10+ Best Activity Books for 12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to keep your tween engaged and learning? Look no further than our curated selection of Activity Books for 12-Year-Olds! These books are not only fun but also crafted to stimulate creativity and critical thinking. Keep reading to explore our diverse lists of Activity Books for 12-Year-Olds that promise to capture the interest of every young reader.

Fun Activity Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Wreck This Journal by Keri Smith
  • Genre(s): Activity Book, Creativity
  • Synopsis: This innovative book encourages readers to engage in creative destruction through a series of prompts that invite them to alter, embellish, and damage the pages in a controlled, artistic way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It fosters creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, allowing kids to express themselves freely without fear of making mistakes.
  • Perfect for: Creative spirits and anyone who loves hands-on activities.

• The Kid's Awesome Activity Book by Mike Lowery
  • Genre(s): Activity Book, Games, Puzzles
  • Synopsis: Filled with games, puzzles, and doodle spaces, this book is designed to spark imagination and keep kids entertained for hours.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s packed with fun and engaging activities that also challenge the mind, perfect for developing problem-solving skills.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles and games or need a fun distraction during travel or downtime.

• Brain Games for Clever Kids by Gareth Moore
  • Genre(s): Puzzles, Logic Games
  • Synopsis: This book includes a variety of brain teasers, puzzles, and challenges designed to stimulate the intellectual skills of young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It enhances cognitive functions such as logic, reasoning, and memory through enjoyable and challenging activities.
  • Perfect for: Youngsters who enjoy challenges and sharpening their minds with fun exercises.

• National Geographic Kids Quiz Whiz by National Geographic Kids
  • Genre(s): Trivia, Educational
  • Synopsis: This quiz book offers a wide range of questions on various topics, including animals, science, and geography, accompanied by fascinating facts and colorful photos.
  • Why we recommend this book: It expands general knowledge while engaging the reader’s curiosity about the world, making learning fun and interactive.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds that thrive on facts and love learning about the world around them.

• Maker Lab: 28 Super Cool Projects by Jack Challoner
  • Genre(s): Science, DIY Projects
  • Synopsis: A collection of DIY projects that teach basic scientific principles in a fun and interactive way. Each project comes with step-by-step instructions and explanations of the science behind the activities.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages scientific exploration and hands-on learning, which are great for engaging young minds in educational activities.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and DIY enthusiasts who enjoy crafting and learning through making.

Educational Activity Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Math Art and Drawing Games for Kids by Karyn Tripp
  • Genre(s): Educational, Art, Mathematics
  • Synopsis: This book combines art and mathematics by teaching kids how to create visually stunning projects that incorporate mathematical concepts.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Mathematical skills, creativity, art techniques, and spatial awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes math fun and accessible, using art as a medium to teach complex concepts in an enjoyable way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love drawing and need a creative approach to enhance their math skills.

• The Everything Kids' Science Experiments Book by Tom Robinson
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: With easy-to-follow instructions, this book provides a variety of experiments that can be done with simple household items, exploring different aspects of science.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific thinking, problem-solving, and understanding basic scientific principles
  • Why we recommend this book: It demystifies science, making it accessible and enjoyable, and encourages hands-on learning.
  • Perfect for: Young experimenters and budding scientists who enjoy discovering how things work.

• The Drawing Book for Kids: 365 Daily Things to Draw, Step by Step by Woo! Jr. Kids Activities
  • Genre(s): Art, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book offers a full year of easy-to-follow drawing lessons featuring a wide range of subjects from animals to everyday objects.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Drawing skills, creativity, hand-eye coordination, and visual analysis
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides consistent practice that can help improve drawing skills and boosts confidence in artistic abilities.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love to draw and want to improve their skills through regular practice.

• Awesome Engineering Activities for Kids by Christina Schul
  • Genre(s): Engineering, DIY Projects
  • Synopsis: Features 50+ exciting engineering challenges that include building bridges, flying rockets, and creating circuits using everyday materials.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Engineering principles, problem-solving, and critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces basic engineering concepts through interactive projects that are both educational and fun.
  • Perfect for: Young builders and inventors who enjoy hands-on projects and learning how things work.

• Geography for Kids: A Junior World Atlas by Malcolm Watson
  • Genre(s): Geography, Educational
  • Synopsis: This atlas provides a colorful and informative tour of the world, with maps, photos, and facts about different countries and regions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Geographic knowledge, cultural awareness, and map reading skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a comprehensive introduction to world geography, making it easier for kids to understand global relationships and cultural diversity.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers eager to learn more about the world around them.

Challenging Activity Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Extreme Physics: Challenging & Fun Experiments for Young Scientists by Simon Basher
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book introduces complex physics concepts through engaging experiments and challenges that explain the laws of physics in accessible ways.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into advanced scientific principles and experiments that go beyond basic educational content, suitable for intellectually curious kids.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great way to stimulate an interest in physics, presenting challenging concepts in a manner that's both fun and understandable.
  • Perfect for: Young science enthusiasts who are looking for a deeper understanding of physics and hands-on experiments.

• Cryptic Codes and Number Secrets by M. Diane Vogt
  • Genre(s): Mathematics, Puzzles
  • Synopsis: This book features a series of complex codes and puzzles that teach children about the fascinating world of cryptography and number theory.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes sophisticated puzzles and codes that require logical thinking and advanced problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sharpens mathematical and logical skills while immersing readers in the intriguing world of secret codes.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love cracking codes and solving advanced puzzles.

• The Master Architect: Building Worlds by Isabel Thomas
  • Genre(s): Architecture, Design
  • Synopsis: This activity book invites young readers to learn about architectural principles and design their own buildings and cities.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex concepts of architecture and urban planning, encouraging kids to think like real architects.
  • Why we recommend this book: It fosters creativity and planning skills, and it's a unique blend of practical design challenges and theoretical knowledge.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring architects and young planners who dream of designing the cities of the future.

• Logic Puzzles for Smart Kids: Advanced Challenges by Molly Lynch
  • Genre(s): Logic, Puzzles
  • Synopsis: This book contains a collection of brain-teasing logic puzzles designed to challenge and entertain smart kids.
  • Why this book is challenging: The puzzles are designed to push cognitive abilities to their limits, requiring more than just basic logic to solve.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's perfect for developing critical thinking and logical reasoning skills in a fun and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who thrive on solving complex problems and who enjoy testing their reasoning skills.

• Young Innovators: Robotics and Programming by Sarah Hutt
  • Genre(s): Technology, Robotics
  • Synopsis: This activity book teaches kids about robotics and programming through DIY projects and simple coding exercises.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers advanced topics in technology, including basic programming and mechanical design, which are typically not addressed in children's books.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces vital tech skills and encourages innovative thinking, preparing kids for a technology-driven future.
  • Perfect for: Young tech enthusiasts interested in robotics and coding.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to spice up your reading routine, activity books can be a fantastic tool, especially for 12-year-olds. Here are some engaging exercises that can help develop good reading habits while keeping the fun alive. Let's dive in!

• Create a Reading Calendar
  • What it is: Set up a monthly calendar dedicated to reading activities.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistent reading by visualizing and planning reading sessions.
  • Tips: Color-code different genres or books to make it visually appealing and organized.

• Book Bingo
  • What it is: A bingo game where each square represents a reading task or a type of book.
  • How it helps: Makes reading diverse genres and authors fun and engaging.
  • Tips: Reward yourself with a small treat for every bingo you complete!

• Chapter Summaries
  • What it is: Write a short summary of each chapter after reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries brief and in your own words to better understand the plot and themes.

• Reading Buddy System
  • What it is: Pair up with a friend to read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Promotes discussion and deeper understanding of different perspectives.
  • Tips: Schedule regular meet-ups to discuss the book's progress and insights.

• Quote Collection
  • What it is: Maintain a notebook or digital document to collect memorable quotes from books.
  • How it helps: Builds appreciation for good writing and effective expression.
  • Tips: Try to write down why you liked the quote to reflect on later.

• Visual Reading Maps
  • What it is: Create a visual map that outlines the story’s plot, characters, and settings.
  • How it helps: Helps in visually organizing thoughts and remembering key details of the story.
  • Tips: Use different colors and symbols for different elements of the book.

• Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book with friends or family members.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of character development and plot dynamics.
  • Tips: Don't be afraid to improvise dialogue or details to explore creative interpretations.

These exercises are not just about reading more; they're about making reading a dynamic and integral part of your daily life. By incorporating these fun and educational activities, you’ll not only improve your reading skills but also develop a lifelong love for books. Happy reading!