Fun Games for 12 Year Olds to Play Outside

Here are some ideas for fun outdoor games your 12-year-olds can play outside during the summer. Playing outdoors is an excellent way for kids to keep healthy.

Kids this age need to spend time outdoors and keep active, especially as they go through hormonal changes from puberty.

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Summer has great weather conditions. Playing outdoors is a lot more fun in summer than in any other season. However, the long summer holidays can sometimes be a struggle for parents with young kids.

Finding a way to keep kids entertained throughout the summer holiday is a common theme. Certain ages are more challenging than others.

12 is a tricky age when it comes to entertaining kids. At that age, some kids feel like they’re too old to play with the younger kids and too young to play with the older kids.

Fun Outdoor Games for Kids to Play Outside

Keeping a 12-year-old entertained can be a real struggle, to say the least, especially if you want them to go outdoors and have fun. Kids that age would rather sit on their phones, tablet, or computer.

At 12 years old, the novelty of the trampoline has worn off, and it’s no longer fun. They don’t get the same kick out of playing tag or hopscotch anymore.

Everything is just, meh.

They’re too cool to hang out with the young kids but not cool enough to hang out with the teenagers. All of a sudden, they seem to have outgrown everything overnight. Everything is boring, in their opinion, and they’ve seen it all.

However, the good news is that at age 12, kids are still very much in touch with their childish side. They’re not afraid to get wet or messy during play.

There are fun, easy outdoor games for kids that you can quickly put together, like the water balloon pinata game or water balloon dodgeball. Games like these add just the right amount of excitement.

fun games for 12 year olds to play outside

You want to keep things simple and fun. Kids get bored very quickly. Chances are, they won’t be playing the same game over and over.

The easier and quicker it is to put the game together the better.

With only some spray paint, you can make your own outdoor lawn twister game that will no doubt provide hours of fun.

Fill up some balloons with water and grab some towels for an exciting water balloon towel toss game. Or add a twist by incorporating a net for a whole different version of the game.

There’s no need for games that require complex planning or construction. But if your 12-year-old is creative, then there are games you can create with them.

One game that will challenge and stimulate their creativity is this giant-sized memory matching game. With only a few supplies, you can make your own version of the game and enjoy it as a family.

fun games for 12 year olds to play outside

Fun outdoor games for kids of all ages and family-friendly games are also fun games for 12-year-olds to play outside. Things they can enjoy with both older and younger kids and adults without feeling out of place.

Science based activities like this bottle rocket is sure to be a hit with any 12 year old that’s looking for some outdoor excitement.

fun games for 12 year olds to play outside

Sometimes learning is a great way to create entertainment. Giving kids real tasks like photography and gardening can keep them occupied and excited.

The goal is to set a target to keep them interested and focused for longer. Let’s face it, the summer holidays can be really long.

If all else fails, you can always rely on some Nerf action to get their juices flowing. Switch up the targets to make them new and different every time.

fun games for 12 year olds to play outside

These 5 relay games ideas from HowDoesShe are great examples of simple and fun games that 12-year-olds can play outside.

With some Pool Noodles Swimming Floats or hula hoops, you can create some hurdles and tossing games. Then add a ball to the equation, and you have this Pool Noodle, Soccer Ball Kid’s Croquet game.

fun games for 12 year olds to play outside

There are other fun games for 12-year-olds to play outside which, you can buy off the shelf that comes with hours of fun and entertainment out of the box.

Having some essential supplies like balloons and balls around the house during the summer months can be invaluable.

You can shape and craft other materials around these two objects and turn them into games that kids can enjoy through the summer months.

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