School is out, and the kids are home. Although they love being free from their daily routine, it doesn’t take long for boredom to set in. So when Mindware contacted us about trying out some of their toys and games for summer in exchange for our honest opinions, we jumped on the chance.
It’s important to us that the kids spend a lot of time outside. They’re always happy to play tag, swing, or just play— but they definitely don’t mind a little variety in their day. One of their favorite things to do outside is draw with sidewalk chalk. So the chance to make permanent outdoor art? Totally up their alley! Cement mixing is out of the question for two toddlers, so the fact that the Paint your Own Stepping Stones set from Mindware were ready to go right from the box. Just paint, then bake for permanent garden art! The set comes with twelve paints, so every kid will be able to paint to their heart’s content.
We put ours in the herb garden, where the babies can always see their work! These would be a great gift for a grandparent who gardens, with each grandchild decorating one stone to display. Note: These are recommended for ages 8 and up. We allowed the babies to “paint” them with water and redid the work later. These stones do have to be baked to make them durable enough for outside, so younger children will need an adult’s help to do this as stones are very hot when removed from the oven and need to bake on a baking sheet. Also, the paints require a bit of an effort to open and can stain so be sure to place the paint and stones on a protective surface before beginning the project.
Another favorite activity for the toddlers and preschoolers is water play. They love pools, lakes, beaches, and everything in between. That’s why the Aqua Maze Marble Run was such a hit at our house. It’s recommended for ages 4+, and will require an adult to help set up, but once the basics are put together, it’s hours of fun and basic psychics. With water spinners, a dropping bucket, and buoyant marbles to run through the track, kids will have fun building the track in different configurations and watching how the marbles travel through. STEM play is great for young children, and when they love it this much, they won’t even realize they’re learning. The best part is the waterproof play mat to keep the spills and thrills contained!
Do your kids like superheroes? Well, whose don’t, right? If your kids are anything like ours, they love dressing up and getting in on the action as a tiny superhero. The Superkid In Training set from Mindware lets every kid become the hero of their own superhero story with a superhero training obstacle course. Play through the illustrated activity cards and watch your little heroes learn super strength, super speed, super balance, and more. Fun props will really get kids in the game. This game is recommended for kids ages 4+ but, with a few basic adaptions and can be used for younger children. It can be used either outside or as a fun inside activity on a stormy day.
Armed with these Mindware activities and our own imaginations, we’re making the most of this summer and busting boredom before it starts. How do you get your kids outdoors, active, and creative during the summer?
Great post I am definitely team kids need to play outside more. Its hot outside and kids need to learn to reduce their screentime on devices.
It’s always great to have activities and toys like this that encourage kids to play outdoors. My kids would have loved this when they were little!
When my children were young, we always encouraged them to go outside to play. We also taught them to love sports and made them choose a sport they love. Outdoor play is the best way to develop a child’s creativity, educate them about the environment, develop their physique and learn teamwork.
My girls always had fun creating stepping stones for our garden and their grandma’s garden. Something as simple as setting up a sprinkler to get them out and moving or even a box of sidewalk chalk can work wonders!
Such wonderful ideas! My inlaws enjoying gardening and I would love to surprise them with hand painted stones from my children.
WE actually had that marble game and it was a hit with my son. Taking toys outdoors is the best as long as it’s not too hot.
It’s such a fight to get our kids in when the weather is so nice out. These are great outdoor play ideas. I like the stone painting. The boys would like it too
I love the idea of painting garden stones. What fun that would be. Especially having the kids do it. Great ideas!
I always encouraged my kids to play outside when they were little. I still do now. It’s a great way to keep them active and being creative.
The kidswill have the perfect passtimes and keep cool with that water. It is great to know there are some activities kids will love outdoors.
These are so cute! They will be perfect for an outdoor play date!
Our kids live outside when it’s summer time. This would be so much fun to watch them play with!
I want my kids to be outside as much as possible, too! I am diggin’ that marble run – how fun is that?