Educational Toys for Summer Learning
I earn a commission from products purchased through links in this post.
Summer slide can be a problem for every parent – regardless of whether your kids are homeschooled or in a classroom setting. We don’t want our kids to forget all of the information we spent all year teaching. We need to use educational toys for summer learning.
The problem is that by the end of the school year our kids want nothing to do with formal lessons (at least mine don’t!). Toys take care of that problem.
The idea is to fill our homes with educational toys that our kids want to play with.
Things that ‘feel’ educational are out. Kids can spot those from a mile away. My kids have given me the side-eye more than once when I have presented “A fun new game!” that is really just math drills in card form.
Instead, we need educational toys that don’t feel educational. Kids need to choose to play with these items.
I’m a big believer in learning through play. I have seen it work in my home and when I was a classroom teacher. Many subjects can be learned through play. I’ll let you in on a little secret too. Even older kids (middle schoolish) enjoy learning through play.
Grab a few of these educational toys for sneaky summer learning. They make fantastic last day of homeschool gifts.
Educational Toys for Summer Learning
Language Arts
- Quick Game for Quick Minds: Put your quick mind to the test to quickly come up with a word starting with the letter on our Speedy Word game cards; use easy…
- Fast Paced Game: Collect most cards of this 15 minute word games for adults and kids to win it; flip the top card and call out a word with the given letter…
- Easy to Learn: Designed to be easily taught and understood, Speedy Words card games make for fun party card games, these card games for families broaden…
Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Speedy Words is a fun card game that helps kids build their vocabulary. There are always two cards showing – one with a letter and another with an object/country/person’s name/food/city/etc.
The goal is to the be the first person to correctly say a word that matches the category and begins with the letter.
This has led to some interesting rabbit trails when my family has played. I like to keep this game in my field trip bag. It is great to pull out and play while waiting.
- A real vocabulary builder, Kid Genius features 220 double-sided word magnets that stick both ways with a common word on one side and a brain-expanding…
- CONTAINS – over 220 magnetic word tiles in a cute, colorful, giftable 4.5 x 6.5 inch box. Your child can write you messages, poems, or generative esoteric…
- MIX AND MATCH WITH OTHER KITS – Tile height is 0.375 Inches, compatible with nearly all other Magnetic Poetry sets. As your child grows, expand with one of…
Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Poetry magnets are a natural way to encourage kids to build poems, messages, or sentences.
Just keep the magnets on the fridge and kids (and husbands, in my experience) will build a quick note whenever they are in the house.
A funny message from mom always gets the kids laughing and writing their own message.
New journal
Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
There are so many types of journals marketed to kids these days. It can be overwhelming trying to choose.
The trick is to identify your goal for the journal and match that up with your child’s personality and lifestyle. Some might say that journals are not educational toys for summer, however, I disagree.
Summer journals can be completely different than school journals. They can be silly. They can be completely nontraditional. A summer journal can feel like a toy.
There are kid-friendly journals for:
- documenting travel
- expressing gratitude
- creating comic books
- fostering growth mindset
- mother – daughter journals
- father – son journals
Geography
- FAST-PACED STRATEGY: Race to build your train routes across iconic American cities in this award-winning board game.
- COMPETITIVE FUN: Challenge friends and family in a 2-5 player game, where every move counts.
- COLLECT TRAIN CARDS: Strategically gather train cards to claim routes and earn points.
Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Ticket to Ride is a family favorite in my house.
The object of the game is to earn the most points. Players earn points by building trains, making the longest train in the game, and completing their routes.
There are several versions of this game, but my family prefers the US edition.
- Ages 8 and up
Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Scrambled States of America was our very first geography board game.
Each player has a few state cards – some with silly accessories such as hats. A card is flipped asking for something specific. It could be a state that begins with a certain letter, ha a certain letter somewhere in the name, is in a specific geographical area or wearing an accessory.
It is all quite silly, but is a fun way to learn US geography.
- Fun, easy to learn, educational and highly addictive geography game
- It’s like dominoes but with maps, as you build a map of the USA, by connecting US states that share a common border.
- No geographical knowledge required, but you learn as you play.
Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Mapominoes is part dominoes game and part map building.
You match up the cards like dominoes to build a map of the country or continent you are studying. Each card contains information to help you place it in the right spot, even with no prior geography knowledge.
We don’t have this yet, but I’m thinking about ordering the Europe version as an educational toy for summer for my own kids. This game has several editions:
Math
- DICE-ROLLIN’ BATTLE: Shake it up and get rolling! This Yahtzee game features classic Yahtzee gameplay. It’s fast-paced, strategic fun for adults, teens…
- THE SHAKE, SCORE, AND SHOUT GAME: This strategy game for 2 or more players has opponents rolling dice to get different combos and earn the highest score…
- GO FOR 5 OF A KIND: Roll the dice to build straights and full houses, or risk it all for a 5 of a Kind Yahtzee roll! It takes luck and strategic gameplay…
Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Yahtzee is a dice game that includes plenty of practice with addition and skip counting (or multiplication – however you want to think about it). Keep track of the dice rolls in an attempt to score the highest amount of points.
A kind reader let me know that Yahtzee is available as an online game too.
Puzzles
- 500 PIECE PUZZLE FOR ADULTS – Featuring a finished size of 23.5 inches by 18 inches with a precision cut that ensures a tight, interlocking…
- UNIQUE CUT LARGE PIECES – Each puzzle piece is unique and never repeated; Springbok Puzzle pieces are made from thick cut 75 point board, 18% thicker than…
- ECO-FRIENDLY & HIGH QUALITY – Springbok Puzzles are manufactured with sustainably sourced organic, non-toxic soy-based inks & utilizes 100% recycled puzzle…
Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Puzzles are a great way to develop spatial awareness. We like to spread out a puzzle on our dining room table and work on it as a family.
We typically do the majority of our schoolwork in the dining room, so summer is the perfect time to pull out a puzzle.
There are tons of puzzle scenes available. This children’s storybook theme is adorable. It would be a great way to tie books into the conversation.
- FUN AND CREATIVE: Wooden Pattern Blocks is a fun and creative way for your kids to explore shapes and symmetry. Include 155 pieces of different color…
- SAFE MATERIAL: All the pieces are well sanded and painted ，It is made of durable wood and non-toxic paints material
- MULTIFUNCTION LEARNING TOY：Build early shape, color, and number recognition skills, it can inspire children’s imagination as well as promote their…
Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
My kids loved playing with pattern blocks when they were younger. Their set included templates to create specific images, but they almost never used them.
Instead, they used their imagination. Sometimes they built their own images, sometimes they stacked the blocks to make larger objects, and sometimes they created patterns.
- Ditch the TV, and re-ignite family night with the get-together amusement of a Hasbro game
- Party it up, and surprise guests at your next event with laugh-out-loud game from Hasbro Gaming
- Nostalgic tabletop gameplay meets interactive digital content for an immersive gaming experience
Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Monopoly is my son’s all-time favorite board game.
He calls for a match anytime we have a few hours to spare. My kids are ultra-competitive with each other so the games go. on. forever. They are learning about investments, risk, budgeting, and the art of negotiation though, so I don’t mind too much.
Monopoly is available as an online game too. I’m so glad a reader let me know so I could add the links 🙂
- AUTOMATIC LOCK – Self locking mechanism allows blade to lock automatically and retract at the push of a button.
- NYLON COATED BLADE – Provides maximum blade protection.
- IMPACT RESISTENT CASE – ABS plastic with rubber over mold protects the case from accidental drops.
Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I know. This sounds like a strange math toy. I mean, it isn’t even really a toy at all? Hear me out though.
My son recently stumbled across a tape measure in our garage.
He took it and started wandering the house with it. By the end of the afternoon he had calculated the area of several rooms. Why?
Because he was bored and wanted to use math to prove his sister’s room was bigger. I also caught him measuring the height of several pieces of toys. Who knows what he will do with that information, but he was happily practicing math skills, so I’m going to call it a win.
History
- Features:Three quarter length sleeves with flared cuffs; Concealed zipper in the back; the white shawl is removable
- Package Included: 1* Pioneer Girls Dress+ 1* white bonnet+ 1* white shawl
- Dress up for Thanksgiving,Halloween,School party,Pioneer Day or field trip
Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
My daughter was never more interested in colonial history than after she received a colonial costume. Wearing that costume led to reading books about the life of colonial girls.
Williamsburg is still one of her favorite field trip spots (although I could never convince her to wear the costume out in public).
- Professor Noggin’s series of educational card games encourages kids to learn interesting facts about their favorite subjects like the History of the…
- Each of the thirty game cards combines trivia, true or false, and multiple choice questions.
- Easy and hard levels keep kids interested and challenged while of course having fun.
Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Professor Noggin card trivia games all have two levels – easy and hard. It levels the playing field when parents are playing against children.
There are tons of Professor Noggin varieties in the history genre:
Science/STEM
- SO MANY TOYS IN A SNAP: Make dozens of cool electronic gadgets – all from one box! A safe and fun way to introduce children ages 8+ to the basics of…
- AMAZING VALUE: So many projects to make and build! Build over 300 exciting projects with this classic kit! Included 60+ pieces build exciting projects such…
- GREAT GIFT Give the gift of learning and fun this holiday season! Snap Circuits kits will keep kids busy and having fun all year round. Combine with other…
Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
These electronic snap circuits are a great way for kids to safely explore electric circuits. Kids can use this kit to build a fan, AM radio, doorbell, alarm, and more.
My son first used this set to build a fan when he was only 4 years old, so it is easy enough for little ones.
- Exciting Marble Genius Fun: Dive into the world of Marble Genius with this dynamic ball run set designed for kids ages 4-8. Perfect for holiday gifts, it…
- Ultimate Family Activity: Engage the whole family with this building toy that offers endless fun and challenges. Perfect for family holiday activity toy…
- Gift of Creativity: Ideal as an educational Christmas present, this set is a fantastic gift for 5 year old boys and girls alike. Boost their creativity…
Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Marble runs are a great way to get some hands on physics practice. What makes the marble roll? What makes it stop?
My kids received a marble run a few years ago and still use it all the time. It is the only toy that has earned a spot in our living room.
This is definitely an educational toy for summer that doesn’t feel educational.
- Exclusive Case for Microscopes: Tailored for Carson MicroBrite Plus 60x-120x LED Pocket Microscope, this case includes a mesh pocket for extra accessories…
- Sleek Pocket Microscope Case: The Microbrite MM-300 case is perfect for gardeners and explorers. It’s lightweight, sturdy, and provides a solid grip. It’s…
- Protective Case for Jeweler’s Loupe: This case shields your digital microscope from damage and dust. An elastic strap inside holds the microscope in place…
Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pocket microscopes are a must for any child who likes to explore nature. My kids have used our pocket microscope to examine sea shells they collected, the petals of flowers growing in our yard, leaves, and even dust.
I have found that I don’t even need to give any instructions. If I set it out on the table they will quickly find something that piques their curiosity.
Animal habitat
- START YOUR OWN ANT COLONY: As young learners watch live insects in this bug house, they’ll get a hands-on, close-up introduction to basic ecology, biology…
- STEM LEARNING IN ACTION: Set up your own ant nest in the terrarium, then watch the insect workers day and night as they tunnel, work, eat, and interact as…
- INCLUDES: Ant habitat with three magnification spots; nutrient-rich farm gel; cool, color-changing LED lights with on/off switch; and escape-proof air…
Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It seems to be a universal truth that kids love animals.
We have a sweet dog, but my kids are always begging for more pets – cats, birds, and hedgehogs specifically. Rather than add more pets to our household, we occasionally buy an animal habitat to examine.
The animals either have short life-spans or are released after we have spent a little time observing them. We currently have butterfly chrysalis in our living room.
There are many animal habitats available:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Keep reading . . .
