I am the last person to ever find Summer boring, believe me, but kids today are an entirely different story! If you have children at home who need some quick entertainment this summer, check out these fun finds to keep your fam happy!
image cred: C. Gracia, Unsplash
Disclosure: some of these items were sent to me as samples, but all opinions are my own. Also, this post contains some affiliate links to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I may earn a (very small) commission from qualifying purchases. You can read more about this on my Disclosure page.
Be sure to Pin this post for future reference. You never know when you're going to need a boredom buster!
The Goonies Never Say Die Board Game
There never seem to be enough ways to entertain teens and tweens, so here's one that takes the cake. The Goonies Never Say Die from Funko Games is like jumping into the classic 80's movie! Here's a description from FunkoGames ('cause they explain it best): Embark on a perilous adventure full of dangerous booby traps and treacherous treasure-filled caverns! One player is the Goondocks Master, controlling fearsome foes, from the outlaw family, the Fratellis, to the legendary pirate, One-Eyed Willie. The other players take on the role of the Goonies — Mikey, Mouth, Chunk, Data, and Sloth — overcoming cryptic puzzles and deadly challenges with teamwork, strategy, and Data’s clever contraptions! Will the Goonies discover the legendary riches that will save their homes, or will they follow the fate of Chester Copperpot… and never see the light of day? I love the high quality of FunkoGames- they are like works of art. Make it a movie night- watch the film and follow up with the game. Recommended for ages 12 and up, 2-5 players. Available exclusively at Target.
 |
| image via FunkoGames |
Chalk-of-the-Town T-Shirts, Bags and More
The Chalk-of-the-Town t-shirt kit is one of my favorite things! This fun chalk marker t-shirt kit is erasable, re-usable and machine washable and allows kids to create and wear their own specially designed t-shirt. Use the no-smudge chalk markers to draw a design or a special message right on the chalkboard t-shirt’s surface. You can use the included cloth and water to wipe away your old design and start something new. It's available in youth sizes XS to XL and adult sizes S to 2XL in brilliant blue.b They're great for birthdays, family trips, special events, camps, parties, and more! Find them at https://www.chalk-of-the-town.com/ or on Amazon.
The “I’m Reading” Chalkboard Tote Bag Kit from Chalk-of-the-Town is perfect for the avid reader to carry to the beach or library and draw what you're reading. Use the included water-based chalk markers to write a title or topic on the tote or illustrate highlights from the book. Once dry, the ink will not smudge. When you're reading a new book or want a new design, just wipe the surface clean with water and draw again. Available on Amazon.
National Geographic Kids Books
National Geographic Kids never fails to disappoint (you can see more of their books in my Summer Reading Suggestions post). Their books are top quality, entertaining and obviously educational! Kids learn so much from them and don't even realize they're learning. These are some of my favorite new National Geographic Kids titles and a brief description of them:
National Geographic Kids National Parks Guide U.S.A: NatGeo Kids, together with the National Park Trust, has created this handy guide, broken down into regions of the country. Filled with color photos, information on animals, interesting lists, fun facts, maps, cool things to do, conservation tips, and much more. Recommended for ages 8-12, paperback, 176 pages.
National Geographic Kids Ultimate U.S. Road Trip Atlas: this book contains maps, games, interesting facts, vibrant pictures of everything from wacky road signs to national monuments, and boredom busters to make your next journey an adventure to remember. Every state is featured and includes a map of the state, 5 cool things to do there, fun facts about the state and the animals that live there, and even quirky roadside attractions. Recommended for ages 8-12, paperback, 144 pages.
National Geographic Kids 125 Wacky Roadside Attractions: Kids can see the silly side of travel as they explore the wackiest landmarks from around the world, like a place where you can walk in real dinosaur tracks, a hotel where you sleep in an igloo, a crazy beard festival, a UFO museum, and so much more. Recommended for ages 8-12 years, 144 pages, paperback.
National Geographic Kids More Surprising Stories Behind Everyday Stuff: Kids, prepare to be amazed by the surprising backstories behind the things you use or do every day! From familiar foods and common clothing items to bizarre beauty regimens and quirky products, this book covers all your burning questions: Who thought of that? Where did that come from? Why is that a thing? This book is even fun for adults. Recommended for ages 8-12, paperback, 256 pages (great size to pack in a suitcase or bag!)
Fold-and-Go Beach Set
Hape's Fold and Go Beach Set features a collapsible pail that folds almost flat, a sturdy shovel and sea creature sand molds. The waterproof pail can hold water or sand, and it's perfect for collecting seashells. When you're done having fun in the sun, you can empty the bucket, fold it flat, and pack it into its fish-shaped nylon carry case for easy, mess-free transportation. Another win from Hape- they make such adorable products!
 |
| image via Hape |
Growing Gardener's Greenhouse
Originally featured in my Summer Must-Haves, Hape's Growing Gardeners Greenhouse is a perfect summer project! This eco-friendly greenhouse is a great way for kids to learn about growing their own garden. Made from sustainable bamboo and BIO plastic from sugar cane, you just plant seeds of your choice in the little greenhouse and watch it flourish. It's such a cute idea for kids to garden and be eco-friendly at the same time. When the plants grow big enough you can even transfer them into a regular garden so they continue to thrive. Recommended for ages 3 and up. You can purchase it on Amazon here.
The DinoMazing Egg Decorator
The Dinomazing Egg Decorator is a great craft for a rainy summer day or some poolside fun. The sister product of the Easter phenomenon the EggMazing Egg Decorator, just pop in one of the plastic eggs included with the kit and let the decorating begin. Use the different colored markers to add stripes, lines or other fun prehistoric designs to decorate your egg. Once you’re done decorating, crack open the shell to discover a surprise mini collectible dinosaur in colored slime. Available on Amazon.
