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The ReadDown

13 Boredom-Busting Activity Books for Kids

by Dena McMurdie

It’s always a good idea to have a few boredom-busting activity books on hand. I use them to keep my kids quiet in church and waiting rooms, or occupied on rainy days and vacations with lots of downtime. They’re the perfect screen-free alternative to video games, and they make fantastic gifts for birthdays and holidays. You really can’t go wrong with a good activity book.

From picture puzzles to science experiments, these activity books will keep your kids busy for hours on end.

This list originally appeared on ReadBrightly.com.

  1. 1
    Summer Things: How to Draw Books for Kids Featuring Beach Fun, Summer Camp, Picnics, and More Book Cover Picture
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    How to Draw for Kids: Summer Things

    by Alli Koch

    Kids who are trying to develop their artistic skills will love the step-by-step instructions in this easy-to-use book. From beach balls and seashells to ice cream cones and sunflowers, kids can spend countless hours learning to draw over 40 different summer-themed pictures.
    Summer Things: How to Draw Books for Kids Featuring Beach Fun, Summer Camp, Picnics, and More Book Cover Picture
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    Paperback
    $14.95

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  2. 2
    Would You Rather? Junior: Super Silly Edition! Book Cover Picture
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    Would You Rather? Junior: Super Silly Edition!

    by Zeitgeist

    This super-silly edition of the Would You Rather series for kids is so fun, even for adults! Divided into categories like “Amazing Animals,” “Silly Every Day,” and “My World,” the book gives over 200 questions with two options for the readers to choose from. Sure to produce plenty of laughs, it’s the perfect way to entertain bored kids on a road trip.
    Would You Rather? Junior: Super Silly Edition! Book Cover Picture
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    Paperback
    $7.99

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  3. 3
    Escape This Book! Titanic Book Cover Picture
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    Escape This Book! Titanic

    by Bill Doyle

    Can you survive the sinking of the Titanic? This highly interactive book offers young readers the opportunity to choose their own path and doodle their way through the historic event to see if they can escape the sinking ship.
    Escape This Book! Titanic Book Cover Picture
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    Paperback
    $8.99

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  4. 4
    Scratch-Off Hidden Pictures Unicorn Puzzles Book Cover Picture
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    Scratch-Off Hidden Pictures Unicorn Puzzles

    created by Highlights

    Scratch-offs bring a burst of excitement to kids as they eagerly uncover colorful hidden surprises. With every scratch of this activity book, complete with Hidden Pictures puzzles, mazes, doodle pages, jokes, and more, their imagination takes flight, turning a simple piece of paper into a gateway of endless possibilities and smiles.
    Scratch-Off Hidden Pictures Unicorn Puzzles Book Cover Picture
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    Spiral Bound
    $14.99

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  5. 5
    Color with Stickers: Jungle Book Cover Picture
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    Color with Stickers: Jungle

    by Jonny Marx

    Like paint-by-numbers, but with stickers! Create a series of jungle pictures by matching the numbered stickers provided to the numbers on each picture. Bonus: each page includes fun facts about the jungle so young nature lovers can learn all about the animals and plants that live there.
    Color with Stickers: Jungle Book Cover Picture
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    Paperback
    $8.99

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  6. 6
    Odd One Out Book Cover Picture
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    Odd One Out

    by Buster Books

    The ultimate puzzle book for big kids, Odd One Out will keep readers entertained for hours. Search through pages of brightly colored emojis for matching pairs, odd-ones-out, and other brain-tickling games.
    Odd One Out Book Cover Picture
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    Paperback
    $9.99

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  7. 7
    Fun with National Parks Book Cover Picture
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    Fun with National Parks

    by Nicole Claesen

    Go on an adventure to our nation’s 63 majestic national parks without ever leaving home! Filled with over 125 activities, fascinating facts about each park, an exploration of the natural wonders, history, and animals of each park, there is so much to educate and inspire kids.
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    Paperback
    $12.99

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  8. 8
    Destroy This Book in the Name of Science! Brainiac Edition Book Cover Picture
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    Destroy This Book in the Name of Science! Brainiac Edition

    by Mike Barfield

    Jam-packed with amazing facts and projects for kids to cut, color, and punch out, this activity book will keep curious minds occupied. It’s perfect for kids who love hands-on activities and learning new things.
    Destroy This Book in the Name of Science! Brainiac Edition Book Cover Picture
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    Paperback
    $14.99

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  9. 9
    brainPLAY Trickiest Puzzles Ever Book Cover Picture
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    brainPLAY Trickiest Puzzles Ever

    created by Highlights

    Highlights is my go-to for fun activity books for kids. From hidden pictures to mazes and other fun challenges, this bulky book contains 200 brightly colored puzzles to keep your child busy.
    brainPLAY Trickiest Puzzles Ever Book Cover Picture
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    Paperback
    $12.99

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  10. 10
    Mad Libs Super Summer Activity Book Book Cover Picture
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    Mad Libs Super Summer Activity Book

    by Gabriella DeGennaro and Mad Libs

    Ready for some fill-in-the-blank fun? Make up silly facts about your friends, create a packing list using only words that start with the letter B, tell ghost stories around the campfire, and so much more. Plus, this edition comes with over 100 stickers for even more fun!
    Mad Libs Super Summer Activity Book Book Cover Picture
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    Paperback
    $7.99

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  11. 11
    Cardboard Activity Lab Book Cover Picture
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    Cardboard Activity Lab

    by Jemma Westing

    This activity book will have young creators thinking outside the box … literally! This hands-on book teaches kids how to build a castle, a sci-fi robot costume, or a new mode of transportation using cardboard and other everyday materials all while developing skills in engineering, art, and design.
    Cardboard Activity Lab Book Cover Picture
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    Hardcover
    $19.99

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  12. 12
    Let's Get Quizzical Book Cover Picture
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    Let’s Get Quizzical

    by Rachel McMahon

    No need to stress, you’re bound to get an A+ on each quiz in this book because they are all about YOU! From the queen of BuzzFeed quizzes, Rachel McMahon has created a series of quizzes perfect for young readers that helps kids learn all about themselves. Share this book with friends and family to learn how each person is unique.
    Let's Get Quizzical Book Cover Picture
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    Paperback
    $6.99

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  13. 13
    The Bored Book Book Cover Picture
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    The Bored Book

    by Ink & Willow

    Turn dull, everyday moments into creativity and fun with The Bored Book, suitable for tween readers. It has cool activities and prompts that spark imagination and help kids find joy in everyday life, all while sharing Christian values and themes. From word searches to scavenger hunts, this interactive book will help banish boredom at any time.
    The Bored Book Book Cover Picture
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    Paperback
    $15.00

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