Screen-free toys that actually keep my kids busy, according to a seasoned mom of five

Staplestein
These must-haves will get you through those stuck inside days.
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Our kids have toys. Siblings. Yards. Extracurriculars. Yet, inevitably, just a short time into playing with anything, I hear the dreaded phrase: “Mom, I’m borrrrred.” So, as a product journalist and mom of 5, I went on a mission to find toys that are just so dang captivating I never have to hear those words again. Turns out, there are some must-have toys that are now helping us survive rainy days, freezing days, and any other day, really.
These toys that keep kids busy not only keep my children occupied but are also suitable for multiple age groups, a necessity in my home where ages range from 9 months to 9 years old. They seem durable enough to stand the test of time. Moreover, they are all screen-free, allowing me to reserve iPad time for truly desperate situations.
Here’s what we love right now.
Toys that keep kids busy
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A version of this article was originally published on March 11, 2024. It has been updated.