Your kids are home a lot these days. While they are old enough to keep themselves entertained, it doesn’t stop them from coming to you when they’re bored. Here’s a list of kid-tested, screen-free activities for tweens and teens they will enjoy.
A Word of Caution
Only you know where your child is developmentally but, more importantly, what is appropriate for their age. For example, the books recommended below may contain some violence and have storylines that get very dark, even menacing. Just because a child can read at a certain level doesn’t mean that they should. We would advise vetting all suggestions before giving them to your child. Also, some of these activities can be enjoyable for kids outside of the specified age range. For instance, younger kids can also play Monopoly Deal or Blockus, but it really depends on the kid. Be sure to check out our previous article with recommendations for kids in preschool through age 8. A lot of those recommendations can be fun for older kids, too!
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Outdoor Screen-Free Activities for Tweens and Teens
Friends are such a big part of normal development for this age group. For younger children, their support group consists mainly of their parents; as children go through puberty, their support group shifts to friends. Therefore, regular interactions with friends are essential at this age. Although, you might want to use distancing to your benefit if your kids have not been hanging out with good influences. The following outdoor activities are possible while keeping a 6-foot distance. All participants can minimize risks if everyone is outside and wearing n95 masks.
Physical Exercise
Physical exercise is proven to lift moods and support brain function. At a time in their lives when their brains are reorganizing and going through a second phase of synaptic pruning, physical exercise is a must. Encourage them to explore the neighborhood. With their masks on, of course!
Yard Games
Indoor Screen-Free Activities for Tweens and Teens
If you have more than one kid in this age group, you’re in luck! The activities below are for 2 or more players so they’re perfect for sibling fun. See below for our curated picks!
Card Games
Poker: For game rules, see this video. Snacks like pretzels make good poker chips, too!
Bridge: This four-person game is not just for the retired set. See here for a video on how to play.
Garbage: This card game requires two or more players. See how to play here.
Board Games and Game Sets
Books for Tweens and Teens
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