Looking for fun, screen-free activities to help your kids learn through play this summer? Check out these no-tech, skillbuilding products from Skillmatics!
**Important note: I wrote the following post as part of a partnership campaign with Skillmatics. This means that if you click on any link below and purchase the product, I will receive a small commission. I am very selective in the campaigns I participate in and only accepted this one because I believe in these products. Please read my disclosure policy for more details. **
I have many passions when it comes to kids (my own and others’), but two of the biggest are learning and play. I’m a big advocate of both, and I get pretty excited about anything that combines the two, especially when it’s low/no-tech.
While it doesn’t get nearly enough recognition and regard (and is sadly being progressively pushed out of childhood education), learning through play is crucial for children. Play allows kids to explore, experiment, and problem-solve in a safe and enjoyable environment, fostering creativity and critical thinking skills. It builds social skills as they learn how to collaborate, negotiate, and communicate effectively with others. Physically, it supports gross and fine motor skills development. And perhaps most importantly, it builds resilience, confidence, and a positive attitude towards learning, laying a strong foundation for lifelong curiosity and exploration. For these reasons and more, it is so important that we continue to foster environments and opportunities for our kids to learn through play.
Related Post: 10 Things Parents Need to Know About Play
If you’re looking for some fun, no-tech activities for your kids that will help them learn while they play, you need to check out the wonderful options from Skillmatics!
Learn Through Play With Skillmatics
I’ve been promoting Skillmatics products for several years now because they have so many fun, screen-free educational games and activities. Designed by an in-house team of play experts, Skillmatics products combine skill-building with play in a way that sparks creativity, enhances critical thinking, and builds communication skills. From family games to outdoor activities to mess-free crafts, Skillmatics offers a wonderfully diverse collection of products that blends the magic of everyday playtime with learning adventure fun!
Skillmatics products would be great for:
- Gifts (birthday, Christmas, summer kick-off gifts, Easter baskets, party favors, Valentine’s Day, class gifts, stocking stuffers, etc.)
- Sharpening skills over summer break
- Travel games and activities
- Rainy day fun (or other times you need independent indoor activities)
- Classrooms
- And “just because”!
I love that they’re simple, screen-free, and super affordable. They would be a great addition to any stash of educational and enriching activities for kids.
Screen-Free Activities to Learn Through Play!
I love combining learning through low/no-tech play, so I love promoting Skillmatics games and activities. While not an exhaustive list, here are some of my favorite Skillmatics products.
And if you’re seeing this on July 16th or 17th, 2024, Prime members can get up to 40% off for Prime Day! I know I have several things I’m going to stock up on!
Skillmatics Storybook Art Kit
I am a huge fan of kids writing their own books, and my kids make them ALL THE TIME. So, I am in love with these Storybook Art Kits. Each kit comes with 2 hardbound storybooks, 100+ colorful stickers, 50+ DIY stickers, 5 writing prompts, 13 vocabulary lists, 8 markers, 2 pencils, and an instruction manual!
Guess in 10 Card Games
These games are SO fun, and there are 13 different variations, including Animal Planet, Dinosaurs, Countries of the World, and Sports.
There’s also a collectible version all about space!
Snip, Snip! Scissor Skills Practice
Snip, Snip! helps kids practice scissor skills with 25 fun and creative activities. With three levels that progress in difficulty, this kit provides a step-by-step learning journey filled with new challenges and fun! Kids start with straight lines, advance to curved and zigzag lines, and finally master cutting shapes.
Foil Fun
My daughter LOVES these foil craft kits! They are so fun and (my favorite part 😉) mess-free!
Fun With Foam
This would be a great mess-free independent art activity for younger kids. With easy-to-peel and press foam stickers, kids can explore their creativity while experimenting with shapes and colors to create bright and colorful masterpieces! Possible themes include Under the Ocean, Unicorns & Princesses, Animals, and Puppies.
Magical Scratch Art
Another favorite activity at our house is scratch art, so I have to recommend these Magical Scratch Art books. These are fantastic for travel, stocking stuffers, busy bags, and any time you need an independent, mess-free activity!
Dot-It Sticker Art
With over 500 easy-to-peel stickers, your child will use their fine motor skills and imagination to complete eight different pictures. Themes include:
- Unicorns & Princesses
- Animals
- Dinosaurs
- Space
- Dress-Up
- And more!
Found It!
I just love a good scavenger hunt, and I have recommended these scavenger hunt card sets SO many times over the past few years. I didn’t even know there were so many variations, including an indoor AND outdoor set, an indoor/outdoor combo, a beach version, a travel version, one for while you’re waiting, and more!
Sidewalk Chalk Activity Set
With 15 unique and repeatable activities and 18 colorful chalk sticks, this sidewalk chalk activity set is perfect for encouraging kids to get creative and learn through play all summer long!
Who Knows You Best?
I didn’t even know about this game before creating this post, but now that I do, I think it would be FANTASTIC for bringing friends and families closer during the next game night.
Rapid Rumble
This fast-paced game looks SO FUN and like just the kind of game I would absolutely love. I can just picture the enthusiastic, high-energy excitement it would produce, and I’m keeping it in mind for our future Family Game Nights! (It says ages 6+, but I think that seems a BIT young. I could see younger players getting frustrated as they tried to keep up.)
Pool & Water Fun
Skillmatics even has a collection of pool and waterproof activities to enjoy by the pool, on the beach, on a boat trip, etc.
- Color Hitz Pool Toys
- Guess in 10 Splash
- Seek & Splash Diving Gem Toys
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
- 20 Everyday Ways to Play as a Family
- Open-Ended Outdoor Toys For Endless Hours of Outside Play
- Brain-Boosting (& Budget-Friendly) Gifts to Get Kids for Summer
- 35 Fun & Engaging Summer Enrichment Activities For Kids
Share your thoughts!