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Trying to keep the kids busy during the social distancing that’s required during the coronavirus outbreak is a challenge for parents and childcare providers. There’s only so much TV, movies and video games you want your children to watch or play throughout the day. So, what can we do to keep them busy and not have their eyes locked on a screen for hours on end?
We’ve rounded up some of Amazon’s highest-rated toys, games and activities for kids of all ages. To keep families’ budgets under control, all of these products range from $10 to $50. There is no reason to have to spend a fortune to keep the family happy and entertained during a prolonged stay indoors.
For Ages 2 to 4
Kids Dress Up Superhero Capes with Masks and Slap Bracelets
Get the imagination soaring with a little dress-up play! This children’s dress-up set comes with five capes, masks and slap bracelets so children can transform into some of their favorite superheroes. There’s also a bag included for easy costume storage.
Magna Tiles 32-Piece Clear Color Set
A Magna Tiles set is one of the most popular toys for toddlers and preschoolers — and for good reason. Honestly, this is a toy kids of all ages can really enjoy and will return to day after day, which makes the cost worth it. Kids can create castles, boats, rocket ships or whatever their imaginations dream up.
Aqua Magic Mat
If you have little ones who love to draw, but you’re running low on paper or fresh markers, then you’ll want to pick up the Aqua Magic Mat by Toyk. This color doodle drawing mat works with “magic pens” that use water for ink. No mess! The mat is large (40 inches by 28 inches) so more than one child can use it at a time.
Boon Building Bath Pipes
Make bath time more fun with these Boon Building Bath Pipes. These brightly-colored pipes suction to your bath or shower walls and can be used one at a time or formed into a chain.
Fun Little Toys Kids Play Tent and Camping Gear Set
If you can’t go camping in the woods, then bring the fun indoors. The Fun Little Toys Kids Play Tent and Camping Gear Set comes with everything a little camper needs: a tent, a pretend battery-powered gas stove and oil lamp, binoculars, a cooking pan and more!
For Kids Ages 5-7
Step2 Splash N Scoop Bay Sand and Water Table
To add some sensory play to your kid’s day, try the Step2 Splash N Scoop Bay Sand and Water Table. This double-sided table includes a water tower, a shark scoop, a cup and a rake. There’s also a cover that fits either side, allowing your child to play with either sand or water — or both at once!
IQ Builder STEM Learning Toys
Kids love to build things and the IQ Builder STEM Learning Toy offers a variety of ways to keep school-aged children’s minds and hands engaged and busy! It comes with three instructional ebooks for beginner, intermediate and advanced builders.
Made by Me Create Your Own Window Art
Add a little color to your windows with the Made by Me Create Your Own Window Art kit. The set comes with 12 pre-printed suncatcher shapes, window paint and more!
LEGO Disney Ariel’s Storybook Adventures
LEGO Disney Ariel’s Storybook Adventure opens onto a world of make-believe that your child creates herself! This miniature world comes with micro versions of Ariel, Prince Eric, Flounder and Sebastian.
Paw Patrol Me Electronic Reader and 8-Book Library
The Paw Patrol Me Electronic Reader set comes with a device that reads each of the eight books included in the library. Kids can listen to the stories of the popular Paw Patrol on their adventures and interact with the book and page buttons.
For Kids Ages 8 and Up
Dan & Darci Paint & Plant Flower Growing Kit
Bring the beauty and color of a flower garden indoors with the Dan & Darci Paint & Plant Growing Kit. The kit comes with a planter and paint markers to decorate it, along with soil, flower seeds and everything you need to grow your own garden!
Ravensburger 10853 The Planets Jigsaw Puzzles
With 100 pieces, this Ravensburger 10853 The Planets Jigsaw Puzzle is an out-of-this-world activity for the whole family. It measures 19.5 inches by 14.25 inches when complete.
Wise Elk Toy Dragon’s Castle Construction Set
Is your family ready for a serious building project? Wise Elk Toy Dragon’s Castle Construction Set (1,080 pieces) allows kids to make an elaborate, medieval-style castle from the ground up with the included plaster and ceramic bricks.
Rush Hour Traffic Jam Logic Game
With Rush Hour Traffic Jam, kids can work alone or together to solve the puzzle and move the red car off the grid. With 40 different challenges that increase in difficulty, this game will be kryptonite to your kids’ boredom.
AMScope 120x-1200x Kids Beginner Microscope
Have a budding scientist at home? Get your child the AMScope Beginner Microscope, which has magnification ranging from 120x to 1200x. There are 52 accessories (sample slides, specimen vials, adjustable lenses and more!) and a carrying case with this set; it’s perfect for STEM fun all day long!
Entertaining your kids can be a full-time job! Give yourself a break with some of these products for all ages, and make sure you’re ready for days of staying in and flattening the curve.
What would you add to this list?
About the Author
Marie is a freelance writer and content creator with more than 20 years of experience in journalism. She lives in southwest Ohio with her husband and is almost a full-fledged empty nest mom of two daughters. She loves music, reading, word games, and Walt Disney World. You can find her writing about her personal health journey at marierossiter.substack.com and connect with her at marierossiter@gmail.com More.
