Fun Activities To Do With Your Teens – Searching for ways to find common ground with your teens is important. It can minimise household tensions and reinforce stronger relationships.
That said, it’s common for parents to be concerned about their teen’s behaviour at times. Getting on their level may also be a challenge, as kids at this age can reject sensitive talks or shows of affection.
Therefore, the best way to break through to them might be with fun activities. They may resist at first, but once they’re in the throes of these events, they become more inclined to let their guard down and embrace the bonding opportunity with you.
What are the types of fun activities that are most likely to succeed? We’ve provided our suggestions after the jump.
Video Games
Video games are often enjoyed as a solitary experience. However, they have multiplayer functionalities, too, allowing online play or couch co-op.
Why not sit alongside your teen and play a game with them? You can work together as a team or ramp up some competition. One route can help you find unity in common goals, and the other can show that you’re fun and not above some banter. You can always switch things up, too.
There’s more coverage around clinics helping teens with ‘gaming disorder’, dismantling some of the addictions that can develop. Playing the games with them might seem counterintuitive, but your presence may ensure they don’t get too invested in the game itself and instead place some of their attention on your quality time. You can discuss other things as you play, too, once again ensuring they have one foot in reality as you go.
Escape Rooms
A rising trend filled with excitement, escape rooms can provide an incredibly immersive experience. These real-life experiences put participants in creative, challenging environments and tap into their resourcefulness, ingenuity, and teamwork capabilities.
This is a real chance to show your teen what you’re made of. For instance, Tomb Raider: The Live Experience is an adrenaline-fuelled attraction that will have you solving puzzles, braving ziplines, clambering through assault courses, and uncovering relics. You’ll also interact with live actors and characters from the Tomb Raider franchise, who’ll help you find your inner Tomb Raider.
Of course, Tomb Raider began as a video game franchise. An activity like this could serve as a natural bridge between the digital world and the real world. Physical activity also involves and stimulates intellectual challenges, making the experience diverse and exciting for all.
Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteering is the answer if you want to have fun and instil essential values in your children. Many organised groups have communities of their own, striking up lasting, meaningful bonds with each other as they work to make the world a better place.
Animal rescue shelters would be a good place to spend time with your teen. You can interact with the creatures in their care. National Parks also focus on the care and nurturing side of things, helping you preserve life throughout your duties.
Things like volunteering can build your teen’s character and diversify their interests. It can teach them about working to better others and themselves, instead of solely making money. Teens often struggle to find their purpose or calling, but volunteering may help them find meaning.
Poppy Watt