At-Home Spring Break Ideas for Teens

Everyone knows that Spring Break is supposed to be the greatest party time of the year, but sometimes you can't always afford to have that amazing trip that you'd like to have. Just because you can't leave home, though, doesn't mean you have to compromise on fun. There are still plenty of ways to have fun in your home town.

1. Hit up the local theme park. Everyone loves a good day out with the friends, and a theme park is the perfect place for fun. Grab a group of your friends, some spending money, and that bathing suit you were so excited about getting a chance to wear, and take a road trip to the closest one-or even your favorite one, if it isn't too far away. Where I grew up, Great Escape was the big summer destination and it took about an hour and a half to get to, but it was totally worth it for the chance to spend a day lounging on water rides and screaming on roller coasters.

2. Try a new thrill. Everyone knows that Spring Break is about taking chances, throwing caution to the wind, and just having fun, so why not try that thing that you've been wanting to do that you just haven't had the nerve to do yet? Go bungee jumping or sky diving or white water rafting. There has to be something that you can find within an hour that you'd like to do if you had enough guts. So go ahead and give it a try. It just might be the kind of excitement you need.

3. Spend time at your local beach. This may not be completely applicable to everyone, since everyone doesn't have beaches close by, but if you do then I'd really recommend going there. Even better, if you can, make your beach the dream beach you wanted to go to. Get a group of your friends and all of you bring props. A volleyball net, some food for a picnic, beach balls, umbrellas, and any other fun things you might imagine. If you can, you might even want to think about holding a bonfire after dark. Growing up, we always had bonfires and that was the greatest thing to go to.

4. Go to some concerts. Been waiting for that chance to see someone and they happen to be coming into your area? Don't be afraid to spend a little money to go to the concerts, if you have it. Concerts are a lot cheaper than all out Spring Break trips, so you could even go to a few without spending too much money, depending on the concert. Not to mention, concerts are a great way to spend an evening having fun and relaxing.

5. Find a new hobby. Maybe Spring Break is just the thing you needed to try that talent that you'd been wanting to try. I had a friend last year that wanted to learn ceramics and there happened to be a class at the community arts center during Spring Break, so she took the opportunity to go to that and she really enjoyed it. You could always try painting, writing, carpentry, all sorts of things. Who knows, you might even discover something that you really enjoy doing.

6. Research places around your town/city. You'd be surprised at how many things are located around where you live that you had no clue about. I did this last year when our travel plans fell through and I discovered a fort not too far away that my step-father was really interested into going to (I wasn't so thrilled about it, but it wasn't too bad). The big thing, though, was the castle that was just down the road from the fort that I really wanted to go to. I had no idea it was there, but it was supposed to be haunted and that was really interesting to me. And if you happen to be into ghost hunting or just want to explore something that's rumored to be haunted, there are a lot of good sites that list haunted places in certain states/areas.

7. Spend a few nights at a hotel. If you really just want to get away from your parents and be able to relax and have fun, try suggesting to some friends to go have a sleepover at a hotel, preferably a nice one with a pool and such. You get a little independence and freedom and at the same time you can pamper yourself. Rent some movies or video games on the tv, take a dip in the pool, etc. Some hotels (if you're lucky enough to find a really good one) have tennis courts, Jacuzzis, pool tables, etc, though they're usually pricier ($100 a night would be a steal for them, most often).

8. Start a new project. Is there something you've been intending-or even wanting-to do for the longest time? Well, do it! Whether you wanted to make a tree house in your yard, or help your sibling build a doll house, or whatever, Spring Break is the perfect time to start something new and get things done.

9. Learn a new sport/activity. It's Spring Break! You don't want to be cooped up inside for the entire time, so get outside and have some fun. Try different things. Why not have a go at that sport or activity that you've wanted to learn for the longest time? I did this two years ago when my friends were telling me about racquetball and I'd never played it before, so they took me to a racquetball court and I learned how to play. Or, for that matter, you don't even have to learn a new one, just participate in ones you particularly enjoy. Go for a hike, sunbathe, whatever suits you. After all, this is not only a time for fun, but for relaxation as well.

10. Go camping. Sure, why not? Rough it, if you'd like, with a tent, or bring an RV if you know someone who has one. Camping is a great activity, especially if you want freedom from your family for a little while. It can be a great getaway. Ask a group of your friends to go camping with you (just you-no adults, if you can swing it) and it could be a genuinely fun experience.

11. Make the best of what you have. Sure, maybe you didn't get to go exactly where you wanted to go or do exactly what you wanted to do, but it's not the end of the world. Appreciate the things you do have. Spend some time with your family (chances are you don't do that too often anyway) and enjoy the time you have with them. Hang out with your friends, especially the ones you don't get to see too often.