This ‘Ditch The iPad & Grab These Fun Interactive And Entertaining Toys Instead!’ post contains Amazon affiliate links. As always, all opinions are my own.
We’re halfway through summer. And for most, the excitement of the end of the school year has worn off. So many parents are starting to hear those dreaded words on repeat: “I’m bored.” After weeks of pool days, backyard adventures, and fun summer activities; kids may start turning to the iPad or other screens simply because they’re looking for something new… like unique, entertaining toys.
Ditch The iPad & Grab These Fun Interactive And Entertaining Toys Instead!
While screens can certainly have their place, many families (like mine) are looking for something else. I want to find ways to encourage more independent play, creativity, movement, and discovery without handing over a tablet. And summer is the perfect time to embrace hands-on activities that inspire imagination, encourage learning, and bring families together!
I find that swapping some iPad time for interactive toys opens a whole new world. It gives kids the opportunity to build new skills, explore their interests, and stay entertained in a way that keeps both their minds and bodies active. From imaginative dolls and hands-on building projects to brain-boosting puzzles and fascinating books; screen-free activities help kids stay engaged and learning all summer long. And, all the while, giving mom and dad a little breathing room.
For Kids Who Love To Create Their Own Adventures:
Madame Alexander Poshy Baby
Madame Alexander’s newest Poshy Baby collection is serving looks, laughs, and major personality! These 12-inch dolls are basically baby influencers in their own right, with each one rocking runway-ready outfits, chic accessories, and a personality that makes kids want to collect them all.
Meet Poshy Baby. They’re five fabulous friends who met at the exclusive Miss Dottie’s Daycare. With a shared love of fashion and all things fancy, these little trendsetters became instant friends. Each Poshy has her own unique personality, talent, and style. This makes every doll a special addition to imaginative play. From stylish sippy cups and pearls to trendy sunglasses and fashionable outfits, Poshy Babies encourage kids to create endless stories, adventures, and friendships through pretend play.
She became an immediate hit with our 4 year old! Complete with adorable accessories for unlimited playability, this doll is so much fun. She even attended a local parade with us and kept the girls (daughter and her 5 year old cousin) busy for the entire hour we sat waiting for the parade to start! Then when we got back home, they gave her rides all over our farm in our battery operated kid-sized Jeep. She’s definitely a keeper! — Buy it on Amazon.
Peaceable Kingdom Shimmery Unicorn Floor Puzzle
Make puzzle time even more magical with Peaceable Kingdom’s Unicorn Floor Puzzle. This adorably designed puzzle feature shiny foil accents for extra fun and excitement. The thick, sturdy pieces are perfect for little hands and include unique shapes like butterflies and stars to keep curious minds engaged.
The best part is that as kids piece together this large floor puzzle, they’re actually developing important skills. They’re working on things like visual recognition, fine-motor coordination, problem-solving, and even patience. (I know my youngest could definitely improve on that last one!) And all the while, they’re busy creating a beautiful unicorn scene they will love. —Buy it on Amazon.
Crocodile Creek 12-Pc Mini Puzzle – Brown Bear Brown Bear.
Bring a beloved childhood story to life with the Brown Bear, Brown Bear 12-Pc Mini Puzzle. My husband and I have read this awesome story to all six of our kids throughout the years so this puzzle is well loved! Inspired by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle’s classic book, it features the vibrant illustrations and familiar characters kids know and are excited to see.
Perfect for little puzzlers, this compact puzzle encourages hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and focus while providing a fun opportunity for parents and children to play together. The sturdy storage box keeps pieces organized, and the small size makes it an excellent travel-friendly activity for road trips, vacations, or keeping little hands busy anywhere you go. — Buy it at CrocodileCreek.com.
For Curious Kids Who Love Learning With Entertaining Toys
Eric Carle: Brown Bear Magnetic Quebee
It’s easy to bring this timeless classic off the page and into your hands with Eric Carle Magnetic Quebee. Inspired by beloved characters from Eric Carle’s picture books, this bright and colorful, stackable character turns storytime favorites into a playful, buildable collectible that everyone will enjoy. The portable size also makes it a good ‘car toy’ when traveling or running errands.
Available in Brown Bear or Very Hungry Caterpillar designs, Magnetic Quebee encourages creativity, hands-on exploration, and imaginative play while helping children practice matching, stacking, and building skills. I just can’t say enough great things about it! —Buy it at Creaton.com.
America As It Happened
Bring history to life with ‘America As It Happened‘. This book is an immersive newspaper-style journey through the events that shaped the United States. Designed to feel like breaking news, this visually rich book features timelines, articles, and interactive elements that make important moments in history engaging and easy to understand.
The interactive design makes it easy, fun, and appealing to read. My husband and I even find ourselves scouring it when the kids leave it on the coffee table.
Created in collaboration with The Washington Post, this educational resource takes readers from the American Revolution to modern-day events through an exciting format that encourages curiosity and family conversations. It’s a wonderful way for kids and parents to explore history together. My kids LOVE how fun and easy this book is to navigate! —Buy it on Amazon.
A Better Screen Time Choice That Actually Gets Kids Off The Couch – It’s The Ultimate Of Entertaining Toys Options!
Nex Playground – The Active Play System for Kids & Families
Looking for a screen time option that actually gets kids moving? Nex Playground connects to your TV and transforms your living room into an active family play space! With five included games and an optional Play Pass subscription featuring games like Fruit Ninja, Whac-a-Mole, and Go Keeper; kids can enjoy interactive entertainment without sitting still!
Using simple, natural gestures and a built-in wide-angle camera, the Nex Playground tracks movement without requiring controllers, sensors, or clunky wearables. Kids (and even adults) can jump right in, and up to four players can enjoy games together at the same time.
The Nex Playground comes with five games included: Fruit Ninja, Starri, Whac-a-Mole, Go Keeper, and Party Fowl. But families can also expand their game library with either a 3-month or 12-month Play Pass. Our family HIGHLY recommends the Play Pass! It unlocks even more games featuring some of our favorite characters like Bluey, Barbie, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Peppa Pig, Care Bears, Elmo, Miraculous Ladybug, Gabby’s Dollhouse, Kung Fu Panda, and more.
I can’t say enough great things about the Nex Playground! It has been SO much fun in our home. The variety of games available through the Play Pass means everyone from our 4-year-old to our teenagers — (and even the adults) — can find something they enjoy. It’s a great way to enjoy technology while still encouraging movement, laughter, and family bonding. The compact size means it’s also extremely portable! So it can be taken on vacations or even to grandma and grandpa’s house. It’s seriously so much fun! —Buy it on Amazon.
Final Thoughts On Choosing Fun And Interactive Toys Instead Of iPads
I love finding fun ways to keep the kids occupied, but it can definitely get challenging throughout the year. The cold Minnesota winters can feel incredibly long, and our summers (like right now!) can bring some seriously hot days. Having a variety of engaging toys and activities available is one of my favorite ways to curb boredom and prevent everyone from immediately reaching for the iPad.
Along with investing in fun play options, I also love incorporating simple family activities that create memories together, including:
- Visiting local parks
- Going on nature scavenger hunts
- Attending parades
- Heading to the lake
- Baking together
- Drawing with chalk
- Painting rocks
- Blowing (giant) bubbles
- Taking family walks
- Playing board games
Check out this recipe for GIANT bubbles! Grab these Bubble Wands and whip up a batch of bubble solution to be amazed beyond belief!)
At the end of the day, the best summer memories often come from simple moments of creativity, exploration, and spending time together. Whether it’s new interactive entertaining toys or a classic outdoor activity; finding ways to keep kids engaged makes summer even more enjoyable for everyone.
Tell me, what are your favorite things to do with the kids? Do you have any favorite interactive and entertaining toys your kids love?
Related Posts
Be sure to visit the blog for great reviews including more entertaining toys like Bin Busy! And then head over to our giveaways page and drop your name in to win a prize.
Related Posts:
I’m a city girl turned country by my awesome husband and we have three busy boys and two darling daughters. I love spending time with my family, reading Karen Kingsbury novels, and catching up with friends while our kiddos have play dates. I’m blessed beyond measure and can’t wait to see what God has in store.
Follow Miranda on Pinterest | Twitter| Blog | Instagram
This post currently has no responses.
Leave a Reply