Consider one (or several) activity book that’s a good match for your child’s preference and learning level. We carefully considered material, price value, age and grade recommendations, and educational and entertaining value when reviewing products. Here are the best kids’ activity books on the market for a brush-up on skills or to learn a new one. The Paint by Stickers: Under the Sea activity book is our best overall pick because this activity book includes 10 pages of intricate designs that are “painted” using stickers. It’s similar to a paint-by-number design, but with stickers. Each of the pictures in this specific book is of some sort of underwater scene or animal. The book comes with coordinating stickers for each page, and once all of the stickers are on the image, it comes to life as if it were actually a painting. While the stickers in this book can be enjoyed by most kids, the best results come from kids 5 years old and up. Price at time of publication: $10 Price at time of publication: $17 All of the pages are bright and colorful and easily tear out (which is helpful since it’s such a thick book) with activities suited for kids between 3 and 5 years old. Price at time of publication: $13 There are more than 250 pages in the book and it has content suiting rising kindergarteners all the way through the summer before first grade. Price at time of publication: $13 In addition to the in-book activities, there are also “outside quests” kids can go on that will get them outdoors and playing, while also learning. Price at time of publication: $13 Price at time of publication: $9 Price at time of publication: $25 It’s great for kids between 4 and 7 years old. Price at time of publication: $13 Price at time of publication: $7
Arts and crafts: There is no shortage of activity books that have space for coloring, drawing, and creating. If your child loves a good craft, then an art-centered activity book will surely keep them engaged. Puzzles and games: For kids who love a good challenge, check out activity books featuring connect-the-dots, mazes, word searches, crossword puzzles, hangman, and SudokuTrivia, riddles and word problems: Similar to activity books focused on puzzles and games, this genre is a good option for kids who love brainteasers, whether they’re math problems, sequencing/pattern games, letter scrambles, or even just general trivia questions. Writing development: Writing-themed activity books range from letter and number tracing for preschoolers to writing prompts for older kids. If your child loves to put pencil to paper, then an activity book with a focus on writing will likely be a hit. Math and science: Kids don’t have to be in school to flex their STEM muscles, and many find true joy in these academic areas. Bigger kids may even enjoy these subjects more in an activity book simply because it’s outside of school.
Age-Appropriateness
Just because an activity book says it’s made for a certain age group, doesn’t mean it’s right for your child. Scan through the pages (or read some reviews) to see if the content is below, at, or above your child’s current age and/or developmental stage. Books that are filled with activities that are too hard or too easy will likely go unused. Similarly, if the pictures in the activity book are too “babyish” for your big kid, they won’t want to use it.
Educational Value
An activity book does not have to be obviously educational in order for it to be a quality option for your child (if a book is full of tic-tac-toe grids and mazes, and your kid loves it, that’s perfectly fine). But many do support developing and practicing new skills and learning new concepts. If your child is struggling in a subject, you may want to look for activity books on that topic so your kid can strengthen their skills in a fun and engaging way. Or, if your child happens to love a subject, like reading or writing, look for an activity book that lets them tap into that interest in different ways.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Ashley Ziegler is a full-time parenting writer and mom to a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old. She has personal experience in researching and purchasing a variety of children’s products and key considerations she used when selecting these recommendations include materials, design, and user reviews.
