When you are tired of the eye-rolling and endless video-game playing turn to this super fun list of 20 activities for boys, perfect for tweens and teens!

20 Fun Activities to Keep Tween and Teen Boys Entertained and Happy

I am pretty sure, we never considered the potential of us being stuck at home for 6+ weeks during a worldwide viral pandemic when we decided to have FOUR kids! Yet here we are, parents of four boys. Our kids range in age from 6 through 13 years old.

On day ONE of the extended school closure, after our family’s morning meeting, I worried about my oldest son’s ocular health. He had repeatedly rolled his eyes so far back in his head, I figured he was trying to look at the hairs on his neck. As it turned out, he was simply less than impressed with my activity suggestions.

Instead of rolling my eyes BACK at him, which I really wanted to do. I took the high road, us parents have to do that once in a while. I read it in a fancy parenting book!

Our family’s favorite activities for boys:

I sat down with my two oldest, the resident tween and teen boys and brainstormed a list of super fun activities. These activities are fully compliant with the social distancing requirements currently in place worldwide. But of course, they can also be enjoyed with siblings, parents and/ or friends (once the social distancing restrictions are lifted.)

Our oldest boys pick one of these activities per day and it’s truly been a sanity saver for me – and them! Don’t miss my post on how we plan our day so I don’t lose my mind!

Get your bike ready for spring/ summer. Clean it, grease it and learn about brakes and gears in the process.
Read a book and then host a family movie night and watch the movie version. You make the popcorn and serve the drinks.
Go fishing. If you’ve never gone before, watch fishing videos on YouTube and learn before you head out.
Have a Nerf gun battle with your siblings or make Nerf targets and practice your aim.
Practice a one-person sport, chart and improve your performance: running, throwing discus, long jump, biking, basketball or juggling a soccer ball.
Go for a nature walk, explore wildlife or build a fort in nature.
Get creative with cardboard, duct tape, and pool noodles. Build a fort, make swords and shields, let your imagination soar.
Learn a new skill, hobby, or craft. Use YouTube or Outschool. (Use this link to get $20 off at Outschool). Our kids are learning about circuit boards via YouTube and Photoshop and graphic design on Outschool.)
Train your family dog. There are a number of great YouTube channels for dog training. Our favorites are: Zak George, Kikopup, and Outback Dog Training.
Walk a neighbor’s dog. Don’t accept payment for this.

Pull weeds or mow the lawn for an elderly neighbor. Bring your own supplies and tools.
Cook your family a meal. Challenge yourself by adding bacon to everyday meals, or make a cheesy version of something your family always eats.
Redecorate your room. Draw a sketch of your room, measure the space and furniture before rearranging the furniture. Decorate with things your family already owns. (Don’t forget to dust shelves and electronics.)
Go for a hike. Learn how to use a compass and research a few survival skills before you leave.
Study your town’s history. Visit historical outdoor places now and make a list of museums and other indoor historical sites to visit later.
Take a virtual photography class. Learn how to photograph your family and nature. (Our kids LOVED their photography lesson from The Sprouting Image!)
Wash and wax your family’s car. Ask an adult to teach you basic car maintenance and look through the owner’s manual to learn about the car’s functionality.
Build a unique LEGO creation that solves a common household problem.
Read a book to younger kids. If you don’t have younger siblings, set up a FaceTime call with younger cousins or record a video for your parents to post on social media.
Clean out your closet, books or toys. Find clothes that no longer fit, books you have read or outgrown, and toys you no longer play with. Donate, give away or sell these items.

As we finished our list and I released the kids into the wild, I saw smiles and I even heard giggles. The boys were thrilled to entertain themselves while learning new skills.

*** Get your printable list of these 20 super fun activities for your tween and teen boys! ***

I was relieved not to have to endure an endless parade of eye-rolling every morning for the rest of this extended school closure.

And by the way, my teen’s eyes are hazel. Long periods of eye-rolling will make you forget someone’s eye color!

If you need an additional 25 activities for kids ages 8 through 12, don’t miss this post by Busy Toddler.

Don’t forget to print several copies of our 20 fun activities for tween and teen boys. Leave one on your son’s pillow as a surprise tonight and watch the smile on his face when you go kiss him goodnight. He may even let you get away with a kiss on his forehead – without rolling his eyes! Try it and let me know how it went!