Finding things for bored teenagers to do is necessary because it's a dilemma as old as time. There you are, a teenager, fun, fearless, and bored out of your skull. Banish that malaise and read on to find out what you can do about it.
Why Are You Bored?
Before tackling the things for bored teenagers list, consider why you feel bored, to begin with. Are you bursting with ideas that nobody in your inner circle seems to get? Do you feel unchallenged by school work? Do you simply have too much energy; a trait that others find "exhausting?"
Things to Do for Teens When Bored
Thinking about why you're bored can prove immensely helpful because it can help you figure out which activity (and there are many) will be best suited to alleviate that boredom. With that in mind, consider some of the following.
Volunteer
Volunteering both your time and energy is a fantastic way to get over your boredom. For one, there's no shortage of worthwhile causes that need people just like you, teens that are enthusiastic, self-assured, and generous. Your time, and how you spend it, is a precious commodity, and the people that run volunteer organizations know that; that's why they'll be so happy to have you. Here are but a few of the groups you can help:
- Seniors: Most communities have a senior center and volunteering at one is not taxing in the least. And once you start talking to one of these seniors, you'll find that it's quite fun too!
- Boys and Girls Club: Working with children is the focus of the Boys and Girls Club, but again, it's mostly fun. While it's true that you can tackle some more serious tasks like helping the children with their homework, you can also take on more lighthearted activities like teaching them to play basketball.
- Try a soup kitchen: Volunteering at a soup kitchen can be tough since it's not easy to face the darker side of life, but it's a fantastic way to feel needed and good about yourself while doing good.
Get Involved in Politics
Join an organization, like Rock the Vote, that helps to get people, particularly young people, registered to vote. Whether you are affiliated with a particular political party or not, voting is a sacred right, and by volunteering your time at this organization, or a similar one, you are helping to ensure that this right thrives.
Take Up a Cause
Is there anything out there that you feel really passionate about? Are you annoyed that some people callously throw their garbage on your city's streets? Do you hate the fact that there are so many pharmaceutical advertisements on television? Why not do something about it? Start a petition, contact your local Congressperson, and get the ball moving.
Community Service
Volunteering is a great way to get involved in your community. Volunteering not only looks good on your resume but also gives you a chance to give back, meet like-minded people, and do something that truly makes a difference in your community. Some local community service options include:
- Create the Good: a site where you can search for local volunteer opportunities, post your own projects, and read inspiring articles.
- Teen Life: a site where you can search for local volunteer opportunities, gap year and summer programs, as well as art programs.
Youth Groups
Joining a youth group can connect you with others who have similar interests and want to give back. There are tons of youth group programs for short or long term volunteers. Some options include:
- Habitat for Humanity: volunteer locally, or travel abroad to help build houses for families in need. You can also donate household items to this program if you aren't able to help build housing.
- Fulfillment Fund: search for youth group programs located throughout California.
- American Red Cross: a program for people 14 years old and up to 24 that fundraises, gets training in leadership skills, educates the public about Red Cross resources, and participates in hosting blood drives.
Doing Something Positive for Yourself
It's important to take some time for self-care, especially with all the pressure that teens often face. Think about what would make you feel good and if there's any part of yourself that you've neglected. You can try:
- Getting yourself a small gift.
- Cooking a healthy meal for yourself.
- Taking a long shower or bath.
- Getting a massage or haircut.
- Taking a relaxing walk or hike.
- Practicing mindfulness.
Being Kind to Family Members
Reaching out to family members can make a huge impact on their day. You can give a family member a call just to check in, or ask them for advice. Sometimes it's just nice to spend some time connecting with people who you love. You can also:
- Send someone in your family a gift.
- Send someone in your family a letter letting them know how much you care about them.
- Offer to help them out with some chores around the house or yard.
- Take their dog on a walk.
- Help them run errands.
What You Can Do Right Now
If you're looking to make a difference right now you can:
- Visit the site The Greater Good and "click" on the cause you want to support. Donors pay based on the amount of "clicks" each cause receives.
- Bake cookies or muffins and drop them off for your local police officers, firefighters, or hospital.
- Clean out your closet and drop off your unneeded items at a Salvation Army.
- Purchase socks and leave them in your car. If you see someone in need, give them a pair of socks.
Improve Your Life and Others'
There is no shortage of things for bored teenagers to do. Use your natural ingenuity, combine it with some of the ideas listed above (or better yet, add your own!), and see where your journey takes you.
