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Long summer days can feel endless, especially when kids aren’t sure what to do with themselves. If you’ve heard “I’m bored” more than enough, it’s time to pull out a secret weapon: activity kits. These ready-to-go bundles of fun offer just the right mix of structure and creativity. Whether it’s crafting, building or exploring, the right kit sparks imagination and keeps kids happily engaged.
Timely Tales
What’s more fun than getting a special package in the mail? With Timely Tales, you will receive a box every two months with either three, four or five seasonal books. Kids will love exploring their new books over and over again, and look forward to the arrival of the next batch. Boxes are designed for kids ages 0 to 12 and will be tailored to the age of your child. Keep the kids engaged and buy yourself time for a cup of coffee as they page through their new books.
Magic gel water toys
Watch as gel transforms into magical squishy water toys in fun shapes like unicorns, dinosaurs and more! This unique creative experience will spark your kid’s imagination and keep them busy for hours. This set comes with everything you need: seven basic color gels, two glitter gels, one glow-in-the-dark gel, six molds, gelling-solution pellets, a strainer, a jar with lid, disposable gloves and an instruction manual.
STEM robotics kit
These cool science kits (recommended for kids age 8 and older) contain six kits: a reptile robot, balance car, bubble machine, fiber lamp and a sliding plane. It also comes with detailed instructions and two screwdrivers, just open the box and start making! Some reviews say that these can be tricky for kids to build alone, so be prepared to step in as needed. But, if your child is looking for a challenge, this might be just the thing to keep them busy.
Spy science kit
This super-fun spy kit from National Geographic has all the tools kids need to complete 10 secret missions: invisible ink pen, periscope, UV light, spy glasses, decoder wheels and a secret notebook. Kids will have a great time solving the mysteries, while also learning skills including observation, note-taking, organizing information, code breaking and more.
KiwiCo flex and fly plane launcher
Bend, launch and glide into the physics of flight with this creative kit. Kids build a launch lever that will send planes soaring, then put together a spring-powered runway for high-speed takeoff in this activity kit from KiwiCo.
Lulu Jr. IlluStory book making kit and Lulu Jr. My Comic Book making kit
Get those ideas flowing as kids create their very own real book or comic book. The kit is complete with a book template and markers and will guide your kid through the process of writing and illustrating their very own book. When the book is complete, you can mail it back in the prepaid envelope and will receive a professionally printed version of their book in just a few weeks.
Airplane design studio kit
Editor’s note: This kit is currently sold out. You can add it to a wish list, or check out Imagine Childhood’s many other DIY crafting kits.
Imagine building your very own airplane! Kids can design and build multiple airplanes with this kit. It comes with balsa wood, propellers and all the pieces you need to take flight. Providing hours of building and flying fun — it’s time for liftoff.
Grow ‘N Glow Terrarium kit
Kids have everything they need to create a unique terrarium complete with glow sand and glow-in-the-dark stickers. As they layer the different components, they will grow their own little plant habitat.
Ivy Kids kit, “A Rainbow of My Own”
Kids start with a great book to read and explore. With this story of a boy looking for a rainbow, kids can paint their own ceramic bank, complete science experiments with prisms and walking rainbows, and even play games. Plus, Ivy Kids has more book-based kits that kids will love.
Make your own soap
Create 10 unique soaps using the different shaped molds and extras like colors, scents and glitter. There is even packaging for kids to wrap their creations to give as special gifts. Minimal supervision is needed as kids melt the soap base in the microwave using step-by-step instructions.
KiwiCo Mini Cake Decorating kit
Let your kids have the fun of cake decorating without the hassle of baking. This play cake comes with a special clay that feels just like real frosting. With a piping kit, decorations and more, kids can create their unique masterpieces.
PlushCraft Puppy Pack
Kids create their own stuffed puppy friends with this no-sew kit. By following the visual instructions, kids push pieces of fabric into the model to create their fluffy puppy friends.
DIY kids bird feeders
Get creative and interact with wildlife by creating unique bird feeders. Complete with birdseed, peanut butter, cutouts, string and easy-to-follow instructions, kids will create multiple feeders in different shapes.
Obuby kids fort building kit
Keep kids active even on rainy days with this fort-building kit. Complete with various-sized rods and connecting balls, the fort possibilities for your young engineers are endless. Grab a sheet to put over their creation, giving them the perfect hideout.
“Paint by Sticker” books
These books take the mess out of paint by number by replacing the paint with stickers. Kids watch their images come to life as they find and place the stickers on the design. These books are available in multiple themes, from zoo animals to outer space and under the sea. Plus, these make great, mess-free travel activities.
More ideas to keep kids busy: |
Editor’s note: This article was first published several years ago and was updated most recently on July 28, 2025, by ParentMap’s associate editor, Kari Hanson. New activities were added, and existing information received a thorough fact-check. This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase products through links on our site, ParentMap may earn an affiliate commission. Images are from Amazon, unless otherwise noted.
