Finding ways to keep your kids busy and engaged at home can feel like a full-time job. Whether you’re looking to fill a rainy afternoon, a long school break, or just a quiet hour before dinner, this list is your new best friend. We’ve put together a collection of 24 toys and activities that not only banish boredom but also spark creativity and support learning. From energy-burning essentials to relaxing craft kits, each item on this list has earned its spot by offering meaningful fun.
This isn’t just a random list—these are tried-and-true products that our own kids have put to the test. You’ll find a wide variety of options perfect for different ages and interests, ensuring there’s something every child will love. We hope this helps you discover new ways to play, create, and learn together, turning ordinary days at home into extraordinary adventures. Get ready to dive into our family’s favorite finds that will keep your little ones happily occupied!
1. Melissa & Doug See & Spell Learning Toy
This little See & Spell set from Melissa & Doug is an absolute gem for toddlers who are just starting to recognize their letters. The vibrant pictures and chunky wooden pieces make learning feel less like a chore and more like a fun puzzle. It’s perfect for reinforcing letter recognition and early spelling skills without any screens or flashy lights, which is a huge win in my book. My 3-year-old loves matching the letters to the pictures, and it’s so satisfying to watch their little brain work as they figure out the words.
What I love most is how durable it is. The puzzle pieces are thick and sturdy, so they can handle a lot of play, even with little hands that can be a bit rough. It’s a fantastic way to introduce new vocabulary and foundational skills in a low-key, playful way. This toy has become a go-to for quiet time and independent play, and it’s a brilliant addition to any playroom or classroom.
- Recommendation Product: Melissa & Doug See & Spell Wooden Educational Toy
2. Crayola Light Up Tracing Pad
If your kid is a budding artist, the Crayola Light Up Tracing Pad is a total game-changer. My 5-year-old could spend hours with this thing! The bright, even light makes tracing simple and fun, and it comes with tons of tracing sheets to get them started, from animals to cool scenes. It’s like a magical combination of art and technology that keeps them completely captivated. Plus, it’s great for developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination in a way that feels completely effortless.
This pad is super portable, too, making it an excellent option for car rides or trips to grandma’s house. The light is gentle on the eyes, and the variety of tracing templates means they can explore different themes and ideas. Honestly, it’s one of those toys that keeps them so focused and happy, it feels like a secret weapon for quiet time.
- Recommendation Product: Crayola Light Up Tracing Pad
3. Pogo Jumper
When you need to get some serious energy out, a Pogo Jumper is the perfect solution. This isn’t your average pogo stick—it’s much safer and more accessible for younger kids, with a soft foam base that won’t scratch your floors. Watching them hop around on this thing is hilarious, and it’s an incredible way to work on balance and coordination. It’s a fantastic tool for getting the wiggles out, especially on days when you can’t get outside as much as you’d like.
The foam handle is easy for little hands to grip, and the stretchy cord provides just enough bounce to make them feel like they’re really jumping high. It’s a simple, low-tech toy that delivers a big payoff in terms of fun and physical activity. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they master it and how much energy they burn while doing it.
- Recommendation Product: Click N’ Play Foam Pogo Jumper
4. Window Art
This Window Art kit is a fantastic project for older kids who are ready for something a bit more intricate than a simple coloring book. It’s such a fun way to get creative and decorate your space, plus it gives you a stunning result you can show off. The kit comes with everything you need to create beautiful, sun-catching art that sticks right to the window. It’s a wonderful activity for a quiet afternoon and a great way to tap into their artistic side.
The process of painting the designs and then peeling them off to place on the window is incredibly satisfying. It encourages them to be precise and patient, and the final result is always so vibrant and cheerful. This project can easily fill a couple of hours and the end products make their room feel so special. It’s an activity that feels like a real accomplishment.
- Recommendation Product: Made By Me Create Your Own Window Art
5. Hide & Seek Rock Painting Kit
Rock painting is a classic for a reason, and a kit like this makes it so easy to get started. You don’t even need a fancy kit, but having one with all the supplies ready to go is a huge bonus. It’s such a simple, beautiful activity that gets kids outdoors and using their imagination. They can paint whatever they want—bugs, patterns, messages—and then hide them around the yard for a fun treasure hunt.
The real fun starts once the rocks are painted and dry. Hiding them in the garden or behind a bush turns a simple craft into a full-blown adventure. It encourages them to be active and observant as they search for the hidden treasures. It’s a great, low-cost way to get creative and active at the same time, making for a perfect family activity.
- Recommendation Product: Rock Painting Kit
6. MOLUK Bilibo
This simple, shell-like toy is one of those things that looks like nothing, but to a kid, it’s everything. The MOLUK Bilibo is a Swiss-designed, open-ended toy that lets kids use their imaginations to play in countless ways. It can be a seat to spin in, a helmet, a turtle shell, or a mountain to climb. The possibilities are truly endless. It’s fantastic for developing balance, gross motor skills, and creative thinking, all while they’re just having a blast.
What I love most about the Bilibo is how it encourages simple, imaginative play. It doesn’t have batteries, sounds, or flashing lights. It’s just a durable, brightly colored piece of plastic that kids instinctively know how to use. It’s a favorite in our house because it’s so versatile and can be used both indoors and out.
Recommendation Product: Bilibo – Light Blue
7. Spelling Puzzle Cards
For kids who are starting to show an interest in words, these Spelling Puzzle Cards are a fantastic find. They are a playful way to practice spelling and word recognition without a screen. The cards feature simple pictures and corresponding letter slots that kids have to fill in with the included letters. It’s a great activity for building foundational literacy skills and gets them used to seeing how letters come together to form words.
My 5-year-old loves these cards because they feel like a fun game, not a lesson. They are a perfect tool for a little one-on-one time, and they’re durable enough to be used over and over again. It’s a simple, low-tech way to reinforce what they’re learning and build their confidence.
- Recommendation Product: The Learning Journey Spelling Puzzle
8. Orbeez
Oh, Orbeez. If you haven’t experienced the joy (and mild chaos) of these water beads, you’re in for a treat. My girls are absolutely obsessed. When you drop the tiny beads in water, they expand into squishy, bouncy, and colorful little spheres. They are a great sensory activity, and my kids can play with them for a long time. They love to squish them, scoop them, and just let them run through their fingers.
A word of advice: play with these in a large tote or a plastic bin to keep them from rolling all over the floor. The texture is so much fun, and it’s a great way to engage their sense of touch. They’re a fantastic, soothing sensory experience that can provide hours of quiet entertainment.
- Recommendation Product: Non Toxic Beads
9. Tie Dye Kit
A Tie Dye Kit is a classic for a reason—it’s just so much fun. It’s a great activity for a playdate or a family craft day, and the result is always a unique, colorful creation they can wear. The kits come with everything you need, from dye to rubber bands, which makes the whole process easy and stress-free. It’s a creative activity that teaches them about color and design, and the payoff is a personalized piece of clothing or fabric they can be proud of.
There’s something so satisfying about seeing the colors bleed together and then revealing the final pattern after it’s been washed. It’s a perfect project for a sunny day outdoors and a great way to let them express their artistic side. The end result is a wearable piece of art that they can show off to all their friends.
- Recommendation Product: Tulip One-Step 5 Color Tie-Dye Kits
10. Pipe Cleaners
Don’t underestimate the power of a simple craft staple like pipe cleaners. We always have these on hand because they are the ultimate open-ended toy. Kids can twist them, bend them, and shape them into anything their imagination can dream up—from animals and flowers to intricate bracelets and sculptures. They’re fantastic for developing fine motor skills and creativity, and they are so affordable.
Pipe cleaners are a perfect “just-for-fun” activity that requires no instructions. You can combine them with other craft supplies like pom-poms or beads for even more creative possibilities. It’s old-school fun that never gets old and always sparks imaginative play. They’re a staple for a reason and a must-have in any craft drawer.
- Recommendation Product: Acerich 600 Pcs Pipe Cleaners
11. Pompoms
Don’t underestimate the humble pompom! These little balls of fluff are a craft staple for a reason. They are incredibly versatile and can be used for so many different projects, from decorating a picture frame to creating cute animal characters. They’re fantastic for developing fine motor skills and encouraging creativity without a lot of mess. We always have a big bag of these on hand because they’re perfect for a quick, impromptu crafting session.
Whether they’re gluing them onto a drawing or creating a fluffy caterpillar, pompoms provide a fun, tactile experience that keeps little hands busy. You can combine them with pipe cleaners or googly eyes for even more creative possibilities. They’re a simple, affordable supply that brings endless joy to any craft time.
- Recommendation Product: 1cm Assorted Pompoms Multicolor
12. Kidz Xplore Outdoor Explorer Set
This Outdoor Explorer Set is a must-have for any little adventurer! It comes with everything a kid needs to become a true backyard explorer, like a bug collection case, binoculars, a compass, and a magnifying glass. It’s perfect for getting them off the screens and out into nature. This kit encourages a sense of curiosity and discovery, transforming your own backyard into a thrilling new world to investigate.
It’s amazing to watch them get so excited about finding a cool rock or spotting a tiny insect. The kit makes them feel like a real scientist on a mission. It’s a wonderful way to teach them about the natural world and ignite a love for being outdoors.
- Recommendation Product: Kidz Xplore Outdoor Explorer Set
13. Water Table
A Water Table is the ultimate secret weapon for good, clean fun on a sunny day. It’s a fantastic way to keep toddlers and preschoolers entertained for hours, and the best part is it’s a sensory activity that doesn’t make a huge mess. They can splash, pour, and scoop to their heart’s content, which is great for developing hand-eye coordination and motor skills.
We love our water table because it’s so versatile. You can add different toys, like small boats or cups, to keep the play fresh and exciting. It’s the perfect solution for those long summer afternoons when you need an easy, engaging activity that’s sure to be a hit.
- Recommendation Product: Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table
14. Kids Fire Tablet
Let’s be real, screen time happens, and sometimes you just need a break. The Kids Fire Tablet is the perfect solution because it’s designed with kids in mind. It comes with parental controls and a free year of Amazon Kids+, which is packed with thousands of ad-free books, games, videos, and apps. It’s a great way to give them some independent play time while having peace of mind that the content is safe and age-appropriate.
This tablet is also super durable, with a kid-proof case that protects it from drops and spills. It’s a lifesaver for long car rides or when you need a moment to yourself. It’s a great tool for a bit of downtime, and you can even find educational apps and books to make that screen time productive.
- Recommendation Product: Amazon Fire 7 Kids tablet
15. Unicorn Drawing Projector
The KETIEE Unicorn Drawing Projector is an absolute dream for any kid who loves to draw. This adorable unicorn-shaped projector makes learning to draw feel like pure magic. It comes with 96 different stencils, giving them endless options to trace and color, from cute animals to whimsical scenes. It’s a fantastic way to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while letting their creativity shine in a low-pressure way.
This projector is a great tool for building confidence in young artists. It takes the frustration out of drawing by providing a clear guide for them to follow, but it still encourages them to use their own imagination to color and customize their art. The cute unicorn design is a huge bonus that makes it even more appealing, and it’s a great way to keep them happily engaged in an art project that might actually last longer than five minutes.
Recommendation Product: Tracing and Drawing Projector for Kids
16. DIY Slime Kit
I’ll be honest, I’m usually anti-slime. The mess, the stickiness—it’s just a lot. But during those moments when you need a little something extra to occupy the kids, a DIY Slime Kit is an absolute lifesaver. These kits make the process so much easier, with all the ingredients pre-measured and ready to go. It’s a fantastic sensory activity that provides a tactile outlet and a fun science lesson all in one. Plus, the end result is a satisfyingly squishy creation that can provide hours of stretchy, gooey fun.
The best part about using a kit is that you can get a predictable result without the guesswork and a lot of the mess. Watching the ingredients come together and transform into slime is a magical process for kids. It’s a project that requires focus and patience, and the feeling of the finished product is so calming and fun to play with.
- Recommendation Product: Complete DIY Slime Making Kit for Kids
17. Zingo Bingo
If you’re looking for a game that the whole family can enjoy, Zingo Bingo is a must-have. This game is a super kid-friendly twist on traditional bingo that’s perfect for preschoolers and early elementary kids. It helps them with word and picture recognition, and it’s fast-paced enough to keep everyone engaged. The “Zinger” tile dispenser is so much fun for little hands to slide, and the excitement of calling out “Zingo!” is priceless.
What makes this game a winner is that it’s easy for younger kids to understand and play on their own, but it’s still fun for adults to join in. It’s a great way to have some screen-free family time and work on important skills like matching and vocabulary. We love it for game nights, and it’s a great way to bring everyone to the table for some cooperative fun.
- Recommendation Product: ThinkFun Zingo Bingo
18. Interactive Alphabet Wall Chart
I usually try to avoid toys that make a lot of noise, but this Interactive Alphabet Wall Chart is the exception. It’s a fantastic, low-mess way to introduce letters and words to little ones. They can press a button to hear the letters, sounds, and even music. It’s a fun, engaging way for them to practice the alphabet and learn basic vocabulary. It’s a perfect option for independent play and a great tool to reinforce what they might be learning in preschool.
This chart is a great alternative to a tablet, offering an interactive learning experience that hangs right on the wall. It’s a clever way to turn a piece of decor into a learning tool. The interactive sounds make it feel more like a game than a lesson, and it’s super durable, so you don’t have to worry about little hands being too rough with it.
- Recommendation Product: Just Smarty Alphabet Wall Chart for Toddlers
19. Brain Quest Workbook (Pre-K)
If you’re looking for a way to give your kids a little academic boost without it feeling like homework, a Brain Quest Workbook is the perfect solution. They have these books for all ages, from toddlers to middle schoolers, and they’re filled with fun activities, puzzles, and quizzes. It’s a great tool for a bit of structured learning that’s disguised as a game, and it’s perfect for reinforcing skills during breaks from school.
What’s great about these workbooks is how they make learning a positive, engaging experience. The colorful pages and varied activities keep kids from getting bored. It’s a great way to sneak in some educational time on a quiet afternoon, and it helps them feel confident and prepared for the next stage of their learning journey.
- Recommendation Product: Brain Quest Workbook: Pre-K
20. Learning Sight Words Dry Erase Book
This Learning Sight Words Dry Erase Book is one of those simple but brilliant ideas. It’s a reusable book with activities focused on helping kids master common sight words. The dry-erase feature means they can practice over and over again, which is perfect for building confidence and muscle memory. The activities are simple and effective, making it a stress-free way to work on reading readiness.
I ordered this for my 5-year-old, and it’s become a fantastic tool for our quick learning sessions. It’s portable and doesn’t require a lot of setup, so we can use it anywhere. It’s a simple, effective way to work on a fundamental reading skill and get them excited about learning.
- Recommendation Product: Learning Sight Words Includes a Wipe-Clean Pen
21. Washable Paint
When you need an activity that’s both fun and easy to clean up, washable paint is the answer. It’s an absolute game-changer, especially if you set the kids up in the bathtub. Let them get creative and paint the walls, the tub, and even themselves! The color is vibrant, and the best part is that it rinses right off with water. It’s a fantastic sensory activity that allows them to get messy without you having to stress about the cleanup.
This simple material can turn an ordinary bath time into a magical art session. It’s a great way to encourage self-expression and let them experiment with colors and textures. Just a little bit of this paint can provide a ton of entertainment, making it a perfect low-effort, high-reward activity for any day of the week.
- Recommendation Product: Crayola Washable Kids Paint Set
22. Crayola Crayon Collection Coloring Set
You can never go wrong with a good set of crayons, and the Crayola Ultimate Crayon Collection is just what it sounds like—the ultimate. This massive set of colors can inspire hours of creative fun. It’s perfect for pairing with a new coloring book or even just a blank piece of paper. Having so many different shades to choose from sparks their imagination and lets them add depth and detail to their artwork.
This collection is a true classic for a reason. It’s a reliable, screen-free activity that’s a staple in every household. It’s an easy way to help them express their creativity and a great go-to for quiet time or a calm moment.
- Recommendation Product: Crayola Ultimate Crayon Box Collection
23. Kinetic Sand Castles
If you’re looking for a tactile, stress-relieving activity, Kinetic Sand is the perfect choice. This stuff is incredible; it sticks to itself, so it’s not messy like regular sand, and it holds its shape beautifully. It feels amazing to squish and mold, and you can create detailed castles, sculptures, and whatever else their imagination can dream up. The texture is so satisfying that even us adults can’t help but play with it.
Kinetic Sand provides a calming, sensory experience that keeps kids focused and engaged. It’s a great tool for open-ended, creative play and a wonderful way to work on fine motor skills. It’s a clean and calming alternative to messy sandboxes, making it a great indoor activity.
- Recommendation Product: Kinetic Sand Castle Containers
24. LeapFrog Mr. Pencil’s ABC Backpack
Learning truly is fun with the LeapFrog Mr. Pencil’s ABC Backpack. This isn’t just a backpack; it’s an interactive learning toy that helps little ones with their writing and drawing skills. The tablet inside lights up and shows them how to form letters and numbers, and it even helps them draw simple objects. It’s a brilliant way to introduce foundational skills in a way that feels completely like a game.
The backpack design makes it perfect for on-the-go learning, whether in the car or on a trip. It’s a fantastic screen-free option that provides guided instruction and positive reinforcement. It’s a great tool for preparing them for school and building their confidence in a super playful way.
- Recommendation Product: LeapFrog Mr. Pencil’s ABC Backpack