With the recent concerns surrounding the Coronavirus, many families are staying home to avoid potential exposure. But what can you do to keep kids entertained while at home after online schooling is done? From fun new games to arts and crafts to even the latest shows, below please find an assortment of fun games, toys, and programs that will keep your family entertained during your time at home.
ENTERTAINMENT
Everyday Edisons
Before there was Shark Tank, there was Everyday Edisons, the original and hugely successful Emmy award-winning TV series featuring real inventors and their brilliant ideas… and it’s BACK with eight new episodes, four judges and 24 new inventors who are ready to change the world with their ideas. Currently streaming on Crackle, Everyday Edisons connects inventors with a team of proven mentors, who provide invaluable advice in advance of their pitch before a panel of judges. The series, which first aired in 2006 on PBS and ran for four consecutive seasons, is being brought back by Chris Ferguson, the CEO of Edison Nation along with the original show producer and 23-time Emmy Award-Winner, Michael Cable and Louis Foreman, the founder of Edison Nation, returning as lead judge.
STEAM TOYS
Thames & Kosmos CREATTO™ Light-Up Crafting™ Kits
Creatto™ is a simple yet versatile building system that consists of just two primary components that can be woven together into countless 3D creations. The flexible yet durable plastic tiles interlock quickly and easily for all skill levels; no additional materials or hardware required! Each Creatto kit includes assembly instructions for four different configurations, but the possibilities are limited only by your imagination. Add strings of colored LED lights to illuminate your works of art from the inside out. Creatto is available in 3 fun sizes: mini, medi, and maxi. Kids can choose to build: Moonlight Elephant Safari: Ages 6+ MSRP: $9.95; Magical Moose & Forest Friends: Ages 6+ MSRP: $9.95; Starlight Kitty & Cutie Crew: Ages 8+ MSRP: $19.95; Shimmer Shark & Ocean Pals: Ages 9+ MSRP: $29.95; Sparkle Unicorn & Friends: Ages 9+ MSRP: $29.95.
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FAMILY GAMES
Authentic Agility How Do You See The World
How Do You See the World from Authentic Agility Games is an engaging card game that encourages people to go beyond their comfort zone while truly learning how others view the world by asking important questions. The game includes one dice that will select one of the below five categories. Players than just pull the card and read the question from the associated category. With variations of game rules and suggestions available, this game can be played around the family dinner table, with longtime companions or with your newest neighbor. So whether you want to have deeper conversations in your social circles or really want to connect with your family, How Do You See the World? from Authentic Agility Games will spark the conversation and is an ideal gift for a friend, spouse, loved one or co-worker. Available on Amazon and Authenticagilitygames.com for $24.99.
Bicycle® Standard Index Playing Cards
Do you remember learning your first card game? How about winning at an old-fashioned game of solitaire? Or that holiday tradition of Gin Rummy after dinner? Since 1885, Bicycle playing cards have been a part of household gaming. Known for its quality and rich heritage, Bicycle® playing cards have been bringing people together for generations. Every Bicycle® playing card deck is specially crafted so that you can trust Bicycle® cards performance, hand after hand. Great for all card games. Great for all players. MSRP: $3.99.
ADULT GAMES
Authentic Why Can’t We All Just Get Along?
From Authentic Agility Games is the second game in the series of engaging card games. This unique experience allows people to truly connect through questions asking with those you know or wish to know better. In today’s divided world, we are longing for a way to communicate and understand one another’s perspectives. Why Can’t We All Just Get Along? is a tool that will empower every person to have challenging conversations on important topics, such as politics and religion. Get in the game, with respect, and without judgment. The game includes one dice that will select one of the following five categories: Reflections, Relationships, Aspirations, Life’s Purpose and Beliefs. Players then draw a card and read the question from the associated category and discussion follows. With variations of game rules available, this game can be played with all ages around the family dinner table or with your newest neighbor. Available on Amazon.com, Teen and up, $24.99.
TACTILE FUN WITH SLIME AND COMPOUNDS
WeCool Slime
WeCool Slime is the hottest new slime to hit the toy aisle this year! Sure to ooze children with delight, the colorful, super-stretchy SLIME assortment features fruit-flavored scents including Berry Blast, Cococraze, Grape Squeeze, Melon Mania, Peach Paradise, and Piney Party. It also comes with surprise charms! Hold it high and let gravity drizzle the slime down. MSRP: $4.99, ages 4+. Available at Target and Michael’s.
Challenging Handmade Crafts
Tired of doing the same old craft projects? It’s time to up the ante and try more elaborate and more complex craft projects like beadwork. You can make jewelry, decorations, accessories, and trinkets using beads. You can also embellish clothes and everyday items, such as bags, baskets, and curtains with beads.
To get started, you will need a wide variety of beads, patterns to follow, and beading tools and materials, such as assorted pliers, assorted wire cutters, assorted scissors, tweezers, wires, and beading needles, among others.
Beading may present a challenge for younger kids, whose fine motor skills are not so fine yet. Start with simple patterns first to let them (and yourself) get used to the motions of beading. As you and the kids grow more proficient, you can try increasingly more difficult patterns and projects.