Ideas for Bored Teens

Arts and Crafts

• If your teen has an artistic nature and a creative mind, get her involved in arts and crafts. Choose projects that take into account her individuality, provide long hours of entertainment and require a small amount of money for supplies. To save money, think first of projects with supplies you have at home. If you currently have a collection of glass or gemstone beads, show her how to make beaded bracelets or necklaces. With leftover material, you can make a quilt, handbag or other sewing craft. Take a trip to your local craft store for supplies and inspiration.

Summer Jobs

• Having a summer job will not only keep your teen busy and free from boredom, but will also allow him to earn some extra money for shoes, video games, music or anything else he might enjoy. Help him find some summer employment by taking him around to the neighbors to ask if they need work done, such as washing cars or mowing the lawn. If he is old enough to get a work permit, he can work in food service, retail or many other places that hire teenagers for their first job. There might also be opportunities for the summer as a lifeguard at your local pool or beach, or as a babysitter for parents whose children are also out of school for the summer.

Dancing and Exercise

• Have some indoor fun with your teens by dancing away the boredom. Put on some music to groove to, or get one of the dance video games now available for various video gaming consoles. The newer consoles use motion sensors to show your dance moves on screen as you move to the music. Exercise is another way to cure boredom while getting some much-needed physical activity. Make exercise fun with bike riding, roller blading or tennis. If walking around the neighborhood is too boring for your teen, take her to the beach, park or for a walk around a nearby lake.

Parties

• Teens love to have parties, and they don't need to be wild or out-of-hand. Let your teen have a small gathering of friends over for a slumber party, spa party or makeover party. Karaoke parties are also a lot of fun for teens where they will hook up a karaoke machine or a karaoke game on their video gaming console. The teens can have fun with singing competitions while you provide drinks and snacks.

Backyard Activities

• If your teen is bored but wants to hang out with friends in a more private setting, let her invite some friends over for a backyard camping trip. Set up a tent and sleeping bags, provide dinner made on the grill and give them a flashlight to tell ghost stories. Make smores using your home's fireplace or use an outdoor fire pit available at many home improvement stores. Another way to have a low-cost backyard activity to cure the boredom is with a picnic. Bring out iced tea and sandwiches to spend quality time with your teen and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.