The Best Practical Gifts For Outdoorsy Tweens

Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs that earn us a commission if a qualifying purchase is made.

Lightweight Hiking Backpack

If your tween enjoys being outdoors and likes to go on hiking trips with friends and family, the best outdoor gift ideas are practical items they can use repeatedly.

A lightweight hiking backpack may be the perfect gift. This backpack has room for everything they will need on their hiking trip while still being small enough that they won’t feel the strain of a heavy pack.

Find it on Amazon

Hammock

The best gifts for the outdoors can be super simple. This camping hammock has everything needed for your tween to stay comfy and covered throughout the night for camping, hiking, or on a beach trip.

Lightweight and convenient, this portable hammock weighs only 24oz and folds to the size of an eggplant – pretty cool for spending time outdoors this summer!

Find it on Amazon

Inflatable Lounger Air Sofa Chair

Are you looking for cool outdoor gifts for tweens? Then look no further than an inflatable lounger! Perfect for pool parties or take it on your family camping trip.

The best part is that no pump is required to assemble this inflatable lounger, the perfect outdoor gift for summer adventures!

Tweens can use the sofa chair with the pillow-shaped headrest design and be comfortable anywhere they go.

Find it on Amazon

Camping Cookware Mess Kit

Has your tween got an upcoming camping trip where they’ll be responsible for their own cooking and meals?

This 6-piece camping cookware kit includes 2 non-stick aluminum pots, a spork, a cleaning cloth, a camping stove, and a carry bag. It can be folded to save space while hiking and camping – a great way for them to start taking on some independence.

Find it on Amazon

Multitool Camping Survival Gear

This multitool is a practical gift for anyone who likes to camp or hike. It is also a unique gift idea for older kids, as it can be carried with them wherever they go or on any adventure they take.

More than just a pocket knife, the multitool gives you a knife, hammer, mini saw, wrenches, an axe, bottle opener, fish descaler, and more for your curious tween ready to learn new skills.

Find it on Amazon

Bushcraft Kid: Survive in the Wild and Have Fun Doing It! 

Got a kid really keen to learn more about survival skills? This is the real deal when it comes to bushcraft skills they can try outdoors this summer.

Younger teens would be ideally suited to learning these skills from Dan Wowak, who appeared on the History Channel’s Alone Season 3.

From properly using knives and tying knots to makeshift shelters and foraging for food, this is a great choice if you’re seeking out educational gifts.

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Waterproof Dry Bag

This waterproof bag is one of the best outdoor gifts for tweens who love outdoor adventures in nature. With it, tweens can ensure that their items and valuables are always dry.

It’s the perfect outdoor gift for hiking, kayaking, boating, and more, with multiple color options on offer.

Find it on Amazon

Camping Tent

This lightweight two-person dome tent with a large D-style door is the perfect outdoor gift for a young teen looking for a little more independence. It has enough space for your tween and a friend.

This compact tent is ideal for hiking, camping, a kid’s indoor or backyard play tent, fishing, or shelter at the beach.

Find it on Amazon

Sleeping Bag

A great addition to your tween’s outdoor adventure is their very own sleeping bag. They will be edging towards leaving their child-sized sleeping bag behind and looking for something more suited to teenage boys/teenage girls.

Depending on where you live and camping conditions, a 4 season sleeping bag is a great idea as it remains suitable up to near-freezing conditions.

Find it on Amazon

Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad

This inflatable sleeping pad is comfortable and portable, so it’s ideal for camping, hiking, or spending the night in the backyard.

Just unroll the pad, open the valve, and air will pull through the valve inflating the sleeping pad.

Find it on Amazon

Mountain Bike

Tweens who enjoy biking around the city or hitting trails will always love getting a new mountain bike.

This Huffy bike is popular because it has a durable steel frame that’s backed by a lifetime warranty. The 24″ frame should be suitable to most teenage kids.

Find it on Amazon

Inflatable Kayak Set

A unique gift idea, this is a super strong inflatable kayak set that tweens can use to enjoy the water. It’s built with removable and adjustable sheets, and paddling the kayak is easy with the aluminum oars.

Find it on Amazon

Paddle Board 

Active kids who love getting out on the water may be ready for some larger equipment and learning new skills.

This inflatable paddle board has a durable, non-slip deck pad that can withstand high pressure. The fins on the bottom detach to make it easy to carry anywhere or on any adventure.

Find it on Amazon

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Whether your tween is hiking on rugged terrain or snowshoeing on fresh powder, they need hiking gear that can keep up!

Trailbuddy trekking poles are strong enough to withstand any weather condition and are adjustable, so they can grow with your tween into teens, making it an excellent gift idea.

They come in several different colors, so you can coordinate their trekking poles with their hiking bags and sleeping gear.

Find it on Amazon

Waterproof Phone Pouch

We know outdoor adventures are a time to disconnect from our devices, but we all want to capture the memories, too, right?

This waterproof phone case’s triple-layer lock-down technology provides complete protection against water, snow, dust, and sand.

With this pouch, you can ensure your tween’s cell phone stays dry no matter the outdoor weather. Practical and affordable, this is one of the best outdoor gifts for tweens!

Find it on Amazon

Fishing Pole and Tackle Box

If you have a tween who is interested in fishing, this fishing gear starter set has everything they need.

The fishing set includes a 65-inch telescopic fishing rod, spinning reel, minnow net, beginner’s guide, fishing lures, carry case, and tackle box stocked with gear.

Find it on Amazon

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

Any active, outdoorsy kid knows that taking a water bottle with them is essential, but what about when there’s no fresh drinking water source?

This personal travel water filter is perfect for your tweens’ hiking pack, keeping them safe on any outdoor adventure.

A LifeStraw protects against 99.999999% of bacteria (including E.coli, Salmonella), 99.999% of parasites (including Giardia and Cryptosporidium), 99.999% of microplastics, silt, sand, and cloudiness.

Find it on Amazon

Outwear Puffer Down Jacket

This puffer jacket is lightweight and the ideal gift for tweens that love outdoor adventures, whatever the weather. Keep them warm when it’s getting cold outside; cooler weather certainly shouldn’t stop outdoor adventures!

The puffer jacket can be scrunched down easily, fits into backpacks, and has pocket space for phones, wallets, and more.

Find it on Amazon

The Best Games and Cool Outdoor Toys for Tweens

Portable Cornhole Set

The best outdoor kids’ toys need not be complicated to be loads of fun! This classic lawn game’s portable version is ideal for camping trips or days in the park.

A competitive game of skill that’s fun for the whole family or your tween can challenge their friends.

The set folds back into a small bag for easy storage when not in use.

Find it on Amazon

Walkie Talkies

Walkie talkies are no doubt another of your own childhood favorites, but believe us when we say the tech behind them means they’ve moved on in leaps and bounds.

A best-seller, these colorful walkie-talkie sets have brilliant range and standby battery time of up to 3-4 days, the perfect addition to your tween’s outdoor play.

Find it on Amazon

LED Flying Disc 

Another fun gift for the outdoors is this super cool LED flying disc toy.

An athletic game, your tween can have fun throwing the disc back and forth with friends and family while enjoying some time outside.

This can be a fun activity that they can do while hanging out in the backyard, or take it on your next family camping trip.

Find it on Amazon

Spikeball Set 

Spikeball is a great outdoor toy for tweens, for the beach especially. Gross motor skills at work: this is a great physical activity that tweens can play in pairs or groups.

The set comes with its own drawstring bag and three balls, making it highly portable to wherever you’re headed in the great outdoors.

Find it on Amazon

Flybar Master Pogo Stick

It is a classic from our own childhoods, I’m sure! Tweens are ready to master the skills needed to try a pogo stick – a test of agility for active tweens and so much fun!

This is one of the coolest outside toys for tweens who love the challenge of learning a new skill and want to learn some tricks to show off with their friends.

Find it on Amazon

Giant Wooden Yard Dice Set

If you are looking for a cool outdoor toy for tweens, this is the perfect yard game and would make a great gift idea with a novelty touch.

This giant wooden Yardzee set is fun for kids of all ages. They can set it up outdoors and play a game against their friends to see who can win.

Find it on Amazon

FOUND THIS TWEEN GUIDE HELPFUL?

If you’re still looking for more gift ideas ideal for the pre-teen in your life, you may also want to check out these bumper gift guides by age and gender:

We also have more detailed gift guides for sporty boys and ideal gifts for sporty tween girls, or why not consider gifting your outdoorsy kid an experience rather than a material gift?

Think of experiences like a family kayaking trip, ropes and zipping course adventure, or what about an epic safari experience? We share all our favorite experience gifts suitable for tweens over here.

The post Cool Outdoor Gifts For Tweens They’ll Love appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

What gift should I get my sporty tween boy for his birthday? Tween boys might be hard to shop for, but when they have clear passions, it certainly makes picking out something they’ll love much easier!

Forget gift cards or video games they’ll soon forget. Let’s look for something that suits your sporty boy to a tee – practical and thoughtful gifts to improve their skills, hone their hygiene, indulge their passions, and let them show a little bit of style!

With the help of our own sporty boys, check what we have rounded up for your sporty tween guy in 2024, be it a son, nephew, or family friend; these are the types of gifts that will appeal to a sporty preteen boy.

You may also be interested in

The girls aren’t missing out! You’ll find our gift guide for sporty girls over here!

Best Gifts For Sporty Tween Boys

Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs that earn us a commission if a qualifying purchase is made.

Sporty Duffel Bag

A cool duffel bag is an absolutely essential foundation when looking at sporty gifts for tween boys. They will need it for almost every activity they undertake in their tween year.

Adidas is always a reliable brand that never goes out of style, offering many different color combinations for sporty boys to choose from. The classic Diablo duffel bag is a must.

Find it on Amazon

Phillips Wake Up Light

Getting up in the morning is tough for anyone, but it is even tougher for most tweens who’ve started to fully appreciate the beauty of a long lie-in while their bodies do nothing but grow!

Gotta get them up early for practice, though? Then, this Phillips wake-up light will be an incredible gift to get them. It is an alarm clock that will ensure mornings are more pleasant as it wakes your boy up with gentle lights and nature-inspired sounds. It also has smart features like the FM radio, tap snooze, and an automatic dimmable display.

Find it on Amazon

Fuzion Z250 SE Pro Scooters

One of the best gifts for boys, whether they’re sporty or not, is a scooter! As a mode of transport or for pulling some neat tricks at the skate park, finding a scooter that fits your tween boys’ style and needs is essential.

We have a detailed review of tween scooters for boys over here if you need some help deciding on style and deciphering all the jargon!

Find it on Amazon

Dragon Touch 4K Action Camera

Has your sporty boy been begging you for the latest GoPro to capture his moves out on his bike or skateboard? The good news is there are many brands that cost a fraction of the “official” GoPro but offer equally excellent quality footage they can use in their home videos.

Dragon Touch 4K with 16MP image captures includes a 170-degree wide-angle lens as well as being waterproof and can connect to other devices via wifi for quick downloads.

Don’t forget to throw in some extra memory cards and extra adhesive mounting pads as a nice touch so they can get going as soon as they unwrap this super thoughtful sporty gift.

Find it on Amazon

Customized Medal Holder

Your sporty boy will undoubtedly pick up a few medals and rewards for their achievements over their tween years; what better way to celebrate that success than to display it?

Find it on Amazon

Fitness Tracker

A fitness tracker is an essential piece of kit for your sporty boy who wants to start tracking his performance and developing healthy habits.

The FitBit Ace 3 has up to 8 days of battery life and is water resistant to 50 meters. The great part about fitness trackers is that they double as watches, so (theoretically) there are no more excuses for your tween running late to practice!

Find it on Amazon

Snorkel Set

Does your sporty boy love hitting the water? A snorkel set is the perfect tween boy gift for kids who are curious about their surroundings.

This kid’s snorkel set is perfectly sized for the tween age group and includes non-slip fins, a dry snorkel tube, an anti-fog mask with tempered glass, earplugs, and a handy carry bag to sling on your shoulder to the beach.

Find it on Amazon

Bike Wheel Lights

Worried about your tween boy being out on his bike after dark? Time to pimp his ride with these awesome LED Bike Wheel Lights.

Waterproof and easy to install, they can be set to static or flashing in a wide range of colors to match the owner’s existing bike (they fit anywhere from 12″ to 19″ wheels).

Find it on Amazon

Light Up Baseball

This cool ball designed for a catch only will be an incredible gift for your baseball-loving boy. The rule used to be that you had to be home when the street lights came on, but with this baseball which has high-powered LEDs, they can continue playing even after the sun goes down.

The gift box includes a spark catch baseball, a user guide, an A23 battery, and a commemorative coin.

Find it on Amazon

Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager

This foot massager is at the top of every sporty guy’s wish list. It helps relax tense muscles after a sporting event by targeting specific pressure points on the foot and aiding in blood flow.

The coolest point of this massager is that it has a “heat” setting for the winter. It is a thoughtful gift for sporty boys that will last them for years of post-match therapy!

Find it on Amazon

Soccer Trainer

A superb gift idea for a sport boy who loves soccer, this soccer trainer set will allow them to continue practicing their ball control at home or in the yard.

So, whatever the weather and without an opponent, they can still work on those soccer skills to be ready for their next game.

Find it on Amazon

Cool Running Shoes

The trendy, sustainably sourced shoe brand Under Armor is everywhere and worth the hype. They are super comfy, stylish, and long-lasting enough to make even the snobbiest of sporty shoe nerds happy.

These lightweight shoes are ideal for your athletic tween and offer a balance of flexibility and cushioning, ensuring your child’s small but growing feet are safe.

Find it on Amazon

Longboard Skateboard

Tweens with skateboards are inseparable; that’s a fact, but they do upgrade. Your sporty guy will appreciate this longboard as a gift to cruise the streets with his peers. It is a sturdy and safe piece that he can use to showcase pro moves and stunts. It is a perfect present for sporty boys.

Find it on Amazon

No Bounds Outdoor Speaker

This outdoor speaker will ensure your sporty tween takes his music with him even when out in the field. It works with either an AUX cable or Bluetooth, and it can also use Bluetooth to sync up more than one speaker for an enhanced listening experience.

What’s more, it is designed to float in water, making it a perfect gift for tween boys who love their outdoor adventures.

Find it on Amazon

Rock Climbing Holds

Your active boy will drool over these rock climbing holds that support weights up to 230lbs. These holds are non-skid, thus reducing the risk of your tween falling off.

Great for use both indoors and outdoors, they come with all the accessories needed for easy and safe installation – you just need a surface to put them on!

This rock climbing kit will ensure your sporty kid exercises their strength, agility, and confidence while climbing (and it certainly saves them from wrecking your furniture with their monkey-like antics!)

Find it on Amazon

Marvel Body Wash Collection

Your sporty tween is probably sweating a lot these days, thanks to all the activities he undertakes. If this line of men’s grooming products inspired by Marvel heroes can clean the Earth’s mightiest, it should be good enough for your tween!

It is a no-brainer gift for young athletes, packed with everyday grooming essentials – body wash and deodorant – to help them develop good hygiene habits early on.

Find it on Amazon

Baseball Cap

This classic baseball cap will stand out as a great gift for sporty guys. Your loyal baseball fan will need one of these caps to show support for their favorite team. Your only task will be to find out which team your tween boy loves most.

Find it on Amazon

Iron Flask Sports Water Bottle

A small boy with a big thirst? The Iron Flask sports water bottle is one of the best gifts for your sporty tween boy.

A super useful gift for both hot and cold drinks, they come in a wide range of colors from 14oz to 40oz to suit their size and drinking needs.

It is a stainless steel bottle that is BPA-free and non-toxic and should be hand-washed only with soapy hot water. It also comes with three different 100% leak-proof lids to suit their preferred drinking style.

Find it on Amazon

Adidas Tiro Training Pants

The classic Adidas track pants with the three stripes down the legs are a must for boys who are into sports. They bring out a sportier style of lounge pants, as they are slim fit, breathable, and have pockets and ankle zips for lightweight comfort. They are a perfect gift that will ensure your sporty tween stays cool and dry in warm weather.

Find it on Amazon

Comforter Set

Get your sports-mad boy some age-appropriate room décor to suit their favorite sporting passion.

These comforter and duvet sets from NTBED Store are bound to appeal to your junior sports fan with several bold designs, including baseball and football, available in twin and full sizes.

Find it on Amazon

Spikeball Game Set

Spikeball is a cross between volleyball and cross square. It is a lawn game that the whole family will enjoy as it is perfect for the beach, the park, or the backyard.

It is an easy-to-learn but difficult-to-master game that ensures everyone breaks up a sweat and gets some fresh air.

Find it on Amazon

Wireless Earbuds

The perfect sports accessory for your sporty tween. These wireless earbuds will be the ideal workout companion for your boy as they are waterproof, boast a powerful Bluetooth chip, and have a 30 hours of working time.

Find it on Amazon

Sports Illustrated Kids Graphic Novels

Got a reluctant tween reader? This was us until we discovered sports books! Illustrations in these graphic novels help them through, along with plenty of sports facts and trivia they can bore you silly with!

These Sports Illustrated Kids’ books are written for an 8 to 14-year-old audience, an ideal gift for boys who want to learn more about sports.

Find it on Amazon

Basketball Floor Rug

A super original gift idea for a basketball-loving boy, why not spruce up their room with this basketball court rug?

Available in sizes from tiny floor mats ideal for bathrooms to full floor coverings 6′ by 16.4′, these will be a real talking point for a tween boys’ room.

Find it on Etsy

Portable Disc Golf Target 

Have you joined the disc golf trend? A super game that can be played at home in the yard or out and about with friends.

It’s a great game for working on hand-eye coordination. Your sporty boy will love growing his sporty repertoire and honing his skills with this fun outdoor activity.

Find it on Amazon

Cool Sports Watch

With this classic watch on your tween boy’s wrist, he can comfortably tell the time, thus eliminating the need to carry his smartphone when sporting.

He can also set the timer to ensure that he reduces the time taken with every lap he runs. There are lots of lights and gadgets to explore, as well as being water resistant to 50m.

Find it on Amazon

LED Score Tracker Air Hockey Table

Scooping this air hockey table for sporty tweens will be a sure-fire hit. This mini-series tabletop hockey game is an easy-to-assemble piece that includes everything needed apart from the players. All you will have to purchase separately are eight AA batteries.

Find it on Amazon

Wallniture Sporta Wall Mounted Ball Storage

Are you sick of tripping over your tween boy’s growing collection of sporting paraphernalia? This might just be at least part way to a tidier solution!

Whether it’s part of their room décor for a souvenir ball signed by their favorite sports star or simply getting their everyday sports kit off the floor (good luck!), these 7.3″ wall-mounted holders are a seriously practical piece of sporting gear your tween may not think to add to their wishlist but will come in super handy.

Find it on Amazon

Whether he’s scoring goals on the soccer field or shooting hoops in the driveway, our curated gift guide ensures that every sporty tween boy will find something to fuel his athletic passion and keep him moving with enthusiasm.

Found This Tween Gift Guide Helpful?

With the help of our tweens, we’ve put together dozens of tween gift guides tailored to individual tastes, hobbies, and age groups.

Why not dive further into our full collection of tween gift guides, including:

Best tween gifts for boys
Perfect gifts for a tween who loves the outdoors
Easy stocking stuffer gift ideas for tween boys
Advent calendar ideas for tweens
What to include in a Christmas Eve box for a tween

The post 30+ Super Gifts For Sporty Tween Boys appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

As your tween grows, so to does their balancing skills and their need for speed, doing fancy tricks and riding long distances on their scooters over simple family strolls to the park.

But what sort of scooter do you upgrade to for a tween who wants to stay on trend but still have a super practical set of wheels? We’ve gone through about as many scooters as we have baby strollers back in the day to find the best wheels for our growing kids!

Scooters, both electric and push, have become a popular way for children to get to school when they live close. They are also fun to ride, making them great for hanging out with friends or while outside enjoying the weather and getting some playtime in.

We’re sharing with you here the best scooters for tweens that will allow them to easily travel to wherever they need to go or allow them to have fun while enjoying the outdoors.

12 Best Scooters for Tweens – Suitable for 9 to 12-year-olds

Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs that earn us a commission if a qualifying purchase is made.

Fusion X-3 Pro Scooter

Lightweight and durable, the FUZION Pro X-3 scooter has an aluminum deck, steel V-bars, and a noise-free brake; we believe this is the best scooter for tweens who want to learn some tricks.

With several pro features, it’s designed for entry-level riders, so if you’re tween is new to pro or trick scooters, this one would be a good one to go with, especially if they’re keen to try some moves in the skate park.

Find it on Amazon

Razor Flashback Kick Scooter

A BMX-style scooter that’s perfect for your tween. This Razor scooter has 12” mag wheels and dual hand-operated brakes, making it easy to control and ride with a wide deck for riding comfort.

This is the best tween scooter for all-terrain riding.

Find it on Amazon

Albott Kick Scooters

Your classic tween scooter, the Albott kick scooter is foldable and portable with a free carry strap thrown in, making it easy for your tween to take it with them wherever they go.

The deck is made with an anti-slip texture so your tween can ride in comfort safely, and we love that the handlebar is also adjustable, from 31.5″ to 39.4″, making this a great investment that will see your preteen scooter last through to the teens.

Find it on Amazon

Yvolution Wiggle Scooter

Your tween seeking a little bit of outdoor fun and some extra challenge?

A self-propelled scooter with a revolutionary design, the Yvolution Y Fliker Pro is moved by shifting your weight from side to side.

Although it looks bulky, it can fold down when not in use.

Find it on Amazon

Crazy Skates Foldable Kick Scooter

With a steel rear brake and handbrake, this Crazy Skates scooter is foldable and easy to travel with.

The scooter also features a kickstand under the deck and sturdy T-bars, which are adjustable; it makes for a great scooter for a 10-year-old.

Find it on Amazon

Anti-Shock Suspension Scooter

Great for ages 8 and up, this anti-shock suspension scooter SKIDEE can hold up to 220 pounds.

It folds so that it’s easily portable and comfortable to ride on. The adjustable handlebar has 4 settings from 31.5” to 41″ to fit your growing tween into the teenage years.

We love the large wheels for cruising and the eye-catching color range for SKIDEE products, making them a great unisex scooter choice for tweens.

Find it on Amazon

Geelife Foldable Scooter

Made with high-quality wheels that help absorb shock, the Geelife scooter with adjustable height handlebars has become a popular scooter for tweens and teens.

The modern safety features will help protect your tween, and you can easily store it away because of its ability to fold. It’s super lightweight and comes with a handy carry strap.

Find it on Amazon

Mongoose Expo Youth Scooter

The Mongoose Expo is a truly unique style of scooter, perfect for kids who need to handle rough surfaces.

The front and rear brakes make it easy for your tween to stop on the go. The 12-inch inflatable wheels allow them to manage just about any terrain, and it has a wide deck so they can easily balance while riding.

Find it on Amazon

Best Electric Scooters for Tweens

On to some electric scooters now that may take your tween’s interest. These scooters are ideal for preteens with a longer commute or with hills to tackle too (with a word of caution to make sure they understand the difference between electric and push power scooters and are trained in safe use; i.e. wear a helmet!)

 Razor Power Core E90

This entry-level Razor electric scooter for tweens provides up to 80 minutes of ride time between charges.

The scooter can get up to 10 miles per hour and is a rear-wheel drive for better balance and control.

At around $100 more than a regular scooter, it will put a larger dent in your budget than a push scooter but is excellent for a tween with longer distances to ride.

Find it on Amazon

Street Art-Inspired Electric Scooter

VIRO Rides has developed a trendy electric scooter for tweens that also features a new street art-inspired look.

The scooter can go up to 10 mph and has a thumb throttle on the handlebar to help control the speed when needed.

You can expect to get about 40 minutes of ride time out of this quite reasonably priced electric scooter for tweens.

Find it on Amazon

SmooSat Pro Electric Scooter

Razor E200 Electric Scooter

A full-size deck frame helps your older tween stay in control and ride in comfort, while the all-steel frame and fork make for a sturdy ride.

The scooter can go up to a whopping 12 miles per hour, giving your tween some extra fun and a quick way to get around.

It is a little heavier and pricier than the Core E90, but for your tween heading into their teens and looking for many years of use to come, it’s the ideal choice of electric scooter perfect for commuting.

Find it on Amazon

Tween Scooter Safety

Don’t forget important safety gear for your tween, too.

Whilst it’s uncommon for scooter-riders to be required to wear a helmet by law for street riding, if they will be hitting a skateboard park, for example, it’s essential; and don’t forget safety gear such as knee and elbow pads and wrist guards. You’ll find a dual-certified skateboard helmet a better choice than a bike helmet for this purpose.

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Found what you’re looking for in your tweens next scooter?

Tweens can be a picky bunch when it comes to essential gear like their scooter that they’re likely using as their main form of transport. It’s important you consult with your tween about what features matter to them most.

Whilst color and aesthetic will no doubt play into things, what is more important is ensuring it will meet their needs; do they want to do awesome tricks at the skate park, take it off-road, or are they seeking a comfortable ride to and from school?

Lightweight scooters with small wheels are ideal for tricks, but larger wheels or even upgrading your tween to an electric scooter will ensure a smooth and comfortable ride across different terrains.

Let us know in the comments if you’ve found the ideal scooter for your tweens.

The post 12 Best Scooters For Tweens In 2026 – Ideal For 9 To 12-Year-Olds appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

Therefore you need to have cool birthday party ideas that are hip enough for even the pickiest tween. While planning a birthday party for your tween can be overwhelming and stressful, having a plan might get you a safe landing.

A great tip that will always put things into perspective is remembering that it’s all about your tween and their desires now that they are getting all grown up; come with your ideas and planning tips but let them take charge!

We’re here to help you today with this huge list of tween birthday party ideas, plus planning tips to make everything run smoothly for your older kids’ celebrations.

Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs that earn us a commission if a qualifying purchase is made.

How To Plan A Birthday Party For Your Tween

Planning a birthday party can be exhausting and time-consuming, BUT  it’s not if you break it down into small parts. Here are some tips that will ensure you and your tween host a smooth and memorable event.

1. Choose a Theme / Party Type

Considering that it is your tween’s birthday party and you want it to be dope, you should sit down with them and choose a party theme.

Listen to their ideas of how they want the theme to be incorporated into the whole event, i.e., the cake, decorations, attire, party favors, and other birthday details. Or perhaps there’s no need for a theme but a core activity you can work around.

Picking a good party theme is probably the most challenging step in party planning as it has to be fun, unique, extraordinary, exciting, and breathtaking. And also allow everyone to look fab and take instagrammable selfies.

We talk more about party themes below! Read on…

2. Timings

Knowing when the party will begin and end and the day will make the whole event more manageable. Your tween will let you know the most suitable date and time to hold their party.

This will ensure it does not collide with their friends’ planned parties, and also, it should be ideally at the beginning of a weekend or the holidays so your guest won’t have to worry about school the following day.

Do be firm on an end time; nobody enjoys that lingering guest who never goes home! And if it’s a sleepover, set your expectations upfront on lights out and when the end of the party will be.

3. Food and Entertainment

Deciding on the budget for the party will help you know how many guests you can invite over.

The best part is that most tweens aren’t too fussed about fancy snacks – you can still get away with the likes of chips, pizza, hotdogs, and sodas, which are not that expensive to cater for.

What form of entertainment does your tween fancy? And is it going to leave your pocketbook busted? Cheap birthday party ideas for tweens also rock; you don’t always need to be hiring out equipment or entertainment companies for your pre-teen kids to still have an incredible time.

4. Guest List

How many guests does your tween want? How many can you handle? You should walk over the guest list with your tween to ensure you agree on the number of friends you can host BEFORE invites are sent out!

While reviewing the guest list, you should be sincere with your kid about who you are uncomfortable having over. This will ensure you stay as far away as possible when the event is ongoing, as you will be comfortable with the group dynamics.

Will your party be mixed boys and girls or single gender? It is around this age that kids’ interests divest; you will find your tween children move quickly through the phases of being best friends to the girl germs/boy germs phase and then suddenly crushes and teasing – it can be like walking a tightrope to keep on top of!

A parking plan is another thing to remember when planning a guest list and total numbers. If you live in a busy street or apartment building, space and parking for parents need to be factored in.

Do consider inviting the parents to stay briefly at drop off and pick-ups, especially if you don’t know them well, so they can be comfortable with the party setup before leaving their tweens to party independently.

5. Set The Rules For Behavior

You should communicate with your tween beforehand what is expected of them on the material day. Be sure to define the rules and boundaries clearly. This will ensure you do not keep showing up when your tween is having fun with their peers. Trust me, in the event you are uninvited!

6. Traditions You May Want to Uphold

You might have some unique traditions you want to uphold during your tween’s birthday party. A simple birthday celebration becomes unique and memorable when you add little touches that set the day apart.

Over the years, you have learned what ticks your favorite person in the world. Ensure that whichever tradition you choose to work with does not come out as an embarrassment in front of the peers. Examples of traditions are:

• Let your kid pick the cake they want
• Birthday person compliment time
• Making a memory keepsake of the year
• Posing for a family photo or next to a favorite part of the house or garden each year

7. Locate a Place to Set Up The Party

If your tween intends the birthday party to be lowkey, then your house will be suitable. Your backyard will also come in handy when setting up locations. Ideally, you should have dancing, food and drinks, and activity zones.

If your tween decides on a large party, you should consider renting out space outside the home. Alternatively, setting up picnic tables and barbecues in the local park to accommodate all guests comfortably.

Check if you will require any permits for this in advance – popular city parks or entertainment venues can sometimes be booked up months in advance – we talk more about outside the home party themes below.

If you’re outside, don’t forget to have a gazebo mounted nearby just in case the weather decides to change.

8. Let Your Tween Send Out The Invites

Let your tween feel like the “grown-up” they crave to be. Allow them to send out the invites via any digital means they prefer. Be sure to require an RSVP so you can have a certain number to plan for, and be sure the party invitation doesn’t spread wider than its intended recipients!

Make sure your tween party invite includes:

• What the occasion is for – clearly!
• Date and timings
• Location or pick up point
• What you will be doing – if there are any special themes, dress-ups, equipment needs
• RSVP – phone number and cut-off (especially if you’re booking external activities)

It’s always wise to follow up on digital communications with the parents, too! Unsuspecting parents need time to plan; even if their tweens know what’s happening, they may not!

It may be wise to mention that the party will be supervised and ensure the other parents have your contact details.

9. Remember to Put Away Your Valuables

Whilst it’s doubtful your tween hangs out with thieves; kids can be a bit careless and forgetful. If you’re having a party in your home, consider putting away expensive and fragile things in a separate room.

Also, it’s a good idea to have a room set aside where kids can leave coats, bags, phones, and all their other essential tech that follows them everywhere, so nothing gets lost or misplaced.

10. Consider Having A Chaperone

Do you want to monitor your tween’s party without spoiling the fun?

By the tween years, we’re long past parents staying for the duration of the party. But do consider getting a second set of eyes that will allow you to cover the whole ground.

Have you got an older, trusted teen they won’t be embarrassed to have hanging around? A cool aunt or uncle, a God Parent?

When everything is all set and running, try as much as possible to steer clear of the party and let the person you assigned take over in handling the crowd.

Always, always be on hand still though for supervision and in case there are any problems. You, the parent, should be on hand to report back to parents and deal with any first aid issues or mini tween-crisis that can inevitably erupt.

Birthday Party Themes For Tweens

On to the fun stuff now; here are some fantastic tween birthday party themes to make sure their party is one worth remembering.

We have classified them into two categories of home ideas, i.e., indoor and backyard party ideas for tweens and out-and-about ideas in honor of the soon-to-be teenager in your life.

At Home Ideas For a Tween Birthday

Tween parties at home can be less costly than out and about with older kids, and it’s easier to keep an eye on your child, but there’s always the inevitable cleanup after you can not avoid.

At-home birthday parties are also a great idea, especially if your tween’s birthday falls during winter. Some at-home cool tween party ideas are:

1. Slumber Parties

How better to let your tween loose and relive their childhood like a pajama party? Tweens love sleepovers, and this is the perfect age for your children to start enjoying a night away from home in a safe and comfortable environment.

Why not step up your sleepover game and do something out of the box? Sleepovers are best if your tween invites a few of their closest friends rather than a large group.

Having a theme will also ensure you make your tween’s slumber party memorable. You could consider;

• A movie star party – dress the part and pick your favorite tween movies for a binge batch
• Spa night – with face masks, nail polish, and other beauty treatments
• Camping – you don’t need to be under the stars for a fun indoor tent set up
• Making pizzas and cupcakes – keep them busy in the kitchen and that’s your catering taken care of too!
• Neon party
• Gaming challenge – what tweens wouldn’t love video games galore

A pajama party tops the list as one of the best fun and low-budget party ideas for tweens. There are still plenty of slumber party games you can play while engaging your birthday tween in some of their favorite activities.

Remember to state in your invite if sleeping bags will be needed and any extras your quests may need to bring.

2. Backyard Party Themes

Are you on the lookout for a great summer birthday party idea for tweens?

A backyard party theme means a chilled outdoor vibe and easier cleanups with a broader range of activity options. This will allow you to set up all the games, food, and craft stations around your yard beforehand. Backyard parties are a good idea when your tween wants to invite a bigger crowd.

Remember to decorate the backyard with lots of flowers, pretty balloons, glow-in-the-dark lights, and plenty of soft pillows to give your at-home tween party that extra special touch.

Some fun backyard themes include:

• Backyard beach party
• Music festival night
• Backyard movie theatre night with popcorn at the popcorn bar
• Backyard camping
• Vintage tea parties
• Carnival themed parties
• Tie dying and crafting
• Obstacle courses or climbing walls

You can also include some fun games like badminton, volleyball, spike ball and more. The great thing about backyard parties, you set the budget! You can make it as low key as your tween desires, to hiring tents and activities, which brings us nicely to…

3. Organized Activities That You Can Bring To Your Home

Yes, you read right! You can still make your tweens’ birthdays extra unique and memorable even with social distancing. Some of the pre-teen birthday ideas that work are;

• Plan a birthday treasure hunt: Is anyone in the mood for a scavenger hunt? These can be far more challenging than you’d set for your younger kids, possibly even taking them out into the neighborhood to pick up clues and cool prizes as they go
• A fun idea is to set up a balloon trap outside your tween’s door! Wait in the crowd and watch them get ambushed with a wind tunnel of balloons
• Have a movie marathon with a hired projector screen and popcorn machine
• Make a fabulous spa party for your king or queen; hire nail technicians or beauty specialists to your home
• Candle making, bath bomb making to cupcake decorating, all can be organized with an expert who comes to your home to teach the kids – a big step up from your magician and mad scientist parties from when they were little!
• Neon glow-in-the-dark dance party with glow sticks
• Hosting a dinner party is fun to make your tween feel all grown up, have them help prepare the menus to the table settings with their own unique theme

4. Pool Party

If you are lucky enough to have a pool at your home, or one you can easily borrow? Pool parties are perfect for any tween, especially if you’re celebrating a summer birthday.

Blast some music, use balls to play fun games, water guns, and plenty of giant inflatables.

Ensure enough drinks and cups are on hand and keep the sunscreen on tap; have some shade to retreat to and towels for breaks out of the pool. Make sure you have somewhere for your growing tweens to change discretely.

There are so many fun themes and games you can add to a pool party to ensure your guests have a grat time:

• Have a Hawaiian-themed party with mocktails and lays
• Set up a mini Olympics; swim races, floatie races, and lots of fun racing games

To our point above, even if your tweens are all great swimmers, this party definitely needs a chaperone to ensure everyone’s safety.

Out and About Ideas for a Tween Birthday

1. Camp out

Remember, tweens love sleepovers, and camping out makes it even more fun. Your tween and his or her peers can each bring their tent, or they can decide to mount up one that can hold all of them.

Have you got any local State Parks or recreation reserves that will allow you to bring a group? Check if reservations will be needed in advance. You may even find somewhere that lets you borrow equipment.

Once you’ve worked out sleeping arrangements, there’s no end to fun camping activities for your tweens to enjoy. Camps with no campfire are boring! So make sure you set up a campfire to make their s’mores as they chat the night away.

Don’t forget to decorate the tent while spicing it up per your tween’s preference. It is all set for them to enjoy! While this is an excellent tween boy party idea, it can also appeal to your tween girl who loves outdoor adventures

2.  Laser Tag Party

Is your tween into laser tag fun? It is a fun birthday party for tween ideas. Then you should consider booking a laser tag center or taking the party to the park. A great fun tween party idea for your birthday boy and his friends to burn some energy and have a fun time in the process!

3. Amusement Parks

Rollercoaster? Tick. Junk food? Tick. Amusement parks can be a fun place with loads of fun activities for your tween and their friends for an exceptionally thrilling birthday treat leading into those teen years.

If you are lucky enough to live near a theme park, this is a great one to save up for an extra special birthday for your tween and a few select friends.

4. Beach Party

Do you live near the water? We’re sure your tween would love a beach party.

Remember to decorate with inflatables, beach balls, and loads of easy-to-eat snacks and cool drinks. Do not forget sunscreen and a bit of shade.

Similar to a pool party, a beach party opens up endless fun themes you could play around with and a great lineup of timeless party games they’re definitely not too cool for, yet!

5. Hiking

If your tween is outdoorsy, then an epic hike will be right up their alley. You should ensure they are familiar with the route and have a chaperone. Set the distance you’ll be going so you can make sure it’s in all the party guests comfort range.

Also, do not forget to pack great snacks and drinks. They can combine hiking with a sleepover, camping trip or a dip in the pool or a beach to cool their heels!

This is a great tween party idea for tweens who are more connected to nature and prefer not to be cooped up indoors or traditional party formats indoors.

6. Fun-Filled Road Trip

If your tween’s invitees are few, a short road trip would be a fun and cheap birthday party idea. You can always make the road trip more lit by combining it with surfing, camping, sleepovers, and more.

It would be wise to use two vehicles for any emergencies that may arise.

7. Hotel Staycation Night

You don’t have to travel far from home to treat your tween to a dreamy vacation!

Your tween will appreciate the plush surrounding and, of course, the independence granted at a sleepover in a hotel room. They will have an all-in-one package as most hotels will likely have a games room, swimming room, spa, and an opportunity to order a movie and some room service while we’re in their fluffy robes and slippers.

You can always book an adjacent room to ensure you are close enough to help should the need arise and far enough to allow them the giggles (or hushed bases) and noise. It is a fantastic tween girl party idea, though we’d bet there are a few tween boys who’d love it too!

8. Beauty Spa

Why not spoil your queen or king with all the necessities of beauty therapy? Let them feel special on this day and pamper themselves. They can even do some DIYs to make bath bombs, friendship bracelets, sugar scrubs, candles, and more.

9. Cooking Class

Fancy pizza making or learning to make your own pasta? How about a baking or cake-decorating session?

Ask around your local businesses who would be prepared to set aside some private space and use of their kitchen for your tween and their gang to test out their cooking skills – and that’s meals and clean up sorted for you too!

10.  Sports and Hobby Based Themes

Is your tween a sports lover? There are so many fun activities you could book your birthday kid and all their friends in for.

Here are just a few you could consider, though it will be dependent on what you have available near your home;

• Setting up a soccer clinic for the birthday girl or boy and their mates
• Hire out some tennis courts and set up your own mini tournament
• Hire out a go-kart track
• Book a session at an ice rink, roller rink, or skate park
• Hire out a few lanes at the ten-pin bowling alley
• Set up a girl’s self-defense class appropriate to their age group

We hope this has helped to prepare you for your upcoming tween celebrations. Remember as they grow older, birthdays aren’t just a celebration of self, but something inclusive that pre-teens get huge pleasure being able to share with friends.

You may still want a small family celebration separately where gifts are exchanged, but a birthday party can be one of the best gifts your tween will ask for.

Tween Birthday Gifts

And a quick note on presents! We can definitely help you with this too.

We have hand selected gift guides to cover you throughout the tween years plus plenty of specialty gift guides depending on your tweens interests over on the tween gifts section of our website.

In our day and age, its a common practice for party guests to bring a gift for the birthday child. If you’d prefer they don’t, make sure this is stated clearly in the invite. Perhaps give an alternative that a donation can be made to a chosen charity on your child’s behalf.

Happy party planning tween parents! Let us know if you’ve got any other great suggestions in the comments.

The post 20+ Incredible Tween Birthday Party Ideas: Themes For 9 to 12-Year-Olds appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

How do you stop the boredom setting in on long road trips? How do you keep them safe? And how do you start instilling in them responsibility for carrying all their own gear?

These travel gifts for tweens will make their adventures and travels fun, easier, and better in every way.

So whether you’re perhaps looking for an ultimate end-of-year graduation gift for your tween to start their summer adventure or a Christmas gift they’ll cherish, read on as we’ve gathered up a handy list of all the best tween travel accessories and essential items they’ll need.

16 Best Travel Gifts for Tweens

Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs that earn us a commission if a qualifying purchase is made.

Hardside Spinner Wheel Luggage

A hardshell luggage case is the best travel accessory you can invest in for your tween. They are ideal for taking on airplanes and any journey where they will be away for multiple days.

We love this suitcase because the hard shell can protect the contents from the elements and has wheels making it easy to transport.

Find it on Amazon

Makeup Bag

You can’t go wrong with getting a tween girl a trendy nylon makeup bag for when she travels.

She can easily pack her makeup and hygiene necessities to keep with her while traveling. She can keep the bag on her or place it in the suitcase.

Find it on Amazon

Selfie Stick Tripod

Tweens will love the selfie stick tripod! It will allow them to share moments of their adventure, through video and pictures, in an easier way.

The selfie stick is adjustable and can be placed stationary, or they can hold the stick out while walking (just remind them of the dangers of doing this!!)

Find it on Amazon

Handheld Mini Fan

Not only is this a folding fan, it also is a flashlight and backup power bank that tweens will find useful when traveling.

The small fan can keep them cool whilst visiting warm places and the flashlight and backup power bank will always be handy.

Find it on Amazon

Cute Luggage Tags

Luggage tags are a must when you are traveling with bags and suitcases.

Choosing some fun-themed travel tags can make the perfect travel gift for tweens.

Find it on Amazon

Travel Journal

Let your tween write down their experiences, their favorite moments, and share with everyone the memories they make while traveling.

A simple travel journal can provide a lifetime of memories.

Find it on Amazon

Choco Mocha Girls Crossbody Purse

Crossbody purses are perfect for traveling, and they are easy to take care of.

For tween girls, this crossbody bag can hold everything they need to take with them and can often be a better travel solution than taking a full-sized backpack.

Find it on Amazon

Neck Pillow for Traveling

Traveling on planes or long journeys by car can get uncomfortable.

Having something to support your neck will help make your traveling and adventure even more fun.

Find it on Amazon

Travel Jewelry Case

This travel jewelry case is a trendy personalized gift that your tween can travel with.

She can keep all of her favorite jewelry inside of it packed away in her suitcase or bag.

Find it on Amazon

Travel Board Game Set

Wireless Earbuds

Wireless earbuds are a must these days for anyone who enjoys watching a good movie or listening to music during their travels.

With these small and compact earbuds, your tween can enjoy their favorite entertainment quietly.

Find it on Amazon

Apple iPad

Tablets and iPads come in so handy when traveling, no matter your age.

Tweens can listen to their music, watch videos, browse the internet, play games, and so much more if they have their own device.

Find it on Amazon

Digital Camera

This vlogging camera is designed with many interesting functions, including Selfie mode, continuous shooting, filters, autofocus, flash, and more!

It absolutely can be a great first camera for beginners. 

Find it on Amazon

Packing Cubes

OK, maybe not the most exciting gift for a tween, but these make fabulous stocking stuffers! These packing cubes compress more garments into one bag so your tween can minimize their luggage size without ditching that extra pair of shoes.

This six-set includes five small, medium, and large cubes and a bonus shoe bag for organizing your footwear.

Find it on Amazon

Flat Plug Power Strip

Again, it may not be the most exciting gift, but an immensely practical travel gift a tween may not think of for themselves.

For those instances where your tween may find that he or she needs to recharge things, this 6-way portable outlet will make it easier to do so. It fits in suitcases and bags with no problem and has an extension cord.

Find it on Amazon

Travel Blanket and Pillow

Not only does the travel blanket keep you warm when needed, the Microplush carrying case can also act as the perfect place to rest your head.

This is a great travel gift for tweens and something they can take with them and use wherever they go.

Find it on Amazon

We hope you’ve found some inspiration here to gift something special to a tween who loves traveling.

If you’re planning your next family adventures with your tween, you may also be interested to read next:

The best family vacations with tweens – US and International destinations ideal for the pre-teen age group who seek a little more adventure!
We examine the best types of luggage for tweens – from hard-sided suitcases to overnight duffels and everything in between.
The ultimate tween packing list! Help your tween get organized for your next family vacation with their very own printable packing list and guidance to help avoid the inevitable over-pack!
Can you gift an experience that your child can enjoy on your vacation? Or even keep your vacation as a secret surprise?

And for more gift inspiration, don’t miss our super-comprehensive tween gift ideas catalog, all aimed specifically at your 9 to 12-year-old kids! We have this great guide to outdoor gifts for tweens, or let’s take a look by age and gender:

The post Passport to Fun: Awesome Travel Gifts for Tweens appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

Or do you want to throw a memorable summer blowout for your tween and the gang? Whatever you have in mind for your tween, a pool party is a great way to celebrate or turn a hot summer day into a special occasion.

Most preteens at this age think theme parties are for little kids.

A pool party for tweens, on the other hand, lets them relax, burn that much-needed energy and only needs a limited number of structured activities and rules – it’s the sort of party that can really run itself and (as long as you own a pool to begin with!) relatively inexpensive to run.

Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs that earn us a commission if a qualifying purchase is made.

How To Plan a Tween Pool Party

Summer is the best season for pool party ideas. The summer season makes your tween (and all of us) become more active and eat better. The warm weather can also improve your tween’s sleep and boost their immune system!

With so many benefits of summer, you do not want your tween to miss out on getting their daily dose of vitamin D. What better way to enjoy the summer than with a well-planned pool party.

Of course, the venue is already taken care of if you have a pool in your backyard. But do not sulk cause even if you do not have a pool, you can still hold a pool party. You can outsource the pool from most public hotels available for party rentals.

Here are some incredible tips for your tween’s pool party.

1. Let Your Tween Send Out Invitations

Before you begin the planning, allow your tween to envision the dream pool party. What does it look like? What foods will they like to eat during the party? Is there an overarching theme?

Once you have the vision, it will make party planning easier. And whether your party has a theme or not, make sure your invitations are fun and vibrant.

Don’t forget to include any items that your preteen guests should bring. These might include:

• Swimsuits
• Towels
• Sunglasses or visors
• Sunscreen
• Safe water resistance bags for storing clothes and non-pool gear.
• Waterproof cameras for capturing the memories
• Swim goggles or masks

2. Buy Cute Summer Decorations And Picturesque Pool Floats

Decorations are essential for setting the tone of any party. To give your tween’s party a relaxed, happy vibe, you need many attractive colors.

Flamingoes, beach balls, and palm trees are all great ways to liven up the party atmosphere. Don’t forget inflatables, as they also make great photo props for a perfect Instagram shot.

Other classic party decors include streamers, lantern lights, balloons, and tableware. Whichever direction you decide to take with the decorations, do not forget to ensure they have a summer feel.

Cute pool floats will also rock as your tween and her friend lounge on classic pizza, flamingo, unicorn, or ice cream floats. Floaties and life jackets will also come in handy if a friend of your tween doesn’t know how to swim (just leave them discreetly lying around for them to choose from).

Find it on Amazon

Find it on Amazon

Find it on Amazon

3. Have a Wide Array Of Fun Snacks and Drinks

If your tween is spending many hours in the sun, you need to ensure the party has enough drinks for refreshments. For simplicity, fill a cooler with ice and popular beverages, don’t forget water.

You could also elevate your tween’s party by setting up a tiki bar with fancy drinks. With easy kids’ mocktail recipes, it will be a banger for the party. Another clever detail that will kill it is having a floating bar for your tween to deliver the drinks inside the pool.

Find it on Amazon

Balancing between junk foods and healthy foods is essential for satisfying your preteen guests. Have a balance of fresh fruits for salads and typical party foods like crackers. Those who love salty foods will also have everything, like chips!

Dips are also great as they are healthy and filling. You can also decide to fire up the grill and treat your tweens friends to a barbecue. Not only are hotdogs and hamburgers inexpensive, but they are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. Remember to cover vegans by getting some veggie options.

4. Great Playlist and Pool Party Games

Summertime is about having fun! So your tween’s party needs a playlist that is full of hits. Streaming services have tons of curated party playlists for your tween to choose from and build their playlist. Remember to claim a free trial before the party to get rid of the pesky adverts every few minutes.

Outdoor waterproof speakers will come in handy to make the music play loud enough.

Find it on Amazon

Find it on Amazon

With plenty of food, music, and friends, your tweens’ party will be a blast. To take things up a notch, make sure to have games prepared. Pool party games are great, and you can always go for the classics like pairing up to play chicken or a water balloon fight – more ideas below!

Jump over here to find some more outdoor gifts for tweens; many of these cool outdoor toys may be the perfect compliment to a pool party

5. Pool Party Safety Plan

Safety around the swimming pool should be your highest priority.

Having fun in the sun and splashing around the pool is excellent, without anyone getting hurt. Here are some general guidelines for everyone to remain safe as they take in all the fun:

You need to select chaperones who should be ready to get in the water in case of an emergency – having mom and dad hanging poolside may not be appreciated; have you got an older responsible teen or cool aunty or uncle who’d be happy to play the role of chaperone/lifeguard?
Be sure the pool area is clean and free from debris that could be stepped on, tripped over, or used inappropriately.
If the pool where the party is to take place does not have lifeguards, ask a few of the invited tweens’ parents to help you watch the party.
Remove unnecessary pieces of equipment, children’s toys, hoses, sandals, etc from the pool area to free up space and eliminate temptations.
Have some waterproof phone cases with you to document the best moments while inside the pool.
Take precautions to keep pests away: Tiki torches are great as they repel bugs, but if you do not plan on using them during the party, try burning some candles with a strong scent.
Create a sunscreen station. Skincare experts recommend reapplying sunscreen after every two hours. Especially when you spend the day outdoors, encourage the tweens to apply it as needed and ensure the sunscreen is SPF 30 or higher.
If there is any problem, calmly pull the tween aside and explain your rules.
There should be written rules if you host the party in a public pool. If it is a private pool, you must create rules and explain them to your tween’s guests. Discourage any horseplay, diving, and stunts, as they are easy ways to get serious injuries.
If you know an older tween who has lifeguard training, you might offer to hire them for the day.

Got a tween girl worried about being on her period for a pool party? Make sure you check out our guide to period-proof swimwear for tweens; don’t let her journey to womanhood dampen the pool party fun!

Tween Pool Party Themes

The secret to throwing the best pool party ever is choosing a theme that resonates with your tween’s age group. Here are some of the most fun and popular pool party themes that are age-appropriate and sure to delight all your tween guests.

Luau, Leis, and Other Hawaiian décor

Luau are so much fun, with bright colors, lively activities, and delicious foods.

Let your preteen take her guest on a kid-friendly journey to the Aloha State with a Hawaiian Luau pool party. Leis are popular themes, making pool party decorations easy and affordable.

Your tween guests should wear their most colorful tropical swimsuits. The brighter, the better!

Backyard Beach Party

Transport your tween with her pack to a beach-themed pool party for tweens. Summertime is a great time to create a beach in your backyard. You might decide to decorate the table with seashells and fishnets.

Float toy sailboats in the pool and have a sandbox on the side to bring in the beach feeling. With this theme, your tween and friends should rock flip-flops and swimsuits. You might even spice it by gifting the guest a sand bucket filled with beachy treats.

Pirate Pool Party

Ahoy, matey! Let your tween hit the open seas for the adventure of a lifetime by throwing a pirate-themed pool party. Pirates are mostly known for wearing red and black, so use this as your tween’s party colour theme.

You can also create a pirate photo op by getting an old cream or yellow sheet and painting a vintage treasure map on it. Decorate your pool area with skull and crossbones flags and treasure chests—place parrots on the backs of pool chairs.

Before the party begins:

1. You should toss jewels, toys, and plastic gold coins into the pool. Allow the items to sink to the bottom of the pool.
2. Have the tweens jump in the pool to find the buried treasure underwater.
3. See who can collect the most prizes!

When put in stripes and polka dots, red and white patterns are the real deal when sticking to a pirate theme. Remember to add touches of black, a captain’s hat, and an eye patch!

Tween Pool Party Decorations and Favors

Check out these cool pool party favor ideas and decorations. Your tween will make a splash with any of these fantastic toy ideas for their pool-themed party.

1. Giant Inflatable Pizza Slice
2. Inflatable Volleyball Net
3. Squirt Guns
4. LED Beach Ball
5. Rainbow Inflatable Beach Balls
6. Beach towels around the pool for convos or laying-out.
7. Keep the bugs away. Set a mood with citronella candles. It might also help if you have bug spray available for your tween’s guests.
8. Ask your tween which music he/she would like to play during the party, as beach music is a must! 
9. Watermelon Ball Game
10. Use bright color table cloths and hanging strings of lights to set the mood for an evening party.

These pool accessories and beach items will add to the natural decor.

Fun Tween Pool Party Games

Tweens pool party games can add hours of entertainment that bring plenty of laughs to any summer gathering. Ensure various game options, as many preteens do not always enjoy structured activities.

Here are some party games if you are hosting a pool party:

• Octopus Tag
• Noodle Joust
• Sharks and Bait
• Speedy Duck
• Hot Diggity Dog
• Pool Hippo 
• Balloon bomb race
• Wet Shirt Relay
• Bottomless Dwellers
• Greasy Watermelon
• Volleyball
• Grape toss

We hope these pool party ideas will help your tween host the most memorable of pool parties. If you’re looking for more tween party ideas, make sure you also check out:

How to pull off the perfect tween slumber party
Birthday party themes and ideas for tween boys & girls
See our complete collection of the best gifts for tweens

The post How to Host a Terrific Tween Pool Party appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

Ever since we hit the tween stage – we’ve found it’s getting harder by the day to put the screens down and encourage regular outdoor activity with our older kids.

The warmer weather is approaching, and we have an action plan for this summer!

We’re sharing with you here our favorite outdoor activities. Some are for enjoying the backyard; others will require more equipment and adventures beyond the home.

You may also be interested in our favorite gift ideas for outdoorsy tweens

Tween Activities to Enjoy in The Backyard

Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs that earn us a commission if a qualifying purchase is made.

Photo Scavenger Hunt

Allow your tweens to create a scavenger hunt outdoors and do what they love most “taking selfies!”

A photo scavenger hunt for tweens is a great outside activity. It will help them learn teamwork as they cooperate to solve the problem. It will also help boost your tween’s self-esteem as it offers a sense of achievement, and it is also super simple to put together.

This excellent learning tool includes 30 sheets that let your tween spot up to 25 things in the great outdoors. They are flexible and can be used in camps, field trips, vacation trips, and outdoor parties, and you do not have to worry about them getting damaged as they are made up of high-quality paper that is sturdy and durable.

Nature Crafts

Nature activities for tweens such as weaving, carving, or pottery are great for your tweens as they help build their imagination skills and relax them. It can range from making things skillfully with their hands to messing themselves out with paints.

Nature crafts are a fantastic creative way for your tweens to self-express. They manage their feelings and improve their confidence and self-esteem, learning patience, concentration, planning, and foresight as they hone their motor skills.

Some easy nature crafts for tweens to learn include:

• Rock painting
• Pressed flowers
• Windchimes
• Birdhouses
• Suncatchers

Find it on Amazon

Find it on Amazon

Walkie Talkies

Between phones and portable music, it’s hard to remember how magical walkie-talkies are for our tweens. Walkie-talkies provide a fun outdoor game for tweens as they still have to utilize their imagination for fun play to enhance its use.

These hands-free walkie-talkies support long-range calls for your tweens as they play in the backyard or hike in the mountains.

Find it on Amazon

Find it on Amazon

Trampoline Tricks

There is no end to the fun trampoline tricks your tweens can come up with. You can also get involved in outdoor entertainment with your kids as you do fun things on the trampoline. The fun games include: crack the egg, horse, trampoline dodgeball, monkey in the middle, and more.

A trampoline will help your tween exercise thanks to its endurance-building workout. It’s also a great way to enhance your tweens’ muscle development, strengthen bones, and reinforce joints.

If they’re ready for a new challenge, why not add a basketball hoop?

Even if you don’t have a huge yard, there are still plenty of fun tricks and exercises they can enjoy on a smaller balcony or porch trampoline.

Obstacle Courses

An obstacle course for your tweens is excellent as it will offer a great range of workout activities, all the while having fun.

With this ninja obstacle course, your tweens can learn how to climb the net, climb the ladder, spin the wheel, and also freestyle using the rings it comes with.

Obstacle courses will benefit your children in sensory processing, strength and balance, coordination, memory and problem-solving, and motor skills.

You can also challenge your kid’s creativity as you have fun in the backyard and use available tools and objects to make your obstacle course! That is half the fun! 

Rock Climbing

Are your tweens driving you up the wall indoors? Get them outdoors doing what they do best!

These tree climbing holds are the perfect tool to get them to test their dexterity outside. Even if you don’t have the perfect tree in the yard, try an external wall on the house to get them pushing and challenging themselves.

Backyard Games

One of the quickest ways to get our tweens in the outdoors is getting out there ourselves.

An entertaining and competitive game set will always do the trick. Backyard games will help keep you and your kids active as it boosts their physical stamina and fitness. (Not to mention bringing out the competitive inner child in all of us!)

Find it on Amazon

Find it on Amazon

Garden Camping

What tween doesn’t love a little more independence? Getting them a garden tent will help them satisfy the feeling of “grown-up.” Garden camping will allow them to set things up the way they love as they practice the long-deserved independence they always crave.

As they assemble and put up their tent, they also learn problem-solving skills and adventure.

A garden camp will also increase their self-confidence by encouraging them to appreciate nature. They will also learn how to unplug and enjoy the simplicity of nature (as long as they’re set up far enough away from the wifi!)

STEM Experiments

Why not look for a backyard activity for tweens to provide learning as they enjoy it? Perfect, right? As your tweens enjoy this blastful rocket that soars up to 100 feet while lightening up the sky, they can also get to learn today’s technology and science behind the “why” and “how.”

This STEM outdoor activity kit is excellent as it will help them understand the physics of motion and aerodynamics. As your tween stomps the extra-large foot pump, they practice balance, fine motor skill development, physical exercise, and scientific exploration.

Find it on Amazon

Find it on Amazon

Making Dens/Hideouts

Making hideouts and dens is a great outdoor summer activity for tweens as it’s their absolute favorite thing in the world. Well, for my boys, it is!

The activity of making dens will help your tween learn to be creative with pegs, sheets, shower curtains, chairs, tables – anything they can get their hands on really that you don’t mind going outside and possibly getting dirty.

Den building will help your tween develop physically, learn teamwork and cooperation, and develop social skills, as their independence and self-esteem grow while having fun.

One built, they also have the perfect getaway outside to hide from siblings – and you! – in the great outdoors.

Water Fights

Water games never grow old, even for your tweens. And not only will these water fights keep kids cool in the hot summer, but they will also help them learn how to improve their balance and coordination.

Rather than simply squirting each other, set up some more challenging and fun party games – or if you’ve got the facilities to do so, why not host a pool party? Through plenty of fun inflatables and pool toys into the mix – you’ll be surprised what skill they actually take!

Giant Bubbles

Think kids have outgrown bubble wands? Oh, you better believe it. This one can totally transcend ages! You’ve simply got to make it more challenging and fun as your kids get older.

Giant bubble wands will challenge your older child’s dexterity and creativity.

Gardening

Are you looking for a healthy and prosperous outdoor activity for your tween? Gardening it is.

Your tween is ready to be responsible and care for the veggie or flower patch they love. And as your tween’s garden grows, they develop responsibility, critical thinking, self-esteem, and gratification.

Your tween weeding the garden, pruning the shrubs, and watering may lead to a lifelong passion and career (and quite possibly a few extra coins in their pocket as a thank you!)

Find it on Amazon

Find it on Amazon

Photography

Photography is a great outside activity for tweens as it helps promote creativity and self-expression. It also helps manage stress and promotes fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Your tween will create and keep memories with friends as it boosts mood and increases happiness.

Rather than just using the built-in camera in a smartphone, why not get your tween their first digital camera so they can start learning how to shoot in manual mode?

Add some fun by challenging them to create some trick photography shots. Can they make their friends look smaller than the dog? Or how about making the house look like a giant bottle is crushing it?

Find it on Amazon

Find it on Amazon

Sports And Hobbies Outdoor Activities For Tweens

Ready to head beyond the yard for some outdoor fun this summer? Let’s see if any of these outdoor sports and hobbies will take your tween’s interest:

Hiking

Hiking is a fun outdoor activity and a great way to get some fresh air but even our tweens still need a little encouragement to hit the trails at times.

Having them equipped in the right gear will certainly help, from comfortable trail shoes to waterproof jackets in case the weather turns. A small hydration pack will help them keep up their energy levels.

We need to make our children feel they are not forced to march by including games and activities when we hit the trails. Add in activities like scavenger hunts, take along a digital camera or binoculars to capture the action, or let them be in charge of the map to motivate older kids along.

Find it on Amazon

Find it on Amazon

Scooters

Scooters are wheely good fun! Bringing your tweens outdoors for races and relays is a brilliant way of engaging those competitive kids out there.

When they have a more grown-up 2-wheel scooter there are plenty of possibilities for tween fun outdoors. Not only their own set of wheels for visiting mates, some pro scooter models work great in skateboard parks, too for testing their stunt skills.

Find it on Amazon

Find it on Amazon

Boogie Boarding

Live close to water? Boogie boarding is a great outdoor physical activity for your tweens that has physical benefits and helps your kids become confident swimmers.

It is also great as it allows your tween a level of independence as they build confidence in the water with their friends. Even if there are no big waves to catch, they’ll have fun learning how to balance or being pulled along by their friends.

Paddle Boarding

Paddleboarding is a solo endeavor that is water fun and a great beach sport for tweens and teens. It’s a healthy outdoor sport that offers the opportunity for family time and bonding.

This sport will help your tween learn how to balance as it involves core stability and strengthening of the whole body, one of the best outdoor sports for an all-over workout testing body and mind.

Mountain Biking

Almost every kid has a bike, but what sort of bike does your tween need? Getting a mountain bike to conquer the trails as they race with their peers will be an excellent sport for your adventurous tween. Learn to master how the gears work in your favor and control your speed from flat roads to hills.

Find it on Amazon

Find it on Amazon

Camping Trip

A camping trip is great tween fun, even for a night. The fun-filled adventure in a new environment and setting makes it a great outdoor activity for all your family.

Tweens especially will enjoy many new skills they can acquire. Why not ask them to help pick the perfect spot to pitch your tent, assist with the fire starting, and keep critters from getting in the tent?

And, of course, no one can resist toasted marshmallows and s’mores around the campfire, right?

Kite Flying

Outdoor fun doesn’t get more simple for tweens than flying a kite. Sure, it sounds easy, until they’ve gotta go it alone!

Getting your kite airborne and caught in the breeze is trickier than it first sounds but once they get going, there’s loads of fun your tweens can have playing kites.

They won’t realize that they’re actually problem-solving, working on hand-eye coordination, and peripheral awareness, all while keeping their body active outdoors.

See how a selection of different-shaped kites will affect aerodynamics! It is the perfect activity for kids looking for a step up from paper planes.

Find it on Amazon

Find it on Amazon

Skating

Learning how to skate has its thrill that your tween will enjoy with his friends. Roller Skating is among the best physical activities to get your tween to exercise and have fun at the same time. It is excellent for cardiovascular health and helps build your tween’s physical endurance.

Roller skating is also great as it helps encourage brain development while lightening your tween’s mood and reducing hormones that cause frustration and mood swings.

Find it on Amazon

Find it on Amazon

Geocaching

Geocaching is an outdoor recreational activity where your tween has to locate hidden containers (geocaches) outdoors and share their experience online. It uses a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or mobile device.

Your tweens must be creative with what to hide in their geocache container and where they hide it.

Kayaking

Kayaking is a great outdoor activity for your tween to undertake with their peers. In this sport, your tween and their friends do not focus on winning or losing but on challenging themselves each time they go on the water while enjoying themselves.

It’s a great bonding sport that gets your tween outdoors and helps them build their upper body strength as they become more independent and responsible.

Dog Walking

OK, so you may have flat right refused to get the kids a dog, or it’s simply not practical with your living arrangements and lifestyle. But what about offering your neighbors a dog walking service?

There are plenty of dog owners who work all day and may be strapped for time to take their pooch out to play. Once your child understands the basics of doggie care (and cleaning up), they’re almost certainly ready for the responsibility of dog walking.

If they do a good job, there’s a fair chance they’ll earn themselves a little spare change too for spending on other fun activities!

Star Gazing

One of our favorite recent memories has been nights spent at Grandad’s house out in the countryside, where the skies are unpolluted and blanketed in stars. Your tweens are the perfect age to learn how to use their first telescope and grow an appreciation of the vast night skies that surround us.

Not only will they appreciate being able to stay up later at night, the exhilaration of spotting a shooting star, or identifying the planets can be an incredible and memorable childhood experience.

Find it on Amazon

Find it on Amazon

Importance of Getting Tweens Outside

I’m not going to pretend that getting your tweens to jump into action and get outside immediately will be easy.

Trust me, I know. I’m as guilty as any of thinking, “As long as they’re not disturbing me and we’re all enjoying what we’re doing, what’s the rush?”

Cellphone addiction and excessive screen time are truly becoming an issue, particularly for this pre-teen age group. Sometimes it takes far more than just instructing “go outside” to break habits and reap the benefits of outside time – for all of you!

Even if you don’t consider yourselves an “outdoorsy family,” there are many good reasons to ensure outside time remains an important part of your family’s routine.

It helps increase fitness levels for our tweens (and often us by default while we’re joining in!).
Exposure to nature can diminish stress and anxiety levels.
It helps our tweens become kinder and better at interacting with others in social settings.
Outdoor games for tweens also provide sensory and intellectual stimulation, enhancing concentration, creativity, and general performance.
It encourages our children to take risks and push their boundaries.
Getting tweens outside will also help them get the sunshine they much deserve (and need – hello Vitamin D!)
And the best one is that it helps reduce screen time for our tweens.

We hope this list has inspired you with new ideas to get your older kids outside this summer.

Some of these activities are great solo pursuits. Others are best undertaken with friends and family, however, you like it. Outside time is vital for everyone in a society increasingly reliant on screens to reconnect.

It need not be a chore but something fun to look forward to – you could even ‘gift’ one of these activities as an experience.

We’d love to know what other outdoor activities your tweens love; let us know in the comments below!

The post 25 Fun Outdoor Activities For Tweens to Try This Summer appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

With this new generation and most especially the tween age (9-12 years) you have to remind them that it’s daylight so that they can go out (often grudgingly at that). Do we blame technology or the times that we are in (as if there is any difference)?

You will be a lucky parent if your tween is into sports and they are loving them. Then you will be sure they are exercising and keeping healthy. But where do we go? We that our tweens are glued to the screen (be it telly or phone) and only walk when it is very necessary, like rushing to the washroom or the kitchen for a snack.

Exercising is very important for your kid and you as it will help keep fit and healthy. And we have the technology to thank for it has designed fitness trackers or smartwatches that we and our children can use to get engaged and challenge ourselves to get more actively pursuing a healthy life.

Trust me; fitness trackers are the best option that we got to ensure our kiddos get out there and get active. What’s more, they come with a screen, one more thing that will fascinate your tween. So, just tie the two together!

The fitness-related accessories have metrics that can count steps, exercise (create daily movement goals), and even monitor your child’s sleep. Some are even GPS-enabled, meaning you can keep track of your tween while out in the field. How cool can it get?

They generally come in themes that are designed for kids and in fun colors for your tween to choose from. The best part is that most of them have extra games and reward systems to make exercising fun for your tween.

What Is A Fitness Tracker?

A fitness tracker is a wearable device that is meant to gather exercise and activity-related data for the user. Fitness trackers come in various forms, such as; necklaces, wristbands, and clip-on accessories you can put on clothing.

That said, you must ensure you get the best bang for your buck when getting your tween their first fitness tracker.

Features Of A Good Fitness Tracker For Tweens

Selecting the best activity tracker for tweens will solely depend on what you want it to accomplish for your teen and their lifestyle.

1. Water Resistance/Water Proof

A good fitness tracker for your tween will need to be water-resistant. This way, they can wear them all time even when they swim. A jog in the rain will also be in order and they can also help in the house chores like washing the dishes while they have their fitness tracker on.

2. Quality And Durability

A fitness tracker that is durable is one that will serve your teen for a long time. When you buy quality, you are sure to get a durable product.

3. GPS Enabled

A cool Fitbit for tweens will need to be GPS Enabled as this will help you keep track of your child’s walks, runs, or cycles. It will also help you know which activity your child is doing and at what time. This way, you can help your tween to up their game or go slow on a certain activity.

4.  Sleep Tracker

Your tween’s quality of sleep will directly affect their mood and health. Some kids’ fitness trackers will help monitor their sleep duration and quality: this will help schedule their sleep timings, ensuring they get quality sleep as they need it for their development.

5. Call And Text Alerts

It is soo tech-savvy that these fitness watches can be synced with phones. This way, your tween leaving their changing bag that has the phone is not a problem as they will be notified of an incoming call or text.

6. Tracking Calories Burnt

One of the primary reasons we need to get our tweens out there is that they can exercise and in so doing, burn calories that at this stage of growth they love. Getting them a fitness tracker that can take up this task will be a quick and easier way for them to maintain their weight or lose it. Burning calories is beneficial in maintaining vital body functions. 

7.  24/7 Heart Rate Monitor

With this feature up your child’s fitness tracker, it will give clear insights into how their heart is responding to their daily routine and workouts. The higher their heart rates during their workouts, the more calories they are burning, which is good.

8.  Touchscreen Display

This is a feature that is sure to inspire your tweens to take up an active lifestyle. You should pick one that allows your tween to read it and has an auto-adjusting feature helping it to adapt to ambient lighting.

9.  Long Battery Life

This is a very important feature for your tween’s Fitbit. You need one that has a long battery life with a single charge. This will ensure that it operates when your tween is exercising and when they sleep.

10.  Silent Alarm

This feature will sit well with most tweens as they hate being woken up by loud and noisy alarm tones. Get them a kids’ fitness tracker that will wake them with a quiet vibration instead of the buzzy tones.

11. Weather Alerts

Cool feature, right? This will enable your tween to plan well for their afternoon in regard to their routine. They will get to know when the rain will pour to avoid it. Or better still, plan when they will go swimming.

12.  Work Out And Exercise Tracking

A fitness tracker that has a cardio fitness feature will be perfect for your tween. It will help calculate the amount of oxygen used by their bodies as they perform different activities, showing how their lungs, heart, and other organs use oxygen to function.

5 Best Fitness Trackers For Tweens

Do you want to get your kid off the couch and on their feet? We have researched to put together 5 of the best fitness trackers to buy your tween currently on the market.

Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs that earn us a commission if a qualifying purchase is made.

1. Fitbit Inspire 2

There are several different Fitbit models, but we think this is the best Fitbit for tweens. This Fitbit tracker is made of a durable elastomer material and fastens with a peg and loop will motivate your tween to do their weekly workout activities thanks to its unique features like active zone minutes, challenges, earning badges, and celebrating goal milestones, thus building healthy habits.

It features a 24/7 heart rate tracker that records calorie burn, resting heart rate, and heart rate zones during workouts. It also has a free one-year premium trial ensuring your tween gets personal guidance, step by step fitness and nutrition programs.

It supports over 15+ exercise modes, tracking activities like steps, distance, hourly activity, and activity minutes, storing your heart rate data at 1-second intervals during exercise and 5 seconds intervals during other activities.

It will also track your tween’s time in light, deep, and REM sleep providing pointers to improve their quality of sleep. It has a 10-day battery life and is compatible with the most popular devices and operating systems.

We love it because:

24/7 heart rate monitor
10-day battery life
Waterproof to 50m
Durable

What could be better in the Fitbit ace 2 activity tracker:

Some users have reported continual vibrating with wrist movement while not exercising
On the pricier side compared to other Fitbit models

2. Fitbit Ace 2 Activity Tracker For kids

This Fitbit Ace 2 Activity Tracker is ideal for your younger tween. It brings a fun experience for children motivating them to do physical activities with its unique features. There’s a lot to love with this dedicated tracker that’s durable, waterproof, and comes in fun colors.

It is made up of a tough silicone band that is durable and adjusts on your tween’s wrist, leaving them feeling comfortable. It has reminders for your tween to get moving and has a cool reward system to keep your tween motivated.

Its bedtime reminders, sleep tracking, and silent alarm ensures your kid gets the quality sleep they need. This tracker is also swim-proof, water-resistant, and with 5-day battery life. It also tracks steps and total active minutes, including a 1-hour active minute goal and it syncs all the data collected wirelessly to a phone.

Its app has two views: a parental view and a kids’ view. This means that your child can view their steps, badges, and other basic info, while the parent view allows you to set up more than one child.

We love it because:

It has swappable bands that are in fun colors
Durable and waterproof
Its silicone bands help protect the screen

What could be better in the Fitbit Ace 2 activity tracker:

It has a short battery life
It has no games

3. Fitbit Ace 3

The Fitbit Ace 3, as you might imagine, is that little extra step up from the Fitbit Ace 2. It features a swim-proof build, an impressive 8-day battery life, better-than-average parental controls, and a sleep tracker. This tracker counts your child’s steps and sleeping habits and monitors how long they are active.

It’s an easy-to-use tracker, which is comfortable and motivational, making things much more interesting for your tween. It comes set with a 60 minutes activity goal and a 10,000 daily step goal. It is also swim-proof and water-resistant to 50 meters.

Fitbit Ace 3 has an excellent display with an animal-changing clock that displays your tween total steps of the day. It has swappable bands that are small enough to fit even the tiniest of wrists. It’s also compatible with the most popular smartphone devices.

We love it because:

Swimproof /waterproof
8-day battery life
Almost 30 watch faces to choose from

What could be better:

A bit on the pricey side when lacking some of the features of the Fitbit Inspire 2

4. Garmin Vivofit Jr. 2

Looking away from the Fitbit brand for your tween? This is the second generation of the Vivofit by Garmin that includes generic color bands that have fun and inspiring designs, making exercise fun.

It’s a waterproof tracker that tracks steps and sleeps quality, recording their active minutes to help them form positive habits. As each fitness goal is attained, your tween can move into a more complicated game on the device, thus keeping them active and engaged.

Through its manual sync, parents are able to connect and monitor their tween’s activity. It also gives you the option to send customized alerts, homework, and chores list to the device and has over a year’s worth of battery life.

We love it because:

It has games as well as being a fitness tracker
One year battery life
Task timer feature
Fun-themed boys and girls’ designs

5. BiggerFive Fitness Tracker

This is a waterproof tracker that is slim and has a lightweight design that is simple and comes in three mature color schemes. It smartly records the number of calories you burn, the steps your tween takes and the distance covered in a particular day.

It has a 7-day battery life and can be charged by any USB adapter and is compatible with most phones. It links up with veryfitpro app for further tracking and interactivity. It has a sleep-tracking feature and a silent alarm.

What we love:

Compatible with smartphones
Convenient sleep tracker
Less charging, more battery shelf life
Great price point compared to the bigger known brands

Distinction Between Fitness Tracker and Smart Watch

Is there really a difference? Yes, while the two – a fitness tracker and a smartwatch – tend to overlap, they each have their intended purpose.

The fitness tracker is primarily designed to keep track of your health and exercise. However, some more advanced trackers can also display texts and app notifications on your wrist like a smartwatch, but their intended purpose is to focus on your health and daily activity monitoring. They will generally also have a digital watch function.

A smartwatch not only keeps track of your health and exercise but also keeps you connected by delivering notifications and updates on your wrist. You can find our detailed guide to tween smartwatches over here.

In a quest to find your tweens a fitness watch, I hope you have finally found one in the above compilation. These watches have great features and functions that will help your tween get the best out of their activities.

Looking for more inspiration for your sporty & active tween?

• Also check out our guide to the best gifts for sporty tween girls
• Come over here to find the best gifts for your active and sporty boys

The post Best Fitness Tracker For Tweens (9 To 12-Year-Olds) in 2026 appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

Sure, swimming is fun all by itself but when you add some cool pool toys for tweens, the water gets even more fun for everyone!

Perfect for pool parties or when you just want some outdoor fun with the family, these fun pool toys will have everyone competing against each other or teaming up with friends and family to see who can score the most points. There are even some pool toys included on the list that your tween can play with on their own.

20 Best Tween Pool Toys in 2026

Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs that earn us a commission if a qualifying purchase is made.

Underwater Surf Board

Your tween will love underwater surfing with this pool board. Made from a soft durable foam, the curved surfboard will be a cool pool toy for both underwater and on-the-water play.

Find it on Amazon

Pool Volleyball Set

Perfect for summer pool parties, this volleyball set doubles as a basketball set so that your tween can have fun in the water. They’ll enjoy playing with friends or family as they splash around in the pool.

Find it on Amazon

Toss N Splash Inflatable Game

Whether your tween is a master at throwing or just wants to have fun with friends and family, this toss and splash game is fun.

It’s a versatile swimming pool toy that’s also competitive as they try and toss the balls into the floating scoreboard to see who can score the most points.

Find it on Amazon

Watermelon Ball JR

Combine football, basketball, and rugby together in this fun underwater pool toy.

Tweens can split up into teams to compete against each other to see who can score the most points.

Find it on Amazon

Swim Through Rings

No matter what age your child is, they will have a blast trying to swim through the underwater rings.

Create an obstacle course to see how many inflatable rings they can get through or make it a competition to see who can get through the rings the fastest.

Find it on Amazon

Inflatable Ring Toss Game

Ring toss is a fun game to play during the summer and it is even more fun to play while chilling in the pool.

The goal is to toss the rings onto the inflatable scoreboard to see how many points you can rack up.

Find it on Amazon

Glow in the Dark Pool Games

Add a light-up game set to play a variety of different games with this pool set.

Suitable for all ages and up to 2-12 players, these games can be played with the family or during a fun tween pool party.

Find it on Amazon

Swimming Pool Basketball

Includes everything you need to set up a pool basketball party with the family.

The base is a sturdy hoop that’s filled with water, so it stays upright while in the pool. You also get a pump to get the basketballs ready for action.

Find it on Amazon

LED Beach Ball

A light-up beach ball that has 4 different light modes to help make any pool game or sports game fun.

Tweens can use this to play volleyball, toss, or they can hit it back and forth while splashing around in the pool.

Find it on Amazon

Underwater Torpedo Set

Kids will love seeing how far they can shoot the torpedoes underwater with this fun and cool pool toy for tweens.

Seeing how far they can get the torpedoes glide can be fun whether they are playing on their own or with a group!

Find it on Amazon

Skip NN’ Hole Game

Another pool party game that is fun for the whole family, this skip and score game is set up in the pool and will have your tween tossing the stones into the scoreboard.

Find it on Amazon

Floating Water Polo

Take the game of polo to the water with this pool polo setup.

This is a watersport game that kids of all ages can play as they have fun and splash around the pool with friends and family.

Find it on Amazon

Battle Log Rafts

Tweens will love battling with friends and family as they sit in these inflatable rafts.

It also makes for a fun pool party game for teens as they battle it out to see who can win.

Find it on Amazon

Hydro Lacrosse

Great for playing lacrosse with friends and family while enjoying the water, this water lacrosse set will make for a fun party game for tweens.

It’s easy to set up so you can have it up and going in no time.

Find it on Amazon

Water Paddle Ball

If your tween loves playing paddle ball, they will love this water paddle ball set.

The game can be played in the water or out of the water, but playing while swimming brings a little more challenge and fun to the sport.

Find it on Amazon

Inflatable Toy Tank Squirt Gun

Take the love of squirt guns to a whole new level with this fun inflatable toy tank squirt gun.

The giant outdoor water tank has a long no-refill water hose blaster for uninterrupted shots during your water war.

Find it on Amazon

Inflatable Cornhole

Take your cornhole game to the water with this inflatable pool party game for tweens.

You can inflate or deflate the cornhole set to make the game easier or harder, depending on your play style.

Find it on Amazon

Water Skipping Ball

This set of 2 water foam skipping balls will have your tween trying to skip the ball on top of the water while in the pool.

Made specifically for higher bouncing and continuous skipping, tweens can see how far they make the ball skip the water.

Find it on Amazon

Pool Slide

There’s nothing more fun than sliding off into the water with a fun inflatable pool slide.

Just set it on the deck or patio next to the pool and watch them go!

Find it on Amazon

Aqua Pump Rocket

Made with a waterproof design, this set of launchers and foam rockets can shoot up to 75 feet.

Tweens can play with friends and family as they splash around the pool trying to aim at one another while they fight the waves from the water.

Find it on Amazon

Stingray Glider

Tweens can splash around in the pool as they see whose stingray glider can swim the fastest and go the longest.

The wings are even adjustable so that tweens can customize the stingray and see which setting makes it go the fastest.

Find it on Amazon

More Toys & Games for Tweens

Loving these outdoor toys? If you’re looking for more summer inspiration outdoors you may also be interested in:

Fun Outdoor Activities For Tweens to Try This Summer
How to Host An Awesome Tween Pool Party
Coolest Girls Swimwear This Summer

The post Cool Pool Toys For Tweens – Summer 2026 Essentials For 9 To 12-Year-Olds appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.