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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

Original poster

Activities to do with teens aged 13 and 15 ? (Boys)

32 replies

Nicole1976 · 09/02/2014 17:57

So, I tried taking my kids out for a hike in the countryside today and neither of them enjoyed it. My 15 year old, who is usually quite active, complained it was boring and a waste of time. My 13 year old, who considers climbing the stairs to be an extreme sport and eats the entire stock of about 7 supermarkets every day, was tired and hungry and constantly trying to get an internet connection on his phone. After about 3/4 of a mile we walked through some muddy-ish grass and my 15 year old complained about getting his shoes dirty, and after about a mile we reached a small fence about 4ft high and after about 10 mins of trying to push Dylan's fat belly and bum over the fence assisting my 13 year old(Dylan) we found that he couldn't go any further and I returned towards the car with my two unhappy kids :(

I want my kids to enjoy and participate in this kind of activity, anyone got any methods of encouragement for them ?

OP posts:
ToodlesMcToodles · 09/02/2014 18:05

To be honest I don't take my 14yr old DD very often, the earache ruins what should be an enjoyable day out.

We discovered an orienteering course at a place we can go for a lovely walk and that seemed to jolly her along from around 12+. I think she'll come round when she's older but IMO the more you try and get teens to do it the less they want to.

ToodlesMcToodles · 09/02/2014 18:06

Another thing she did seem to enjoy was indoor climbing wall.

Or if you have an xscape nearby maybe a snow sport?

Tractorandtree · 09/02/2014 18:09

Mine are a lot younger at the moment but I've heard that geocaching can be popular with teens - might give a purpose to walks etc?

Fedupnagging · 09/02/2014 18:13

Tbh, at that age they don't want to do anything with their parents-not unless it involves you parting with lots of cash! (I speak from experience)

Hth Grin

TeenAndTween · 09/02/2014 18:15

DD1 isn't naturally very active, but loves ice-skating, would that be worth a try?

arabellarubberplant · 09/02/2014 18:16

Mine like to ski.

They are better than me now though.

They only like climbing and hiking/ camping with their friends.

Currently they are watching the Olympics with me on the tv, though...

If Dylan genuinely can't get any further than that, he needs to see a doctor. My 10 yo with cerebral palsy hikes. And no electronics during family time. Who needs the internet on a hike?

Original poster
Nicole1976 · 09/02/2014 18:19

Took them ice skating in December , 15yo said it was 'gay' and 13yo spent 70% of the time on his bum after falling over repeatedly Blush

OP posts:
BackforGood · 09/02/2014 18:19

My advice would be for them to do something with their friends.
Teens do not want to spend their down time going out with their parents.

My dcs are really into outdoor stuff - camping, climbing, hiking, kayaking, etc., but If I suggested going out for a family walk at the weekend, I'd be off out on my own - you just don't do that sort of thing with your Mum.

Original poster
Nicole1976 · 09/02/2014 18:59

Does anyone know any good places for climbing ?

OP posts:
Honeysweet · 09/02/2014 19:03

Are you determined to go with them op?

Honeysweet · 09/02/2014 19:05

If you are, go karting, and paintballing. But as Fedup says, it starts involving serious cash.

HamletsSister · 09/02/2014 19:05

I would pick your 15 year old up on his language which is IMO unacceptable rather than trying to get him to go for a walk.

Original poster
Nicole1976 · 09/02/2014 19:06

I would love them to go climbing but due to an arm problem I wouldn't be taking part

OP posts:
Original poster
Nicole1976 · 09/02/2014 19:10

How much does karting cost ?

OP posts:
AintNobodyHereButUsKittens · 09/02/2014 19:11

Paintballing and laser quest are decent exercise, though not cheap. Go karting less good exercise but loads of fun. Geocaching?

susiedaisy · 09/02/2014 19:11

Glad I have found this thread my ds are 13 and 15 and don't want to do anything with me anymore Hmm it's all Xbox and meeting up with mates. I feel that I should be doing more to stretch their mind. But trying to get them to go on a family day out without whinging grumbling and bickering seems impossible at the moment!

Damnautocorrect · 09/02/2014 19:13

Crazy golf

Honeysweet · 09/02/2014 19:14

Last time I looked, go karting was about £22 per person for half an hour.

LifeHuh · 09/02/2014 19:15

Mine (13) likes to walk once you can get him off the sofa and the electronics, we go to local country park with lovely cafe and bribe him with food- eat first, walk after. (Same for older Dd) . Still some expense, but not too bad. They like bowling but that isn't healthy outdoor activity...

susiedaisy · 09/02/2014 19:16

As a single parent things like paint balling and karting are once in a blue moon treats.

OddBoots · 09/02/2014 19:18

My teen boy enjoys quasar if you have one nearby, I am disabled so I can't go in with him but dh sometimes does and they have a real laugh either on the same side or against each other. They both come out hot and out of breath so it must be good exercise.

Original poster
Nicole1976 · 09/02/2014 19:24

Lifehuh-I think your technique of food then walking is better than my walking then food, we went to a cafe after our walk and he was more than happy to participate in eating his meal, and his brothers, and mine :)

OP posts:
TheBigBumTheory · 09/02/2014 19:34

Did they ever enjoy going for walks in the country? Or is the moaning a new thing?

We have always taken ours and no one has complained yet- but we call it 'walking the dog' which probably sounds more cool to teenage ears.

AintNobodyHereButUsKittens · 09/02/2014 20:00

We happen to have a free teenaged karting club locally, but I assume that's not normal. 10 pin bowling can be done on the cheap if you live in a cheap area and you play canny with times.

BackforGood · 09/02/2014 21:23

re 'Good places for climbing' - you'd have to say whereabouts in the Country you are - I know of 2 indoor climbing places in my City, but not good if you don't live in the area. Climbing is actually quite expensive as my dcs hobbies go, except when she goes with the Scouts and they go outside, or on climbing walls at Scout Centres , but of course your lads would have to be Scouts to take that.

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