School's out! Now what?
Before the inevitable "I'm bored" gets uttered, stock up on a few fun items to keep the kids busy, entertained and off their screens.
And if your kids are like mine, they'll also enjoy the box this stuff arrives in. Color the box, cover it with stickers, make it a rocket ship/castle/race track. It's time for some old-school fun! (BONUS: 25+ Clever Cardboard Box Ideas)
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1.) Parachute Guys, $15.99
Battery-free toys, how do I love thee? Count the ways with this fun 10-piece set of Parachute Guys. This is some classic backyard fun, also great for the park or beach.
2.) Reusable Water Balls, $21.24
Step aside, water balloons. We're going sustainable with reusable water balls! Soak these colorful little orbs and let the fun begin! Great for all ages. Once they're dry, you can even bring them indoors to make up new games.
3.) Literati Book Club, monthly subscription
Of course, we want to keep their little minds sharp this summer. Make reading extra fun with personalized books that arrive to your door. Literati Book Club has a subscription model that sends 5 books for $9.95/month -- only pay for the books you keep.
4.) Mosaic Stepping Stone, $5.60-$19.99
How cute are these?! Available in all sorts of fun shapes and packs of 1 or 3, these mosaic stepping stones will keep the kids occupied, spark their artistic side -- and you get new garden art!
5.) Bubble Machine, $15.29-$21.99
Bubbles are just plain fun, but this toy takes it up a notch! This handheld bubble machine is easy-to-use and great for little hands.
Remember that "I'm bored" comment at the top of this list? Here's a GREAT response when the kids say there is nothing left to do: Chore Sticks! For a more delicious idea: Buy your family's favorite popsicles and let the kids make their own chore sticks. They'll get a little treat and have some ownership in the project.
Sometimes the simplest toys bring the most fun. Stock up on beach balls this summer and let the kids make up games and their own rules. Adults can't resist bouncing these around, too. Check your local dollar store - beach balls also make great party favors!
Here's a great one to keep the older kids busy on long car rides. "50 Cool Things To Do in the Car" has prompts that are interactive and the durable tin is compact for travel. They also have versions for plane trips and outdoor activities for $8.95.
9.) NERF Cornhole Super Soaker, $29.99
Is it really summer without a Super Soaker? NERF does it again with a game that combines cornhole and your garden hose to make this a perfect summertime hit. Not sure who will love this more - dad or the kids!
Have fun blasting away the summer boredom!
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