to ask how to amuse a 13 year old boy with a broken arm?

[DrSeuss]

So, school holidays start this afternoon. I had planned a mixture of trips (laser quest, trampolines/high ropes))and home based stuff (cooking/baking/housekeeping tasks/walks) in order to avoid a two week long Youtube and X Box fest with my thirteen year old son.

Except that he broke his arm four days ago. He now has a break clean through his humerus which is not in a cast but is supported by a collar and sling arrangement. This obviously makes the arm even more delicate than a cast would be.

If anyone has any suggestions for activities for the holidays which do not cost the earth (the trampolining etc had holiday offers so wasn't too bad) and which are accessible to a one armed child who cannot risk being bumped or falling, please tell me! Baking might work but he'd need a lot of help. Swimming is completely out. A walk would only work if there was zero risk of a fall (we live near some lovely walks but they all involve styles and so on) and if we could go straight home if the pain flares up.

Thanks in advance for any ideas. At this rate, it will be Youtube and one handed X box for the next two weeks!

The cinema, obviously but there are only two films he wants to see. That's not going to fill much time. He loves reading but obviously won't do that for two full weeks solid.

Stick to you tube and x box. I say this as a mother with 3 boys who loved doing stuff but broken bones meant they were all laid up at one time or another. One drank through a straw for a while (broken jaw)

Cinema with a friend.

Thanks, Justasking! Do your boys play rugby, by any chance?

I have 3 boys. Any other tips you can share?

tricky, could you invite a friend or two over one day for some popcorn and a movie , they can chat or xbox together, at least it will seem a bit different to your ds and you're around to keep an eye on him, is it his writing / typing arm or not? maybe you could sign him up to some online coding course my nephew did one when he was home with glandular fever, it was work at your own speed and he got a cert at the end. Other idea depend what's near you, days out like zoos and aquarium's should be fine.

home based stuff (cooking/baking/housekeeping tasks/walks) - really ??

Montana Red Dog (or any card game).
The Ordnance Survey Puzzle Book (The Book People often have this on offer)
Does he play chess?

Art galleries, museums, theatre/concerts, farm tours, national trust properties, coffee and meals out. N.B. I was born middle aged so I may be completely wrong about this

Dr.Seuss yep jaw was rugby, other injuries, rugby, surfing, kite boarding. Proper little action men like their Father (rolls eyes)

Youngest is surfing in fuerteventura this week with school, I will not relax until he is home again. Am watching messenger like a hawk because he checks in at night so I can lurk without being thought a nuisance parent. If that little green circle does not appear I will be pacing the floors.

Good suggestions on here.

I'd say that this is what ''gaming' is for :)

Well, it's time to learn to play poker, gin rummy, bridge. And any other board games. Scrabble, ticket to ride, rummikub, boku are all good too.

And get I to a good boxset together?

What else is he interested in? He could try learning to code, use photoshop, make websites, etc?

Plain speaking- yes, he likes cooking and baking and was keen to try his hand at a few new things. Why is that strange? I hope that he will have his own home one day so he'd best learn these things. Walks, yes, we live near a National Park. I'm not talking round the block, I'm talking about big hills! The housekeeping tasks such as cleaning and gardening would not be his choice but his parents work full time to give him quite a nice life so tough.

Chess sounds good although I am rubbish at it and his dad will be at work. Are there sites where you can play other people? Board games and card games sound good, too, although sibling rivalry may cause problems! Coding sounds good. Any sites in particular?

It seems the electronics may have to be in use more than I hoped but never mind.

Will investigate a box set or two as well.He can do Photoshop and websites already but could have a go at those, too.

plainspeaking never heard of Paul Hollywood then?

Would he be interested in signing up to one of those genealogy sites, and researching his family tree?
Trip to a safari park.
If you have booked a summer holiday, get him to research what you will do when you are there. If you haven't, and are planning to go away, give him a budget and let him make suggestions.
Complicated jigsaws.

He might roll his eyes at this but how about jigsaws? Maybe set a challenge to who can complete a 500 piece one first.
Is it has writing arm? Those grown up colouring books are actually quite relaxing. You can get ones that are Star Wars/Marvel characters type as well as fancy patterns.
Lego can also be done one handed (just about).

his writing arm!

I agree with everyone else; there are holidays to worry about a variety of activities and there are times when it doesn’t matter. This is one of those times!

hope he feels better soon

Just let him on his x box!

If he has JUST broken it he mighty not even really be up for going out to anything even if it is gentle like cinema, restaurant or anything.

How about an Escape room? My 13 yr old son loved that and its not usually very physical so should be safe to do. You can get some deals on Groupon.
Maybe a new board game as well? Mine love Scotland Yard and Ticket to Ride.

Could you look up podcasts or audiobooks eg of funny stuff like Hitchhiker’s guide to the Galaxy? (Big hit with friend’s 14 year old recently)

Thanks to everyone for their great suggestions. Will try the board games/card games route and have bought Game of Thrones in CEX yesterday. He is just resting a lot as a very nasty accident was involved but gradually brightening up. Enjoying GOT though! Also gaming /watching Youtube a lot but never mind, there's always next holiday for the exciting stuff.