Q&A for How to Make the Most of Your Summer Vacation (for Teens)

Set 3-4 goals for what you'd like to accomplish over the summer! "I want to see my grandparents," "I want to learn to surf," and "I'd love to read this book series" are all viable goals that you could pursue over the summer.

You can go to a friend or family member's house, or if you just need to be somewhere during the day, you could go to the library, a public pool, rec center (like the YMCA), or an arcade if your town has one.

You can always read, do arts and crafts, organize your room, and go outside. Also, try going out to places where people your age hang out and make some friends!

Use Google Maps. Just search, "Public library near me" or something like that. When you find one, go there and check it out. Apply for a library card so you can check out books.

Most likely, your parents are thinking about your future and want you to succeed. The key to success is learning.

Consider signing up for a short literature course at your local community college.

There are tons of other things you can do with yourself and your friends or family. Try doing things you enjoy.

Try watching educational videos online. You might also pick up a project like cleaning and organizing your bedroom or the attic or basement in your home.

Backyard camping is a good idea! All you need are tents, sleeping bags, a campfire, and some marshmallows! Some activities you can do are: telling spooky stories, roasting marshmallows, playing truth or dare, and singing campfire songs!

Spread revision over your summer. Do something like 20 minutes a day, with weekends off. As you get closer to the date of the test, ramp up to an hour or so a day, depending on how difficult the test is and how well you know the material. With only 20 minutes a day of revision, you'll have all kinds of time to enjoy yourself over the summer.

Most of the time, pools offer day passes that cost several dollars. Scout out coupons in local magazines and see if you can find free ones.

Hold barbecues with your family and roast marshmallows, or sign up for something that interests you, like a book club or art class. Or, get creative and rearrange your bedroom to your choice!

There's nothing "weird" about getting some exercise on your bike during summer vacation. If they tease you, just ignore them. Give yourself a scheduled time every day to ride your bike, like first thing in the morning or right after dinner. If you've got it scheduled, you'll be more likely to stick to it rather than spending all your time on your phone.

You can have a slumber party (scary movies and stories, arts and crafts, painting nails, cooking, pillow fights etc.). You might also do something two people can do together well, like trampolining, making a scrapbook and doing braids in each other's hair.