I think most of us have been stuck with a summer that looks different than most. For so long, even local parks were closed. Once outdoor activities started opening up, we still were faced with trying to get creative with our downtime… we had lots of it! I have 3 active boys and I need to keep them busy or they usually get into things they shouldn’t LOL!
I have always loved to have STEAM activities on hand because I can pull them out on rainy days or when they boys are just sick of each other and need a break. It’s also good to keep on hand for those days you have a lot to get done around the house.
For several years, I asked their Aunts to buy a couple of months subscription to the STEM delivery services for Christmas. Every month, they would get a new activity delivered to the door. I would usually store away to pull out for the perfect time and they always loved seeing what new thing they could put together or a new science experiment they could try out!
Here are some of the projects my kiddos have been trying out recently. My boys range from 5-11 and they all had ones they loved!
Magformers Basic Plus 14pc Set
Create 3D structures from 2D nets with Magformers Basic Plus 14Pc Set. Build with 4 Squares, 8 Triangles and 2 Inner Circle Square shapes. Create houses, towers and our ‘magic ball’. Learn to build using combine, roll and pull-up techniques and see what your imagination can create! Build along with the step-by-step instructions and develop color and shape recognition, fine motor skills and problem-solving ability. The original and authentic Magformers. Perfect for brain development, critical thinking and STEM education. Follow the Step-by-step educational idea booklet for ideas and instructions. Each geometric shape contains magnets that never reject, so you’ll always hear the Magformers click. When playtime is over, use the magnetic power to simply stack and store. MSRP: $24.99; ages 3+.
My boys have already requested we buy a lot more of these!!
Creatto
With CREATTO, you can design and construct illuminated, three-dimensional creations that literally light up your life! The kit includes flexible yet durable interlocking plastic tiles and a string of LED lights that you can piece together to make animals, decorations, or your own custom creations. Each set includes an illustrated manual with easy, step-by-step instructions for multiple designs, but the building possibilities are nearly limitless using your imagination. 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.
Stick-O City 16pc Set
From Magformers, Stick-O encourages toddlers to explore tactile learning through hands-on magnetic play. Each Stick-O shape contains magnets that rotate so toddlers creations always stick together for a frustration-free play experience. Stick-O’s unique 3D shapes contain a magnet pocket, designed so the magnet can find the right magnetic direction to stick to every time. Stick-O magnets are completely encased inside BPA-free, ABS plastic to ensure children’s safety. With the Stick-O City 16 Piece Set, kids can construct their very own busy city. Toddlers can build a car, racer, airplane and more with the City 16Pc Set . Included in this kit is 1 Sphere, 2 Stick, 3 Long Stick and magnetic accessories including vehicle wheels, wings, and propellers. MSRP $24.99; ages 36m+.
Bennett and Grayson loved that you could build upside down creations with these!
Solar-Powered Rovers
Want to build fun solar-powered vehicles and devices that move using electricity generated directly from sunlight? With this kit, you can construct five motorized models. Build three types of solar cars, a solar fan, and a solar robot model. Conduct science experiments with each model to learn about gear ratios, solar cells, and more. The ultralight materials, including strong bamboo rods, make your models speedy and durable. A modular gearing system lets you test out three different gear ratios. Experiment with a solar cell, electric motor, gears, and ultralight materials. Build five different solar-powered models. Learn about how solar cells work and about the energy from the sun. Ages 8+ MSRP: $19.95.
Grayson really got into these. He LOVES building anything so the fact that you could create 5 different models really piqued his interest.
Glow-In-The-Dark Science Lab
Conduct fun and illuminating experiments with glowing substances and neon pigments! Cast your own glowing neon sidewalk chalk in fun shapes like stars, crystals, and frogs. Make flowers that glow in the dark. Mix up a glowing solution to make your own glow sticks. Observe your glowing creations under a UV flashlight (a blacklight). Learn about light, phosphorescence, and glowing materials. Includes two glowing pigments, UV flashlight, glow-in-the-dark star stickers, plaster for chalk, and tools and instructions. The box doubles as a blacklight showcase. Ages 8+ MSRP: $19.95.
Science experiments are always Cody’s favorite. This is the one you will need adult supervision with!
I would love to know what your kiddos loved doing this summer! I know a lot of you are homeschooling or learning from home, so all of these are great ways to engage your kids in such a fun way and they will learn a lot as well! Win-win!
I was given these STEAM activities to try with my kids so I could share our honest review you! All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks for reading!
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