You can usually fill summer days with outdoor play, but what about those dreary afternoons when the skies open up, keeping kids stuck inside? Or when it’s just too hot to be outside for another minute? It can be tough to fill the entire day with fun, but don’t worry — we have you covered! We’ve rounded up a list of great crafts and activity kits that will keep kids from even thinking “I’m bored” and — at $15 or less each — won’t break the bank! From no-mess coloring to tactile play, you’re sure to find at least one activity that will keep the kids busy (and stay on budget)!

PEDRO THE FINE MOTOR PEACOCK

Kids can practice object-grasping movements, such as the pincer grasp, by placing Pedro's five push-and-pull feathers into the slots. THey'll also learn color and number identification, tactical awareness, and develop their fine motor skills. Every feather is numbered and designed to introduce kids to different textures.Kids can practice object-grasping movements, such as the pincer grasp,…

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  • MSRP:
  • $9.99
  • Age:
  • 18 MOS.+

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LEGO DUPLO PLAYROOM

This Duplo set features a house-shaped box that provides tons of imaginative play for toddlers. The pretend school area features two character figures, and ice cream, balloon,and present accessories for kids to celebrate a birthday. It also features built-in opportunities for basic preschool learning.This Duplo set features a house-shaped box that provides tons of imaginative…

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  • MSRP:
  • $14.99
  • Age:
  • 2+

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CRAYOLA COLOR WONDER ACTIVITY PADS

These mess-free coloring pads come with 16 coloring and activity pages and three mini Color Wonder markers, which only show up on special Color Wonder paper and not hands, walls, or furniture. They are available in kids' favorite characters, including Baby Shark, PAW Patrol, and Disney Princesses. These mess-free coloring pads come with 16 coloring…

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  • MSRP:
  • $4.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

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WATER MAGIC

Each of these paint-with-water coloring books comes with an apple pie- or pineapple-scented water pen. When kids color the reusable activity pages with water, they fill with color. As the pages dry, the color then erases so kids can color again.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $11.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

KINETIC SAND RAINBOW MIX SET

Kids can mix and create rainbow effects with this set, which includes six different tools, three primary colors of Kinetic Sand (4.5 ounces each of red, yellow, and blue), and castle-shaped containers.

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  • MSRP:
  • $9.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

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PLAY-DOH KITCHEN CREATIONS DRIZZY ICE CREAM PLAYSET

Kids can create colorful Play-Doh sundaes and cones, then top them with the special Play-Doh Drizzle compound — a pretend syrup that turns into a pretend candy shell when you drizzle it on top of regular Play-Doh. The playset includes two bottles of Drizzle and six cans of Play-Doh. Kids can create colorful Play-Doh sundaes…

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  • MSRP:
  • $14.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

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FACE PAINTOOS

Kids can transform into Disney characters and Marvel heroes with this face-painting revolution. Use a wet sponge to easily apply the designs to kid's faces. Face Paintoos are long-lasting, won't smudge, and are easy to remove using the included remover pads. Kids can transform into Disney characters and Marvel heroes with this face-painting revolution. Use…

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  • MSRP:
  • $11.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

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RAVEL TALES

Unwind this yarn ball to uncover 12 surprises, including a collectible plush pet and materials for DIY activities. Kids can create braided charm bracelets, a pet collar, a pillow pet bed, and more.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $9.99-$12.99; $14.99 CAD
  • Age:
  • 5+

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JUST MY STYLE FRIENDSHIP BRACELETS

Kids will master the art of making friendship bracelets and learn fun braiding techniques along the way. The weaving loom allows kids to create intricate accessories they can wear and stack or share with friends.Kids will master the art of making friendship bracelets and learn fun braiding techniques along the way. The weaving loom allows…

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  • MSRP:
  • $14.97
  • Age:
  • 6+

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CREATTO

Kids can design and construct illuminated, 3D creations using flexible, durable, interlocking plastic tiles and a string of LED lights. Each set includes instructions for creating multiple designs, or kids can create their own.

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  • MSRP:
  • $9.95-29.95
  • Age:
  • 6+

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CREATIVE ROOTS PAINT YOUR OWN

Kids can paint, design, and display a 6-inch ceramic figure that starts out as a blank canvas. Kids can discover the art of color mixing by creating different hues, vibrant color schemes, and decorative accents. Available in trendy animals, including a fox and a llama (each sold separately).Kids can paint, design, and display a 6-inch…

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  • MSRP:
  • $9.99
  • Age:
  • 8+

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About the author

Madeleine Buckley

Madeleine Buckley

Madeleine Buckley was a Senior Editor at The Pop Insider, The Toy Insider, and The Toy Book. She covered all things toys and fandom, and has appeared on Cheddar and a variety of regional news networks to talk about the latest trends in both. She is a movie score enthusiast, mediocre knitter, proud Syracuse alumna, and Marvel lover. You can usually find her at the movies or hanging out at home with her super-pup, Parker.

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