Does your teenager spend all their time glued to their phone, like they've had it surgically attached? You know, when their thumb moves faster than The Flash, and their posture has taken on that tech neck curve – the one that makes them look like a bit like Mr. Burns? Yep, we've all been there. Getting them to part with their screens can feel like asking them to give up oxygen.

We all want to make sure our kids have some balance in their lives (and let's be honest, we're guilty of the occasional tech binge too). So, why not shake things up with some offline fun? So, if you're looking for ways to prise that phone out of their hand and get them moving, creating, or even laughing, here are 51 fun, (mostly) offline activities your teenager might actually want to do. 

Research shows that teenagers in the UK spend an average of over 6 hours a day on screens, which can impact their sleep, mental health, and even physical health. For more insights on screen time and its effects, check out our article on Raising Children in a Digital Age: The Pros and Cons of Screen Time for Kids.

Now let's get going!

Outdoor Adventures: Rediscovering Nature

Not all of these activities are for all weather conditions, but seeing as I wrote this post as the Halloween half term started, why not take a gander at my post on fun October activities that have nothing to do with Halloween.

1. Hiking in a National Park

Take advantage of the UK's beautiful countryside - whether it's the rolling hills of the Peak District, the rugged beauty of Snowdonia, or the dramatic landscapes of Lake District, Cairngorms, and Loch Lomond & The Trossachs. Check out these National Parks for more information: Peak District, Snowdonia, Lake District, Cairngorms, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs. Hiking's great for clearing the head and burning off teenage energy (which, let's face it, is endless). Plus, there's something about the views that even TikTok can't quite capture.

2. Camping with Friends

Pack them off with a tent and some snacks (don't forget the marshmallows) and let them have a weekend in the wild. Trust me, nothing bonds teens more than a shared fear of assembling a tent with no Wi-Fi. If they make it through the night, the next day is all about laughing at each other's wild hair and campfire cooking fails.

My 2nd daughter just came back from a weekend camping with Scouts and proudly proclaimed that she brought back a rabbit's foot (it was an entire leg) eek.

3. Wild Swimming

Getting them into wild swimming is a brilliant way to enjoy nature and get an adrenaline rush. There are great spots in the Lake District or the River Wye, and nothing says 'I'm tough' like plunging into freezing British waters. For official resources on wild swimming in the UK, you can check out Outdoor Swimming Society or Wild Swimming. Bonus points if they're brave enough to go without a wetsuit!

4. Geocaching

OK, OK, this one involves a bit of tech, but it's like a treasure hunt for the 21st century. They'll be out and about, using GPS to track down hidden items – and the best part is, they might actually walk further than the distance between the sofa and the fridge.

5. Mountain Biking

If your teen's up for some speed and a bit of mud, mountain biking is a perfect fit. There are fantastic trails across the UK, like at Llandegla in Wales. Plus, if they fall off, they can't blame it on lagging internet.

6. Gardening

It may not sound like the most exciting thing, but surprisingly, many teens enjoy getting their hands dirty and growing their own herbs or vegetables. It's like Minecraft, but in real life! Before you know it, they'll be asking you to help them plant a greenhouse.

Sports & Physical Fun: Get the Blood Pumping

7. Rock Climbing

Indoor or outdoor, rock climbing is perfect for teens who love a challenge. It's also one of the few activities where being constantly glued to a wall is encouraged. Watch them conquer new heights (literally) and build strength while they're at it.

8. Trampolining

Take them to a trampoline park like Flip Out or Gravity, and they'll bounce off all that extra energy. It's basically the closest thing to flying while still being gravity-bound - and trust me, they'll be too busy bouncing to miss their phone.

9. Skateboarding or Rollerblading

Remember when we all thought we were Tony Hawk back in the day? Well, teens today are no different. Skateboarding or rollerblading isn't just about mastering tricks - it's about the crashes and epic fails along the way. And don't worry, bruises heal faster than their pride.

10. Obstacle Courses

Think Go Ape or Tough Mudder but on a teenager-friendly level. It's a great way for them to challenge themselves, get muddy, and burn off energy. Plus, the post-event photos are guaranteed to be hilarious (especially the muddy faces).

11. Ultimate Frisbee

A team sport that's easy to pick up and a lot of fun. It's like football, but with a frisbee, and let's be honest, there's something inherently satisfying about flinging that plastic disk across a field (preferably not at someone's head, but accidents happen).

12. Paddleboarding

If they're after something more zen, paddleboarding is a great option. It's calm, requires balance, and offers the perfect Instagram-worthy shot. Bonus if they manage to stay dry, but let's face it, falling in is part of the fun.

Creative & Hands-On Activities: Spark Their Imagination

13. Pottery Class

Channel their inner Patrick Swayze (or Demi Moore) from Ghost - pottery is strangely relaxing, and at the end of it, they might even make something you can actually use. Just maybe keep their first few attempts off display for now.

14. DIY Projects

Let them get creative by building something - whether it's a piece of furniture, a model, or just fixing something around the house. Give them some tools, and they'll be the next Bob the Builder in no time. (Or they'll just hammer things repeatedly… it's a gamble.)

15. Painting a Mural

Let them go full Banksy (minus the legal complications) by allowing them to paint a mural on their bedroom wall or in the garden. It's a fantastic way to express creativity, and if they mess it up, it's nothing a coat of paint can't fix.

16. Tie-Dyeing Clothes

Bring back the 90s with a tie-dye kit and some old clothes. It's messy, unpredictable, and perfect for teenagers who want to create something unique. Plus, who doesn't love a bit of nostalgia?

17. Journaling or Scrapbooking

Encourage them to document their thoughts, memories, or even dream up some stories in a journal or scrapbook. Who knows, they might surprise you with some profound reflections - r just fill it with doodles of random things.

18. Cooking Challenge

Set them a cooking challenge where they have to make dinner for the family. Not only will it give them some life skills, but you'll get a night off cooking. Just be prepared for a possible kitchen disaster - and maybe keep the takeaway menu handy.

19. Photography Walk

Give them a camera (or even an old phone with airplane mode) and send them on a photography walk. Whether it's snapping pics of nature, architecture, or their mates, photography is a great creative outlet - plus, they might even come back with something frame-worthy.

20. Build a Birdhouse or Bug Hotel

Get them involved in creating something for nature. Building a birdhouse or bug hotel is a hands-on way to teach them about local wildlife and sustainability. Plus, they'll get the satisfaction of seeing their creation actually used - much more rewarding than another level on a video game.

21. Craft a Puzzle

If your teen likes a challenge, have them create their own puzzle. Whether it's a jigsaw, a word puzzle, or even a brain teaser, they'll enjoy the process of making something tricky - and then challenging you to solve it.

22. Jewellery Making

Perfect for teens with a creative streak, jewellery making can be as simple or as complex as they like. From bracelets and rings to earrings, there are loads of kits available, or you can let them experiment with different materials. Who knows, you might have a future Etsy seller on your hands!

Social & Group Activities: Fun with Friends

23. Organise a Sports Day

Let them gather a group of friends and host a sports day in the local park. They can organise events like sack races, egg-and-spoon races, or even tug-of-war. It's a laugh, it's competitive, and the best part? Everyone gets to act like a big kid for the day.

24. Board Game Night

Board games aren't just for little ones. Get a group of teens together for some competitive fun with games like Catan, Ticket to Ride, or even Monopoly if you're up for the drama. Bonus: No one has to deal with the "Wi-Fi's gone down" complaints!

If board games aren't your thing, Sudoku is another fantastic option. It's perfect as a solo challenge or a collaborative brain game to flex those logic and critical thinking muscles.

25. Karaoke Session

Who doesn't love belting out an off-key version of their favourite song? Whether you get a proper karaoke machine or just use YouTube, it's a guaranteed laugh. Be warned, though, you might need to brace yourself for the same song on repeat - because teenagers never just sing a song once.

26. Escape Room

If they like a challenge, why not book them and their mates into a local escape room? It's like being in a video game, but with no screens and lots of teamwork. Bonus points if they can escape without arguing over who's in charge.

27. Treasure Hunt

Organise a treasure hunt for them and their friends, complete with riddles, clues, and (if you're feeling extra kind) some hidden prizes. It's a brilliant way to get them moving and thinking, and you can tailor the difficulty based on their age.

28. Flashlight Tag

When was the last time you played tag? Revamp the classic game for older teens by playing it in the dark with flashlights. It's a bit spooky, a lot of fun, and might just be the most exercise they've had in weeks.

DIY & Home-Based Fun: When Staying In is the New Going Out

29. Redecorate Their Room

Give your teen some freedom to redecorate their space. Whether it's picking out new colours, furniture, or just rearranging what they've got, it gives them a sense of independence (and it means you won't have to hear about how 'boring' their room is anymore).

30. Host a Bake-Off

Channel their inner Great British Bake Off contestant by challenging them to a bake-off at home. They can compete with siblings or even friends, and the best part? You get to taste-test all the results - win, win.

31. Upcycle Old Furniture

Got an old chair or dresser hanging around? Let your teen try their hand at upcycling. Whether it's sanding, painting, or adding a quirky design, they'll love the sense of accomplishment from creating something unique.

32. Home Spa Day

Encourage some self-care by setting up a DIY spa day. Think facemasks, foot baths, and homemade scrubs. It's a great way for them to unwind (and a perfect excuse to sneak in a few moments of relaxation yourself).

33. Cook a Family Dinner

Set them the challenge of cooking an entire family dinner from start to finish. Not only will they learn some important life skills, but you'll also get to see them beam with pride as you tuck into their creation. Plus, one less night of you having to figure out what's for dinner!

Learning Something New: Skills that Last a Lifetime

34. Learn to Play an Instrument

If they've ever shown the slightest interest in music, now's the perfect time for them to learn an instrument. Whether it's guitar, piano, or drums (sorry about the noise), mastering an instrument gives them a sense of achievement that's far better than unlocking the next level in a game.

35. Sign Up for a Dance Class

Whether it's hip-hop, contemporary, or even ballroom, dancing is a great way for teens to get moving and express themselves. Plus, you might get a few laughs watching them bust a move in the living room as they practise.

36. Learn Basic DIY Skills

Every teen should know how to do a few basics around the house, whether it's changing a lightbulb, using a drill, or hanging a picture. Not the most glamorous activity, but definitely a useful one - and you won't have to keep doing it all yourself!

37. Join a Drama Group

Got a budding actor in the house? Encourage them to join a local drama group. It's not only a great way to meet new people, but also builds confidence and helps with public speaking - skills that'll serve them well later in life.

38. Language Learning

Challenge your teen to learn a new language. Whether it's Spanish, French, or something a bit more unusual, being bilingual is a fantastic skill to have, and it'll give them something to brag about when school starts up again.

Get Involved in the Community: Helping Out

39. Volunteer Work

Volunteering is a brilliant way for teens to learn responsibility and empathy. Whether they help out at an animal shelter, a food bank, or a charity shop, it'll give them a sense of purpose and allow them to give something back to the community.

40. Neighbourhood Clean-Up

Organise a clean-up day in your local area. Whether it's picking up litter at the park or helping to tidy up a community garden, it's a great way for them to feel like they're making a difference (and it'll get them out of the house!).

41. Charity Fundraiser

Encourage them to organise a charity fundraiser, whether it's a bake sale, sponsored walk, or something more creative. It's a fantastic way to teach them the importance of giving back, and who knows, they might end up raising more money than expected.

Quiet & Relaxing: For When They Need a Break

42. Yoga or Meditation

For those times when your teen needs a bit of chill, yoga or meditation is perfect. It's calming, helps improve focus, and could even help them get a better night's sleep (and who doesn't need that?).

43. Reading a Good Book

Reading for pleasure is one of the best ways for them to unwind. Whether it's fantasy, sci-fi, or non-fiction, losing themselves in a book is far more rewarding than mindlessly scrolling through social media.

44. Birdwatching

Yes, it sounds like something only pensioners do, but birdwatching can actually be quite exciting! Hand them a pair of binoculars, a guidebook, and challenge them to spot as many species as they can. Who knows, you might end up with a little ornithologist in the making.

45. Writing a Short Story or Poem

If your teen enjoys writing, encourage them to craft a short story or poem. It's a great way to express themselves, and who knows - they might discover a hidden talent.

Competitive & Strategic Fun: Bring Out Their Inner Competitor

46. Learn a Card Game

From Texas Hold'em to Rummy, card games are a fun way to bring out their competitive side. Teach them a few classic games and see if they can beat you fair and square - though don't be too surprised if they manage to hustle you out of a tenner.

47. Master a Rubik's Cube

If they've got a knack for puzzles, challenge them to master the Rubik's Cube. It's frustrating, addictive, and incredibly satisfying when they finally solve it. Just make sure they don't take it apart and cheat…

I've also featured it in my post on iconic forgotten and nostalgic toys from the 80's and 90's. (Albeit we also have a tablet connectable rubix cube, but I won't tell anyone if you won't!)

48. Board Game Marathons

Set them up with a collection of strategy-based board games like Catan or Ticket to Ride. There's nothing like a bit of friendly competition to stir things up, and they'll be too busy plotting to care about their phone. Plus, you might even witness the rare occasion of a teenager actually concentrating for hours!

49. Chess Tournament

If your teen has a strategic mind, challenge them to a chess tournament. It's great for sharpening their thinking skills, and they'll be motivated to outsmart you. Just be prepared for some serious concentration and maybe a smug face if they win.

I encourage the kids to play on a regular basis, in the hopes that one day they'll beat me. I'm no Magnus Carlsen (1400 Blitz on a good day) but I do love watching the kids play.

50. Learn Magic Tricks

Get them to master some sleight of hand with a magic kit or simple online tutorials (no tech in the actual trickery!). It's an entertaining way for them to impress their friends and family - and who knows, they might be the next Houdini!

51. Dungeons & Dragons

The ultimate in imaginative gameplay. Set them up with a D&D starter kit, and they can dive into a world of role-playing, strategic planning, and storytelling with their friends. It's screen-free fun that's been going strong since the 70s!

Back to the Grind

Getting teenagers to step away from their screens can feel like a battle, especially with how addictive freemium games can be, but with a bit of creativity, there are loads of ways to keep them entertained, engaged, and even learning something new. Whether it's getting out into nature, trying a new sport, joining a new club, or mastering a creative skill, these 51 activities prove that fun doesn't necessarily have to involve tech.

There's also an abundance of experience days over at Virgin Experiences suitable for older teenagers if you're looking for something a little special!

If you enjoyed these ideas, why not share your own screen-free activity experiences in the comments below? We'd love to hear what works for your family. And don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more tips and inspiration to keep the kids active and happy - offline and on!

Next time you're faced with the dreaded bored teen, pull one of these ideas out of your back pocket and see how long it takes before they start laughing, running, or maybe even talking to you again. Because while tech is great, there's nothing quite like making memories in the real world.