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

[Nicole1976]

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 ?

[WhatAFeline]

Go Ape?

[lljkk]

They may be too old for scouts would be explorers now.
Mine reached the "lots of cash or I can't be bothered" stage a lot younger than 13yo, count your blessings!

[Chottie]

I would second the scouts. My DS did caving, hill walking, climbing, canoeing, sailing, camping, abseiling and lots of other things. It really gave him confidence as well.

[charitymum]

Consider geocaching
www.geocaching.com

It's high tec treasure hunting. My 14 year old loves it.

I would second climbing, canoeing and other water sports.

And good for you wanting to do stuff with them. It's bloody hard work sometimes but worth it.

[Bowlersarm]

I have DSes about the age of yours. We just pretty much insist they participate in wider events with extended family, old family friends, godparents etc, and the odd week holiday. Other than that we don't drag them around with us. They find it boring now.

[Damnautocorrect]

www.newcastlegateshead.com/things-to-do/lost-world-mini-golf-p205951
This sort of crazy golf

[Nicole1976]

I live in Newcastle upon Tyne

[BackforGood]

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.

[AintNobodyHereButUsKittens]

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.

[TheBigBumTheory]

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.

[Nicole1976]

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 :)

[OddBoots]

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.

[susiedaisy]

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

[LifeHuh]

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...

[Honeysweet]

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

[Damnautocorrect]

Crazy golf

[susiedaisy]

Glad I have found this thread my ds are 13 and 15 and don't want to do anything with me anymore 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!

[AintNobodyHereButUsKittens]

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

[Nicole1976]

How much does karting cost ?

[Nicole1976]

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

[HamletsSister]

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.

[Honeysweet]

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

[Honeysweet]

Are you determined to go with them op?

[Nicole1976]

Does anyone know any good places for climbing ?

[BackforGood]

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.