We currently have four teenagers in our family, and they love to hang out with their friends. However, many teens need fresh ideas for things to do together. Here’s a giant list of teen hangout ideas, many of which are free or inexpensive.
One easy way to support your teenager’s friends is to provide a place in your own home for them to hangout. At the end of this post, we’ve included ideas for creating a teen hangout room or space in your home.
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27+ outdoor/ active adventures
For parents wanting to support their teen’s group of friends, it can be as easy as offering a ride. Plenty of teens aren’t driving yet, so if you’re willing to drop them off or pick them up, that opens up more hangout options.
Biking or walking around town
Hanging out doesn’t have to be complicated, nor does it require a specific plan. Quite often my teens and their friends take a walk to the local park, just walking and chatting.
Mall scavenger hunt
Use a free printable scavenger hunt to find items and complete challenges at a local mall without having to buy anything.
Swimming at a local pool, swimming hole, or lake
Our town has a creek running through it, and many kids and teens show up to the local swimming hole during the summer. Splashing around together is a great way for teens to connect.
Playing sports or lawn games
Suggest a meetup at the tennis court or an open grassy field for pickup soccer, football, tennis, pickleball, or whatever. Lawn games like bocce, croquet or corn hole are also good options.
Camping
Going camping with a group of friends is a great way to encourage connection. Parents of teens can coordinate a camping trip for their teens and friends, or simply invite a few friends on the family camping trip.
Backyard camping
Backyard camping is an easy way to enjoy the camping experience with all the convenience of indoor plumbing. If you have a backyard fire pit, it’s the perfect place for teens to hang out.
Teens can toast marshmallows, stargaze, or play night-time games in the backyard. Then they can sleep under the stars, or sleep in a tent if preferred.
Outdoor yoga
YouTube has plenty of free yoga practices so that even an absolute novice can try it out. Teens are often highly stressed, and mindful movement like yoga is a good way for teenage friends to support each other’s mental health.
Visiting amusement parks
Many teens love roller coasters and other rides, so a day at the amusement park is time well spent. Friends can chat while waiting in line and have fun experiencing the adrenaline rush together.
Trampoline parks or axe throwing
If you have a trampoline park or axe throwing place nearby, lots of teens love these activities. Axe throwing is usually only available to older teens, so check the website or call ahead before going.
Ziplining or rock climbing
This is another high-adrenaline activity for teens who crave excitement and adventure. It can also be an indoor activity for a rainy day – check your local area for indoor rock climbing gyms or high ropes courses nearby.
Kayaking, paddle boarding, and boating
Paddling around with a friend makes it even more fun. Rent a couple of kayaks or paddle boards and get out on the water.
Geocaching
This is like a treasure hunt for adults and older kids! Your teen can download one of the geocaching apps to their phone and look around your local area for caches. Or drive to a new area and go looking.
Gym guest pass
Your teen can use a gym pass to work out, use the other amenities, or just hang out with a friend. Many teens enjoy fitness activities, and doing it with friends makes it even more fun.
Going to outdoor concerts
If your teens love music, an outdoor concert might be a perfect activity to try. Local musicians are often featured, so it can be a good way to connect with other local musical groups.
Movies, or drive-in movies
Going to the movies doesn’t have to be super expensive. Look for matinee show times, or plan to share a big container of popcorn with a couple friends.
If there’s a drive-in movie theater near you, that’s also a great way to hang out with friends.
Nature photography or bird-watching
If your teens love nature or photography, take them to a local bird sanctuary or wildlife refuge to see some less common species.
Exploring national/state parks
You’d be surprised by how many teens haven’t visited their local national or state parks. Grab some close friends and spend the day exploring somewhere new together!
Visiting botanical gardens
Botanical gardens can be a great place for artistic teens to find inspiration. Plus, they’re just a beautiful place to spend time! Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy some time in the great outdoors.
Star gazing
Set up a comfortable outdoor area to watch for meteors, eclipses, or other celestial events. All you need is a good pair of binoculars or a telescope, and a constellation map or phone app.
Hiking local trails
Whether you explore the urban paths in your city, or drive out to the local natural area, hiking with friends is a fun idea.
Setting up backyard obstacle courses
Use chairs, tables, bikes or whatever you have on hand to create a course. Then have fun challenging each other to see who can finish it fastest!
Roller skating / blading, skateboarding
If you don’t have a skatepark or roller rink nearby, just skate around the neighborhood together. You can also try making some of your own ramps to try.
Having water fights
Water guns and water balloons are one of the most fun things to do with friends on a hot day. Make teams and see who can soak the other team first!
Do glow nights
Glow sticks are inexpensive, and you can use them to have all kinds of nighttime fun. Try creating videos with glow sticks, or create a nighttime obstacle course, or look up some more ideas on Pinterest.
Nerf gun wars
Grab some Nerf guns and eye protection and have at it! For more fun and challenge, go to a local park and form teams to see who runs out of ammo first.
Beach day
A beach day provides a mix of sun, water, and fun that’s hard to beat. Teens can jump in for swims, sunbathe, explore tide pools, or play beach volleyball and frisbee.
Picnic or sunset watching
All you need for a fun picnic is a couple of blankets, some simple homemade food, and maybe a frisbee or ball to toss around. Sitting outside together encourages conversation and relaxation without screens.
11+ creative & artsy activities
You don’t need an art studio to have fun creating! These ideas will help teens explore their creative side and make something special with friends while chatting and having fun.
From friendship bracelets, to tote bags, to painted rocks, the possibilities are endless. As an added bonus, crafting sessions are surprisingly relaxing once you get started.
Learn to knit, crochet, or sew
Grab some basic supplies and find a simple YouTube tutorial to get started. Making granny squares, or sewing a simple bag are great starter projects.
Making bath bombs, candles, or tie-dye shirts
There are plenty of craft kits that include enough supplies for two or three friends to do together. Check Pinterest for more ideas.
Building challenges
Use simple materials like spaghetti, marshmallows, and toothpicks to compete in building challenges. Or grab some tape and whatever recycling items you can find around the house to invent something!
Putting together family photo albums or scrapbooks
Printed photos are so much fun to look through! Invite some friends over to create fun photo books together.
Friend portraits
Set up supplies for everyone to paint or draw portraits of each other. If you aren’t much of an artist, include a rule like “Everyone must draw with their non-dominant hand” to even things out.
Blindfold drawing challenge
Draw or paint while blindfolded, either portraits of each other or a common object.
Painting rocks, or creating chalk art
For more fun, leave your painted rocks somewhere for someone else to find. Or create chalk art together on a local sidewalk for others to enjoy.
Jewelry making
Stock up on colorful beads, elastic strings (or embroidery thread), and charms. Then everyone can watch a YouTube tutorial and make bracelets to share between best friends.
Creating music videos or a theme song
Last time our teens had friends over, they sat outside for an hour coming up with creative and silly lyrics for songs. Listen to some parodies, then try coming up with some of your own!
Designing tote bags
Sharpies and blank bags from the dollar store are all you need to decorate a new bag. Grab some decorative accents from the craft section and glue them on for more texture if you like.
Trying calligraphy or journaling
All that’s needed for this are pens and paper. Check out some unique handwriting fonts or try bullet journaling.
17+ Home-based fun & indoor activities
Escape room – DIY or commercial
Use free printables and simple materials to create and solve a homemade escape room. If you have a larger budget or want more of a challenge, go to a local escape room together.
Virtual reality gaming
VR gaming allows for movement, teamwork, and dynamic interaction between friends. Even non-gamers may engage more with the novelty and shared excitement of virtual realty.
Video games
There are so many multiplayer games to enjoy with teenage friends! Jackbox Games, Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros and more will make sure everyone has a good time.
Try coding
Tech-savvy teens may enjoy working on a coding project together. Create a website or game from the ground up and then share it with friends.
Minute-to-win-it games
Compete in various short, fun challenges using common household items. Pinterest and TikTok have literally thousands of ideas! These quick, easy games will get everyone laughing and having a great time together.
Starting a book club
Book clubs can work well in the teenage years, especially if your teens love to debate and discuss ideas. Some teens will love connecting over stories, characters, and ideas from a good book!
Choose a thought-provoking book to read and discuss together (with snacks of course!) This can spark meaningful conversations that go deeper than casual chit-chat.
Hosting movie marathons
It only takes a little creativity to make a fun movie marathon or movie night. Picking a theme, like superhero flicks or classic comedies, can be a fun way to encourage participation. Invite teens to arrive dressed up as a favorite character.
Everyone can bring their favorite snacks to share, or you can plan themed snacks. Take breaks to play trivia or discuss plot points throughout the movie for even more connection.
Game nights (board games, card games)
Game nights bring out friendly competition and plenty of laughs. Games are a fantastic way to keep larger groups mixing, which allows teens the chance to connect with new friends.
We like to have several different game options available, such as a social game, a strategy game, and card games. That means everyone can find something they enjoy.
Bake-offs and cooking challenges
Cooking is a great hands-on activity for teens! Everyone can learn new recipes or kitchen life skills while swapping stories and tips.
Teens who are new to cooking may enjoy practicing with a basic recipe, or cookie decorating. Teens with more cooking experience can team up to cook a full meal for their parents and friends.
Redecorating or reorganizing rooms
The teenage years are full of so much change and growth, and often teens have a strong urge to change their space to reflect their growth. Allowing your teens to reorganize or redecorate their room can be a great activity to do with friends!
My teen daughters enjoy watching interior designers on TV shows, or saving their favorite ideas on Pinterest. They often check out yard sales or even create their own room decor. It doesn’t take a huge budget to make changes – just a little creativity.
Learning magic tricks
Learning to perform some simple magic tricks is a great way to spend an afternoon. You never know when you may have the chance to entertain friends, or surprise younger children with your magic!
Making homemade gifts
Many teens love to give gifts, but sometimes their budget is limited. Bring a few teen friends over to spend an afternoon assembling inexpensive mason jar gifts, or handmade cards. Pinterest is a good source of ideas for easy handmade gifts.
Chocolate tasting (or other gourmet food)
Buy a variety of gourmet chocolate bars at the local grocery store and host a tasting party. Take notes on which varieties you like best (and which ones taste worst).
Listening to podcasts / favorite tunes
Spend some time together sharing playlists or listening to each other’s favorite artists. You can also listen to a podcast together and discuss your thoughts about it.
Creating a vision board or life bucket list
If you have access to a stash of old magazines, spend some time creating a vision board. If you don’t have magazines, work together to think up all the things you want to do with your life.
Having a spa day at home
There are plenty of recipes for home face masks or foot scrubs using basic household ingredients. Spend time doing each other’s nails, or take turns trying different face masks.
You can also experiment with nail art designs using inexpensive supplies from the dollar store. Or try learning a new makeup technique together by watching a tutorial.
Extreme taste-testing
@dinkumtribe Meh. If you’re expecting Key Lime Flavor, you’ll be disappointed. @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe #keylimepiemandm #mandmscandy #mandms #nopenotatall #keylimepie #tastetestingcandy #tastetestingfood #randomtastetest ♬ original sound – DinkumTribe ADHD family travel
Set up a station with unusual or intensely flavored snacks for a taste-testing challenge. Hot sauces is a popular idea, or different flavors of jelly beans.
11+ social & community engagement ideas
Hosting a mystery dinner party
If your teen loves to plan events, a mystery dinner may be the perfect idea for their teen friends! You can purchase a pre-made kit to plan the evening, or design your own on one of several websites.
Some teens love solving a mystery, and you can really go all out with costumes, decor and themed food. It will definitely be one of their most memorable hangouts!
Local coffee shop meetup
Hanging out at a local coffee shop is a low-key way for teens to spend quality time connecting. Plus, trying out seasonal drinks or unique menu items adds a bit of fun discovery.
Volunteering
Many teens are passionate about making a difference, so volunteering as a group gives teens an opportunity to contribute. Whether it’s helping at an animal shelter, cleaning up a park, or assisting at a food bank, serving together encourages meaningful hard work and purpose.
Exploring new parts of town, or a new town
Give your teens some cash and a ride, and let them explore on their own in an unfamiliar part of your town. Or go to another nearby town for the day to explore.
Visiting farmer’s markets
My teens love to see all the unique handicrafts, fresh produce, baked goods and other vendors are on display at the local farmer’s market. As a bonus, there are often free samples to try, and live music or performances.
Visiting museums, art galleries, or historical sites
Giving your teens the opportunity to discover local museums or art galleries on their own terms can inspire creativity and a love for learning. Be sure to check out any interactive exhibits or special events that cater to your teen’s interests.
Attending local festivals
Our small town has local festivals going on almost year-round, and our teens love to see what’s new. Check your local area for unique festivals and events that your teen might enjoy visiting with their friends.
Attending local sporting events
Whether it’s high school football, minor league baseball, or even roller derby, the live atmosphere is contagious and exciting. Local sports events often allow spectators to be much closer to the action, increasing the interest.
Going with a group of friends encourages cheering and playful competitiveness. Your teens are sure to make some memories!
Setting up charity lemonade stands or a bake sale
Your teens may have fun setting up a small business or side hustle with some friends. Whether it’s selling lemonade, or cookies, or handmade creations, working together to support a good cause is a great way to build deeper relationships.
Backyard BBQ
We love inviting teen friends over to roast hot dogs and make s’mores at our backyard fire pit. There’s something fun and relaxing about eating a meal cooked outdoors that teens often enjoy, and you can also play some lawn games together.
Check out teen programs at the local library
Your local library probably offers programming for teens, whether craft nights, Dungeons & Dragons meetups, or even teen movie nights. Encourage your teens to meet their friends at the library or go to an event together.
5 other unique ideas
Make a time capsule
Create a time capsule with special or funny items to bury and later unearth. Several friends can bring treasures or include notes and artwork. Plan a date in the future to open it together.
Starting a YouTube channel or podcast
For teens who love to create, a YouTube channel or podcast might be a fun project. Working through the design process and recording and editing takes many hours of work, so this could be an ongoing teen hangout idea.
Trying a “no phone for an hour” challenge
Challenge your teens to entertain themselves with no phones!
Thrift store challenge
Each friend is given a small budget (e.g., $5) to buy a piece of clothing to wear to school. You could even award prizes for “best outfit,” “weirdest find,” or “creative idea.”
Mini road trip to nearby attractions
Taking a mini road trip lets your teens enjoy a change of scenery while sharing experiences on the way. Several hours in a vehicle can promote bonding through music, conversations, and even silly games.
How to create a teen hangout space at home
When our kids hit the teen years, we decided to make our home the perfect place for teens to hang out. We knew that teens need safe places to be together that don’t cost money, and we want our home to be welcoming to our kids’ friends.
It’s not difficult to create a great teen hangout space, but a little planning is helpful. Think about what your teens want from their hangout spot. Is it a movie marathon space, a gaming arena, or maybe a chill zone for catching up with friends?
You’ll want to create a relaxed vibe without the stress of cumbersome furniture or clutter. A good place for teens to hang out should be comfortable.
Basements, attics, or spare rooms can work well since they’re usually removed from household traffic. Backyards can also be set up with outdoor decor and furniture that appeals to teens.
We often find secondhand furniture at yard sales and thrift stores to create hangout spaces at home. Teens and kids can be rough on furniture, so we don’t advise spending a lot on it.
Entertainment Options
It’s important to plan for a variety of entertainment options. A basketball hoop outside, or a pool table indoors, can be a great investment that gives your teens a screen-free option.
Video game consoles, a TV screen, are often a good idea for rainy days or late nights. A variety of board games, puzzles, or craft materials is great for encouraging creativity and teamwork.
Think about food and snacks
Having easy access to snacks and drinks creates a welcoming atmosphere, allowing everyone to feel at home. We like to create a snack station, complete with favorite junk food, drinks, and also some healthier options to keep everyone fueled.
Some teens are hungry all the time, so make it easy to heat up a meal quickly. Easy-to-eat finger foods such as sliders or pizza rolls are great to keep on hand. Be sure to ask your teens about any dietary restrictions or preferences when possible.
Supporting your teen’s friendships
When it comes to giving your teens fun ways to connect with friends, it’s all about providing fresh ideas and a welcoming space. Whether they’re exploring a new town or having a backyard camping adventure, the goal is to help them create lasting memories and strengthen their friendships.
Looking for more ideas to keep teens busy? Check out our fall and winter teen activities posts for even more inspiration!
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- Christmas party ideas for teens and tweens
©️ Copyright Jennifer D. Warren 2025.
