Teens, it’s ok to get bored every now and then! But when you are ready to do something about it, here’s a list of 62 things you can do when you are bored! (Parents, if you are reading this, here’s how you can help your teen find a hobby):
For the Creative Personality
- Learn to draw–mandalas, zen, patterns, anime, animals, cartoons, caricatures, almost anything you can think of! Keep a sketchpad close by and a portfolio of your best work.
- Write Poetry.
- Try your hand at writing a Novella or Novel.
- Write and publish an e-book.
- Learn to sew.
- Design clothes.
- Learn to use Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, or other graphic design programs.
- Find and take free online courses about web design and programming.
- Learn to Paint–acrylic, water, or oil.
- Create mixed media art using mediums of all types.
- Create “found” art with items found around your house.
- Try any of the tutorials from DIY.org.
- Get crafty (wreaths, magnets, signs, garden decor, etc.).
- Create your own jewelry.
- Get into digital photography. Keep a portfolio!
- Learn to play a musical instrument.
- Create your own music.
- Choreograph a new dance.
For the Outgoing Personality or Homeschooler
- Volunteer at animal shelters, food pantries, churches, local charities, or nursing homes.
- Get a part-time job where you will come across lots of people daily.
- Join an organized sport league (for example, basketball at the YMCA).
- Offer to help your neighbors with tasks.
- Take advantage of the social gatherings that most homeschooling support groups and co-ops offer.
- Find a local homeschooling group on Facebook or Instagram and join.
- Coordinate a small social event at your house, such as a Friday evening ice-cream social.
- Organize your own job shadow day.
- Look for social events that may interest you at your local library, gym, church, community center, park, or area attractions (i.e., zoo, museum, etc.).
For the Homebody
- Learn to cook. Challenge yourself by cooking dinner for the entire family for a night. Design a menu, prepare all the courses, and don’t forget dessert!
- Garden. Grow a variety of vegetables, fruits, plants, and flowers.
- Restore old furniture.
- Try small home improvement projects (like painting your room or making an accent wall).
- Paint flower pots.
- Find a way to re-purpose unused items around the house.
- Create/maintain a flowerbed.
- Read anything and everything of interest!
- Learn to bake.
- Take your dog for a walk. Maybe even offer to walk a neighbor’s dog!
- Rearrange your room and try your hand at interior design.
- Start your own home-based business!
For the Hands-On Personality
- Begin an exercise regimen.
- Start gardening.
- Learn to work on small engines.
- Learn to mow the lawn and do light landscaping. You can even do this for neighbors!
- Get involved in a sports league.
- If you have the tools and space, get into woodworking.
- Put together puzzles, legos, or STEM kits.
- Go for a walk/jog/run with your favorite music.
- Do an outdoor activity in your area, such as fishing, hiking, camping, or geocaching.
- If you don’t have a pet, volunteer at an animal shelter.
- If you do have a pet (namely, a dog), spend some time trying to teach it to do new tricks.
For All Others
- See what you can buy for $5 at a local thrift store.
- Look through picture albums (digital or traditional) with a family member.
- Call one of your favorite relatives and chit chat for a while.
- Write a letter to someone special to you.
- Visit your local public library and let your mind wander!
- Take an online typing course.
- Look through magazines and create an idea book of your favorite fashion ideas, vacation ideas, home design ideas, etc.
- Become a pen pal.
- Make plans with a friend that don’t involve electronics.
- Play with your dog, cat, or other animal if you have one.
- Surprise your parents and clean the house, or a portion thereof.
- Turn your time into some money in your pocket (making money is a great thing to do when you are bored)! Use this time to capitalize on ways you can make money without holding a traditional part-time job, such as selling items online (maybe even some you create yourself), walking neighborhood dogs, mowing lawns, running errands for neighbors, babysitting or offering services as a mother’s helper, washing cars, cleaning houses, organizing a garage sale, selling baked goods at a local farmer’s market, shoveling snow, etc.
Might I add….
I realize that many times, finding things to do when you are bored will cost something, and yes, you are right. We must spend something to get the most out of boredom…time, effort, energy, creativity, money…something!
The good news is that many of these ideas are low- to no-cost, and most things that need to be learned can be researched online these days. Additionally, many of these ideas can be implemented at home in case you can’t drive yet. Others can be planned, organized, or researched until you can get an adult to drive you to where you need to go. You could also consider public transportation, if you live in an area that offers it, and your parents allow you to use it.
You now have an excellent list of things to do when you are bored…so many options! So put your phone down, pick something off the list, and go do it! Most of all, have fun!