18 Things for Teenagers to Do in the Holidays

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Quick answer: 18 Things for Teenagers to Do in the Holidays. This guide gives 18 ideas in 4 sections: Learn something new; Get out and about; Make and create; Earn and give. Budget: Free to around £20. Best for: Ages 13 to 17.

Written by the PinkDux Team. Last updated October 2026.

• Time: An hour to a whole week
• Budget: Free to around £20
• Best for: Ages 13 to 17

By the second week of the holidays, a teenager can sleep until noon, finish a whole series and ask what is for lunch, all before most people have had breakfast. Boredom is real, and so is the urge to do something that feels worthwhile.

These eighteen ideas aim for fun and for a little growth. Agree plans together rather than dictating them, and make sure any outings are with trusted friends or groups with clear contact arrangements.

Top tip: Offer choices rather than orders. A teenager who picks one idea from a short list is far more likely to follow it through, and a little independence goes a long way.

Learn something new

A holiday is a great time to pick up a skill that does not fit into the school timetable.

• Learn to cook five meals: Choose five dishes, such as chilli, fajitas and a curry, and master them. Cooking basics are a gift for later life.
• Start a language: Free apps and library books make it easy. Aim for ten minutes a day and try ordering something in the language at a local cafe.
• Try photography: Take on a daily theme challenge and edit with a free app. Print the best ten and create a mini exhibition.
• Learn to code: Free online courses teach the basics. A small game project is a rewarding goal.
• Learn an instrument: Start with a ukulele or keyboard and follow online lessons. A short daily practice works better than long weekly sessions.

Get out and about

Fresh air and exercise improve mood, and there is no need to be sporty.

• Walk or cycle somewhere new: Plan a route to a nearby village or viewpoint and take snacks. Always tell someone the plan and take a charged phone.
• Join a sports taster: Many local leisure centres run holiday sessions. Try climbing, swimming or a new team game.
• Picnic with friends: Plan the food, pack a bag and head to the park. Practise budgeting and responsibility.
• Geocaching adventure: Use a free app to find hidden containers around your area. It turns a walk into a game.
• Volunteer: Charity shops, community gardens and food banks often welcome teenagers, with age limits. Ask in advance.

Make and create

Creative projects give hands and minds something satisfying to do.

• Design a bedroom makeover: Draw a plan, set a budget and swap furniture and decorations. Fairy lights and posters change the feel instantly.
• Upcycle old clothes: Turn an old T shirt into a tote bag or a patch on a denim jacket. Search for free tutorials.
• Start a journal: Write, draw or collage, whatever suits. Decorate the cover and keep it private.
• Make a playlist project: Collect songs for each mood or season and share them with friends. Add short notes about why each song matters.

Earn and give

Practical experience builds confidence and a sense of purpose.

• Dog walking or car washing: Offer to help neighbours, with a parent’s approval. Keep it local and agree a fair price.
• Run a table sale: Sort out outgrown clothes and games and sell them at a car boot, with a parent. Save some money and donate some.
• Help a grandparent: Help with gardening or teach them how to use a tablet. A great chance to talk and make a memory.
• Write thank you notes: Handwritten notes to relatives or teachers are always appreciated. It takes ten minutes and means a lot.

Helpful links and further reading

A few trusted places to find out more.

• National Trust: Find gardens, parks and historic places for a day out.
• English Heritage: places to visit: Castles, abbeys and gardens with family events through the year.
• Forestry England: Forest walks, trails and family activities across England.

Frequently asked questions

How can I get a teenager off their phone?

Offer something that interests them and give them a say in the plan. Agree screen limits together instead of imposing them.

What are safe things for teens to do alone?

Agree boundaries about where they go, who with and when they will be home, and keep phones charged.

Can teenagers volunteer?

Many organisations take teenagers from 14 or 16, sometimes with adult support. Ask the charity about their rules in advance.

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