Ideas for Teens at Home: What Actually Works
The best ideas for teens at home are the ones that require them to actually engage with something real — something physical, creative, or genuinely challenging — rather than passively consuming. Whether it is a long weekend, an extended break, or a week when getting out is limited, having a specific list of ideas for teens at home that work for teenagers (not just little kids) makes the difference between a productive stretch of time at home and a week of contention and screen negotiations.
This list was originally built during quarantine weeks in 2020, when our schools were closed and the challenge of keeping teenagers genuinely engaged at home was very real. A loose daily framework worked well: approximately 3 hours of school or learning time, a creative or project block, physical activity, and family time. The activities below were the things that consistently produced real engagement — not complaints that they were bored.
A Framework for a Day With Ideas for Teens at Home
- Morning: Physical activity first — outdoor games, a run, riding bikes, Spikeball before it gets hot.
- Mid-morning to midday: Learning or creative time — Tinker Crate project, Snap Circuits, instrument practice, a skill they are developing.
- Afternoon: Flexible time with specific options available — games, creative projects, outdoor play, or a planned activity.
- Evening: Family time — outdoor games, board games, a movie the family chose together.
The key to making ideas for teens at home work is giving them freedom within a framework and having the specific items or activities accessible before they are needed. “Go find something to do” does not work. “Here is the balance board, the Kan Jam is in the garage, and the Tinker Crate is on the counter” does.
I love this list of Would You Rather Questions for Teens. So fun and a nice break from the more serious conversations. You can download it for $2 HERE.
Balance Board
We have had this board since Christmas and we LOVE it. Someone is always standing on it and we have awesome competitions at night to see who can stay longest. Perfect for way too much home time. ($56)
Catapult Wars
I love this so much…building + fun. You build your own 2 catapults and shoot against each other for lots of science and rowdy fun. A great, inexpensive way to add fun to your day. ($15)
Whittling Set
Another great idea if you need something to pass the time and have a child who likes to be creative! ($30)
Drone
If you have been looking for an awesome drone that doesn’t break the bank, this is the one for you! This can provide hours of fun. ($45)
Microscope
With all the talk about viruses and hand washing, this would be the perfect way to learn more about all of it! ($80)
SKLZ Pro Mini Basketball Hoop
Spikeball
Spikeball is the perfect indoor/outdoor game. This portable, easy to play ball game will keep your kids occupied all year long while doing something that is crazy fun for the entire family. Great as a lawn or beach game or played in the basement during cold weather ($60). Best for kids 10 and older.
Kan Jam
A bit like ultimate frisbee for four, this fun and portable game is great for the backyard or beach. This game is easy to play, portable, and keeps the whole family active. We have LOVED ours! A great idea for a family who loves to be on the go ($40). Best for ages 8 and up.
Agility Pack
If you are stuck inside or contained to your yard and home, this is a great way to keep you in shape and training! ($25)
Hookey
Need something fun for the long days? What about this Hookey Ring toss game? Think darts but way safer! Throw this up in a man cave or basement or even a bedroom for all kinds of fun for kids and adults alike. Order HERE ($36)
Thumb Piano
These thumb pianos are so much fun for any kid who likes music. It is amazing what they can do. Such a great alternative to a screen when there is down time. ($40)
Yo Yo
If you thought yo-yos were a thing of the past, think again! These toys have reinvented themselves and are challenging and fun for kids of all ages with a myriad of tricks to learn and perfect. Investing in a good one is worth it ($13).
Kubb
If you need a new yard game that keeps things interesting and is easy and safe for all ages, this one is great! ($55)
Soccer Trainer
This is a great way for your soccer lovers to work on ball skills without a teammate. We have really enjoyed ours. ($13)
Leather Craft Set
Ukulele
Ukuleles are a great instrument for a budding musician. It is fairly simple to learn online and would be such a fun new skill to learn during a long school break! ($38).
Kanoodle
Kanoodle is awesome brain and spacial relations puzzle game that is perfect for car rides, waiting rooms, or quiet play at home. Even your teens will get into this one. ($11)
Pickleball Equipment
Has your family given pickleball a try? It is the greatest game for the entire family to get in to…a mix of tennis and ping pong and just good fun all around. Grab the paddles, balls, and net and you can play just about anywhere! We are going to be doing a lot of outdoor activities over the next couple of weeks.
Putting Green
If you are stuck inside, this is a great option. Good for kids and adults alike or for family competitive play ($40).
Bocce Ball
Bocce ball has been a long time favorite around here because is the perfect outdoor game for little and big ones alike. I love that you don’t need superior athletic ability to be a contender in this game. Fun for all ages! ($35) If you prefer using soft Bocce Balls with younger kids, you can find that set HERE.
Paint by Sticker Book
This is the coolest new art discovery. Instead of color or paint by number, you paint by sticker and create really awesome animals in the process. This would be amazing for church, car rides, airplanes, waiting rooms or any spot where you need a little peace and quiet. Great stocking stuffer too. Works best for someone 5 and up ($10).
String Art
If you have a little art lover, this string art is a fun way to mix things up! ($18)
Loop De Doo
Girls aren’t the only ones who like making friendship bracelets and this Loop De Doo makes it really simple to create cool, twisted jewelry with plenty of boy colors! $23-$30
Hey Clay
If you have a little sculptor on your hands, Hey Clay is a great way to keep their creative juices flowing! they can make these darling monsters and let them dry and harden or play with the clay over and over again! ($15)
How To Draw Books
Do you have a budding artist at your house? If so, these books make drawing so much fun! They give simple steps to create crazy monsters and cute animals that keep your boys occupied for hours. Such an inexpensive, great gift for your creative child! ($5)
Ultimate Dot to Dot
This book is full of challenges for your little puzzle mind. A great, quiet gift for your studious teen. ($12)
Rainbow Loom
Sometimes awesome products stick around forever and this is one of them. Your boys will love making these simple, crafty bracelets for themselves and all their friends. The price can’t be beat for hours and hours of creative fun. ($10)
Quarter Collecting Map
If you have a bunch of change lying around this is an awesome activity for a younger teen! ($15)
Some links listed are affiliate links. Thank you so much for your support of my research and writing!
Related Reading
Helpful External Resources
Frequently Asked Questions: Ideas for Teens at Home
What are good activities for teens at home?
Ideas for teens at home that work best: Spikeball, Kan Jam, and Kubb for outdoor active play; Snap Circuits and Tinker Crate kits for hands-on creativity; ukulele and thumb piano for something genuinely new; and Pickleball and Bocce Ball for competitive family fun. Physical and creative options consistently produce more genuine engagement than screens.
How do you keep a teenage boy busy at home?
Ideas for teens at home that work for teenage boys: a balance board (competitions happen naturally), Spikeball and Kan Jam for competitive outdoor play, Snap Circuits for hands-on electronics, a drone for something genuinely exciting. The key is something competitive, hands-on, or impressive to master.
What should teenagers do on a day off from school?
A good framework for ideas for teens at home: morning physical activity (hoops, a run, Spikeball), midday creative or learning time (Tinker Crate, instrument, Snap Circuits), and evening family activity (outdoor games, board games, movie). Physical + creative + social keeps the day full without screens as the default.
Thank you for this. I need all the ideas and help I can get to make this a positive, productive time for my 5 children at home. I like the idea of watching a TED talk and discussing it. Do you have any you recommend?
Thank you!
We are working our way through some. We have had a few winners…we really liked Drew Dudley’s everyday leadership, how to talk so people will listen, and how to spot a liar was interesting.