Turning 12 is a big deal for kids.
It is the last year of childhood as they start transitioning into adolescence, and while they should be fairly independent in life skills – being able to make their bed properly and tie their shoelaces for instance, there is so much more they should have experienced to give them lasting memories into adulthood.
A bucket list for kids may seem odd, but when you look at a list of what your child should be able to do by age 12, there is one thing lacking – any suggestions of fun.
So, to rectify that, here are the top 12 things all children should do before they hit the age of 12.
Roll down a hill
They say that laughter is the best medicine, and this is sure to bring a lot of laughter for grownups and children – just watch out for animal poo.
Grow something edible from seed
A pot out on the patio will do to grow many varieties of vegetable or herbs. You can even grow strawberries if you’re not a vegetable lover.
Growing your own food, is not only really satisfying but it is a great way to have some responsibility and learn how things grow.
Lie back on the grass and make shapes in the clouds
Not only is this relaxing, but it is also a great way to encourage creativity and connect with nature.
Cumulus clouds – the ones that are all fluffy like cotton wool – are the best to make shapes from. Make sure that you are not staring directly into the sun, though.
Find a Geocache
Geocaching is like a digital treasure hunt and all you need is a handheld GPS enabled device – a smartphone will do the trick.
A ‘cache’ is a small waterproof treasure box, hidden for you to find. To do this, head to the Geocaching site or download the free geocaching app and download coordinates to find the treasure.
Most caches have a logbook inside for you to leave a message in and sometimes people leave a strange array of trinkets to swap.
If you take a treasure out, you should leave another trinket in its place – so be prepared!
Bring up a butterfly
A great way to learn about metamorphosis and an inexpensive pet that you won’t be tied to.
You could go on a caterpillar hunt in your garden and build your own garden to ‘grow your own’ or you can purchase a Butterfly Garden kit, which gives you full instructions on what to do and all you need.
Watch the sun rise
Set your alarm and go find the perfect east facing spot with a clear view to take in the colourful sky. It is worth checking for a ridge of high pressure on the weather forecast and light winds, which will keep pollution levels low and ensure the picture-perfect moment.
Learn to sew
Cushions, decorations, small toys, you name it, there are kids’ sewing kits for pretty much every occasion these days.
Ideal for a personal gift, but sewing also helps you develop important fine and gross motor skills and hand-eye co-ordination, while learning basic stitches that will come in handy later in life.
Go on a night-time nature walk
Curious to see which animals come out at night? Want to hear an owl hoot? Or perhaps you want to see what happens to some flowers when the sun has gone down?
What better way to learn all about these animals and plants, than being out amongst them?
Be a scientist
Who doesn’t love a science experiment? There are so many cool experiments that you can easily do at home, but how about this one?
Can you crack an egg in the palm of your hand? All you need is a raw egg and some strength! Place the egg in your hand and squeeze as hard as you can. What happens?
That’s right, nothing! The shape of the egg gives it tremendous strength, so by surrounding the egg with your hand, the pressure you apply by squeezing is distributed evenly all over the egg.
Eggs are strongest at the top and bottom, which is why it won’t break at both ends when there is pressure applied. Cool, huh?
Bake or cook – without an adult helping
If you want to be on Junior Bake Off, you need to know how to bake – without an adult helping. This chocolate traybake that my nine-year-old rustled up is super easy and super tasty.
Chocolate traybake recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp cocoa powder
- 225g butter
- 225g caster sugar
- 275g self-raising flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 4 large eggs
- 4 tbsp milk
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 180C Fan. Grease and line a baking tin
- Put all the ingredients into a bowl and mix until well blended with an electric whisk or mixer, then spread it evenly into the tin
- Bake for 35 – 40 mins until it springs back when pressed in the centre. Leave to cool in the tin
- Decorate however you choose! Use shop bought butter icing or make your own and add whatever toppings you like. Cut into square pieces to share with your mates
Bike down a hill
It will scare your mum but it’s ‘wheely’ fun. Make sure you wear a helmet.
Play Pooh Sticks
Yep, Winnie the Pooh’s favourite game. All you need is a bridge over some water and some sticks. Drop the sticks one side of the bridge and wait to see which pops out the other side first.
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