30 Summer Activities for Tweens That Aren’t Screens

The tween years can be tricky in the summer. Tweens are too old for many of the activities they loved as little kids, but they’re not quite ready for the freedom and independence of teenagers. Left to their own devices, many 10-12 year olds would happily spend hours perfecting their couch potato poses while watching a new series, random videos on YouTube or rewatching their favorite movies for the tenth time.

As the mom of two tweens, I know how tempting screens can be—especially during long summer days when Mom is at work, friends are away, and boredom sets in. While I’m not against screen time altogether, I do want my daughters to spend some of their summer creating, exploring, learning new skills, and making memories away from a device.

If you’re looking for ways to keep your tween busy this summer, here are 30 screen-free activities that encourage creativity, independence, movement, and fun.

Why Screen-Free Activities are Important for Tweens

Why encourage screen-free activities for tweens? Ever wonder why your kids can’t find something to do when they are bored? While screens can be entertaining, they are NOT the best resource for a developing brain. My daughters always look shocked when I turn off their t.v. show or hide the iPad, but I have the best intentions. Screen time can interfere with everything from sleep to creativity!

Summer is a great time for kids to build creativity, confidence, independence, and real-world skills. Whether your tween loves reading, crafting, being outdoors, or trying something new, these activities can help prevent the dreaded “I’m bored” while creating lasting summer memories.

30 Things for Tweens to Do This Summer (That Don’t Involve a Screen)

1. Start a summer scrapbook or memory journal — one photo or memory per day.
2. Play Reading Bingo – check your local library or school system for challenge.
3. Create a backyard obstacle course using pool noodles, cones, jump ropes, or anything you can find in the garage. Time yourself – and your friends – to see who can complete it the fastest. Bonus: add a sprinkler!
4. Borrow a stargazing book from the library and look for nightime constellations.
5. Redecorate or rearrange your bedroom with what you already have
6. Make a Junk Journal using anything (start with items you may have saved from the school year).
7. Try Tie Dye – t-shirts, socks, anything!
8. Start a small neighborhood business: lawn care, dog walking, babysitting, pet sitting, etc. This builds responsibility and confidence!
9. Create a friendship bracelet collection and give them away.
10. WATER PLAY – turn on the sprinkler, hook up a slip n slide, fill some water balloons, etc.
11. Visit a new playground, park, or hiking trail in your town.
12. Learn how to bake one signature dessert and give it a new name.
13. Plant flowers, herbs, or vegetables and track their growth.
14. Host a lemonade stand (bonus if you include your siblings).
15. Create a family recipe book with favorite meals.
16. Build a fort outside using sheets, chairs, and rope.
17. Write letters or postcards to friends and family.
18. Volunteer at a local animal shelter, food pantry, or community event.
19. Learn basic sewing and make a pillow, tote bag, or scrunchie.
20. Start a book club with friends and plan to meet to discuss the book.
21. Press flowers and create artwork.
22. Learn a card game and teach it to family members.
23. Make homemade ice cream or popsicles.
24. Create a scavenger hunt for siblings or friends.
25. Head to a trail or safe area and bike, rollerblade, scooter or skateboard.
26. Create a kindness challenge and complete one act of kindness every day for a week.
27. Build and paint a birdhouse.
28. Organize a neighborhood water balloon tournament.
29. Learn basic first aid and emergency preparedness skills.
30. Make a vision board for the upcoming school year.

Let Boredom Spark Creativity.

The truth is, not every summer day needs to be packed with activities. Sometimes boredom sparks the best ideas. My daughters are notorious for inventing some pretty amazing games and crafts when they’re given the space and freedom to let their imagination run wild. Having a list of screen-free options can help tweens discover new hobbies, build confidence, and create memories beyond their devices.

Whether your tween spends the summer learning to cook, starting a neighborhood business, reading books, or making friendship bracelets, the goal isn’t to eliminate screens completely—it’s to encourage a little more creativity, movement, and connection during the break from school.

What would your tween add to this list?