Hobbies And Interests
TV Games and Board Games
Board games created for preteens include DreamLife Interactive, a virtual game that allows younger users to create an online persona, make friends and play sports, and Mall Madness, an electronic board game mall, complete with fake credit cards and coupons. Other popular board and TV games for this age group include Style Lab: Jewelry Design, Karaoke Revolution, Game of Life, Payday and Mystery Date. Most are electronic and require batteries.
Outdoor Games
Outdoor games for preteens are endless, but several of the most common during warmer weather include scavenger hunts with age-appropriate prizes, relay races, Hula-Hoop contests and slip-and-slides. Swimming games, such as pool volleyball and pool races, are also popular.
Sports
Many towns and communities organize year-round sports for preteens. Indoor and outdoor soccer games are common, as well as swimming and baseball leagues. Tennis, racquetball, basketball and golf are often available throughout the year to preteens at local country clubs and community centers.
Online Games
On the Internet, preteens can play a variety of age-appropriate games, including KiddoNet fashion and makeup games, Segplay, Save the Sheriff, I SPY and a variety of PBS preteen online games, including Cows Don't Quack, Rhyme Time Bingo, Truman's World Play and Funny Photos.