What Can a Bunch of Teens Do That's Fun Without Spending Any Money or Leaving the House?

Sports are always a popular choice, and many are free. For those who have bicycles, a ride in the park or some local trails is a perfect option. Parks are also open in summer for picnics. Teens can volunteer for dog walking for a senior neighbor or cut hair for free at their school hair salon. Schools often have summer activities for students to attend as well.

Relaxing and Exploring

Fill your days with fun activities that don’t require a budget. Spend time outdoors at a park or by a body of water. Ride bikes, explore, and make new discoveries at the neighborhood library. Play physical or strategic games indoors and out. The possibilities are seemingly endless.

Get Out and Play

Throw a Frisbee or kick a ball around. Walk and talk instead of texting. Participate in a good old-fashioned picnic.

For a picnic, you might not be able to do it absolutely free, but it can be done on a minimal budget. Look for bargains in charity shops for second-hand clothes, ornaments, or books. Additionally, access to public galleries at English courts of law, like the Royal Courts of Justice and Old Bailey in London, is free, subject to certain conditions.

Free Access to Courts and Entertainment

Older teenagers can attend free music festivals but may need to do some voluntary work at the venue earlier in the day, often by manning the doors. Check your local listings or school career bulletin for ads to find such events.

Criminal Justice and Court Dramas

For those interested in criminal justice and court dramas, the public galleries at the English courts of law are free. This applies to the Royal Courts of Justice and the Old Bailey in London. Children under 14 are not allowed, and 14–16 year olds must be accompanied by an adult. However, older teenagers can go on their own.

Stay-Cation Ideas

True Crime and Astronomy

If you enjoy true crime, astronomy, or drawing, you can explore true crime stories and astronomy with binoculars. Use online maps to explore the world.

Simple and Affordable Activities

Draw with a pencil and any paper. Take a walk to explore a million places. Collect waterfalls, hike new trails, explore parks, or even try a new neighborhood to get to know your city better.

Bird watching, volunteering, reading, exercising with a goal in mind, and origami (paper folding) are also great options. Consider going on a walk at a waterfront or through the city on a sunny day. Alternatively, you could go to a park and play a game. Many YMCAs offer free activities, so check if yours still does.

With an open mind and a willingness to explore, there are countless ways for teens to have fun and stay entertained without spending a dime or leaving home.