My 18yo DD is currently listening to an audiobook while working on a super-detailed paint by number kit.

In past years, she’s enjoyed the Rolife miniature kits and wooden puzzle-type models (both kind of an extension of her love of Lego models as a kid), and jewelry-making with things like Fimo clay or shrinky-dinks.

Drawing and coloring
Rubik's cube
Videogames
Go for a walk
Practicing skills for her sport

Anonymous wrote:We always have a jigsaw puzzle out

This is always a good idea. It's also my trick for keeping guests semi-entertained and the tv off at our vacation home. Very few people seem to be able to resist the draw of putting a few pieces together . . . myself included.

Anonymous wrote:We always have a jigsaw puzzle out

This is us too.

I find myself working on it too (when not scrolling dcum)

Mine both play guitar and spend quite a bit of their free time playing music.

Mine cooks. He also has his regular chores. Walks the dog.

NP: I love the idea of keeping a puzzle out and want to start doing that - ty!

My dd 14 spends time with pets, rides her bike, reads (and of course, screen time).

baking, cooking, drawing, assembling Rolife miniatures, painting, large Lego sets,
help with yardwork: DD, 13.

Baking, cooking, build something using power tools (almost doesn't matter what the project is).

My tweens, teen, and their friends spend their down time on social media.

We always have a jigsaw puzzle out

Depending on their age, I used to compose a list with my sons on what we wanted to learn and do over the summer. For fun, come up with a list to visit a few new to them parks, go to the water park, learn to do a flip turn in the pool and see a particular movie. For learning, I taught them how thread a needle and sew on a button, do their laundry - basic life skills. During high school, I had each son help me pay bills for a 2 week period with whatever method you use. The father’s can get involved too with whatever man chores they do (mowing and yard work).

Teach them to knit. Great skill.

Baking, playing instruments, adult coloring books, splatter art (if you have a space for it), calling/Facetiming elderly relatives (they never want to do it, but after they finish they are always pleased with themselves).

What are your teens into during downtime that are not sports/hanging with friends/reading?

I’m thinking the big kid version of “playing with toys”

My teens keep busy and I think we have a balanced approach about screen time but I still feel like there are times I want to suggest Lego/craft projects…but am looking for other ideas…or is this not realistic ?