Alternative Activities To Do With Your Pre-Teen That Don't Involve YouTube

If you have a pre-teen, or a teenager, you will be well aware that the main thing they want to do, or spend their time doing, is watching YouTube. Brain rot videos and videos of other children playing games are the trend, and while they might love it, you are probably wondering how they can spend their time doing something more useful. As a parent, you know they need time to relax and wind down, particularly after a busy school week, but this doesn’t mean they need to watch mindless videos all day. In this article we take a look at some alternative activities to do with your pre-teen that don’t involve YouTube.
  

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Play some board games together

Board games are a brilliant way to get your pre-teen off YouTube without it feeling like a punishment. Whether it’s a quick card game, a strategy-based board game, or something silly and fun, games encourage problem-solving, patience and communication. They also naturally open up conversation, which can be much easier than trying to chat face-to-face without a shared activity. Let them choose the game so they feel involved, and don’t worry too much about who wins, the real benefit is spending relaxed time together while keeping their brain engaged.

Look into different games on their device you can play

Not all screen time is bad, and there are plenty of games and apps that are far more beneficial than endlessly watching videos. Puzzle games, creative building games, trivia apps or even collaborative games you can play together can help develop logic, creativity and teamwork. Playing alongside them also gives you insight into what they enjoy and helps you set healthy boundaries around device use. It shows them that screens can be used positively, rather than just for passive scrolling. You could find an online crossword to do together too, that is great for engaging the brain.

Go for a walk together and get some fresh air


A simple walk can do wonders for both mental and physical wellbeing. Getting outside, even for 20 minutes, helps clear the mind and break the habit of constant screen use. Walking side by side often makes conversation feel more natural, and many pre-teens open up more when they’re not being directly questioned. You could turn it into a regular routine, explore new routes, or let them bring a friend along to make it more fun, or help try and get them on board. You could go to the seafront and get a milkshake or an ice cream as part of the walk, or decide to go out for lunch at the end of the trip.


Try a new art or craft activity

Creative activities are a great way for pre-teens to express themselves and unwind. Painting, drawing, clay modelling, jewellery making or even DIY projects can keep them absorbed for hours without needing a screen. You don’t need to be particularly artistic yourself, simply learning together can actually make it more fun. Art helps build confidence, patience and problem-solving skills, and your child may discover a new hobby they genuinely enjoy and want to continue. Invest in a large canvas and give them some paints so they can just go mad and engage in their creative side. Put the picture up on the wall once it’s done and they will be proud and want to do it more and more. You could do it together, or leave it to be something for them to do on their own.

Have a movie day

If your child loves watching videos, a movie day can feel like a fair compromise. Choosing a full-length film together encourages longer attention spans and creates a shared experience you can talk about afterwards. You could make it extra special with snacks, cosy blankets and a theme, or let them pick the movie to feel involved. Watching something together also allows you to discuss messages, characters and emotions in a natural, low-pressure way. You could decide to take it one further and go to the cinema together, there are plenty of deals on different days that you can enjoy and it’s a great way to spend time together in the car or on public transport both on the way to and from the film.

Get cooking in the kitchen

Cooking together is both practical and fun, and it teaches valuable life skills along the way. Let your pre-teen help choose a recipe, prepare ingredients or even take the lead with supervision. Cooking encourages independence, maths skills and creativity, and there’s a sense of achievement when they get to eat what they’ve made. It’s also a great opportunity for relaxed conversation and bonding, without any screens competing for attention. You should head out to the shops together where you pick ingredients and have them help choose what you should cook for dinner. This is also a vital skill for them to learn when they move out of home in the future too!

Do some gardening

Gardening is an excellent hands-on activity that gets pre-teens outside and away from screens. Whether it’s planting flowers, growing vegetables or simply helping to maintain the garden, it teaches responsibility and patience as they watch things grow over time. Gardening can also be calming and grounding, especially for children who feel overwhelmed by school or social pressures. Even small tasks can give them a sense of accomplishment and connection to nature and give them a purpose for them to focus on away from electronics.

These are just a few alternative activities to do with your pre-teen that can keep them away from YouTube and doing something a bit more useful or interesting. These should engage their brain and have them trying something new that they could learn to really love. It also means you get to spend some quality time together, so you can hear more about their day, their lives overall and what they’re interested in, helping to build a connection and improve both of your mental wellbeing.

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