The Highlights Book of Things to Do: A Treasure Trove of Creativity for Kids

Introduction: A Screen-Free Oasis in a Digital World

But does it live up to its promise? After spending weeks exploring its pages with my own kids, I can confidently say: yes, and then some. Let’s dive into why this book is a must-have for creative, curious young minds.

A Detailed Look Inside: What’s in the Book?

Unlike a traditional narrative, The Highlights Book of Things to Do is structured as a compendium of activities, divided into 11 themed sections:

  1. Things to Do Inside – Crafts, puzzles, and indoor games
  2. Things to Do Outside – Nature explorations and physical challenges
  3. Things to Do in the Kitchen – Simple, kid-friendly recipes
  4. Things to Do with Your Brain – Riddles, logic puzzles, and creative writing prompts
  5. Things to Do with Paper – Origami, drawing, and papercrafts
  6. Things to Do with Friends & Family – Group games and collaborative projects
  7. Things to Do with Your Hands – DIY projects and building activities
  8. Things to Do with Your Imagination – Storytelling and pretend-play ideas
  9. Things to Do on Holidays & Special Days – Seasonal crafts and traditions
  10. Things to Do in the Dark – Glow-in-the-dark experiments and nighttime fun
  11. Things to Do Anytime, Anywhere – Quick, no-prep boredom busters

Each section is colorfully illustrated, easy to navigate, and packed with varied difficulty levels, ensuring engagement for kids aged 6-12.

Writing Style & Presentation: Why It Works

Highlights has mastered the art of kid-friendly communication. The instructions are clear, concise, and encouraging, with a tone that feels like a friendly mentor guiding young explorers. The book avoids overwhelming text blocks, instead using:

  • Bullet points for step-by-step instructions
  • Illustrations and diagrams for visual learners
  • Fun facts and trivia sprinkled throughout
  • Humorous asides to keep things light

The layout is intuitive, making it easy for kids to flip through and find something that catches their eye. Unlike some activity books that feel repetitive, this one offers genuine variety—no two pages feel the same.

Themes & Deeper Value: More Than Just Fun

Beyond entertainment, this book subtly reinforces valuable skills:

  • Problem-solving (through puzzles and brain teasers)
  • Creativity (via open-ended crafts and storytelling)
  • Collaboration (with group activities)
  • Independence (many projects require minimal adult help)
  • Appreciation for the real world (as opposed to digital escapism)

It’s a stealthy educational tool disguised as pure fun—something Highlights has excelled at for decades.

Personal Experience: Testing It with Real Kids

I tried several activities with my 7-year-old and 10-year-old, and here’s what stood out:

✅ “Invisible Ink” experiment – A hit! They loved writing secret messages with lemon juice.
✅ “Build a Fort” challenge – Hours of imaginative play ensued.
✅ “Rainbow Slime” recipe – Messy but worth it (pro tip: do this outside).

The “Things to Do in the Dark” section was a surprise favorite—glow stick dances and shadow puppets became a nightly ritual.

Minor drawbacks? A few crafts require specific materials (e.g., pipe cleaners, googly eyes), so you’ll need to plan ahead. However, most activities use household items, making it accessible.

Comparison to Other Activity Books

How does it stack up against competitors like The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids or The 101 Coolest Simple Science Experiments?

✔ More comprehensive – Covers multiple categories (not just jokes or science).
✔ Better pacing – Mixes quick activities with deeper projects.
✔ Trusted brand – Highlights’ reputation for quality content shines through.

That said, if you want deep dives into one topic (e.g., only science experiments), a specialized book might suit better. But for variety and reliability, this one’s unbeatable.

Who Is This Book For?

✅ Parents seeking screen-free alternatives
✅ Teachers needing classroom activity ideas
✅ Grandparents looking for bonding projects
✅ Kids who love hands-on creativity

Not ideal for: Very young children (under 6) or those who prefer structured, step-by-step crafts (some activities are open-ended).

Memorable Quotes & Standout Activities

While not a narrative-driven book, some golden nuggets include:

“Creativity is messy. And that’s okay!” – A reassuring reminder for perfectionist kids.

“The best adventures start with curiosity.” – A theme woven throughout.

Top 5 Activities My Kids Loved:

  1. DIY Kaleidoscope (simple but magical)
  2. Obstacle Course Challenge (great for rainy days)
  3. Homemade Playdough (classic, but the recipe is foolproof)
  4. “Would You Rather?” Questions (endless car ride entertainment)
  5. Shadow Puppet Theater (a hit at sleepovers)

Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Creative Kids

The Highlights Book of Things to Do delivers exactly what it promises: hundreds of engaging, screen-free activities that spark imagination, learning, and family bonding. Its strengths—diverse content, clear instructions, and Highlights’ trusted quality—far outweigh any minor weaknesses.

If you’re looking for a single book to keep kids entertained for months, this is it.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

Discussion Questions for Readers:

  • What’s your favorite screen-free activity for kids?
  • Have you tried any Highlights books before? How was your experience?
  • What’s one childhood craft or game you wish would make a comeback?

Let’s chat in the comments! 🎨✨

Get this book on Amazon

For more great reviews and book recommendations, visit Books By Order.

For more great reviews, visit Book Book Owl.