School is out for another month (at least in our neck of the woods) and that means hearing, “I’m bored” just a little too often. My ten year old, who definitely does not love school, even asked how much longer before he could go back. I never would have expected that to happen so it is time to stir things up around here and kick boredom to the curb. Thankfully, some ideas came to my inbox just in time to save summer for my boy. 🙂
Below you are going to find some terrific ideas to help your kiddos (and probably yourself) survive the rest of summer whether you are staying at home, spending time at a cottage or even heading out on a road trip. From the hottest toys to fun games and travel must-haves, you will be back to having a boredom-free summer in no time.
Summer Brain Drain
Was the pencil invented before Washington crossed the Delaware? What happened first: the French or American Revolution? Timeline turns history into a fun game where players try to put together a timeline of events that shaped the world. It’s a lesson in history that everyone will love. Ages 8+; $14.99
2) Braintopia
In Braintopia, you and up to five other players compete in quick challenges that test your observation skills and coordination. Solve the puzzles faster than everyone else to win! With quick rounds and loads of replayability, Braintopia can help keep the kids’ minds sharp all summer long. Ages 8+; $19.99
3) One Key
In One Key, players work together to find the right key using only their powers of deduction and clues from the team leader. This light, card-based game is a fun way to help kids learn logic and reasoning. Ages 10+; $49.99
Did you know that Canada is working with NASA to build a lunar space station that will send a manned mission to Mars? Prep your kids for lift-off with the Playmobil Mars Mission theme that includes rockets and a Mars space station. Ages 6+; $99.99
5) Flexo
Designed to inspire creativity while allowing a level of functional buildability and playability. Suitable for children ages 6+, these construction bricks are ideal to refine and mature fine motor skills, cognitive reasoning and logic, problem solving, spatial awareness, and imagination. Available in Foil Packs, Ocean Life Theme, Builder Set and Inventor Set. $4.99 – $39.99
Road Trip Essentials
1) Spot It
Every version of Spot It! Is perfect for the road, from the beach-friendly waterproof edition to the one made for camping. No matter which you choose, this compact game packs in a ton of fun. Ages 6+; $14.99 – $19.99
UNO and DOS are two games that are sure to make car rides a lot more fun. In each game, you race to get rid of your cards before your opponent, and you get to loudly declare how many you have left right before you just might win. Ages 7+; $8.99
Keep the back of your vehicle’s seat clean and pristine, even from little kicking feet, with Diono’s Stuff ‘n Scuff. This backseat protector comes with a large cargo pocket as well, making it the perfect place to store car games. $9.99
4) Pop Sockets
The little accessory for your phone that makes it even more functional. Pop Sockets can give you an extra bit of grip with your phone or, for long roadtrips, can act as a stand for kids watching videos in the back seat. $12.99 – $24.99
You don’t want to spend your hard-earned vacation tracking down misplaced items. Find your luggage, keys (whatever matters most to you) more easily with Tile Bluetooth trackers. Now available with increased range, volume and replaceable batteries. Download and pair the free app with your Tile to get started.
You and the family can make your memories last longer with FUJIFILM’s instax instant camera. This camera is a perfect starter camera for kids, as it is easy to use! Just point, shoot and watch as the photo develops right before their eyes. $89.99
7) Flexa
Diono’s new Flexa stroller is all about comfort and convenience. Its compact design neatly folds and is perfect for taking on the road. With telescopic handles and multiple hood positions, this stroller is comfortable for you and baby. $299.99 – $349.99.
Cottage Evening Entertainment
The family friendly classic game of hilarious comparisons is perfect for lazy summers. Give the judge the best description of the chosen card with what’s in your hand. Whoever makes the most apt, or most hilarious, description, wins the round! Ages 12+; $29.99
2) Balderdash
How good are you at convincing others that you’re right? Balderdash lets you make up fake definitions or answers to questions. Everyone submits an answer and votes; the answer with the most votes wins, even if it’s completely wrong! Ages 12+; $24.99
3) Mad Gab
The classic game that’s a real mouthful! Players try sounding out a strange phrase while their teammates try to figure out what the phrase may actually mean. It’s a fantastic game for the road where everyone can play. Ages 13+; $14.99
Activities For Rainy Days
Ticket to Ride has a version for everyone, from the brand new and travel-friendly New York edition to First Journey designed for little train enthusiasts. No matter the version, the goal is the same: build routes for your railway and tourism empire before someone else beats you to where you need to go! Ages 8+; $34.99 – $109.99
2) Little Tikes® Easy Store 3-ft Trampoline
Little Tikes®’ best-selling trampoline is fun and perfect for indoor use. The spring-free design and foam comfort grip make this trampoline the safest on the market. Plus, it can now be easily collapsed for easy storage. Ages 3-6
3) Little Tikes® TotSports™ Easy Score Basketball
The NBA trophy is in Canada for the first time. This TotSports™ basketball set is specially designed for indoor use so your kids can enjoy no matter the weather. The adjustable height, oversized rim and junior ball let kids enjoy even as they grow. Ages 1.5-5
Get Outside
Great for indoor and outdoor use, this easy-to-set-up slide provides hours of fun all while promoting fitness, balance and coordination. Plus it easily folds up for easy storage. Ages 1.5-4
The next generation of bubbles is here with the Gazillion Bubble Rush. The easy-to-use and easy-to-clean device can give you the most amount of bubbles yet within a couple of seconds. All you have to do is pour in the solution and turn it on. Ages 3+; $24.99 – $29.99
3) Little Tikes® Turtle Sandbox
Perfect for the beach or the backyard, the Little Tikes® Turtle Sandbox has a large area with a molded bottom that encourages digging and exploration. There are even two seats on the outside to use and a lid that can cover up the sand when the weather turns. Ages 1-6
The Battle Splash Water Table has four water-based activities all in one set. Kids can fill a water bucket that tips over, compete to fill their column with water first, spray each other’s mini-boats or compete to hit different spinning targets. With so much to do, it’s the perfect way to stay cool this summer. Ages 2+
The Gazillion Bubblecycle lets kids take a bubble-making machine for a spin. This bubble-making toy has a real motor inside that spins just like a real motorcycle, so kids can role play while enjoying thousands and thousands of bubbles. Ages 3+; $19.99 – $24.99
Beach Day
Playmobil has an entire line of products that were designed especially for sandy beaches, including a sand dump truck, excavator, water truck and ice cream sand bucket. Ages 2+; $34.99
2) Baby Suncare Essentials from Aleva Naturals
While enjoying time outdoors with your baby is always fun, it is imperative that their sensitive skin is protected from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Aleva Naturals has a sunscreen lotion and stick with natural and certified organic ingredients that simultaneously moisturizes to soothe and protect the skin. The mineral-based formula is perfect for eczema-prone and delicate skin. $9.99 – $19.99
Summer Baby Essentials
Help baby beat the heat with this handy clip-on stroller fan. Simply attach it to your stroller and enjoy the great outdoors. This fan will keep your baby cool and comfortable all summer long. $11.95 USD
2) Dreambaby®’s Travel System Insect Netting
This is the perfect item for travelling families, or for anybody who enjoys taking their kids outdoors in the summer – but hates those pesky mosquitoes, flies and other insects! The system includes netting fitted for baby carriers and for strollers or playpens, making it ideal for young families with multiple children. It’s made from soft, durable mesh and can easily be stored away when not being used. $12.99 USD
We Made Me’s innovative Flow baby wrap combines the intimate and innovative wrap with a breathable mesh fabric to help keep you and your baby stay cool all summer. Its flexible fabric contours the wearer’s body, echoing the beauty in both you and your baby making it the perfect addition for your summer activities and travels with baby. 0-24 months; $79.99
4) Sudocrem
Sudocrem has been clinically proven to help soothe, heal and protect babies’ delicate skin from diaper rashes for almost 80 years. It’s used by moms, dads and healthcare professionals everywhere. Available in 30g tubes – 400g tubs; $4.99 – $19.99.
5) Tiny Eyes
Children often wake up in the morning with red, itchy eyes, and sticky residue on their eyelids and eyelashes. This can cause discomfort, interfere with vision and invite redness and infection. Baby Works Tiny Eyes Purified Cleansing Wipes allow for easy cleaning of the area and prevention of infection. $15.00
This fabulous guide to saving summer for your family has pretty much something for everyone. Who can resist a great board game on a rainy day or playing hoops in the backyard while the sun shines? From getting the perfect instant photo of the days happenings to protecting your baby while you lounge on the beach, you can not go wrong picking up some of the gems we have shared with you. From my family to yours, have a wonderful and safe summer. ♥
Which of these great boredom busters would save summer in your home? Make sure to attend the #BloggersFete Twitter Party on August 1st at 8pm and you could win something from this list!! Check out my co-host Ashley’s post to RSVP for the party and your chance to win!
FT&PD
Suz
**Disclosure: I was gifted with several items from this list; all opinions are my own.
**If you would like me to review your product, service, restaurant or travel destination, please send me an email at rudges2@gmail.com or tweet me at @MapleMouseMama.
Sounds like a lot of fun!!
Thanks for the fantastic ideas that won’t break the bank.
These games sound like so much fun for family game night.
There are some pretty cool games here.
There are some great ideas to keep kids happy this summer!
some really great ideas here , think Ill be looking into a couple of your summer brain drain suggestions ..
Good ideas to keep the kids occupied during the summer months. Especially August when they start getting a bit bored and are really craving some structure although they will never admit it. The Summer brain drain suggestions are great, I like the game Braintopia
There’s some great ideas here. There are some really fun games you have listed and some I hadn’t heard of, but need to look at!
Sure have some cool games,fun for the whole family !
love that Playmobil set
I wil be looking for the One Key game it sure sounds like fun !
Lots of good ideas to keep kids happy and not just during the holidays, any time really. I love Playmobil they have some really great toys.
Really useful gifts, sounds like some ingenious products
These are great ideas to keep the kids busy especially now that summer is winding down and they are becoming bored. Now is the time for getting them ready to them back into school so if we can find things for them to do that are not too expensive that is even better.
There’s enough great ideas here to keep kids happy all year
Gazillion Bubblecycle is so much fun.