredients. I’d love to hear from you in the comments if you give this idea a try!
We enjoy making these around the holidays when chapped lips are more common, and it’s a great way to get into the festive spirit. With this recipe, you can indulge in the delicious smell of cocoa while also pampering your lips with natural goodness.
DIY Body scrub
As teenagers enter this phase, they often develop a fascination with unique or captivating fragrances. A timeless favorite among both teens and adults alike is the homemade DIY body scrub. While store-bought scrubs can be convenient, there’s something special about creating your own using fresh, wholesome ingredients. The process of crafting the scrub can be therapeutic in itself, providing an opportunity for teens to unwind and engage in a creative activity on a weekly basis.
Furthermore, this homemade approach allows for greater control over the ingredients and their potential impact on skin health. I personally enjoy experimenting with different combinations of ingredients, such as the recent lavender-vanilla blend that proved perfect for welcoming Spring.
Coloring Mandalas
Coloring has long been recognized as an effective therapeutic outlet, yielding a unique creation that brings a sense of accomplishment. This activity is particularly well-suited for teenagers who may be hesitant to commit to something new but still desire a tangible outcome. Beyond simple coloring books featuring ponies and dinosaurs, mandalas offer a more complex and sophisticated creative outlet.
The meditative process involved in creating these intricate designs can be both calming and fulfilling, making it an ideal way to spend a rainy afternoon while watching a movie or engaging in other leisure activities.
Pressed Flower Mason Jar Luminaries
Combining aesthetics and creativity, these stunning pressed flower mason jar luminaries are a unique fusion of natural beauty and upcycling. We’ve experimented with various materials beyond flowers, such as smaller leaves, clover, grasses, and even preserved insects to add an extra layer of fascination. To recreate this project, simply upcycle old pasta sauce jars or use this set of pots. Allow about a month for the foliage to dry completely, ensuring the perfect pressed effect.
This activity is just one example of our suggestions to overcome boredom and keep yourself engaged.
