50 things to do before you’re 12
The outdoors is the perfect place for children to let their imaginations run wild. They can get wrapped up in sensory play, connect with nature, test their limits, and engage in unstructured free play.
And, according to the National Trust of England, we should be especially encouraging physical activity habits and a connection with nature among children before they reach the age of 12 because “nature connection often drops off when children approach their teenage years.”
We first learned about this idea of the “before you’re 12” bucket list from the National Trust when they originally published a list of things to do before you’re 11 ¾ years old. It was based on research that noted “if you can get children engaged in something before they’re 12 years old, then they’re more likely to pick it up again and carry it on as a habit throughout their later life.”
With that in mind, and with the goal of creating active, outdoor-loving children who grow up to be active, outdoor-loving adults, we decided to create a list of things to do before your little one turns 12. Enjoy!
1. Fly paper airplanes
It’s like a rite of passage in childhood! Head out to an open field and see how high and how far they can fly, or if your child can throw them through an object, like a hula hoop.
2. Make an obstacle course
Let your imagination run wild when you design your own obstacle course. Kids can jump over ropes, hop from rock to rock, jump through a line of hula hoops, and more.
3. Learn to ride a bike
Whether it’s a tricycle, a balance bike, a bike with training wheels, or a two-wheeler, kids will love the freedom of bike-riding, and the confidence that comes with mastering a new skill.
4. Go on a scavenger hunt
We have so many fun ones to choose from, such as: sensory scavenger hunt, spring activities scavenger hunt, fall activities scavenger hunt, winter activities scavenger hunt, and even one for when you’re camping.
5. Make a mud kitchen
The best way to let an imagination run wild! Here’s how to make one yourself.
6. Play games in the dark
You can play these fun games in a backyard, a front yard, a schoolyard, a park, a field, or anywhere there is lots of space for movement.
7. Discover the joy of climbing trees
There’s nothing quite like climbing a tree.
8. Make a toy out of a barrel
A barrel can be so many things when you let your imagination run free. Not to mention, it can also help kids develop physical literacy and skills like balance, coordination, and body awareness.
9. Dig for treasure
Kids love a treasure hunt! Hide small toys like plastic dinosaurs, small cars, or marbles in a bin filled with sand, dry rice, or beans, and let your child release their inner pirate as they search for booty.
10. Learn how to play a game from another part of the world
Here’s a list of eight games you could try right now.
11. Take a hike
Even with toddlers! If you love getting outside with your little one and are interested in exploring some hiking trails, here are some tips to help make every hike a success.
12. Play with a parachute
They’re colourful, they’re easy to store, and there are so many fun games you can play with them.
13. Learn how to perfect the frisbee toss
Throwing a frisbee is a fine art. And it can be fun trying to get it just right, and then showing off your talent to your family and friends.
14. Play hopscotch
Grab some chalk and find a piece of pavement for some old-fashioned hopscotch. This game never goes out of style.
15. Paint with mud
You can get hands-on with the the mud, or use old paintbrushes. Nature art is a great way to connect with the outdoors.
16. Jump in puddles
Puddles are such simple things and yet they provide children with opportunities to learn about movement, the natural world, and play.
17. Build a fort
Building a fort is a great activity for developing problem-solving skills, creativity, and gross motor skills—plus, kids love forts!
18. Go on a bear hunt
Using the classic book as inspiration, go on your own bear hunt and use different movements (stomp, crawl, tiptoe etc.) as you go along.
19. Explore a stream with a bucket
Wade barefoot through a creek or stream in search of critters to catch and then observe in a bucket before releasing them.
20. Run through a sprinkler
This type of play never seems to get old—from toddler to tween. Perfect for family fun in the summer. (It also pairs well with ice-cream!)
21. Make a nature maze
Gather up some sticks, rocks, pinecones, or anything else you can find and make a maze to navigate through.
22. Play Follow the Leader
One person is the leader and everyone else lines up behind them. Everyone then has to copy the movements of the leader, or they’re out!
23. Learn how to catch
Catching is a fundamental skill for many games and activities! Here’s how to help your child learn.
24. Check out a cool playground
Across the country you’ll find lots of unique, fun playgrounds to explore. If some are local to you, maybe plan a day trip. Here are a few fun playgrounds we’ve discovered.
25. Learn a new (to you) sport
Trying something new is a great way for kids of all ages to learn what you like and don’t like. Plus, it’s a great way to move your body in a new and different way.
26. Go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing
Cross-country is a great introduction to the sport of skiing if your little one is too hesitant to try downhill. And both outdoor activities are a fun way for the whole family to get active together in the winter.
27. Try winter hiking
Speaking of winter, hiking can be done in the cold months, too! Bundle up and, if you want to try something different, bring sleds, and every hill turns into a slide. You could even add more excitement with a hike to a frozen waterfall.
28. Roll down a grassy slope
Rolling down a grass hill is a great way to help develop a child’s vestibular and proprioception senses.
29. Dig for worms
Digging in the dirt and holding slimy worms is a fun sensory activity! It can help develop a child’s sense of touch and sight.
30. Play with sticks
A stick can be so many things: a wand, a sword, a shovel, or even a fishing pole. Collecting and playing with sticks engages the imagination and the senses.
31. Balance on a log (or beam)
Logs and beams can be found on beaches, along trails and in parks during your outdoor adventures. You might even encourage your child to try going barefoot to engage their sense of touch.
32. Play street hockey
This game can be considered a kid’s rite of passage in Canada! Plus, street hockey is a fun option near home that can include the whole family. All you need is a few hockey sticks and a ball. Nets are nice to have, but a couple of pylons will work in a pinch.
33. Bury a time capsule
Gather things into a box and then bury it in the yard and plan to dig it up one year later. Some fun things to help with your collection: What do I love to do? What is my favourite meal? What is my favourite activity to do as a family?
34. Fly a kite
Even when there isn’t a lot of wind, running around with a kite trailing behind you is fun. Kites can be purchased in toy stores, dollar stores, or made by kids, too.
35. Blow bubbles
Simple, but endless fun. And they can be played with year-round.
36. Build an inukshuk
What could be more Canadian than building a beautiful inukshuk? Have your children gather stones of various sizes and let them build their own landmark.
37. Camp in the backyard
A backyard camp-out is a great activity for kids who are new to camping or for families that want to stay close to home.
38. Try out skateboarding
Skateboarding is a full-body workout! It helps with balance and coordination, too. To learn more about the sport and how your child can try it, check out these helpful tips.
39. Master the art of skipping stones
Find some flat, round rocks and throw them parallel with the water. It takes practice and patience! But it’s worth the effort to see a stone skimming across the water.
40. Go fish
Fishing is a great skill to learn. Casting and reeling teaches children coordination and movement skills. Plus, it can be a calm, quiet, reflective experience.
41. Build a fire
From gathering and chopping wood to lighting the fire, learning to start a fire is a survival skill that’s worth teaching. Younger children can be taught how to gather sticks and place kindling in the right shape to start the fire.
42. Go on a nighttime walk
Grab your flashlight and take a walk under the stars! Night walks are magical for children. Be sure to listen for interesting animal and insect sounds!
43. Bathe in the forest
Forest bathing simply means spending time taking in nature. This is a wonderful calming activity, and works well if your child needs some time to reset. Start by helping your child find a quiet and comfortable sitting spot in nature. Ask them what they hear, smell, see and feel.
44. Go plogging
Plogging is an active way to help the planet! The word comes from the combination of the Swedish term “plocka up” (pick up) and jogging. In short, you can grab a trash bag, run around, have fun, and help clean up the environment while you’re at it.
45. Enjoy the thrill of snow tubing
In the winter, tubing hills at local ski sites is a fun option. It’s such a joyful, thrilling activity that most members of your family can participate in!
46. Play tug of war
This game is simple, sure to encourage laughter, and also teaches kids about team-building, compromising, and problem-solving.
47. Play water tag
Think paintball, but with water. You can do this in your backyard or front yard, or head to a local park. Invite some friends along to join in on the fun.
48. Challenge someone to a game of mini-putt
It’s hard not to love this family classic! It’s just the right level of competitive, and it’s fun for all ages.
49. Learn to hacky sack
It sounds simple—kicking a small ball straight up and catching it on your foot—but it’s surprisingly hard! Can your child drop the sack, kick it straight up, and catch it using the back of their foot? The outside of their foot? Their toes? Check out this printable with some fun hacky sack games.
50. Pick your own fruits and veggies
Head to a local farm or orchard and discover how great it is to dig, pick, and get fresh produce.
