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10 Free Family Activities in the Bay Area

LIFESTYLE

Getting out of the house as a family is more important than ever with many families still dealing with at-home school or work. But finding fun things to do together can get expensive! Here are ten free family activities in the Bay Area that won’t break the bank but will give you and your little ones lasting memories.

1. Go biking at Stafford Lake Bike Park

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Stafford Lake Bike Park is a kid-friendly The 17 acre park also features a single track loop trail as well as pump tracks and gravity trails for those who are looking for more extreme biking. Even if you and your kids are totally comfortable on a bike, you can get some fresh air and good exercise!

2. Learn about nature with Wildcare

Do you want to take your kids out into nature but want a specialist who knows the outdoors like the back of their hand? Look into Wildcare. Your kids can get a free education on local wildlife and fauna, learning to spot and name their wild care animals.

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3. See the sea lions and walk the pier

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One of the best benefits of living in the Bay Area is seeing the sea lions! Play tourist for a day and visit San Francisco’s historic waterfront community. At the Fisherman’s Wharf, you can eat local seafood and walk up and down the 150 year old pier.

As you walk along, check out the sea lions sunbathing in the sun at Pier 39. Kids love watching them bark and swim in the bay.

4. Free fishing days

Bay Area Free Fishing Days! The Bay Area offers tons of piers and shorelines perfect for a fun, family outing. No license needed, just grab your bait and a sense of adventure – who knows, you might just catch the big one! See a wild life government site for free fishing days!

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5 more Free Family Activities …

5. Free days in museums

Several Bay Area museums open their doors for free on weekdays throughout the first week of the month, typically Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays. Expect crowds, so plan your visit for an early arrival to maximize your free museum experience, here are some ideas:

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Discovery Museum in Sausalito the first Wednesday of every other month
Exploratorium – The Exploratorium participates in the Discover & Go program, offering families free admission to over 35 Bay Area cultural attractions through local libraries.
SF Botanical Gardens – Free for SF residents everyday, all day

6. Presidio events

From kite festivals to interactive art installations and DJ dance parties, there’s always something fun happening. Explore the Presidio’s event calendar and get ready for a day filled with laughter, exploration, and creating unforgettable family moments.

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7. Fortune Cookie San Francisco

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Visit the Fortune Cookie Factory and witness the magic of how these iconic fortune cookies are made. Your curious crew will be amazed by this unique process, and everyone can enjoy a fresh, delicious cookie. It’s a fun and educational experience that’s perfect for a family day in the city by the bay! What more, you can create a very own city movie.

8. Hike the Golden Gate Parks

A perfect free family activity is taking the kids out for a full day of hiking on the gorgeous trails surrounding the Golden Gate Bridge.

You can check here to see all trails. Many offer amazing views of the bridge, waterfront, Alcatraz or unique views of wildlife and green forest terrain.

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9. Beach Clean Up

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Taking the kids to a beach clean up is great for two reasons: they get to do something good for their community, and they get to go to the beach!

There are many groups that offer beach cleanups. Here is one by the Pacific Beach Coalition. Sign-up and parking are completely free, all you need to bring is yourself, your kids, and some gloves and a bucket!

10. Marine Mammal Center

The Marine Mammal Center just north of Golden Gate Bridge is the world’s biggest marine mammal hospital–and it’s totally free!

You and your family can watch as veterinarians help adorable harbor seals, sea otters and more. They also have exhibits to learn more about the ocean. In the area there’s also amazing trails that overlook the Pacific ocean. For one day become a veterinary.

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Hopefully these ten free family activities have inspired you! Whether it’s creating narratives, inspiring love for nature and fresh air, or just hanging out together in your neighborhood, I hope you try out some of these ideas and let us know.

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Bolster Their Imagination with These 8 Indoor Play Games

CHILD, GAMES

Here are 8 indoor play ideas that you can try with almost any age. A few of them are classic games or activities you might have done as a kid yourself, but some are probably new. As you transform your home into a land of fun and imagination, they’ll practice their creativity and their motor skills.

Indoor play:

Freeze Dance

ECHO DOT for kids

You might have played this classic dance before! Play a song and stop the music every now and then. The kids must “freeze” in place whenever the music stops. You can have them freeze in silly poses or with funky faces.

Older kids might find this a little childish, and if so, you can put them in charge of music while you play with the younger ones. Play their favorite songs and together you can have a dance party!

Scavenger Hunt

Turn your house into a wonderland of hidden treasures. Choose something to hunt for, like a pattern, color or word around the house. Mark each item off on a list as they find them.

To add a little extra fun, you can have your kids pretend they’re a pirate, an adventurer or a princess stuck in a castle. You can even hide specific items around the house. Remind them of their favorite storybook with a secret letter or candy gold coins. Let theirs (and your!) imagination run wild!

Chocolate Coins

Yoga for Kids

Yoga for kids

You might think of yoga as something only adults can do, but yoga for kids is a great indoor play activity. It’s healthy for them to stretch, use their muscles, and practice calming breaths. You can find many great resources online, such as Yoga with Adrienne. Some online sites have yoga especially made with kids in mind.

Or you can do it on your own! Have them stretch out on a mat and practice some good poses, like downward dog or warrior. They’ll burn off some energy and hopefully feel relaxed and at ease.

Charades

Charades is fun for the entire family, no matter what age. There are many variations, but the classic way to play is to have one person go up front and pantomime a book, song, celebrity or activity. You can choose specific categories like sports or Disney.

The others must guess what the word is. First person to guess gets one point! For added fun, you can split players into teams and the first team to guess gets the point. Or you can set a timer and take turns. The possibilities for this indoor playtime are endless!

Charade for kids

Who Am I? Game

Headbanz

Similar to charades, this classic game can be played many ways. The most common way is to have each person write down a famous person on a post-it note. You can set a category like singers or Disney characters. For very small children who can’t yet read, you can also use pictures instead of names.

Then, have each person pass the post-it to the next player. Remember, it’s a secret! So they shouldn’t know what the post-it says. Then, each player will put the post-it on their forehead.

You’ll take turns. The first player will ask yes or no questions to figure out who they are, such as “Am I a boy?” or “Can they sing?” After they ask their question, it’s the next player’s turn. The first person to guess correctly wins!

Blanket Fort

Who doesn’t have good memories with a blanket fort? This is one of the most popular indoor play games and for good reason! Together, you can build a great space for reading, movie-watching or cuddling during your nap.

Choose an area with lots of space. You can build your fort around the couch, table or whatever you can find. To add some extra flair, you can make a theme, such as a pirate ship, spaceship or underwater cave. Add lights, pillows, snacks–and of course, blankets.

Blanket

Puppet Show

Puppets

Puppet shows might sound like a lot of work, but they don’t have to be! Use an old sock or wooden spoon and together you can decorate with paper, felt, googly-eyes and pipe-cleaners to create their very own little puppet. Again, you can choose a theme, like fairies, animals or spooky ghosts.

Then you can set up a puppet theater–two chairs and a blanket will do just fine! Put on a show for the family and let their imagination show on stage.

Mission Impossible Obstacle Course

Test your child’s spy skills by creating an obstacle course in your own hallway. For this indoor play activity, you’ll need crepe paper and tape.

Tape lines of crepe paper from one wall to the other. You can zig and zag them high and low.

Have you tried these indoor activities? Staying indoors doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, with these indoor play ideas, you can make memories that they’ll look fondly on when they’re older.

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Budget-friendly Summer Activities

FAMILY FUN

School is out, and the kids are restless. You really want to get them out of the house, but everything is so expensive. Don’t worry, there are plenty of budget friendly summer activities out there.

Go Hiking

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Look for trails that are rated easy or beginner level. These will be easiest for kids to navigate. To make it even more memorable, hike to a waterfall or other local landmarks. Carefully consider the length of the trail, remember that getting to the top is only half the journey. You still have to hike back down.

Make sure the kids wear sturdy, lace-up shoes with socks. Long pants will help protect little legs from scratches, scrapes, and unwanted bites. A hat will help shade the face, but don’t use it as a substitute for SPF 50 or above sunscreen.

Go for a Bike Ride

Kids love to ride bikes, and it is even more fun if mom or dad goes with them. If you don’t already own bikes, consider a bike rental shop or purchase some through a secondhand store or yard sale. Bicycles are a great investment because they are an excellent form of exercise and enjoyment for people of all ages.

If there is nowhere near your house to ride, find a bike path at a park or nature preserve. Be sure to wear helmets and closed-toe shoes. Little riders might also require elbow pads. Be sure to slather on the sunscreen and carry bottled water for hydration during summer activities.

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Attend a festival or concert

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Many communities offer free outdoor concerts or movies during the summer months. Just bring a blanket or lawn chairs, some snacks, and plenty of water to stay hydrated. If you’re going to be out after dark, make sure you bring along mosquito repellent. Stop by your dollar store and pick up some glow sticks or glow necklaces to make it even more fun for the kids.

Cool off in a pool or spray park

Find a community pool or spray park close to home. Most charge a very nominal admission fee during the summer months, and whatever you spend will be worth it to get the kids out of the house and cooled off. Be sure to check the rules about water shoes and flotation devices. If you have a baby, make sure you have swim diapers or a waterproof diaper cover. Bring along plenty of bottled water and sunscreen.

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Go to the park or playground

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Spend a morning at the park or playground. Try to go before the day gets too hot and the crowds get too heavy. Be sure to bring drinks and snacks. Hats and sunscreen will help protect sensitive skin. Sturdy shoes are best to minimize trips and falls. It’s not a bad idea to take a few bandaids and some antiseptic, just in case so you can enjoy fully summer activities.

Visit the zoo

In most major cities, the zoo has special days and times with reduced admission prices. Contact your zoo to find out the best day to go. To help save money, bring in bottled water and a healthy snack. Have your child draw their favorite animal, or figure out what type of footprints a certain animal leaves behind. Before your trip, buy an animal sticker book from the dollar store and let the kids create a zoo memory book in an inexpensive photo album or handmade tagboard booklet.

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Make tie-dyed clothing

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This is a great activity to do on a warm summer day. Use white socks, underwear, or t-shirts the kids already own if you are on a strict budget. Inexpensive tie-dye kits are available at certain fabric retailers and big box stores. If buying dye is out of your budget, make your own dye from grass clippings, crushed flowers, coffee grounds, grated carrots, or canned beets. Soak the clothing in a soda ash solution before applying dye for a long-lasting design. Rubber bands or tightly wound string can be used to create the folds and wrinkles where the dye will penetrate.

Go Fishing

Each of the fifty United States has a youth fishing day for children to learn angling skills and develop a love of nature. Check with your local wildlife resources agency to learn where and when the next youth day will take place. Many of these agencies also have extra life jackets and fishing gear to loan out if you don’t have your own. Keep in mind that any adult accompanying the children may be required to purchase a license.

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Set up an at-home museum

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Using photos of famous artwork as inspiration, kids can recreate these masterpieces and hang them throughout the house. Use construction paper or tagboard and glitter to make gilded frames. Allow the kids to use a variety of media types including crayon, marker, paint, string, noodles, or anything else they can imagine. Consider inviting friends or family members to come visit your museum of fine art.

Visit a local factory or business

Kids are fascinated to see how things are made. Many local businesses will allow you and your children to take a tour if you call ahead and schedule it. After the tour, have kids recreate the process at home using drawings or cardboard boxes and toy props. Older kids can create a timeline type comic strip or write a paragraph about what they saw during their new summer adventure and activities.

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Decorate the driveway or patio

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Use sidewalk chalk, finger paint, or poster paints to create a work of art in your driveway or on your patio. Challenge kids to make the largest design, the smallest design, the most realistic design, the design with the most colors, and so on. Don’t worry if it gets overwhelming and the kids get messy. It all washes off with soap and water.

Create shadow art

Use long pieces of butcher paper and water-based markers to create shadow pictures. You can have a child sit or lay on a piece of paper and trace the outline of their body, or you can place different toys on the paper and put it in a sunny location. Have the kids draw the shadows that appear on the paper, then add details to create a lively scene. Plastic dinosaurs and other animals work great for this activity. Make sure the kids wear sunscreen since they will be outdoors during their summer activities.

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The Best FREE Museums in the Bay Area

FAMILY FUN, LIFESTYLE

Free Museums list! Here are some of the best ideas for museums in the Bay Area! Treat your kids out to a special day See below for names and days of no-cost entry for San Francisco area museums. Times and dates might change.

Asian Art Museum

3D Pen to create art

May is Asian and Pacific Islander History Month and there’s no better way to celebrate than going to see one of the most comprehensive Asian art collections in the world.

FREE first Sundays of every month. Pop over here to plan your visit.

Asian Art Museum
200 Larkin St
San Francisco, CA 94102

Bay Area Discovery Museum

Bay Area Discovery Museum is a museum built for curious little minds. They have many exhibits, specializing in interactive how-it-works models and outdoor exploration.

FREE first Wednesdays of every month for Bay Area Residents.

Currently they require reservations for their free Wednesdays, which you can see listed here.

Bay Area Discovery Museum
557 McReynolds Road
Sausalito, CA 94965

Create own Story

California Academy of Sciences

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The California Academy of Science has many interactive exhibits for science lovers, such as their natural history museum, rainforest, planetarium, or aquarium.

FREE general museum admission four Sundays a year. See here for the next upcoming free dates.

FREE weekend dates for SF residents, based on your Bay Area zip code. Look here to see when your free day would be. Children under 2 always get in for free.

Golden Gate Park
55 Music Concourse Drive
San Francisco, CA 94118

Cantor Arts Center

Formerly known as the Stanford University Museum of Art, this museum offers insightful art exhibitions for patrons of all ages. Best of all, it’s a free museum!

FREE admission for all, however it does require timed tickets due to COVID.

Tresidder Memorial Union
2nd Floor
Stanford University

Build own Art

Cartoon Art Museum

Wall Art

Get entertained and educated at the Cartoon Art museum, which features panels and artwork from cartoons, comics and more.

FREE Museums visit first Tuesdays of every month. Children under 5 always get in for free. Click here for more info.

Cartoon Art Museum
781 Beach Street
San Francisco, CA 94109

Contemporary Jewish Museum

The CJM is a great non-collecting museum of Jewish culture, art, and heritage collections.
This museum is great for audiences of all backgrounds.

FREE First Tuesdays of each month. Children and teens under 18 get free entry always.

Contemporary Jewish Museum
736 Mission St
San Francisco, CA 94103

Create Art

Exploratorium

Science Kit

Explore light, shadow, and colors with this playful interactive art museum. They offer visual and physical exhibits perfect for any artsy or scientific brain.

FREE day once a year. Current day is set for Mother’s Day, May 10, 2020. Check out their calendar for other free online events.

Exploratorium
Pier 15 (Embarcadero at Green Street)
San Francisco, CA 94111

Museum of Craft and Design

Get your hands ready for all sorts of craft workshops and engaging design displays.

FREE Museums visit first Tuesday of each month. (EDIT: the museum had to adjust their hours and they will offer another free day in the near future)

The museum gives free admission to EBT holders, first responders, and military personnel and their families. Children under 12 get in for free. Check here for more detailed info.

Museum of Craft and Design
2569 Third Street
San Francisco CA

Bird House

Oakland Museum of California

Craft Set

Gather for incredible art, powerful exhibitions, engaging late-night events and community parties at the Oakland Museum of California.

First Sundays of the month are free with a suggested donation of $5. You can check here for their many free museum day policies. Children under 8 always get in for free.

Oakland Museum of California
1000 Oak Street
Oakland, CA

San Francisco Zoo

The San Francisco Zoo is a 100-acre zoo with over 250 different species. They have themed exhibits, such as the Australian Outback to the African Savannah. They also offer a children’s zoo.

SF Zoo used to offer FREE Wednesdays each month. Those services are currently suspended due to COVID, but keep checking here for updates.

San Francisco Zoo
Sloat Blvd. & Great Highway
San Francisco, CA

Animal Craft

SF Botanical Garden

Flower Art

Get some time out in nature at the beautiful San Francisco Botanical Garden. There are 55 acres of themed oases showcasing plants from all over the world!

FREE for SF Residents with ID.

Also FREE everyday from 7:30am-9am, every first Tuesday, or Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Years Day.

San Francisco Botanical Garden – Golden Gate Park
1199 9th Ave
San Francisco, CA, 94122

SFMOMA

Experience incredible contemporary art at the SF MOMA. They have world-class art exhibits, outdoor sections and spaces for kids to enjoy.

FREE on specific community days and family days (for up to two adults and a minor under 18). Check their calendar for upcoming dates. Children under 18 always get in for free.

You can also explore their 45,000 square feet of public space at no charge.

SF MOMA
151 Third St
San Francisco, CA 94103

Window Art

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts

Puzzle Art

Yerba Buena Center is a contemporary art museum featuring visual and performative arts. Check it out for exhibitions on culture and local communities.

FREE First Tuesdays of each month.

Yerba Buena Center
701 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94103

We hope you enjoyed our list of free museums in the Bay Area and share with us how was your experience.

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Spice up the Playground: How to Play with the Chinese Jump Rope

CHILD, FAMILY FUN, GAMES

Jump rope is one of the classic children’s games, but there are more ways to play than you might remember! Read through this guide for instructions on how to play this fun new twist on the old-school game. Mix exercise with skill and luck, no batteries needed!

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Chinese jump rope and it’s a little different than your average jump rope. This is one long elastic band, about three meters, with no opening. Because there are two ropes, this is like a double-dutch jump rope (with two ropes).

Step 1:

Begin with at least 3 players, ages up six or up.

Start by having two players stand facing each other.

Then, they will take the rope, and place it around their ankles. The rope will look like a rectangle.

Chinese Jump Rope

Step 2:

Start Jumping

The third player will begin to step into the square, jumping over the lines.

How they jump is up to the player! They can jump one side at a time, both ropes, or make their own complex jump patterns.

Some options are:

Jumping with both feet at the same time, trying to get the rope in between their feet.
Jumping between the ropes, then jumping on the ropes
Jumping only on the ropes
Turning around and back
Twisting the rope around your ankle and then jumping out, landing on the ropes.

Fun for All

It can get very complex! As players grow more comfortable with the ropes, they can try more difficult patterns.

Step 3:

Some patterns

Now the other two players can sing or recite nursery rhymes. See how long the third player can last jumping over one or both ropes.

The jump rope will start to move up the two players’ legs and torsos, making it harder and harder for the third player to keep jumping.

Challenge each other to see who can last the longest or jump the highest!

Step 4:

Keep going!

This elastic rope is long, making it long enough for more players to jump in. Try with a fourth person or switch places.

If you’re looking for the perfect outdoor activity that will get them thinking and exercising, look no further. This elastic rope is a great collaborative tool, getting them to work together to think of unique and challenging jump patterns.

Let’s Jump

While it’s great for kids, parents can play too! Download some ideas on how to play this Chinese Jump Rope game FREE PDF

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12 Amazing Icebreaker Games for Kids

CHILD, FAMILY FUN, GAMES, PARENTING

We as caretakers know how important first days are. Your children often feel nervous or shy. You want to set everyone up for success and start strong, and the best way to do that is with an icebreaker Games!

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An icebreaker is a game or activity that will “break the ice” for your learners. These game ideas don’t have to just be for the first days, either! You can use these any time. In fact, I’d recommend using these often. Routines are a great way to help children feel comfortable, and playing these activities regularly will be great for getting your kids warmed up.

You can’t go wrong with these 12 icebreaker games for kids that will wake them up and get them talking!

1. All My Friends…

This icebreaker is similar to musical chairs. All the kids will stand or sit in a big circle with one volunteer in the middle. The volunteer will say “All my friends…” and think of something that they enjoy! For example, “All my friends like to ride bikes!” or “All my friends like ice cream!”. It can be anything.

If they agree, the other students must stand up and find another spot anywhere in the circle. Whoever is left standing is the next volunteer. Repeat until most everyone has been in the middle.

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2. Two Truths, One Lie

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Many great icebreaker games, the following one is a classic one for kids. Have the learners think of three sentences: two are true, one is a lie. For example, it could be something like:

My favorite subject is English
I like dogs more than cats
I went to New York this summer

The other kids then have to guess what two are true and what is the lie. This icebreaker is great for introducing children to each other.

3. One Rose, One Thorn

If you’re coming back from a long vacation (or just a weekend), you can have your learners share what they did. They’ll give one “rose” = best part of it and one “thorn” = worst part of it.

Usually kids will love talking about their lives. Plus with this icebreaker game, you’ll get them thinking about the positives and negatives of something they did.

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4. The Human Knot

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For this one of the next icebreaker games split kids into two teams. They will start in a big circle. Have everyone lift their left hand, reach across, and shake another person’s hand. Then have them raise their right hand and take a different person’s hand. Make sure no one is holding hands with the person directly next to them.

They must figure out how to untangle the knot and become a circle again without ever letting go of hands! First team to finish wins. This icebreaker is great for getting them to communicate and cooperate with each other.

5. Inside-Outside Circle

Have the kids form two circles with an equal number of members. One circle will be on the inside, the other will be on the outside. Each kid in the inside circle will pair with a student on the outside. Then, the leader (can be the teacher or another child) will come up with a topic, such as “favorite foods.”

The children will have ten seconds to share their favorite foods. When the time is up, they’ll move clockwise to the next person and repeat with a new topic until they’re back at the beginning.

This icebreaker game is a great way to have children familiarize themselves with each other, and they have to think fast on their feet.

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6. Pass the Ball

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Children will start in a big circle sitting on the ground. They’ll have a big beach ball or similar fuzzy one and you’ll play music. They must pass the ball quickly (no throwing!) around the circle until the music stops.

When the music stops, you can have them say whatever you like! For example, they can introduce themselves, say something they like or don’t like, or review the material they’re learning. A child with the ball can then stay in the circle or leave–your choice. Then, they keep playing.

7. Four Corners

Start by labeling each corner of the room with Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree, Strongly Disagree. Children will start in the middle of the room.

Adult will read out a statement, such as “I love pineapple on pizza” or “I think P.E. is better than art.” The children will then move to the corner that represents their opinion best. Add timer and gets the kids making decisions fast!

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8. Find My Partner

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Write out matching names on index cards. For example, “Ariel” and “Prince Eric” or “Peanut butter” and “Jelly”. Tip: Disney, Marvel or other popular movies and tv shows are good to use!

Then give each child a card. They can hold it up to their forehead or you can tape it on their back. They’ll stand up and ask the other kids yes-or-no questions so they can find hints as to a) who they are and b) who their match is.

Some questions they can ask are:

“Am I a cartoon?”
“Can you eat me?”
“Am I a boy?”
“Do I have magical powers?”

Once everyone is matched up or time is up, you can ask who they think they are. Then they can reveal their cards and see who got it right!

9. Who Started It?

Pick one child to leave the room. Pick another child to choose a motion, like rubbing their heads, jazz hands, or clapping. All the other kids will copy their movement.

Then, have the first child come back into the room. They will have three chances to guess who started the movement. Repeat until several people get the chance to guess who started it!

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10. Tell Me A Story

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Have children get into a big circle on the floor. One child will start the chain story by saying 4 words, such as “Once upon a time,” or “Last weekend I saw.”

The next child will repeat what they said and add one word. Then, the next child will repeat everything and add another word. This will keep going until someone messes up and can’t remember the sentence! Create some really silly stories.

11. Silent Line

Children must organize themselves in a line silently and as quickly as possible. The line can be based on any criteria, like height or birthday. They must do all of this without talking, but you can allow them to use their hands or whisper.

You can make this more competitive by having them face off against another classes’ time. This is a great way to get them working cooperatively even on the first day!

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12. Silent Interview

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The last one of our icebreaker games is a little like charades. Start by pairing off children. They will then have 3 minutes to tell their partner three things about themselves, like their favorite movie, food, or sport without talking, mouthing, or whispering. They can only use their body!

After the time is up, call everyone back and ask the other children to introduce their partner and tell the class about their three things.

This game is best played with older children because it can get a little challenging. You can also play it as a whole group instead of pairs if you want to make it easier for younger children.

12 engaging, thought-provoking icebreaker games for kids

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6 Fun and Educational Board Games For Kids

GAMES, LIFESTYLE, PARENTING

You probably remember playing board games as a kid–and probably as an adult, too! Maybe it was something you did often, or maybe only after a holiday dinner or at a sleepover. These days, they might seem antiquated among the likes of video games, tv shows, and tablet screens. However, there are so many more options than just Uno or Monopoly. Now more than ever, board games are a great way to not only entertain your kids but get them thinking and learning too! Here are 6 fun, educational board games for your kids, divided into two age groups.

AGES (3-6)

Skillmatics Educational Game: I Can Write (3-6 Years)

I Can Write is an interactive game meant for preschoolers to practice their writing and fine motor skills. It comes with 6 durable, double-sided writing mats and a wipe cloth so they can erase their mistakes and keep going. Your child will practice writing the alphabet, shapes, colors, and body parts. It even comes with an achievement certificate for when they finish.

Giant Ludo and Snakes & Ladders Board Game

You might be familiar with Snakes and Ladders! This game is as simple as it is classic: the first player to get to spot 100 wins. On the other side of this board is Ludo, where they race to the finish line by using a roll of dice. This game board has no reading required and it’s perfect for young ones learning to count and add. Meant for 2-4 players, the games also build their social skills and cooperation.

Zingo Bingo Preschool Game for Pre-Readers

Zingo is a version of bingo that’s great for young players who are developing their reading and pattern-finding abilities. The bingo board has large pictures and letters so they can practice their matching and word-association skills. It can be played with up to 7 people and comes with two levels, so you can choose the difficulty.

AGES 7-12

Skillmatics Educational Game: Animal Planet

Animal Planet is a card game that can be played individually or with teams of up to 6 people. Players can guess up to ten questions to find out which animal is on the game card. If you guess right, you keep the game card, and whoever gets to 7 game cards wins! This game encourages your child to ask questions and use the answers to think critically.

Ravensburger Labyrinth Family Board Game

World-famous, Labyrinth is a game in which you must find the shortest route out of the maze. Each turn you can collect treasure cards or block your opponent’s path. This one requires 2-4 players and tests all sorts of skills–planning, cooperation, and cause and effect. It will get your child thinking strategically, and it has a fun adventure theme!

Taco vs Burrito – The Wildly Popular Surprisingly Strategic Card Game

Taco vs Burrito is another strategic card game, but this one was created by a 7 year old. You use the cards to create the wackiest, craziest meal. It sounds simple but, like in Uno, you can play nice or sabotage another player, so this game can be surprisingly strategic.

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7 Amazing fun toys on Amazon

GAMES

Spark playtime creativity and learning with these 7 amazing toys on Amazon! These engaging picks go beyond just fun – they help your child explore the world, develop new skills, and create cherished memories. From imaginative pretend play to building problem-solving abilities, there’s something for every curious kiddo!

7 Amazing Toys

Tapple

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Gear up for the next installment of the award-winning word game that electrifies family game night! Players race against the clock, calling out category-related words starting with a specific letter. As you shout your answer, slam the corresponding letter tab – the faster you think and buzz, the higher your score!

PicassoTiles

Dream big and build big! There are no limitations. It’s scalable, allowing you to create a masterpiece by adding more pieces. PicassoTiles come in colossal styles.

Learning by playing is the way to go! It’s never too early to start developing kids’ creativity. Children can acquire a strong sense of color, geometrical shapes (including 3D forms), numbers, counts, magnetic polarities, and architectural design at an early age.

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MERGE Cube

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The trend these days is to combine your gadgets with tangible toys, and this Merge Cube does just that. This cube gives off a 3D effect which will allow users to hold objects virtually. You can explore and learn about different things using his cube. As an educational tool, your kids will be excited to learn about various subjects in an interactive format.

Toddler Scooters for Boys and Girls

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The Vintage and Classic Toddler Scooter is an engaging toy perfect for kids aged 1-5 years old. Your more active little ones can enjoy this durable and safe toy to their heart’s content. The Toddler Scooter is a perfect choice and it has no motor or batteries, allowing kids to go at their own pace.

Robot Mythical Series: Firebot Kit

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The UBTECH JIMU Robot Mythical Series: Firebot Kit encourages your kids to be creative and imaginative. This toy allows your kids to customize their own robot using buildable parts and codes to control the robot’s actions and behavior. This toy is not only interactive but educational and your kids will learn about the basics of coding.

Inflatable Splash Pad Sprinkler

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Elevate the outdoor experience of your kids with this 68″ Splash Pad Water Sprinkler Toy For Kids Toddlers. You don’t have to take a trip to the waterpark to enjoy some fun under the sun— this splash bad brings the waterpark to your own back yard! It’s made of durable materials that will keep your kids playing all summer long.

Skoolzy Peg Board Set

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This Skoolzy Peg Board Set is an excellent toy for teaching your kids to identify numbers and colors. Playing with this toy will also help develop motor skills. This set contains 30 pieces of 2” pegs, foam rainbow dice, lacing string, a drawstring tote, and a downloadable eBook guide.

Disclosure: We use affiliate links to earn a small commission. If you choose to purchase something through one of these links, there is no cost to you.