As the school year winds down, many young people may find themselves with more free time, changing routines and opportunities to explore new interests. While breaks from school can be exciting, they can also increase boredom and unstructured time—two factors that can contribute to risky decision-making.
Helping youth stay actively engaged in fun, healthy and meaningful activities can make a big difference. Positive activities not only provide alternatives to substance use, but also help young people build confidence, strengthen relationships, reduce stress and create lasting memories.
Whether they want to spend time outdoors, get creative, give back to their community or simply relax and recharge, there are countless ways to stay connected and engaged throughout the summer months.
Here are 100 healthy activity ideas for young people to try:
Outdoors
- Hike in nature
- Go for a bike ride
- Go stargazing
- Have an outdoor photography session
- Go camping
- Rollerblade or skateboard
- Go on a scavenger hunt
- Walk the dog
- Go geocaching
- Plant a garden
In the Community
- Have a picnic at the park
- Visit a local zoo or aquarium
- Participate in a charity run or walk
- Go shopping
- Attend a concert or outdoor live event
- Visit a museum or art gallery
- Explore a farmer’s market
- Attend a local festival or fair
- Join a local book club
- Explore a new neighborhood
Giving Back
- Volunteer for a local organization
- Organize a community clean-up
- Fundraise for a charity
- Collect and donate school supplies
- Become a mentor
- Assemble care packages
- Donate to a local food pantry
- Tutor a student
- Write cards or notes to spread joy
- Donate blood
Creative & Artistic Activities
- Paint or draw
- Make friendship bracelets
- Tie-dye shirts
- Create a vision board
- Start a scrapbook
- Write a song or poem
- Try DIY home décor projects
- Write and perform a skit
- Design a fashion look book
- Knit, sew or crochet
Tech & Media
- Make a short film or video project
- Learn graphic design or illustration
- Practice photography and editing
- Create and share memes
- Start a digital journal
- Explore online courses
- Play video games
- Learn new TikTok dances
- Create a custom playlist
- Learn to code
Self-Care & Wellness
- Try a skincare routine
- Meditate
- Get a massage
- Take a nap
- Practice deep breathing
- Try aromatherapy
- Listen to music or a podcast
- Get some fresh air
- Take a warm bath
- Do a digital detox
Sports & Fitness
- Take a fitness class
- Go for a swim
- Visit a trampoline park
- Walk, jog or run
- Try a fitness challenge
- Participate in a team sport like soccer or basketball
- Try a new workout video or app
- Practice yoga
- Create a DIY obstacle course
- Stretch
Stay-at-Home Fun
- Redecorate your room
- Play board or card games
- Learn a new language
- Watch a movie
- Bake cookies
- Read a book
- Play a musical instrument
- Complete a puzzle or brain game
- Learn a new recipe
- Make a bucket list
Social & Group Activities
- Host a themed party
- Organize a book exchange
- Have a karaoke session
- Go bowling
- Plan a virtual hangout
- Host a potluck dinner
- Visit an escape room
- Go to a theme park or amusement park
- Start a fitness or workout group
- Write to a pen pal
Productivity & Personal Growth
- Create a to-do list
- Organize digital files or photos
- Deep clean or declutter a space
- Set new goals for the month
- Clean out your inbox
- Use a planner app to organize your schedule
- Meal prep
- Create a habit tracker
- Write or update your resume
- Research a topic of interest
Making Healthy Choices This Season
Summer is filled with opportunities for growth, connection and fun. Encouraging young people to stay involved in positive activities can help support mental wellness, build protective factors and reduce the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors.
Sometimes the best memories are made through simple moments—trying something new, spending time with supportive people, giving back to the community or discovering a new passion.
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