Written by

Erin Lauters, SMT Writer

Dexter, Missouri - While adults bring in the new year in their own ways, teenagers are often left to entertain themselves. Many teenagers will go party, but listed below are some fun, safe, and responsible ways to have fun this season.

1. Game night. Invite some friends over for a night filled with unique board games, card games, a verbal games. Some suggestions are Catch Phrase, Hedbanz, Sorry!, and Guesstures.

2. Movie night. Have a movie gathering with all the friends you want! Have everyone bring something to eat or drink an have an ice cream buffet. Come up with crazy combinations like strawberry ice cream with pretzels, or chocolate ice cream with gummy worms and popcorn.

3. Have a spa night with the girls or have a video game night with the boys. Recommendations for girls: toenail painting, facials (you can buy one for around two dollars at Walmart), hot oil hair treatments, and chick flicks. Boys, stock up on junk food and sodas and do some damage on your new Xbox playing Call of Duty Ghosts with your buddies.

4. During the day, or any decent hour at night, you can play sports in Dexter. Gather up a group and go play tennis at Boone Park, baseball at East Park, or basketball at West Park. These option are free and fun!

5. Make a scavenger hunt and try to find items around your house. Make sure you make it crazy, you never know what you have in your house! You could say: something cold that isn't in the fridge or freezer!

6. Have a potluck/baking contest! This exciting activity is a creative way to get your competition on! For your potluck have everyone make their favorite food/dessert. If your having a contest with dessert, have 3 people blindfold themselves and choose the winner.

7. Make matching T-shirts or pillowcases with a group of friends. Buy tye-dye kits or puffy paint to decorate your items.

These options allow you to be safe over the break. Don't forget to eat your black-eyed peas and Happy New Year!