The summer holidays can feel surprisingly tricky once your child reaches their teenage years.
They’re too old for many children’s camps, too young for lots of adult activities, and often too cool to admit they actually need something to do.
And while six weeks of freedom sounds wonderful, the reality for many parents is that teenagers can quickly become bored, frustrated and stuck in a cycle of sleeping late, scrolling endlessly and saying “there’s nothing to do”.
The problem is that most teenagers don’t actually want to be entertained. They want to feel independent, capable and trusted.
So instead of filling every day with expensive activities, why not give them challenges that help them build confidence, learn new skills and have fun at the same time?
Here are 15 affordable summer holiday ideas for teenagers aged 13–16 that don’t feel childish.
1. Give your teen £10–£20 and challenge them to make it grow
This is one of my favourite summer challenges because there really are no limits.
Give your teenager a small amount of money and challenge them to see how much they can make from it by the end of the holidays.
The best part? They keep the profits.
Ideas could include:
- Buying items cheaply from a car boot sale or charity shop and reselling them
- Creating something handmade to sell
- Designing digital downloads such as planners, artwork or templates
- Starting a car washing service
- Baking and selling cakes or treats
- Offering dog walking or pet sitting locally
This takes time, but that is part of the appeal. It becomes a project rather than just another activity to tick off.
Teenagers often love this because there are no limits. They have to think creatively, work out what people might buy, decide on prices and solve problems along the way.
Without realising it, they are learning about money management, marketing, communication and entrepreneurship.
2. Make them the family holiday planner
Parents often take responsibility for organising every day out, but teenagers are more than capable of getting involved.
Give them a challenge: research five local days out or activities that your family hasn’t done before and let them plan one.
Set a budget and encourage them to find free or low-cost options.
They could look for:
- Local events and summer fairs
- Library challenges and activities
- Museum offers
- Nature trails
- Free community events
- Discount days
- Hidden local gems
They could present their ideas, work out the costs and explain why they think each one would be fun.
This is a brilliant way to build independence. They are practising research skills, budgeting, planning and communication — all skills they will need as they get older.
3. Learn one useful skill in 30 days
Summer is the perfect time for teenagers to learn something they actually choose themselves.
The key is letting them pick something they are interested in.
Ideas include:
- Learning video editing
- Improving photography skills
- Learning Canva design
- Trying coding
- Learning to cook
- Learning basic car maintenance
- Starting a language
- Improving touch typing
Encourage them to document their progress with a “day one versus day 30” video.
Learning something new builds confidence because teenagers can see their own progress. It also teaches them an important lesson: skills develop through practice.
4. Create a “summer bucket list” with a twist
Instead of expensive days out, create a list of experiences they can complete over the holidays.
Ideas:
- Watch a sunrise
- Cook a meal from another country
- Visit somewhere local they’ve never been
- Try a new sport
- Learn a new recipe
- Interview a family member
- Complete a charity challenge
- Explore a new walking route
The aim is not to spend money. It is about creating memories and encouraging curiosity.
5. Start a mini business with friends
Teenagers often enjoy doing things together, so why not encourage them to create something as a group?
Ideas could include:
- Dog walking
- Gardening help
- Car washing
- Tutoring younger children
- Making crafts
- Photography at local events
Working with friends teaches teamwork, reliability and responsibility.
It also helps teenagers realise they have skills that other people value.
6. Become a local explorer
Challenge them to discover places close to home that they have never visited.
Many teenagers think they need to travel far away to have an adventure, but there are often fascinating places nearby.
They could create:
- A local guide
- A photo diary
- A short video series
- A family day-out recommendation list
It encourages them to be curious about their own community.
7. Volunteer for a cause they care about
Volunteering can be a brilliant confidence boost for teenagers.
They could help with:
- Animal charities
- Community projects
- Local events
- Food banks
- Environmental projects
It gives them experience, introduces them to new people and helps them understand the world beyond their own friendship group. Many charity shops appreciate the extra hands.
8. Learn five meals every teenager should know how to cook
Cooking is one of those life skills that becomes increasingly important as teenagers become more independent.
Challenge them to master five meals before the end of summer.
They could learn:
- A pasta dish
- A curry
- A healthy breakfast
- A family favourite
- A budget-friendly meal
Not only does this help practically, but cooking builds confidence and independence.
9. Declutter their room and sell what they no longer need
Teenagers often have clothes, games and gadgets they no longer use. Get them listed on Vinted and make some money. My daughter has been really surprised how much she has made just from listing the stuff chucked in the back of wardrobes and under her bed!
Turn it into a project:
- Sort what they no longer need
- Photograph items
- Write listings
- Deal with buyers
- Save or spend the money
This teaches organisation, negotiation and money skills.
10. Plan a £5 day out with friends
Teenagers don’t need expensive activities to have fun.
Challenge them to create a day out with friends for £5 or less.
They could:
- Organise a picnic
- Create a treasure hunt
- Visit free attractions
- Have a sports tournament
- Explore a local area
The planning is often just as much fun as the activity itself.
11. Create something instead of consuming something
Teenagers spend a lot of time consuming content online, so encourage them to create.
They could:
- Make videos
- Start a blog
- Create artwork
- Write stories
- Make music
- Start a podcast
Creating builds confidence and gives them something they can feel proud of.
12. Complete an “adulting” challenge
Summer is a great opportunity to teach the practical skills teenagers will need.
Challenges could include:
- Planning a food shop
- Managing a budget
- Using public transport independently
- Booking an appointment
- Organising a family day out
- Learning basic household tasks
These skills are often overlooked but are essential for adulthood.
13. Become the family photographer or videographer
Give them responsibility for capturing family memories.
They could create:
- A summer highlights video
- A photo album
- A family documentary
- A travel vlog
It encourages creativity and helps them see everyday experiences differently.
14. Complete a personal challenge
Teenagers often respond well to having a goal.
This could be:
- Improving fitness
- Reading a certain number of books
- Learning a new skill
- Raising money for charity
- Completing a creative project
The important thing is that they choose something meaningful to them.
15. Have a “try something new” week
Encourage them to do one new thing every day for a week.
It could be something small:
- Trying a new food
- Visiting somewhere new
- Learning a new skill
- Speaking to someone new
- Trying a different hobby
Small challenges build confidence and help teenagers become more open to new experiences.
The best summer activities for teenagers aren’t always expensive
The teenage years are a time when young people are developing independence and figuring out who they are.
The best summer activities don’t just keep them busy — they help them grow.
By giving teenagers challenges, responsibilities and opportunities to try new things, we help them develop confidence, creativity and practical skills they will use for years to come.
And the best part? Many of these ideas cost little or nothing.
Sometimes the most valuable summer experiences aren’t the ones you pay for — they’re the ones that help teenagers discover what they are capable of.
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Activities for Teenagers
How can I keep my teenager busy in the summer holidays?
The best way to keep teenagers busy during the summer holidays is not to constantly entertain them, but to give them opportunities to take ownership of their time.
Teenagers often respond better to challenges, projects and responsibilities than planned activities organised by parents. Encourage them to learn a new skill, plan a day out, volunteer, start a small project or set themselves a personal goal.
The aim is to help them feel independent while still giving them structure during the long summer break.
What can a 13-year-old do in the summer holidays?
A 13-year-old can enjoy a mixture of fun activities and opportunities to build independence.
Ideas include:
- Learning a new skill
- Planning a family day out
- Exploring local places
- Starting a small money-making project
- Cooking meals for the family
- Volunteering
- Creating videos, artwork or other projects
- Taking part in local events
At this age, many teenagers want to feel older, so activities that give them responsibility and a sense of achievement can work particularly well.
What can a 14-year-old do when they are bored in the summer?
When teenagers say they are bored, it often means they need something meaningful to focus on rather than simply another form of entertainment.
Encourage them to choose a challenge, such as:
- Making money from a small business idea
- Learning a practical life skill
- Creating something they can share
- Trying a new hobby
- Organising activities with friends
- Completing a personal goal
The summer holidays can be a great time for teenagers to explore interests that they don’t always have time for during school.
What are cheap summer activities for teenagers?
Many teenage activities don’t need to cost much money. Some affordable ideas include:
- Going on local walks or exploring new places
- Visiting free museums or community events
- Taking part in library summer challenges
- Organising a picnic with friends
- Learning a new skill online
- Selling unwanted items
- Volunteering
- Creating a personal project
Often, the activities that build the most confidence are the ones that involve creativity, problem-solving and independence rather than spending money.
How can teenagers make money during the summer holidays?
The summer holidays can be a great time for teenagers to explore simple ways of earning money.
Ideas include:
- Washing cars
- Dog walking
- Babysitting (where appropriate)
- Selling unwanted clothes and items
- Baking treats
- Creating handmade products
- Offering gardening help
- Buying and reselling items
These experiences teach valuable skills such as communication, budgeting, reliability and understanding the value of money.
Should teenagers have a routine during the summer holidays?
Teenagers need downtime during the holidays, especially after a busy school year, but having some structure can help prevent days disappearing into endless scrolling and late nights.
A good balance might include:
- Time with friends
- Relaxation
- Exercise
- Learning something new
- Helping at home
- Working towards a personal goal
The aim is not to recreate the school timetable, but to help teenagers make the most of their time.
How can I encourage my teenager to do activities when they don’t want to?
The key is giving teenagers ownership.
Instead of telling them what they should do, offer choices and challenges. Ask what they would like to learn, create or achieve over the summer.
Teenagers are much more likely to engage when they feel something is their idea rather than another instruction from a parent.
The summer holidays are an opportunity for teenagers to develop confidence, independence and life skills — not just a period of time to fill.
