100 Things To Do Before You Are 12! by Anne Janik

Its never too young to start checking off those 100 things to do before you are 12- tightrope walking on a log (with a little help from Mom)

It’s mid-July, and if you're a kid, there are countless adventures waiting outside! Feeling a little bored? Check out “The List” — 100 fun and simple things every kid should try before turning 12. You’ll probably find that you’ve already done quite a few, but there are still tons more to discover and cross off.

Have you ever peeked under a rock in a creek, balanced on a log, dug for worms, or danced in the rain? How about spotting the Big Dipper, imitating a bird call, playing hopscotch, making mud pies or a flower necklace, sleeping under the stars, building a bike jump, or howling at the moon? These are just a few examples from the list.

Need a copy? Download it at Generation Wild – The List. You’ll find that many of these can be done right in your backyard or a nearby park. No need to travel far—just step outside and start exploring!

Try building a worm hotel or planting a sock garden. How about baking s’mores in a sun oven or creating a soda bottle sprinkler? You can find videos and instructions for these clever backyard hacks and more at generationwild.com.

Summer is the perfect time for family fun and making lasting memories in nature. If you’re on the hunt for fresh DIY ideas, here are more ways to bond and spark curiosity through adventure and storytelling—because nothing brings people together quite like shared wonder.

Get creative outdoors:
Craft a bird’s nest, build an animal den or bug hotel, design a Lego bird table, or create a mini pond. You could even make a gift for a wild creature!

Experience nature’s magic:
Take a nighttime stroll, go on a microscopic animal walk, capture a nature-inspired photo or sketch, or search for natural treasures on a scavenger hunt.

Engage your senses:
Walk barefoot over different surfaces and describe the textures. Seek out interesting smells like flowers, moss, or pine trees. Try guessing objects by touch and scent, listen closely to nature’s soundtrack, dip your feet in a mountain stream, and of course—taste a perfectly gooey s’more!

Curious to learn more? Visit Generation Wild – UK. Activities range from quick 15-minute projects to longer explorations, each with easy-to-follow instructions.

Parents—nature is a powerful motivator!
Getting your kids outside can be as simple as suggesting they climb a tree, splash in a creek, or get gloriously muddy in a puddle. Try creating a nature-themed obstacle course—think log walking, hill rolling, creek running, or rock skipping. You might even earn the title of “coolest grown-up!”
Challenge your kids with a nature scavenger hunt or an A–Z search (find something that starts with every letter). A small reward—like a scoop of ice cream—can go a long way!

Blending tech with outdoor play
Technology doesn't have to be the enemy of outdoor fun. When used intentionally, it can help “digital natives” connect with the natural world in exciting ways. Apps like iNaturalist, Seek, and Star Walk invite kids to identify plants, observe animals, and explore constellations. BirdNET and Merlin even let kids identify birds by their calls using a smartphone microphone. Once they get hooked, they’ll likely want to spot birds the old-fashioned way—by sight and sound.

Try geocaching!
This modern treasure hunt uses GPS devices to locate hidden containers, or “caches,” all over the world. It combines puzzle-solving, teamwork, and exploration, making it a fantastic way to spark enthusiasm for the outdoors.

One of the best things about tech-assisted nature activities is how accessible they are. With just a smartphone and internet connection, even families in urban settings can rediscover local parks and backyards with fresh perspective. By embracing technology as a bridge, we help foster genuine curiosity and appreciation for the outdoors.

Whether it’s identifying a bird with an app or discovering a hidden cache in a park, the possibilities are endless.

Nature is powerful medicine—for kids and adults alike.
Time outside boosts confidence, creativity, and imagination. It nurtures a sense of wonder and teaches responsibility. Research shows it even helps reduce stress and fatigue—benefits that grown-ups could use too!

Luckily for us, western Colorado is packed with outdoor opportunities. We truly have the best backyard in the West.

For more inspiration, check out our blog: “Tech Meets Trails: Engage Digital Natives in the Outdoors.”