16 Things for Teens to do on Spring Break This Year ...

This is number one on my list of things to do over spring break because I believe it is the most important. School is a major stressor for so many teens and that can have some really bad effects on your mind and your body. So fill up that bath tub with bubbles and set some nice-smelling candles all over your bathroom and just relax! You could even go to the spa or get your nails done instead!

Although you and your friends might not be able to drive yet, you can still head out on a road trip over your spring break! You could have one of your parents drive you, or an older brother or sister, and you could all head to the beach, the mountains, or even something as big as the Grand Canyon! Pick your favorite place and go have fun!

Spring festivals are always fun places to be over your spring break! They have music, people, crafts, and, best of all, great food! Maybe you could help out with the vendors too! See if your town offers a spring festival and go check it out!

For all of my fellow book-lovers out there, here is something you need to do. Rereading my favorite book, which is Dark Descendant by Jenna Black by the way, always puts me in the best mood. So if your favorite book isn’t sitting on your night stand like mine is, then go dust it off from the bottom of your bookshelf and crack it open again! You’ll remember why you loved it so much!

Movie marathons with a bunch of your closest friends are so much fun ! You can have everyone bring their favorite movie and, since you won’t have school the next morning, stay up all night watching them! Make sure you make loads of popcorn and bring extra snacks just in case. Remember, tired teens are hungry teens!

I know you don’t want to think about homework over your break, but hear me out. If you get all of your homework out of the way the first few days of spring break, then you won’t have to worry about, have it hanging over your head, for the rest of your time off! Plus, since your homework is all done, you can go do more fun things!

Do you have something that you’ve always wanted to do? Why not do it during spring break! You may not be able to cure cancer or climb to the top of Mount Everest, but there are definitely some smaller goals you can achieve. Maybe you’ve been dreaming of writing a song or eating a whole pie by yourself. It might not take up your whole spring break but it sure would be fun!

Spending all of your time in school doesn’t leave much time to try new things! Spring break is a great time to learn origami, learn how to cook something other than cereal, or learn how to paint the perfect flower. Whatever your preference is, there is always something new to learn!

For teens, spring break is a time made for hanging out with friends. Go sleepover your best friend’s house, go shopping together, or make a date with your TV and a big bowl of popcorn!

Have you been waiting to see your favorite singer in concert? Go see him or her during your break! You may not be able to get a front row seat, but there will be plenty left for you and your friends to sit together and jam out to your favorite tunes!

If the weather permits, grab your friend and your dog and hit up a hiking trail! Not only will you get some exercise in, you'll get to explore a new area and get some fresh air. Enjoy a great view and soak up the sun.

If you want to spend a few hours or a whole day doing something that will not only make you happy but help enrich the lives of others, consider volunteering at a local nonprofit. It might not be your definition of fun at first but it can be! There are so many agencies that can use your skills and it'll give you some insight into a field you might be interested in. It's also a great networking opportunity if you're looking for an internship!

You know those beauty tutorials on YouTube that you watch and admire but have never tried to duplicate? Today is the day! Get your beauty supplies out and recreate the hair, makeup, or nail look you've been dying to try.

Think of inspiration boards as real life Pinterest. You're gathering images and items that inspire you or make you happy. Use this board to keep track of projects, gather outfit inspo, whatever you want. Grab some magazines and other random mementos and get pinning!

Plan a fun theme party for you and your pals! Have guests dress as characters from a certain movie, plan a murder mystery party, an '80s dance party, Great Gatsby, or even a spa-themed party for the girls.

Just because you're at home doesn't mean you can't explore new places. I bet there are some places you've been wanting to check out in town that you haven't gone to yet. Maybe it's a new cafe, a park, or exhibit at the local museum. Whatever it is, take the day to be a tourist in your own city.

Spring break is a time for you and your friends to have the time of your life. Make it fun and try not to worry about next week's test or that paper that’s due two days after you get back to school. You only get a few spring breaks so make them fun and make them count! And try out some of these ideas! What are some of your favorite things to do over spring break?

This article was written in collaboration with editor Lisa Washington.