Popular Backyard Activities for Teens
Almost everyone enjoys spending time outdoors, even teenagers. There is something about being outside that creates excitement. Although almost everyone enjoys relaxing or playing in the backyard, some people get more or better opportunities than others, including teenagers. Most teens love to be outside, and in fact, many can be found in their backyards during the summer.
You may have already realized that many teens can be difficult to please. The reason is that they are at that age where it is easy for them to lose interest in certain activities or even get bored. If you have a teenage son or daughter, you may want to familiarize yourself with some of the backyard activities that are popular with teens, especially if yours will be spending the summer vacation with you at home. The process of becoming familiar with these activities can give you great ideas for outdoor family fun, but it can also mean the difference between whether your teen spends the summer indoors or out.
Your teen could be ready for the whole summer if he has a backyard pool. Many teens lose interest in certain activities, but swimming pools have something unique. If they could, many teens would choose to spend the entire summer in the pool. However, not all teens are strong swimmers, so you may want to set some ground rules for using your pool, especially if your teen will be home alone. These basic rules can help keep your teen safe while swimming alone.
Although swimming is extremely popular with teens, not everyone has their own backyard pool. If you want to provide your teen with a way to stay cool during the summer, but don’t want to buy an expensive pool, you may want to consider purchasing a kiddie pool. They provide a safe and fun way for teens to stay cool during hot weather. Not every teen will want to wear one, but many teens enjoy splashing around in kiddie pools, especially if their friends are with them.
If a swimming pool or wading pool isn’t feasible, try focusing on other outdoor water activities that might be fun for your teen. Water guns and water balloons are always popular with teenagers. Not only are they a great way to cool off, but they’re also great fun to play with when others are around. Everyone present will stay cool and have fun, whether your teen is playing with friends or her siblings.
Other outdoor activities that don’t involve water can also be fun, including football, basketball, soccer, horseshoes, kickball, volleyball, baseball, and softball. Like most games, what your teen will be able to participate in will vary, depending on whether they’re alone or with other people. Shooting hoops is a possibility for teenagers to play alone. Teens playing with their friends or siblings will have a wide variety of games to choose from, because most backyard games are meant to be played by at least two people.
While it’s important to think about backyard games and other outdoor activities, you may also want to consider the foods your teen will eat. You can even let your teen eat in the backyard if he’ll be spending a lot of time there. When an adult will be present, a barbecue is perfect. Otherwise, you might suggest a picnic in the backyard. An easy and safe backyard meal can be created with a few sandwiches, snacks and drinks.
Because teens are at the age where they want to make their own decisions, you may want to involve yours in the actual planning or organization of any backyard activity. Your teen may have something specific in mind, even if you make some good suggestions. It’s okay if this happens, but make sure your teen’s outdoor activities are safe and fun.