As a little kid, I played a lot with other kids in our neighborhood during free time. And when school was on recess, we couldn’t let this time go to waste without some outdoor activities for 12 year olds. All the children, well, most of them, were busy and never bored even without technology.
Recently I and my kids tried out most of the below outdoor activities for 12 year olds during Covid and it was mad fun!
Out of experience, I’ve listed down some of the outdoor activities I enjoyed when 12 years old. It was absolute fun!
For some of these outdoor activities, one can play alone, others require 1 or more friends, while others requires group play. Also, you can recreate some rules to personalize your play and make it more fun!
Choosing the Right Outdoor Activity for 12 Year Olds
When it comes to outdoor activities for 12 year olds, the options are endless. But with so many choices, how do you know which ones are right for your child?
Here are a few things to consider when choosing outdoor activities for your 12 year old:
#1. Their interests
What does your child enjoy doing? If they love being in the water, swimming or boating might be a great option. If they like to run around and explore, hiking or biking could be perfect.
#2. Their skill level
Consider your child’s skill level when choosing an activity. If they’re just starting out, you’ll want to pick something that’s not too challenging. On the other hand, if they’re already an experienced outdoorsman, they might be ready for something more advanced.
#3. The time commitment
How much time do you have to dedicate to the activity? Some activities, like camping, require a lot of planning and preparation. Others, like a nature walk, can be done on the spur of the moment.
Take all of these factors into consideration when choosing outdoor activities for your 12 year old. With a little planning, you can find the perfect activity to get them started on a lifetime of adventure.
Outdoor Activities for 12 Year Olds
Hide and Seek
This is a classic game that can be played with as few as two people. One person is “It” and counts to a certain number while the other person hides. The goal is for the hider to stay hidden until “It” reaches the number, at which point the hider becomes “It.”
Kick the Can
This game is similar to hide and seek, but with a can. One person is “It” and counts to a certain number while the other people hide. The goal is for the hiders to stay hidden until “It” reaches the number. If “It” finds a hider, that hider goes into “jail.”
The first hider to be found goes to the can and kicks it as far away from the jail as possible. The other hiders then have to run to the can and back before “It” catches them.
Red Light, Green Light
One person is “It” and stands at the finish line. The other people line up at the start line. “It” turns their back to the start line and calls out “Green light!” The people at the start line then run to the finish line. When “It” calls out “Red light!” everyone must freeze.
If “It” turns around and sees someone moving, that person has to go back to the start line. The first person to reach the finish line becomes “It” for the next round.
Simon Says
One person is “Simon” and gives instructions to the other people. The instructions must start with “Simon says…” If someone does an action without “Simon says,” they are out of the game. The last person remaining is the winner.
Capture the Flag
This game is played with two teams. Each team has a “base” and a “flag.” The object of the game is to capture the other team’s flag and bring it back to your own base. If you are caught by the other team, you are sent to “jail.”
The game is over when one team captures the other team’s flag.
Hiking
Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. There are many different trails that you can hike, and you can even make up your own trail.
Make sure to bring a map and a compass with you, so you don’t get lost. And always hike with a friend or family member, so you can stay safe.
Biking
Biking is another great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. You can bike around your neighborhood, or you can go on a long bike ride.
Just make sure to wear a helmet, so you don’t get hurt. And if you’re going on a long bike ride, be sure to bring some water and snacks with you.
Skateboarding
Skateboarding is a great way to have fun and get some exercise. You can skateboard at a skate park, or you can just skateboard around your neighborhood.
Don’t forget to wear a helmet, so you don’t get hurt. Also, if you’re just skateboarding around your neighborhood, be sure to obey all the traffic laws.
Swimming
Swimming is a great way to stay cool and get some exercise. You can swim in a pool, or you can go to the beach.
Remember to obey all the rules, so you don’t get in trouble. And if you’re swimming at the beach, watch out for rip currents.
Camping
Camping is a great way to get away from the city and enjoy the outdoors. You can camp in your backyard, or you can go to a campground.
Just be sure to pack all the essentials, so you’re prepared. And if you’re camping at a campground, follow all the rules.
Fishing
Fishing is a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors. You can fish in a pond, or you can go to the river.
Ensure that you get a fishing license, so you’re legal. Also, if you’re going to the river, be sure to watch out for the current.
Kayaking
Kayaking is one of the most entertaining outdoor activities for 12 year olds near me. You can go kayaking in a lake, or you can go down a river.
Remember to wear a life jacket, so you don’t drown. And if you’re going down a river, be sure to watch out for rapids.
Rock climbing
Rock climbing is another outdoor activity for teen to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. You can go rock climbing at a gym, or you can go to a cliff.
Just be sure to wear proper shoes, so you don’t slip. And if you’re going to a cliff, have someone with you who knows how to belay.
Skiing
Skiing is a great choice of outdoor activities for students 9 to 13 years old. You can go skiing at a ski resort, or you can go cross-country skiing.
Please remember to dress warmly, so you don’t get cold. Also if you’re going cross-country skiing, follow the trails.
Snowboarding
We cannot complete the list of outdoor activities for 10 year olds without mentioning snowboarding. You can go snowboarding at a ski resort, or you can go cross-country snowboarding.
And just like skiing, remember to dress warmly, so you don’t get cold. And if you’re going cross-country snowboarding, be sure to follow the trails.
Playing sports like basketball or football in the park
Playing sports is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. You can play basketball or football at a park, or you can just play with your friends.
Just be sure to obey all the rules, so you don’t get in trouble. And if you’re playing with your friends, be sure to have fun.
Going on a nature walk or scavenger hunt
Going on a nature walk or scavenger hunt is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. You can go on a nature walk at a park, or you can just go for a walk in your neighborhood.
Just be sure to bring a map and a compass with you, so you don’t get lost. And if you’re going on a scavenger hunt, be sure to bring a list of items to look for.
So, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors. Just be sure to dress appropriately, so you don’t get hurt. And if you’re going to a new place, be sure to follow all the rules. Have fun!
What are some of your favorite outdoor activities? Let us know in the comments below. And if you have any tips on how to enjoy the outdoors, be sure to share them with us!
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