21 Best Activity Books for Kids (According to Parents)

Kelly R. said:  This is such a clever series, where kids have to make decisions, doodle, and manipulate the book in order to stay safe. It feels like a more interactive Choose Your Own Adventure. There are a couple books to choose from...we have the Titanic version, where you need to survive the voyage as a passenger, crew member or stowaway.

Alexandra F. said:  We like to use the Spectrum series of math workbooks in our home both for enrichment and extra math practice. My 9- and 11-year-olds have been using them for a few years, and like that they are heavy on the practice problems and light on the wordy teaching lessons. Concepts are explained in short, easy-to-read introductions, focusing on plenty of exercises (with answers in the back!) to drive the lessons home. We also really like that they offer workbooks for a wide range of levels, so it is easy to just move up as the kids' math skills continue to advance.

Vanessa M. said:  Kids will engage their academic skills and their Jedi mind powers with the LEGO Star Wars Doodle Activity Book. Full of worksheets like matching the Jedi to their description, drawing tutorials, creative art, and a few jokes, this entertaining activity book will keep kids engaged and with a pencil in their hands.

Vanessa M. said:  With Bedtime Math: A Fun Excuse to Stay Up Late and the rest of the Bedtime Math series, Laura Overdeck wants to make math a fun part of family life. Filled with fun math riddles for families to solve together, this type of math work is nothing like what kids are used to at school, yet will keep young brains active and engaged in solving math problems. Each chapter has three levels of challenges for readers of different ages: Wee Ones, Little Kids, and Big Kids.

Kelly R. said:  Travel is an incredible learning opportunity for kids. Whether your destination is Europe or Disney World or Grandma's house, filling out a travel journal is a fun way for kids to observe and appreciate the world around them while creating a fun keepsake to look back on later. This adorable adventure journal from Wee Society is filled with prompts for kids to record the things they experience in a fun way, and even has stickers that kids can earn for certain accomplishments - like trying a new food!

Vanessa M. said:  Keeping kids' brains active doesn't have to mean just reading and math. Pierre the Maze Detective books are an interactive maze meets Where's Waldo? type of experience that will keep kids' minds sharp. Kids will follow the maze until they find Mr. X, solve extra challenges, hunt for clues and hidden objects, and find alternate routes through the mazes.