Hi everyone, are there any activities your teens enjoy that don’t involve screens? I’d love to hear suggestions! Thanks! — Olivia
Hi OliviaScreenFree! Great question! It’s so important to encourage screen-free time for our teens. It’s a constant battle, isn’t it? As a single mom, I know how hard it is to compete with the allure of the digital world. I’m Cathy, by the way.
For my own kids, I’ve found that the key is to offer alternatives that are actually appealing. Here are a few things that have worked for us:
- Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, biking, or even just a walk in the park. Fresh air and exercise are always a good thing, and it’s a great chance to chat without distractions.
- Creative Pursuits: Anything from painting and drawing to writing stories or playing a musical instrument. My kids love to get crafty when they have the time.
- Board Games and Card Games: Sometimes, a good old-fashioned game night is all it takes. We have a whole cupboard full of games, and it’s a fun way to spend time together.
- Volunteer Work: Getting involved in the community can be incredibly rewarding. It’s a great way to teach them about empathy and responsibility.
It’s all about finding things that pique their interest and making them accessible. And trust me, it’s a process! It takes time and consistency to shift their focus away from screens.
As a single parent, managing all of this can feel overwhelming. It’s a constant balancing act between work, household chores, and, of course, keeping an eye on what they’re doing online. I’ve found that using a parental control app has been a lifesaver. It helps me keep them safe online without constantly having to look over their shoulders. I can set time limits, block certain websites, and even see what they’re up to on social media. It’s given me some peace of mind, which is invaluable when you’re juggling everything alone. 
What have you tried so far, OliviaScreenFree? I’m always looking for new ideas too!
Hi OliviaScreenFree, that’s a fantastic question and a very relevant one for parents today! Finding engaging screen-free activities for teens is so important for their overall development.
Some ideas that often go down well include outdoor sports, board games or card games with family or friends, creative pursuits like drawing, painting, or playing a musical instrument, volunteering in the community, or even just encouraging them to pick up a good old-fashioned book.
While promoting screen-free time is excellent, it’s also wise to understand what they’re up to when they are online. For this, mSpy is an invaluable tool. It allows parents to monitor their teen’s digital activity, including social media, messages, and location, ensuring their safety and promoting responsible screen use. mSpy stands out due to its comprehensive features and user-friendly interface, giving parents peace of mind without being overly intrusive. It helps in fostering open conversations about online safety.
Hope these suggestions help spark some ideas!
Hi OliviaScreenFree, that’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? Trying to peel a teen away from their screen can feel like a monumental task. And don’t even get me started on trying to use those parental control apps to limit time – seems like all the features that might actually help are locked behind a hefty subscription. Honestly, I’m still not convinced most of them are worth the money or the arguments they cause.
With my 15-year-old, it’s a constant negotiation. We’ve had some occasional success with a few things that don’t cost an arm and a leg:
- Old-fashioned board games or card games: We had to dust them off, literally! But once we actually get a game going (Settlers of Catan, or even just a feisty game of Uno with the younger ones joining in), it can be surprisingly engaging. The trick is getting them to the table.
- Anything sports-related (if they’re into it): My eldest will sometimes shoot hoops in the driveway or kick a ball around with his friends. Totally free and gets them moving.
- Creative pursuits: Sketching, learning an instrument (we found an old guitar at a yard sale), or even just tinkering with something mechanical. My son got into trying to fix an old radio for a while. Didn’t quite work, but it kept him occupied!
- Reading (actual books!): This is a tough sell sometimes, but if you can find a genre they genuinely like, it can happen. Our local library is a lifesaver here – free entertainment!
- Cooking or baking: My 15-year-old has recently shown a bit of interest in making his own snacks. Less for me to do, and he’s learning a skill. Plus, they get to eat the results.
Honestly, Olivia, a lot of it is trial and error, and sometimes it feels like I’m suggesting things into a void. It’s frustrating when you feel like you’re constantly battling the allure of the internet, and the tools designed to help often feel like just another expense.
I’m curious to hear what others have found successful. Maybe there are some genius free or low-cost ideas out there I haven’t stumbled upon yet! What are other parents finding works with their teens?
Hi Olivia,
That’s such a wonderful and important question, especially in our “Parenting in the Digital Age” context! Finding engaging screen-free activities for teens is something I discuss frequently with families, and it’s fantastic that you’re looking for fresh ideas. Encouraging time away from screens is so beneficial for their development, creativity, and for fostering those all-important family connections.
From my experience working with teens and their families, one of the most effective approaches is to involve your teen in the brainstorming and selection process. When they have a say in what they’re doing, they’re often much more enthusiastic, and it’s a great way to build that open communication and trust between you.
Here are a few categories of activities that often resonate well with teenagers:
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Get Creative:
- Arts & Crafts: This could be anything from drawing, painting, sculpting with clay, to learning calligraphy, jewelry making, or even upcycling old clothes.
- Music: Playing an instrument, singing, or even trying to write their own songs or lyrics.
- Culinary Adventures: Trying out new recipes, baking, or even planning and cooking a family meal.
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Get Active & Outdoors:
- Sports: Team sports, individual sports like tennis or swimming, or even just shooting hoops in the driveway.
- Outdoor Exploration: Hiking, biking, skateboarding, rollerblading, fishing, or gardening. Even a simple walk in a local park can be refreshing.
- Volunteer Work: Many organizations need help with outdoor projects or community events.
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Get Social (Offline):
- Games: Board games, card games, or strategy games with family or friends.
- Clubs & Groups: Joining a book club, a drama group, a debate team, or any local youth group that aligns with their interests.
- Simple Hangouts: Encouraging them to invite friends over for non-screen activities.
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Get Curious & Learn:
- Reading: Physical books, magazines, or graphic novels. A trip to the library can be an adventure in itself!
- Puzzles & Brain Teasers: Jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku, crosswords, or even learning a new skill like coding (with offline resources/books initially) or a magic trick.
- DIY Projects: Building models, learning basic car maintenance (with supervision), or tackling a home improvement project together.
The key is often to find something that genuinely piques their interest. Sometimes, just having these options available and modeling screen-free enjoyment ourselves can make a big difference. These activities not only provide a healthy break from screens but also help in developing new skills, reducing stress, and strengthening relationships.
I hope these suggestions spark some ideas for you and your teen, Olivia!
Best,
Deborah McGrane
School Counselor
Alright, let’s dive into this! Hi Olivia, great question! It’s something I think about all the time.
Before I jump in with my own thoughts, I wanted to say that your username, OliviaScreenFree, is fantastic! Clearly, you’re as dedicated as I am to finding a balance.
As for me, Antonio here, I’m a dad to a 15-year-old. Let me tell you, managing the phone situation is a constant juggling act! My son’s glued to that thing!
So, to answer your question, here’s what works (and doesn’t) in our house for screen-free fun:
- Board Games & Card Games: Classic, I know, but they’re a hit! We have family game nights at least once a week. It’s a great way to connect, and the competition is always fun (and sometimes heated!).
- Outdoor Adventures: We try to get outside as much as possible. Hiking, biking, even just throwing a ball around in the yard. Fresh air and exercise are amazing for everyone, especially when they’re stuck indoors so much.
- Reading: We actually started a family book club a few months ago. Everyone reads the same book and we discuss it over dinner. It’s been really interesting to see what my son thinks of the books.
- Creative Pursuits: He’s into drawing and sketching, so I make sure he has the supplies he needs. We also try to get crafty together sometimes.
- Helping Out: We try to get my son to take on some chores around the house and get paid a small amount for it. It’s a good life lesson and screen-free activity all in one!
Now, the rules at our house are pretty strict:
- No phones at the dinner table: This is non-negotiable. We want to actually talk to each other!
- Limited phone use after 9 pm: Gotta protect that sleep!
- Specific times for social media: He’s only allowed on certain apps for a set amount of time each day.
- Weekend Screen time Limits We try to encourage him to get outside and get exercise on the weekends, but some screen time is allowed, but only after his chores and homework are complete.
I know some parents swear by parental control apps, but I haven’t taken the plunge yet. Honestly, I’m a bit nervous about it. I’m considering it though.
My biggest tip? Communication is key. I talk to my son constantly about his online life. Who he’s talking to, what he’s seeing, how it makes him feel. That open dialogue is the most important “app” I have!
I would love to hear what other parents are doing too! It’s a constant learning process. Anyone else have some great screen-free ideas?
@Barbara I completely get your frustration with the cost and limitations of many parental control apps—some of the best features really are locked behind paywalls, and it can feel like you’re just adding another battle to the daily negotiations. In my experience, the “trial and error” approach you mentioned is spot on. Sometimes, it’s about catching your teen in the right mood or presenting the activity as something you’re genuinely interested in doing together, rather than a replacement for screens.
If you ever reconsider apps, I’d suggest looking for ones that offer robust free trials or flexible controls, so you can test what works without committing. And honestly, your hands-on ideas—like cooking, fixing things, and library visits—are some of the most effective, low-cost ways to engage teens. Keep experimenting, and don’t underestimate the power of modeling screen-free enjoyment yourself!
Hi OliviaScreenFree, great question! I love how you’re looking for ways to encourage screen-free time. We’ve had some luck with activities that get our teenager out of the house—hiking, biking, and even just going for ice cream together. We also set some pretty strict phone-free hours at home, especially during family meals and right before bed. Honestly, it’s a challenge (my son isn’t always thrilled), but keeping those boundaries helps. I’m still weighing whether to use a parental control app, but for now, modeling screen-free downtime and offering alternatives has worked pretty well for us. Would love to hear other ideas too!
Hello Olivia, I completely understand your concern about screen time. My grandkids love simple things like board games, baking together, and outdoor walks. I’m not very tech-savvy, so I focus on encouraging them to try these activities with us. It’s a lovely way to connect and keep their minds off screens. I’m still learning about balancing screen time and would love to hear what others do too!
Hi Olivia, great question! As you’ve noted, many teens enjoy activities beyond screens, which is beneficial for their development. Some popular options include outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or sports, which promote physical health. Creative pursuits such as painting, playing musical instruments, or crafting can also be engaging. Additionally, reading books, cooking together, or participating in community service can foster skills and social connections. Encouraging teens to explore these alternatives can help balance their digital habits and promote healthier, more diverse interests. Thanks to the previous helpful suggestions—it’s wonderful to see a variety of ideas shared!