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[For Middle School Students] Recommended Ways to Spend Your Free Time

Middle schoolers are busy every day with studying and club activities.

Even for those constantly on the go, there are moments when unexpected free time pops up.

When that free time arrives, many people feel unsure and wonder what they should do.

In this article, we’ll introduce things we recommend middle schoolers do when they’re bored!

We’ve gathered ideas to fill your free time—from things you can do alone at home to activities that get you out of the house a little.

Whether you’re bored right now or so busy you feel like you never have free time, give these a try as a little breather.

[For Middle Schoolers] Recommended Ways to Spend Free Time (1–10)

to go window shopping

Went to the shopping mall to buy clothes for the school trip! Ended up getting sidetracked a ton and bought all sorts of stuff lol
to go window shopping

Window shopping means browsing the items on display in stores and gathering information on what’s currently popular.

At a large shopping center, just looking at the many items can be enjoyable.

From glamorous apparel shops and accessories to practical goods for club activities and studying, there’s a full range available.

As you browse, you might even come across a new favorite.

If you’re a junior high school student, you can also enjoy checking what you want and saving up your allowance to buy it!

Watch videos on YouTube and the like

[Tag] Tag: Sky Peace vs. 48! Who will survive? Total-Wipeout Tag!!
Watch videos on YouTube and the like

As a way to fill free time, a classic and popular option is watching videos on platforms like YouTube.

You can enjoy a wide range of content—from videos by YouTubers popular among younger generations to hobby-related videos like music and sports.

As long as you have an internet connection, you can watch for free, so there’s no need to worry about your allowance.

When you have spare time, it’s also recommended to check out series-based projects or videos that progress like a story.

Once you start watching, related videos pop up, so you might find yourself thinking, “Before I knew it, I’d been watching for hours…”

Do some cleaning or rearranging

[Room Makeover] JC Momoka’s Year-End Room Renovation Operation! Table Remake, too ♪ [Momoka Channel]
Do some cleaning or rearranging

If you’re a junior high school student and want to refresh your mood, I recommend cleaning or rearranging your room.

Tidy up the space you always spend time in and try changing the layout of your furniture.

While you’re cleaning, you might discover items that bring back memories from elementary school, or find things you thought you’d lost in unexpected places.

Cleaning not only your own room but the whole house can also be a nice way to help your parents.

If cleaning the entire room feels overwhelming, it’s a good idea to pick a specific area and focus on that.

[For Middle Schoolers] Recommended Ways to Spend Free Time (11–20)

play a musical instrument

Mela! (Ryokuoushoku Shakai) performed by a middle school band (snack time band cover)
play a musical instrument

Use your free time to improve your instrument skills at home! If you usually play piano or guitar, try singing and playing your favorite songs, or look for new tracks to enjoy.

If you’re a beginner, ask your family to teach you about the instruments you have at home, or gather information online and give it a try.

As you practice popular songs, you might even find yourself getting hooked on the instrument.

Why not pick up a hobby you can enjoy on your own without leaving the house?

to cook

[A Cooking-Loving Junior High Student’s Home-Cooking Diary] Making and eating what I crave 🍳 Meat Sauce Omurice / Bossam (Korean Boiled Pork Wraps) / Temari Sushi / Grilled Chicken Wings
to cook

Nowadays, it’s perfectly normal for men to cook as well, so getting both boys and girls involved with cooking from their middle school years could be a great experience.

Even just trying to make meals—ones you’d usually have your parents prepare—during your free time can help you spend warm, quality time with your family.

Also, the process of envisioning the finished dish from the ingredient stage and working toward it should positively impact your club activities and studies, too.

It’s a highly recommended way to pass the time: you can build skills for the future, enjoy family time, and broaden your current perspective—all while having fun.

Give it a try!

take a walk

[Life in Germany/Vlog] A middle schooler’s filmed Chi-sanpo (a little stroll)
take a walk

For junior high school students who lead busy lives that are different from adults, I recommend taking a leisurely walk whenever you have some free time.

You don’t need any special preparation, and just strolling around your neighborhood is enough, so it’s easy to get started.

You might discover things in the scenery you don’t usually notice, or find that your thoughts and worries become organized—refreshing benefits like these are a nice bonus.

If you’re in an athletic club, it allows you to stay active without a complete rest, and if you’re in a cultural club or focused on studying, it serves as a change of pace.

It’s a simple yet meaningful way to spend your time.

Do DIY and handcrafts

Middle school students build a case for 1,500 yen | [Custom PC] How to Make a Wooden PC Case [DIY]
Do DIY and handcrafts

From researching how to make something to gathering materials, DIY and handcrafts can be a meaningful way to spend your free time.

You can try simple projects using supplies from 100-yen shops, or customize and assemble something bigger, like a computer, to suit your tastes—choosing projects that fit your available time makes the experience more fulfilling.

Plus, beyond just passing the time, you’ll have what you made in your hands, which might even lead to discovering a new hobby.

By the time you’re in middle school, you can create more elaborate pieces, making it a surefire way to get absorbed and lose track of time.