36+ Activities For 12 Year Olds (Printables + Reels)

Finding fun activities for 12-year-olds can be exciting! This age is perfect for exploring new things, making friends, and having a great time. Whether it’s sports, arts and crafts, or cool science projects, they mixed with opportunities to grow and learn.

Activities like soccer, drawing, and science experiments help you learn new skills, stay active, and have fun with friends. For those interested in more unique experiences, why not try geocaching or an outdoor scavenger hunt?

These activities are perfect for adventurous spirits and can be a great way to explore nature while challenging your problem-solving skills. Exploring different hobbies can also help you discover what you’re passionate about.

Activities For 12 Year Olds

DIY Mini Living Room Decor

Creating a mini living room decor is a fun activity for kids. They can design and decorate tiny furniture for dollhouses or displays.

Materials: To create the craft, use small cardboard boxes or pieces, fabric scraps, glue, scissors, and small sticks or straws for legs.

How to Do:

1. Cut the cardboard into sofa and chair shapes using small boxes.
2. Cover the cardboard with fabric or paper and secure with glue for cushions.
3. Glue pieces together for the sofa and chairs, and add sticks/straws as legs.
4. Cut circular cardboard, attach legs, and decorate for the table.

Jar Painting

Jar painting is a fun and creative activity for kids. They can transform ordinary jars into beautiful art.

Materials: Clean, empty glass jars, acrylic or glass paints, paintbrushes, palette, and paper towels or cloth for cleanup.

How to Do:

1. Wash and dry the glass jar.
2. Gather paints, brushes, and palette.
3. Paint your design on the jar.
4. Let it dry, apply a second coat if needed.
5. Use it as a decoration, vase, or container.

Handmade Earrings Activity

Creating handmade earrings is a creative activity for kids. They can design their own jewelry, improving fine motor skills and artistic abilities. Using simple materials, kids can craft unique earrings to wear or give as gifts.

Materials: Earring hooks or studs, along with beads, buttons, or small decorative items, and craft wire or strong thread. Additionally, glue is needed for assembly.

How to Do:

1. Gather materials like hooks/studs, beads, buttons, etc.
2. Cut wire/thread to length.
3. String items in desired pattern.
4. Secure ends to hooks/studs.
5. Use pliers/knots/glue for security.
6. Let glue dry before wearing.

Make Book Holder

Creating a book holder is a practical activity for kids. They can organize their books and customize the holder with their favorite colors and designs. Using simple materials, kids can make a functional and decorative piece for their room.

Materials: Cardboard or a small box, paint or colored paper, glue or tape, scissors, and decorative items such as stickers or markers.

How to Do:

1. Cut cardboard to desired shape.
2. Paint or cover with paper.
3. Glue or tape pieces together.
4. Decorate as desired.
5. Place books inside.

DIY Evil Eye Ornaments

Creating DIY evil eye ornaments is a fun activity for kids. Kids can explore various crafting techniques and make beautiful decorations to hang or give as gifts.

Materials: Blue and white beads/buttons, black string/yarn, glue, scissors, and small circular pieces of cardboard or foam.

How to Do:

1. Cut circular cardboard or foam pieces.
2. Arrange blue and white beads/buttons in concentric circles on the base.
3. Secure beads/buttons with glue.
4. Cut a length of black string/yarn for hanging.
5. Attach string to the back of the ornament with glue & let dry completely.

Rock Painting

Rock painting is a creative activity for kids. They can turn ordinary rocks into colorful art pieces.

Materials: Smooth rocks, acrylic paints, brushes, and palette.

How to Do:

1. Gather smooth rocks and clean them.
2. Set up paints, brushes, and palette.
3. Paint designs on rocks & let paint dry completely.

Make a Fridge Magnets Activity

Making fridge magnets is a creative activity for kids. They can design unique magnets to decorate the fridge or give as gifts. Using simple materials, kids can create colorful, personalized magnets.

Materials: Small flat stones, acrylic paints or markers, paintbrushes, strong magnets, glue, and a palette.

How to Do:

1. Clean stones or bottle caps thoroughly and let them dry.
2. Set up workspace with paints, brushes, and palette.
3. Paint designs on stones or caps.
4. Let paint dry, add second coat if desired.
5. Glue strong magnets to the back & let glue dry completely.
6. Display magnets on fridge or give as gifts.

Mosaic Paper Art

Creating mosaic paper art is a creative activity for kids. They can explore patterns and colors while improving their fine motor skills. With simple materials, kids can make beautiful designs to display proudly.

Materials: Colored paper, scissors, glue, a pencil, and a piece of cardboard or thick paper for the base.

How to Do:

1. Cut colored paper into tiles.
2. Sketch design on cardboard.
3. Glue small section.
4. Arrange paper tiles on glued section.
5. Repeat until design is filled.

Portrait Drawing

Drawing portraits lets kids explore their artistic abilities and learn about facial features and expressions. This activity develops fine motor skills, attention to detail, and creativity.

Materials: A sketchbook or drawing paper, pencils of different grades, an eraser, sharpener, and ruler.

How to Do:

1. Choose subject.
2. Sketch head shape and guidelines.
3. Add facial features, then hair.
4. Outline and shade for depth.
5. Erase guidelines, adjust for detail.

DIY Puppet Theater

Creating a DIY puppet theater is a great way for kids to enjoy imaginative play and storytelling. This activity helps with creativity and fine motor skills as they craft their own theater and puppets.

Materials: A large cardboard box, colored paper, glue, scissors, craft sticks for puppets, and printouts or drawings of characters.

How to Do:

1. Cut rectangular opening in box for stage.
2. Decorate box with paper/paint for curtains and frame.
3. Make puppets on craft sticks.
4. Set up theater on table with stage forward.
5. Use puppets to perform, moving behind box to tell story.

DIY Chakra Frames

Making DIY chakra frames is a fun activity for kids, blending art and mindfulness. They’ll learn about chakra colors and symbols while expressing creativity.

Materials: Colored craft sticks, glue, markers or paint, cardstock or thick paper, scissors.

How to Do:

1. Choose craft sticks matching chakra colors.
2. Arrange four sticks, glue corners for each frame.
3. Repeat for all seven chakras & cut cardstock to fit frames.
4. Draw/paint chakra symbols on squares & glue them onto frames’ backs.

DIY Wind Chimes

Creating DIY wind chimes is a fun activity that blends creativity with soothing sounds. Kids can explore various materials and designs to make beautiful chimes for the garden or window.

Materials: String, small bells or chime pieces, a stick or wooden dowel, scissors, and glue.

How to Do:

1. Cut strings to length & tie one end to stick evenly.
2. Thread beads and bells & secure with knots or glue.
3. Tie extra string for hanging.
4. Hang for pleasant sounds in the wind.

Sand Art

Sand art is a fun activity kids will enjoy. They can explore colors and textures to create unique pieces of art using simple materials.

Materials: Sand, glue, cardboard or thick paper, a marker, a paintbrush, and paint.

How to Do:

1. Draw design on cardboard & apply glue to section.
2. Sprinkle colored sand, covering.
3. Shake off excess, repeat for each section & use different sand colors.
4. Let glue dry before displaying sand art.

Mug Painting Activity

Mug painting is a fun way for kids to personalize their own mugs. It boosts artistic skills and lets them create unique, usable artwork. With simple materials, children can design and paint mugs to keep or give as gifts.

Materials: Plain mugs, acrylic paints or porcelain paint markers, paintbrushes, palette, and paper towels or a cloth for cleanup.

How to Do:

1. Clean and dry mug.
2. Prepare paints, brushes, palette.
3. Design mug with brushes/markers.
4. Let paint dry, apply second coat if necessary.
5. Follow instructions to set paint, usually baking in oven.

Scrapbook Making Activity

Scrapbook making is a fun way for kids to capture memories and express creativity. They can organize photos, drawings, and mementos into a personalized book using simple materials.

Materials: Blank scrapbook/notebook, colored paper, photos, stickers, glue, scissors, markers. Gather mementos, drawings, and decorations for personal touch.

How to Do:

1. Gather photos and mementos.
2. Cut paper for backgrounds and frames.
3. Arrange by theme & secure with glue or tape.
4. Decorate with stickers & write captions.
5. Repeat until finished.

DIY Scrunchies

Making DIY scrunchies is a fun activity for kids. They can create their own stylish hair accessories, adding a personal touch to their outfits. Using simple materials, kids can design scrunchies in different colors and patterns.

Materials: Fabric such as cotton or satin, elastic bands, needle with thread or fabric glue, and scissors.

How to Do:

1. Cut 4×18 inch fabric; fold lengthwise, right sides facing.
2. Sew long edge; turn right side out.
3. Thread 8-inch elastic through tube; sew ends together.
4. Fold fabric ends in; sew to close scrunchie.

Car Washing Activity

Car washing is a fun outdoor activity for kids. It keeps the car clean and teaches responsibility and teamwork. With simple materials, kids can enjoy washing the family car.

Materials: A bucket, car soap or mild detergent, sponges or wash mitts, a water hose, and towels for drying.

How to Do:

1. Fill a bucket with water and car soap.
2. Rinse car with a hose to remove loose dirt.
3. Scrub car with soapy sponge from top to bottom.
4. Rinse with hose; dry with towels to remove spots.

Words Search Activity

Word search puzzles are a fun and educational activity for kids. They improve vocabulary, spelling, and concentration. By finding words in a grid of letters, children enhance cognitive skills while having fun.

Materials: A printed word search puzzle and either a pencil or marker.

How to Do:

1. Review the word list.
2. Scan the grid for the first word.
3. Circle the word and cross it off the list.
4. Repeat for remaining words.

Glass Painting

Glass painting is a fun activity for kids, letting them decorate glassware with vibrant colors and designs. With simple materials, they can create personalized pieces for decoration or gifts.

Materials: Plain glassware like wine glasses or jars, acrylic or glass paints, paintbrushes, a palette, and paper towels or a cloth for cleanup.

How to Do:

1. Clean glassware with rubbing alcohol; let dry.
2. Set up paints, brushes, and palette.
3. Paint the design on glass; let dry and apply a second coat if needed.
4. Set the paint by following the manufacturer’s instructions, usually by baking.

Math Scavenger Hunt Activity

A math scavenger hunt is a fun way for kids to practice math skills while having a blast. This activity blends physical movement with problem-solving, making learning engaging.

Materials: A math scavenger hunt checklist and either a pencil or marker.

How to Do:

1. Print or create a math scavenger hunt checklist.
2. Explain tasks to your child.
3. Give a pencil or marker for checking off tasks.
4. Let your child explore and find items, assisting if needed.

T-shirt Painting

T-shirt painting is a fun way for kids to customize their clothes. It boosts artistic skills and lets them express their individuality. With simple materials, they can design and paint unique shirts to wear proudly.

Materials: A plain white T-shirt, fabric paints or markers, paintbrushes, cardboard, and paper towels or a cloth for cleanup.

How to Do:

1. Place cardboard inside T-shirt.
2. Set up with fabric paints, brushes, and stencils.
3. Create design on T-shirt; let dry.
4. Apply a second coat if needed; set paint per instructions.

My Chores Chart Activity

Making a chores chart is a practical and fun way for kids to learn responsibility and organization. It helps them track daily and weekly tasks, marking off completed chores for a sense of accomplishment.

Materials: A printed chores chart and pencils or markers, along with an eraser.

How to Do:

1. Create a chores chart with age-appropriate tasks.
2. Explain chores to your child and assign days.
3. Display chart visibly and encourage daily completion.
4. Use stickers for rewards and review weekly, praising progress.

DIY Fashion Show with Friends

Hosting a DIY fashion show with friends is a fun activity kids will love. It encourages creativity and imagination as they design and showcase their own outfits using simple materials.

Materials: Old clothes or fabric scraps, scissors, fabric glue or safety pins, and accessories like hats, belts, or jewelry.

How to Do:

1. Gather old clothes, fabric scraps, and accessories.
2. Cut and modify items with scissors; secure with fabric glue or safety pins.
3. Add hats, belts, and jewelry.
4. Set up a runway, play music, and showcase designs. Capture with photos or videos.

Find The Difference Activity

“Find The Difference” is a fun activity for kids to boost observation skills. They compare two similar pictures and spot the differences, enhancing visual perception and concentration.

Materials: A printed “Find The Difference” worksheet, a pencil, and an eraser.

How to Do:

1. Look at both pictures side by side.
2. Examine carefully, using a pencil or marker.
3. Circle or mark differences as you find them.
4. Take your time, find all listed differences, then review and discuss.

Chess Playing

Chess is a brain-boosting game for kids, fostering critical thinking and strategic planning. It encourages patience, concentration, and sportsmanship, making it both fun and challenging for players of all levels.

Materials: Chessboard and chess pieces.

How to Do:

1. Set up the chessboard for each player.
2. Decide player colors; white goes first.
3. Learn movement of each piece.
4. Take turns to capture the opponent’s king or draw.

How Was Your Day Activity

The “How Was Your Day” activity helps kids reflect on and express their thoughts and feelings. By filling out a daily journal page, they improves self-awareness, emotional expression, and writing skills while creating a keepsake of their daily lives.

Materials: A printed “How Was Your Day” worksheet, a pencil, and an eraser.

How to Do:

1. Print or create the “How Was Your Day” worksheet.
2. Sit with your child and fill it out together.
3. Guide them to write their name, age, and location.
4. Have them jot down their favorite thing from the day and decorate the page.

Discover Religions and Traditions

Exploring religions and traditions teaches kids about diverse cultures worldwide, fostering understanding, tolerance, and respect. Through simple projects, children can discover and appreciate the richness of global traditions.

Materials: Printed symbols representing various religions, scissors, glue, and either a poster board or a large sheet of paper.

How to Do:

1. Print or draw symbols, then cut them out.
2. Arrange symbols on poster board, leaving space.
3. Research beliefs, practices, and festivals for each religion.
4. Write brief descriptions next to symbols.

Lunch Box Notes Activity

Adding lunch box notes is a sweet way to cheer up your child during the school day. It lets parents send positive messages and encouragement. Using colorful notes, you can make lunchtime special and boost their confidence.

Materials: Printed lunch box note templates, scissors, pen or marker, and stickers.

How to Do:

1. Print or create lunch box notes on colorful paper.
2. Carefully cut out each note.
3. Write a personalized message for your child on each note.
4. Decorate notes with stickers or drawings, then place one in your child’s lunch box daily.

DIY Candle Making

Candle making is a fun activity for all ages. Kids can explore their creativity by designing and crafting their own candles using simple materials. They can make beautiful candles for decoration or gifts.

Materials: Beeswax sheets or candle wax along with a wick, scissors, and decorative elements like dried flowers or ribbons to make your candles.

How to Do:

1. Cut wax to size.
2. Soften wax with hairdryer if needed.
3. Place wick and roll tightly.
4. Trim wick, decorate, and let set.

Write A Journal Activity

Journaling is a great activity for kids to reflect, express, and improve writing skills. It fosters self-awareness and mindfulness by helping them articulate experiences and emotions.

Materials: A printed journal template, a pen, and an eraser.

How to Do:

1. Print or create journal template.
2. Sit with child to fill it out.
3. Write day of the week.
4. Note one good thing from yesterday, discuss why today will be better, brainstorm ways to make today great, then let child sign.

Weaving Activity

Weaving is a hands-on activity that fosters fine motor skills, concentration, and creativity in kids. Using simple materials, children can create beautiful woven pieces, introducing them to traditional crafts.

Materials: A small weaving loom or cardboard loom, yarn in assorted colors, scissors, and tape.

How to Do:

1. Set up weaving loom, cutting notches if needed.
2. Wrap yarn vertically to create tight warp threads, securing ends.
3. Cut yarn and thread through needle or fingers.
4. Begin weaving, passing yarn over and under warp threads, alternating pattern.

Princess Bingo Cards Activity

Princess Bingo Cards is a fun game for kids, blending bingo excitement with beloved princess characters. Ideal for parties or family game nights, it improves memory, attention to detail, and social skills.

Materials: Princess Bingo cards..for that you can use our printable, scissors, and markers or bingo chips.

How to Do:

1. Print or create Princess Bingo cards and cut them out.
2. Give each player a bingo card and markers.
3. Place princess cards in a container, mix them, and draw one at a time.
4. Players mark matching princess images on their cards; first to complete a row/column/diagonal shouts “Bingo!” Verify the win, congratulate, and start a new round.

Create a Favorite Songs Playlist

Making a favorite songs playlist is a fun way for kids to explore music, share tunes with others, and develop their listening skills while expressing their preferences and discovering new genres.

Materials: A smartphone, tablet, or computer to access music streaming apps like Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube.

How to Do:

1. Discuss music preferences.
2. Create playlist on app.
3. Add favorite songs.
4. Explore new music together, listen, discuss, and share if desired.

Maze Fun Activity

Maze activities are great for kids’ problem-solving and coordination. They challenge children to think critically as they navigate twists and turns. It’s a fun project for rainy days, quiet time, or quick brain exercises.

Materials: A printed maze worksheet or simply use our printable, along with a pencil or crayon, and an eraser.

How to Do:

1. Print or create maze worksheet.
2. Provide pencil or crayon.
3. Explain goal: guide rat to burrow.
4. Guide them through maze, correct if needed, celebrate, repeat.

Story & Poem Podcasting

Podcasting stories and poems is a thrilling way for kids to share their creativity and storytelling skills. By recording their own pieces, children can improve reading, writing, and speaking abilities while exploring podcasting tech in a fun way.

Materials: Smartphone, tablet, or computer with a mic, and get an audio recording app like GarageBand or Audacity.

How to Do:

1. Brainstorm story or poem ideas.
2. Write down their creation.
3. Prepare recording space and test sound levels.
4. Record your child reading, adjust, save, enhance, and share.

Online Animation Learning

Online animation learning is a fun way for kids to explore digital art and storytelling. They can learn animation basics, boost technical skills, and express creativity in exciting ways.

Materials: A computer, headphones, animation software, and a notebook for notes.

How to Do:

1. Choose an animation platform (e.g., Scratch, Blender).
2. Set up the device in a quiet space with the internet.
3. Explore tutorials and create an account if needed.
4. Follow tutorials, start a simple project, experiment, save, review, and share.

conclusion

In summary, creating engaging and age-appropriate activities for 12-year-olds is essential for their holistic development.

By offering a mix of challenging and enjoyable pursuits, from team sports to creative projects, we can support their physical, cognitive, and social growth.

Your feedback on these activities is invaluable, helping us tailor the experience to meet the evolving interests and needs of 12-year-olds, ensuring they have a fulfilling and enriching journey.