Summer Money Activities for Teens

Teens 13–17 · Activities · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What is a Budget Challenge and how can teens try it at home or in class?

A Budget Challenge helps teens learn how to manage money by creating a plan for spending and saving. Suitable for ages 13-17, it takes about 45-60 minutes.

Materials needed:

• Paper and pencil or a computer spreadsheet
• A list of monthly income sources (real or hypothetical)
• Expense categories (needs, wants, savings)

Steps:

1. Assign a monthly income amount (for example, $500 from allowances, jobs, gifts).
2. List typical expenses teens face: food, entertainment, clothes, transportation, savings goals.
3. Have teens allocate their income across these categories, making sure total expenses don’t exceed income.
4. Discuss trade-offs they made to stay within budget.

Skill built:

Budgeting and prioritizing expenses.

Debrief:

Ask teens what was hard or easy about balancing a budget. Discuss how unexpected expenses or saving goals affect budgeting.

Adaptation:

At home, parents can use real income and expenses. In the classroom, use hypothetical amounts and group discussion to compare budgets.

How does a Savings Goal Project teach money skills?

This activity helps teens plan and track savings toward a goal, perfect for ages 13-17 and takes about 30-45 minutes initially, plus ongoing tracking.

Materials:

• Savings goal worksheet or notebook
• Calculator or app to track savings

Steps:

1. Choose a savings goal (like a new phone, laptop, or trip).
2. Determine the total cost and timeline to reach it.
3. Calculate how much money needs to be saved weekly or monthly.
4. Track progress and adjust the plan if needed.

Skill built:

Setting financial goals and practicing delayed gratification.

Debrief:

Discuss why setting a goal helps with motivation and what challenges might come up.

Adaptation:

At home, teens can use actual money saved from chores or jobs. In class, use hypothetical goals and group sharing to encourage ideas.

What is a Mini Business Plan and how can teens create one?

Creating a simple business plan introduces entrepreneurship and financial planning. Best for ages 15-17, it takes 1-2 hours.

Materials:

• Business plan template (basic: idea, costs, pricing, profit)
• Paper or computer

Steps:

1. Brainstorm small business ideas (like pet sitting, lawn care, crafts).
2. List start-up costs and ongoing expenses.
3. Set prices for products or services.
4. Calculate potential profits based on estimated sales.

Skill built:

Entrepreneurship, financial planning, and math skills.

Debrief:

Have teens share plans, discuss risks and rewards, and how real businesses manage costs and income.

Adaptation:

At home, teens can try a small version of their plan. In class, teams can role-play investors or customers for feedback.

How can a Role-Playing Shopping Activity improve money decision-making?

This activity simulates shopping with a budget to practice spending wisely. Suitable for ages 13-16, about 30-40 minutes.

Materials:

• Fake money or tokens
• Price lists for items (clothes, snacks, gadgets)
• Budget amount per teen

Steps:

1. Give each teen a budget (e.g., $100).
2. Present a list of items with prices.
3. Teens decide what to buy within their budget, balancing wants and needs.
4. Discuss choices after shopping.

Skill built:

Making spending decisions and prioritizing needs versus wants.

Debrief:

Ask what items were chosen, what was left out, and why. Talk about impulse buying and saving.

Adaptation:

At home, parents can use real items or online shopping lists. In class, use group discussion to compare choices.

What is a Credit Basics Quiz and how does it help teens?

A quiz on credit concepts teaches important facts about credit scores, borrowing, and responsibility. Good for ages 14-17, about 20-30 minutes.

Materials:

• Prepared quiz or online quiz on credit basics
• Answer key and discussion points

Steps:

1. Have teens take the quiz individually or in teams.
2. Review answers together, explaining concepts like credit scores, interest, and loans.
3. Discuss how credit affects buying a car, renting, or college loans.

Skill built:

Understanding credit and its impact on financial health.

Debrief:

Talk about why credit matters and how to build and protect good credit.

Adaptation:

At home, parents can quiz teens and share family credit experiences. In class, use quizzes followed by group Q&A.

How can a "Chores for Money" Plan teach earning and saving?

Planning chores to earn money shows how work translates to income. Suitable for ages 13-17, ongoing activity.

Materials:

• Chore list with payment rates
• Tracking chart or app

Steps:

1. List chores teens can do at home or for neighbors (e.g., lawn mowing, cleaning).
2. Assign payment amounts for each chore.
3. Set a goal for weekly chores and earnings.
4. Track chores done and money earned.

Skill built:

Work ethic, money earning, and responsibility.

Debrief:

Discuss how effort connects to income and how to manage earned money wisely.

Adaptation:

At home, parents can set chore payments. In class, students can share chore ideas and role-play negotiations.

What is a Financial Decision-Making Game and how does it work?

Games about money choices help teens practice real-life scenarios. Ideal for ages 13-17, about 45-60 minutes.

Materials:

• Pre-made game cards with scenarios (budget decisions, emergencies, wants vs needs)
• Game board or simple setup

Steps:

1. Divide teens into groups.
2. Present scenarios where they decide how to spend, save, or borrow.
3. Track points or outcomes based on decisions.
4. Discuss consequences of choices made.

Skill built:

Critical thinking and financial decision-making.

Debrief:

Ask what strategies worked and what risks to avoid in real life.

Adaptation:

Use printable game cards or online simulators at home or in class.

Each of these activities can be tailored to fit your summer schedule and learning environment. They build essential money skills while keeping teens engaged and thinking about their financial futures. For more ideas and detailed lesson plans, check related articles on money basics, earning ideas, and budgeting for teens like Money for Teens: Basics and Tips or How Teens Can Make Money Online.

Frequently asked questions

How much money should a teen try to save during summer activities?

A good starting goal is saving 10-20% of any money earned or received. This helps build saving habits without feeling too restrictive. Adjust goals based on income and personal needs.

Can teens do these activities alone if they don’t have classroom access?

Yes, many activities like budgeting and savings tracking work well independently at home. Teens can also use apps or worksheets to guide them.

What if a teen earns very little money over summer?

Even small earnings can teach important lessons. Focusing on saving a portion and planning spending helps build good habits regardless of amount.

How can parents support teens in these money activities?

Parents can offer real-life examples, help set goals, provide feedback, and encourage discussion about money choices to reinforce learning.

Are these activities helpful for younger teens or preteens?

Yes, some activities like the Budget Challenge or Role-Playing Shopping can be adapted for younger teens by simplifying amounts and concepts.

What are some easy ways for teens to make money during summer?

Teens can try chores, babysitting, dog walking, lawn care, or selling crafts. For ideas, see the list of [Chores for Money Ideas for Teens](#r11).