10+ Best Activity Books for 13-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to keep your teen engaged and entertained? Look no further than activity books for 13-year-olds! These books are not only fun but also challenge the mind and spark creativity. Whether your teen loves puzzles, science, or art, there's something out there just for them. Keep reading to discover our top picks for activity books that are sure to captivate and educate any 13-year-old.

Fun Activity Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Wreck This Journal by Keri Smith
  • Genre(s): Activity Book, Creativity
  • Synopsis: This innovative book encourages readers to engage in destructive acts like poking holes through pages, adding photos and defacing them, and spilling things on the book in order to experience the creative process in a new way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It pushes boundaries and encourages creativity and unconventional thinking, perfect for teens looking to express themselves in unique ways.
  • Perfect for: Creative teens who enjoy hands-on activities and are looking to break the mold.

• The 13-Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths, illustrated by Terry Denton
  • Genre(s): Humor, Graphic Novel, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book follows Andy and Terry who live in a treehouse with 13 stories of fun features like a bowling alley, a see-through swimming pool, and a marshmallow machine that follows you around and automatically shoots marshmallows into your mouth whenever you are hungry.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a wildly imaginative and hilarious book that will capture the attention of readers with its creative adventures and illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories packed with humor, adventure, and creativity.

• Brain Games for Clever Kids by Gareth Moore
  • Genre(s): Puzzle, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: This book features a variety of brain teasers, puzzles, and challenges designed to stimulate the minds of young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a fun and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle lovers and kids who enjoy challenges that test their intellect and creativity.

• Maker Lab: 28 Super Cool Projects by Jack Challoner
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: This book provides step-by-step instructions for projects that range from building a volcano to creating slime, each rooted in scientific principles.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a hands-on approach to learning science and encourages experimentation and exploration.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and makers who love DIY projects and learning how things work.

• The Curious Kid's Science Book: 100+ Creative Hands-On Activities for Ages 4-8 by Asia Citro
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: Although targeted slightly below the age range, this book contains over 100 science activities that encourage children to develop their own ideas about science through exploration and discovery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It fosters a love for science by allowing kids to lead their own experiments with materials they can find at home.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds that are eager to explore the how and why of the world around them through hands-on learning.

Educational Activity Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Math Art and Drawing Games for Kids by Karyn Tripp
  • Genre(s): Educational, Art, Mathematics
  • Synopsis: This book combines art with mathematics, offering over 40 fun projects that integrate drawing and geometrical concepts.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Mathematical concepts, artistic skills, geometry, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively blends art and math, making learning complex concepts enjoyable and visually engaging.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love both art and math, and those who enjoy learning through creative activities.

• The Everything Kids' Science Experiments Book by Tom Robinson
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: This book provides easy-to-follow instructions for experiments that teach kids about biology, chemistry, physics, and the planet.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific methods, critical thinking, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It demystifies science topics through hands-on activities that are both educational and fun.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists who are curious about the world and how things work.

• Atlas of Adventures by Rachel Williams, illustrated by Lucy Letherland
  • Genre(s): Geography, Educational, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: This illustrated atlas takes readers on a journey to explore the world's continents, cultures, and creatures through a series of adventures and maps.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Geography, cultural awareness, environmental science
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a global perspective in an engaging, visual format that encourages exploration and learning about different cultures.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous kids who are interested in exploring new places and learning about the world.

• Coding Projects in Scratch by Jon Woodcock
  • Genre(s): Technology, Coding, Educational
  • Synopsis: This step-by-step guide teaches children how to create their own computer games and projects using Scratch, a beginner-friendly programming language.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Computer programming, logical thinking, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces basic coding concepts in a clear and engaging way that is perfect for beginners.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young programmers and any kid interested in technology and making their own games.

• The Drawing Book for Kids: 365 Daily Things to Draw, Step by Step by Woo! Jr. Kids Activities
  • Genre(s): Art, Educational, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: This book offers a fun drawing prompt for every day of the year, each with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Drawing skills, creativity, motor skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages daily practice and creativity, making it a great way to improve drawing skills over time.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love to draw and those who want to enhance their artistic talents through regular practice.

Challenging Activity Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Extreme Physics by Simon Basher, illustrated by Simon Basher
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book dives into the complexities of physics with engaging illustrations and explanations, covering topics from quantum physics to relativity.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces advanced scientific concepts that are typically taught at higher educational levels.
  • Why we recommend this book: It simplifies difficult concepts with visual aids and clear explanations, making challenging topics accessible and interesting.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in science, particularly physics, and those who enjoy visually engaging educational content.

• The Math Olympian by Richard Hoshino
  • Genre(s): Mathematics, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book challenges readers with high-level mathematical problems and puzzles, inspired by international mathematical olympiads.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex problems that require advanced mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It prepares readers for mathematical competitions and enhances their problem-solving abilities.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring mathematicians and students who thrive on solving complex mathematical challenges.

• The Kid's Book of Chess and Chess Set by Harvey Kidder, illustrated by Kimberly Bulcken Root
  • Genre(s): Games, Strategy, Educational
  • Synopsis: This set not only teaches the basics of chess but also dives into strategies and the history of the game.
  • Why this book is challenging: Chess requires strategic thinking and foresight, skills that are developed through practice and study.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a comprehensive introduction to chess that also challenges the reader to think critically and plan ahead.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are interested in learning chess or improving their strategic thinking skills.

• Logic Puzzles for Clever Kids by Molly Lynch
  • Genre(s): Puzzle, Logic, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: This book is filled with a variety of challenging logic puzzles that require more than just straightforward thinking.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes puzzles that are designed to stretch the logical reasoning and lateral thinking skills of the reader.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's great for developing critical thinking skills and provides a fun way to engage in problem-solving.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles and games that challenge their intellect and problem-solving skills.

• Advanced Geography for Curious Kids by Jess French, illustrated by Duncan Beedie
  • Genre(s): Geography, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book takes young readers on an advanced exploration of geographical concepts and the diverse environments of our planet.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers complex and detailed geographical content that goes beyond basic location facts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides an in-depth look at geographical diversity and encourages a deeper understanding of the world.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers who are ready to delve deeper into the complexities of geography and environmental science.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to spice up your reading routine, activity books are a fantastic choice, especially for teens like you. Here are some engaging exercises that can help you develop excellent reading habits while keeping the fun alive. Let’s dive in!

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a comfortable and inviting space dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages regular reading by creating a special spot just for this purpose.
  • Tips: Include comfy seating, good lighting, and keep your favorite books close at hand.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of books or pages to read each week or month.
  • How it helps: Provides motivation and a sense of accomplishment as you meet your targets.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Form a book club where you and your friends read and discuss a book.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and gives you different perspectives on the same book.
  • Tips: Choose books that all members are interested in to keep everyone engaged.

• Read and Reflect
  • What it is: Spend some time thinking about what you read after each session.
  • How it helps: Improves memory and understanding by reinforcing what you've learned.
  • Tips: Jot down your thoughts or discuss them with someone to deepen your reflection.

• Mix It Up
  • What it is: Rotate reading different genres or authors to keep things interesting.
  • How it helps: Expands your horizons and prevents boredom from reading the same type of books.
  • Tips: Try alternating between fiction and non-fiction, or between different writing styles.

• Use Technology
  • What it is: Incorporate e-books or audiobooks into your reading routine.
  • How it helps: Allows for reading flexibility and accessibility, especially when on the go.
  • Tips: Utilize apps that can help track your reading progress and make recommendations.

• Visual Reading Maps
  • What it is: Create visual representations of the story or information you're reading.
  • How it helps: Helps in better retention and understanding of complex plots or concepts.
  • Tips: Use diagrams, timelines, or mind maps to visualize the content.

Embracing these exercises can make your reading experience more dynamic and enriching. Whether you’re curled up in your reading nook or discussing the latest book club pick with friends, each activity is designed to boost your engagement and enjoyment. Happy reading!