With schools out and long summer days ahead, parents everywhere are looking for fresh ways to keep kids entertained beyond endless hours of screen time.
From hands-on DIY kits to imaginary play, these boredom-busting toys, games, and activities make it easy to keep kids engaged, learning, and, most importantly, having fun all summer long.
Whether families are planning staycations, rainy day fun, or simply trying to survive the constant “I’m bored” moments, these picks help turn time at home into memorable summer fun for the whole family.
MindWare Nature Adventure Science Kit | MSRP: $32.99 | Available on Amazon
Encourage curiosity and hands-on discovery with the Nature Adventure Science Kit from Junior Science Academy. Designed to bring the wonders of the outdoors to life, this kit guides children through fun, engaging nature-based activities such as building a kaleidoscope, making sun prints, pressing natural treasures in air-dry clay, and completing a scavenger hunt.
MindWare Run the Runway: Accessories | MSRP: $29.99 | Available on Amazon
Let young designers express their creativity with the Run the Runway: Accessories kit. This all‑in‑one set makes it easy to craft stylish mini bags, clutches, necklaces and bracelets—no sewing required. Using patterns, adhesive materials, trims and embellishments, creators can bring imaginative accessory designs to life.
Madame Alexander Favorite Furiends™ Doll | MSRP: $28.95 | Available on Amazon
Meet the latest addition to the Madame Alexander family, Favorite Furiends™ come with their very own set of pocket pets. These adorable 7-inch fashion dolls all come with 2 mini animals that can fit perfectly in any of their pockets for on-the-go adventures. Choose from Bunny, Kitty, or Puppy. Ages 3+
Baby Pals | MSRP: $12.95 | Available on Amazon
Your favorite cuddly companions are now available in mini size! These Baby Warm Pals are perfectly petite. Great for your on-the-go lifestyle, targeted hot/cold therapies, and sized for even the tiniest hands to snuggle with.
StickiKubes | MSRP: $19.99 | Available on Amazon
StickiKubes: Creative, Sticky Fun for Kids! These mini stacking cubes stick to any surface (except fabric), letting kids create custom designs in 2D and 3D. Made from a safe polymer, they’re easy to clean and come in 4 vibrant colors. With 125 cubes and a convenient storage tub, the fun never ends! Ages 4+
LEGO Stationery Creativity Set | MSRP: $26.99 | Available on Amazon
Build, color, and create with this fun LEGO stationery set! Includes a gel pen, three markers, two sticky note pads, 25 coloring sheets, and a 10-piece LEGO duck build. Attach your duck to the markers for interactive play. Eco-friendly packaging makes it a perfect gift for young creators!
FACTopia! | MSRP: $14.99 | Available on Amazon
Choose your own path through this hilarious world of 400 facts, all of which are verified by Encyclopedia Britannica. Every fact in the book is connected to the next in an ingenious trail of information. Also available: Return to FACTopia! & Gross FACTopia!
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Bakeshop Matching Game | MSRP: $15.99 | Available on Amazon
Inspired by Eric Carle’s beloved classic, this engaging game brings the joy of baking into a playful setting where young children can develop their memory and matching skills. 2-4 players; Ages 3+
