Autumn is gray – we in Bremen know that all too well. And many parents of teenagers already suspect it: there are worlds to discover beyond TikTok, the sofa, and the bathroom. Let's go! In our blog post, we present exciting holiday activities centered around gaming, web development, and programming. Do-it-yourself (DIY) and upcycling are also very popular with young people, so we have some great, creative holiday tips for those as well. And last but not least, we have some ideas for parents of teenagers on how to make the holidays more harmonious.
Anyone whose eyes light up at the thought of gaming and who already feels (almost) at home on the web and with programming can try their hand at these workshops and projects:
1. Play your game!
Playing computer games is fun. It's even more fun to develop your own games and show them to your friends. In this course, you can program your own games – even if you don't know how yet.
Where? VHS Süd, Theodor-Billroth-Straße 5, 28277 Bremen.
When? October 17-21, 2022, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
Cost? Free for children and young people from Obervieland.
→ Registration and information
2. Design your own website!
Real World Web Development with HTML and CSS: This workshop series for anyone interested in web development offers the perfect input from meerMINT Dock Nord.
Where? Jacobs University, Campus Ring 1, 28759 Bremen.
When? October 17, 18, and 21, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day.
Cost? Free
→ Registration and information
3. Program a maze game!
More programming! In this workshop you will become part of a nationwide programming workshop and can gain initial experience in Scratch.
Where? Jacobs University, Campus Ring 1, 28759 Bremen.
When? October 25, 2022, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Cost? Free of charge
→ Registration and information
4. Minecraft – Playfully towards digital collaboration
Almost everyone knows Minecraft! In the course "Minecraft – Learning Digital Collaboration Through Play," you can structure and implement a digital building project together. It's all about creativity within a virtual world, fun, project-oriented work, and logical thinking.
Where? Bremen Adult Education Center (VHS) / VHS at the train station, Breitenweg 2, Room 5.3.
When? October 17-21, 2022, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost? 97 euros
→ Registration and information
5. Minecraft plus movement
Minecraft again?! Almost. At the P5 skatepark, you get exercise plus Minecraft. At the holiday camps, you can burn off energy with sports activities in the skatepark AND play Minecraft. Yes!
Where? Sportgarten Skatehalle P5, Postamt V, An der Weide 50a, 28195 Bremen.
When? October 25-28, 2022, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM or 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM each day.
Cost? 25 Euros
→ Registration and information (Course 1)
→ Registration and information (Course 2)
Those who prefer to design things themselves and acquire some craft skills will find not only tips at various courses and workshops, but can also take something home with them:
1. My Style – DIY.
This afternoon, you can design your own clothes using screen printing and learn how clothes are made and designed. Feel free to bring anything you think is cool: old clothes, fashion magazines, photos, or drawings.
Where? Pusdorf Cultural Center, Woltmershauser Straße 444, 28197 Bremen.
When? October 17-21, 2022, 2-5 pm.
Cost? 20 euros
→ Registration and information
2. Manga – Draw a Japanese comic
Manga are extremely popular not only in Japan, but also in Bremen. In this course offered by the Bremen Adult Education Center, you'll have the opportunity to learn more about manga and even draw your own characters in the manga style.
Where? VHS Süd, Theodor-Billroth-Straße 5, 28277 Bremen.
When? October 17-21, 2022, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
Cost? Free for children and young people from Obervieland.
→ Registration and information
3. Girl_Studio: I used to be a washing machine.
No Waste! The free upcycling workshop from the KUBO Cultural and Educational Association Ostertor eV proves: Scrap metal becomes jewelry! And on Friday, family and friends can visit the exhibition of the creative works!
Where? GSM Brokstraße, Sielwall 86, 28203 Bremen.
When? October 17-21, 2022, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM daily
Cost? Free, including lunch.
→ Registration and information
4. Open the flap!
At the free film workshop on democracy and children's rights, you can advocate for your right to participate by presenting your concerns and creating a self-produced short film.
Where? Bremer Jugendring, Am Wall 116, 28195 Bremen.
When? October 17-21, 2022, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM daily.
Cost? Free of charge.
→ Registration and information
5th Hip Hop Camp!
If you're into breakdancing, graffiti, and skating, you'll learn the basics of graffiti, breakdancing, and skateboarding here! Spray your own first graffiti and land your first trick!
Where? Sportgarten Überseestadt, Am Winterhafen 4, 28217 Bremen.
When? October 17-21, 2022, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cost? 25 euros including lunch.
→ Registration and information
Didn't find what you were looking for?
You can discover many more courses, workshops and programs for young people aged 12 and over in the Bremen Holiday Compass ; you will also find here an overview of all free autumn holiday offers
Problems with the teenagers?
Are you worried about your teenager? Do you need some tips to ease the pressure on your family life? Has living together become a real strain? Do you want to improve the situation at home? Or change your parenting style?
You are not alone! For all these questions, there are various contact points and advice centers in the city of Bremen that you can turn to:
→ Waller Parents' Café
The Waller Parents' Café is a monthly meeting place for parents stressed by teenagers and other relatives. Here, in a pleasant atmosphere, they can chat and find common ideas for a more relaxed relationship over coffee and cake.
→ Child and youth counseling centers in Bremen:
Children, young people, parents, and other caregivers can contact the city's counseling centers for children, young people, and families with any personal or family-related questions. This also applies to questions related to puberty.
→ Family Centers in Bremen:
The eleven Family Centers are dedicated to supporting people from all social backgrounds in challenging life situations. Staff members offer advice on parenting, family life, and relationships. They offer open meetings, specialized programs, and opportunities for exchange – all free of charge and open to everyone.
→ Helpline for Parents –
This nationwide counseling, advice, and information service offers support to parents and other caregivers with the often difficult questions of raising their children – easily accessible, free of charge, and confidential: Telephone: 0800 111 0 550 (free of charge), Mon, Wed, Fri, 9 am–5 pm and Tue + Thu, 9 am–7 pm
→ bke – Parental Counseling
For all parents who are worried about their adolescent children, whether it's school problems, media consumption, bullying or other stress during puberty, or changes in the family: Here you will find professional parenting advice and exchange with many other parents.