Parenting during a pandemic is hard. While Netflix and games provide a short-term respite, you probably don’t want your kids glued to Fortnite all day. If you’re struggling to find other activities, this guide is definitely worth your attention.
Here are the best toys, games, kits, and subscriptions for kids stuck at home.
This Parents’ Choice award winner asks your kids (ages 4+) to solve fun puzzles using the kind of logic used in programming. Based on the Montessori approach, Tangiplay also allows kids to create their own stories using cute robots and emoji faces.
Made from gemstones, this set of tiny handcrafted planets is perfect for any aspiring astronaut. Each of the planets is cross-referenced with NASA satellite images, and the set includes a solid walnut wooden display base.
Powered by artificial intelligence, Dancebot performs a unique dance routine for every song. This Kickstarter success story doubles as a Bluetooth speaker, and it can read bedtime stories, audiobooks, and nursery rhymes to kids.
With a shockproof suspension system and four-wheel drive, this 1:12 monster truck can take on any terrain. It comes with a 2.4GHz controller with a range of 50 meters, and high-quality rubber wheels that grip on grass and sand.
Mokuru is a small desktop toy made of wood that flips over and over. This card game challenges your kids and their friends to complete tricks with the Mokuru. It’s fun for the whole family, and a great test of coordination.
Made from shockproof materials, this RC two-wheeler allows your kids to master some amazing stunts. The Jump Car can spin 90°, 180°, or 360°, and race along at 7kph for 20 minutes on a full charge.
Based around the Arduino Leonardo, this kit will get your kids excited about programming and the natural world. They can put together the watering system using simple modules, and then upload the supplied code to start watering seeds automatically.
Perfect for immersive learning and games, this 3D virtual reality headset has HD optimization for excellent image quality. Built-in stereo headphones provide the sound, while FD and OD adjustments are helpful for glasses wearers.
Great for older kids, the Elecrow set introduces young minds to the world of computing. The kit includes a Raspberry Pi 3B+ microcomputer, an LCD touchscreen display, and a Wi-Fi adapter—everything you need for experimenting with code.
This STEM learning kit contains LEGO-compatible modules that your kids can use in their own projects. The manual includes some ideas to get them started, while the list of modules includes sensors, a buzzer, and an electronic latch.
Designed for ages 11 and up, the Ringo kit contains everything you need for building an old school push-button cell phone. Your kids will learn how to work with electronics, start coding through a graphic interface, and even install a custom operating system.
Tailored for kids from years 2 to 7, this Mom’s Choice Awards honoree helps your little ones get ready for school. Papumba offers over 500 interactive games and learning activities, covering science, technology, engineering, arts, maths (STEAM) skills, along with critical thinking.
With 160 pieces for creating unique model buildings, the ArckitPLAY kit is made for aspiring architects. It includes 23 unique components, allowing bright brains to create incredible masterpieces.
Focusing on domestic architecture, Go Colours 2.0 allows kids to create beautiful model homes using 25 unique components. The kit includes over 160 pieces, and your little ones can follow online guides for inspiration.
Preloaded with 25 digital Disney books, this 7-inch tablet should hopefully get your kids into reading. It has a crisp IPS display that looks good in all lighting conditions, plus a speaker and mic for video calls.
