No schedule? No problem. Your tried-and-true survival kit for hands-off play during the camp-school gap

A Lemonade Stand You’ll Let Them Make

Color Your Own Lemonade Stand Playhouse / Oriental Trading

One of my favorite pastimes as a kid was selling lemonade at my corner with friends. But this is leagues above our rickety folding table and oaktag. The color your own lemonade stand is made of cardboard and has adorable printed designs to paint or color.

This activity can easily provide a full day of fun and creativity. While you might be needed to supervise the actual stand, you can (mostly!) stay out of the preparation phase.

So create, construct, and call it out for all to hear! Lemonade not included.

Creativity City

Kids Rug Car Play Mat / Amazon

These car playmats make for endless hours of creativity — pull out building toys, trains, and mentchies, and get the whole town (toy closet) involved.

Many brand names sell these as a heavy roll-out rug, which makes it more durable, but difficult for kids to access on their own. This product, however, has all the features of a rug with that carpet-top feel and nonslip backing, but it’s lightweight and foldable. It’s a great size, machine washable, and includes all the main attractions of your classic city, with nice-sized roads for various cars and trucks.

Available in multiple colors and styles.

Chaos-Free Coloring

Crayola Color Wonder Mess Free Coloring Activity Set / Amazon

This concept will literally have your toddlers coloring everywhere! Color Wonder by Crayola was designed to allow your little ones to color while eliminating the stress of finding their artwork on their skin, clothing, walls, and furniture. The “no-mess-ink” is completely clear/invisible and only appears on the included specialty paper.

While I found this to be the most inclusive set, there are endless options of Color Wonder products to choose from: markers, paint sets, stampers, coloring books, and plain refill paper. This particular kit comes in a carrying case, making it great for travel.

So breathe easy, let your kids color away, and watch as even your older ones ditch their boring old markers for these!

Chalk It Up

Crayola Washable Super Chalk / Amazon

Sorry to disappoint, but for those of you who saw the title and assumed I found the perfect mess-free solution, this is still — well, chalk.

But this set by Crayola comes with a great assortment of colors, and it’s definitely the most washable option. The puck-shaped pieces are significantly more durable and long-lasting than classic chalk sticks, and won’t crack in pieces or get used up in seconds. They’re designed for an easy grip, and to stay in place on the ground (it’s a pleasure not to have to chase these down my driveway!).

Squirt, Dunk, Done

Kiditos Magic Water Elf — Aqua Fairy Water Gel Kit / Amazon

The Magic Water Elf by Kiditos is a step above a typical arts-and-crafts set. This kit keeps kids engaged by creating little water elves that can be played with afterward.

The set comes with multiple molds and an assortment of vibrant-colored gels. There are many sets sold by this brand online, though I found this one to have the best variety for the price. This may require a bit of parental involvement just to help get your kids started, but once they get the hang of it, it makes for some self-guided fun!

Recommended for ages five and up, though younger ones can definitely join the fun with some assistance.

Serving Up Imagination

Melissa & Doug Fabric Double-Sided Food Truck Play Tent / Amazon

Here’s a tent that doesn’t involve emptying your linen closet, is easy to put together/take apart and store, and provides countless hours of pretend play! Your kids will be begging to eat, sleep, and play here all day long.

Its adorable design includes two selling opportunities: food truck and ice cream truck. You can also purchase the individual food sets by Melissa & Doug, which correspond to the items displayed on the comprehensive menus.

For once, your kids will be taking your orders — all from the comfort of your living room!

In the Summer? How Puzzling.

Ceaco - Ice Cream Truck II / Amazon

Who said puzzles are only for the winter?

This is great for your teens on those very hot days. Switch out your classic hot cocoa with some iced coffee and keep the sunny vibes strong with this adorable summer-themed jigsaw puzzle! This product is great quality, and it’s the perfect number of pieces for parents who don’t want it hanging out on their dining room table for weeks on end.

(Originally featured in Family First, Issue 957)