11 Engaging Activity Books for Kids
by Dena McMurdie
Activity books are my go-to for keeping my kids entertained. Whether we’re stuck inside on a rainy day or are looking for something fun to do during quiet time, activity books supply hours of screen-free distraction for young children. My kids love the entertainment these books provide and I love the quiet time I get when my kids are busy connecting dots and solving mazes.
From picture puzzles to sticker activities, here are some fantastic activity books to have on hand for the next time you need a boredom-buster.
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Uni the Unicorn Dream and Draw Activity Book
Available from:This is a must-have book for young unicorn fans. With a wide variety of activities like connecting the dots, doodling, mazes, and stickers, there's no shortage of sparkly fun to be had. It also includes a poster and a sturdy punch-out unicorn.
(Ages 3 – 7)Also available from: -
Sleepover Fun with Llama Llama
Based on the adorable Netflix show and Anna Dewdney’s delightful picture books, this activity book is packed with sleepover fun. With stickers, puzzles, activities, and punch-out invitations, you’ll be set to host your own sleepover.
(Ages 3 – 7) -
My First Sticker by Numbers Book
Available from:Sticker enthusiasts will love creating beautiful artwork with this unique activity book. Match the colored stickers to the numbered sections on the page and create stunning scenes. If your child likes this book, pick up a copy of The Original Sticker by Numbers Book, illustrated by Joanna Webster, for more fun sticker art!
(Ages 5 – 8)Also available from: -
Ordinary People Change the World Sticker and Activity Book
Available from:Kids will have so much fun doing the games and activities in this book, they won’t realize they’re learning at the same time. A perfect supplement to the popular Ordinary People Change the World series, this book uses games and activities to teach kids facts about notable people from history.
(Ages 5 – 8)Also available from: -
Unlock Your Imagination: More Than 250 Boredom Busters
Consider this the activity book to end all other activity books. Readers can choose from a wide range of hands-on projects including: putting on a puppet show, making a snow globe, creating a flipbook, and much, much more. It even includes a pocket filled with everything kids need to play checkers, chess, and snakes and ladders.
(Ages 6 – 8) -
Picture Puzzles
Available from:If you want to keep your child entertained for a long time, this book of picture puzzles is the way to go. Filled with colorful mazes, hidden pictures, jokes, quizzes, and other types of games, this is the perfect book to take on vacations and road trips.
(Ages 6 – 9)Also available from: -
Press Out and Color: Flamingos, Llamas, and Other Cool Things
For kids who love to color, this book provides a rewarding experience. Color and assemble the shimmery designs to make 3-D ornaments. Then, let your child decorate their room with the ornaments or string them together to make a festive garland.
(Ages 7 – 10) -
LEGO Play Book
Available from:Put those bricks to good use with this must-read book for LEGO-obsessed kids. With 200 builds that range in difficulty, readers will be inspired to use their imaginations and creativity.
(Ages 7 – 10)Also available from:
RELATED: 10 Boredom-Busting Books for Kids
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Kate the Chemist: The Big Book of Experiments
From fake tattoos to edible snot, these fun science experiments include step-by-step instructions, an ingredients list, and a messiness factor rating so that you know what you’re signing up for.
(Ages 8 – 12) -
Amazing Ancients!: Egypt
The Amazing Ancients! series offers kids a chance to jump back in time and explore ancient civilizations. Through cool mazes, word searches, craft ideas, and puzzles, young readers will learn how the ancient Egyptians lived and thrived.
(Ages 8 – 12) -
Press Out and Color: Butterflies
This book contains 10 intricately patterned butterflies for kids to press out, color, and assemble. Kids will love adding a touch of whimsy to their bedrooms by hanging a kaleidoscope of colorful butterflies!
(Ages 10+)
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2019 and updated in 2020.