18 Summer Activities Tweens Will Actually Think Are Cool

The 2025 tween. They’re not little kids anymore (and they’ll be the first to remind you), but they’re also not quite teens—no matter how much they might act like it. 

It’s an in-between stage full of big feelings, shifting interests, and a growing need for independence.

And during the summer? That in-between energy can make it especially tough to keep them engaged.

The usual “kid stuff” feels too babyish. But teen-level freedom and responsibility? Still a stretch. So how do you plan a summer that feels exciting, age-appropriate, and actually fun for a 10–12-year-old?

That’s where this list comes in. We’ve pulled together summer activity ideas that help tweens stretch their independence, explore new skills, and most importantly—feel like they’re doing something cool.

Let’s dive in.

10-12 year old summer activities ideas

To make things even more relatable, each idea includes a 'kid version'—a way to help your tween see how far they’ve come, and why this new activity might be their next favorite thing.

1. Go to camp (instead of just sitting at home) 

A hallmark of summer fun: camp is a wonderful way to infuse time off from school with time outdoors, exploring personal interests, and making new friends. And nowadays, there are more types of summer camps than ever for tweens! From coding camps to sports camps, arts camps, and more, summer camp programs offer valuable enrichment opportunities and so much more for tweens.

2. Take a class (not just watch a show)

When kids are interested in something, they must have all the things to help them feel connected to that thing. From toys to TV shows, clothes, and more; a kid’s level of interest is measured by how much related stuff they’ve accumulated. 

But tweens? Oh no. They’ve far beyond that. 

So, encourage them to “get connected” with the things they enjoy by taking a class to learn more about it. From virtual summer camps to private coding tutoring lessons, or something like a course cooking their favorite dessert, tweens might find it exciting to learn how to create around some of the things they love rather than just "play" with or consume those same things. 

3. Design something (instead of just doodling)

Similar to the above, tweens might just need an outlet for creative expression, but with a purpose! That could be creating a comic book, artistic portfolio, or mastering a new technique like photography! 

See if your tween has any interest in graphic design or 3D modeling. This can even turn into an introduction to 3D printing depending on how involved they become. 

And really, while the tools are more advanced than what tweens are used to dealing with as kids, it’s the entire creative process that’s elevated, as they can learn to challenge themselves to plan an entire new "world" as it pertains to something like character design.

Get kids and teens started with an animation class today!

4. Create an online brand (not just operate a lemonade stand)

Building off the previous, with newly-acquired design skills, think about the different doors that can now be opened. Before, as a kid, your child would color a picture and rush to show you just how well they stayed inside the lines. Then as they got older, they started drawing their own pictures, and begged to be displayed on the refrigerator. 

As a tween, they can start truly developing skills to help them literally create anything imaginable and become an entrepreneur. With such skills, they can start building their own personal online brand, and can showcase it all through their own website or YouTube channel (with your help and supervision, of course).  

Now they’re developing an entrepreneurial mindset, and instead of having to resort to a lemonade stand to try and earn a few bucks, they can set their sights even higher. 

5. Sell clothes online or donate them (not just playing dress up)

Speaking of earning more than just an allowance, kids love raiding closets and playing dress up...but tweens? They might enjoy raiding with purpose; whether that’s finding old clothes you can help them sell online, or other items they can donate. 

A good way of brainstorming summer activities for your tween is to think about all the things you task kids with as chores, and how those things can be taken to the next level to help them develop independence and "grow up."

So with this, if they needed to keep their closet clean as a kid, now they're finding better uses for their clothing. If it was packing their own lunch, maybe task them to concoct new and different items to include, or to start a yard maintenance "business" where they used to only be tasked with keeping your yard clean. 

6. Create a new recipe (not just bake cookies)

Part of this transition from kid to teen deals greatly with independence. So, I’m sure your “kids” have baked or cooked with you before, right? But “tweens?” They might not enjoy it as much anymore. 

So, why not challenge them on creating their own recipe(s)? If all goes well, they can create their own cookbook. If all goes really well, they can design their own cookbook and perhaps you can help them get started with some cooking tips on YouTube (per the above). 

7. Decorate the bedroom (not just pick it up)

Kids hate chores. But tweens...actually tweens hate chores, too!

But, if you’re tired of them having a consistently dirty room, maybe task them with redecorating it?

Now, the extent of independence is up to you, but it might be fun for them to come up with a new creative concept that can hopefully be put into action. Now that it’s “their room,” they might take a bit more pride in the upkeep!

8. Read a book and discuss it (not just browse social media)

I hope my kids never outgrow their love for books and reading, but I know that day will come at some point, or at least the interest will take a break at some point. 

If you find yourself in a familiar spot, you can encourage your tween to read the same book you’re reading, and then you can discuss it through your own little family book club. You can even expand to friends and others, but let your tween run the show. 

9. Volunteer (not just be "bored" with extra time)

No matter the age, children always seem to find boredom.

Kids are typically too young to grasp the concept of volunteering, but tweens might develop an emotional interest in giving that empty time to help those in need.

Now, when the “I’m bored” starts coming on strong, have the discussion with tweens that if they can’t find anything valuable on which to spend their time, why don’t they think about “donating” that time to help the less fortunate?

For instance, previous iD Tech campers put this valuable and detailed instruction guide together on how kids can 3D print surgical mask extenders from home to help those on the front line find much needed comfort. 

10. Create a podcast or song (instead of just listening)

There are a lot of great podcasts for tweens out there, plus more and more teachers are using them in the classroom, so why not have kids explore this cool medium and put their own stories out there?

History, mysteries, science, pop culture: kids can choose a topic they’re passionate about and use a number of free podcasting tools for kids to share awesome original content. Creating a podcast is an in-depth creative undertaking that can be incredibly rewarding and an excellent way to dive deep into a favorite subject or hobby. On their own or with friends, summer is the perfect time to learn how to create.

Speaking of creating, kids love music. So why not step into the producers chair? Making digital music has never been easier or more fun to experiment with. Inspired by their favorite artists or by their own original ideas, getting into the music studio will get the creative juices flowing in no time. 

11. Create games (instead of just playing them)

Have you played every board game, video game, and card game in your house? You’re probably not alone!

So, time to get a little creative. Learning to code video games, design video games (or both!) is a great way to do that.  

The next family favorite could well be inside your child’s imagination, and making up a game together could also be a fun family activity.

Give a custom board game maker kit a try a DIY backyard game activity, and you’ll be well on your way to having a blast with something new.

12. Build something (instead of buying something)

Ever wonder how to make your own water balloon launcher? If that’s not a recipe for some major summer fun, I don’t know what is. 

Of course, many awesome DIY projects require purchasing supplies, but there’s a level of ingenuity that goes into making something yourself that the average Target run can’t quite replicate! 

For ideas to get started, check out this guide to summer DIY activities for kids. 

13. Create content (instead of just consuming it) 

We’ve all seen the trends and heard about the mind-boggling YouTube statistics in recent years; nowadays, many kids and tweens have favorite channels and videos.

So, instead of spending hours just watching YouTube videos, they could create their own! Tweens watching gamecasting could become gamecasters and those who love how-to guides and DIYs could produce (and potentially monetize; here is a list of ways kids can make money from home) their own channel. Along the way, they can learn versatile skills like video editing, creative planning, and how to build a following online.

Now, YouTubing isn’t for everyone, and that’s ok! Encourage your tween to create a digital scrapbook or video collection to just be shared with friends and family. Your child could channel their inner cinematic director by creating movies with tools the pros use like Adobe Premiere. There are plenty of ways to use YouTube content as a springboard for something cool, including a more low-tech passion project. Encourage them to explore the possibilities!

14. Plan an activity (instead of just tagging along)

Planning summer schedules typically falls to parents, right? Give yourself a break and put your tween in the driver’s seat (metaphorically speaking, of course) of your next family outing. 

It will be a great opportunity for the whole family to explore something they’re interested in, plus - depending on what your tween has in mind - it could offer a fun opportunity to practice budgeting and logistical skills. 

Encourage them to think beyond an ice cream run! (Of course, this outing should be done in compliance with your area’s COVID-19 guidelines.)

Virtual excursions can be amazing and fun, and they're often educational too! Perhaps your child is interested in a particular country, landmark, or historical event. Sites like Airbnb offer incredible live tours, classes, and interactive virtual experiences. Instead of another night of Netflix, perhaps your tween would like to have a virtual tour of Paris followed by a virtual crepe making class—yum!

15. Learn a strategy (rather than just following along) 

Strategic thinking doesn't just happen in school (thankfully for everyone who enjoys strategic thinking!). Summer is a wonderful time to shake things up and add games, sports, and kids' other hobbies into the mix. 

Strategy is as essential, for instance in learning chess as it is to the latest trends in esports. To succeed at either, kids will need to do more than just go through the motions. So, encourage your child to embrace the competitive spirit, put on their thinking caps, and let their minds chase the thrill of victory! 

16. Direct a short film (instead of just making TikToks)

If your tween is always creating stories or filming themselves for fun on platforms like TikTok, encourage them to plan and produce a mini movie. From writing the script to casting their siblings or friends and editing it together, this is a creative outlet with major storytelling potential. Tools like iMovie or CapCut make it easy to get started.

17. Geocache or go on a scavenger hunt (instead of just taking a walk)

Tweens can easily turn a regular outdoor stroll into an adventure. Geocaching (a real-world treasure hunt using GPS) is a fun way to combine tech with nature. Or, plan a custom scavenger hunt for your tween and their friends—bonus points if they help design it. Such adventures are great for problem-solving, teamwork, and getting outside.

18. Learn a life skill (instead of just tagging along)

Tweens are at that perfect age to start picking up real-world know-how. Teach them how to budget, plan a grocery list, cook a meal start to finish, sew a button, or do laundry without help. These aren’t just chores (ugh)—they’re confidence-builders. Frame it as a “life unlock.” Mastering a skill now makes them feel more grown-up and more capable.

It’s a challenge that makes us all stronger

As unpredictable as this age can be, it’s also full of potential. Tweens are ready to try new things, test their independence, and discover what excites them—sometimes all in the same day.

The trick isn’t having the perfect plan. It’s offering just enough structure, a little bit of freedom, and plenty of room to explore.

And when you do? You just might help them build a summer they’ll actually remember—and grow from.