Recess is more than just playtime; it's an essential part of a child's daily routine that supports their emotional, social, and physical development. In this article, we delve into five compelling reasons why kids need recess in their day-to-day life. From boosting creativity to enhancing focus in the classroom, discover how these breaks can transform your child's learning experience and overall well-being. Join us in advocating for more playtime and learn how important these moments are for your child's growth.
NeeDoh Stress Relief Toy
Our Rank:
The Schylling NeeDoh Original is more than just a sensory fidget toy; it’s a delightful tool for children and adults alike to find their calm amidst the chaos. As parents, we know how nurturing mindfulness and focus can greatly benefit our little ones, especially for those with ADD, ADHD, or anxiety. This squishy, goo-filled ball encourages exploration and self-regulation through tactile play, promoting sensory development while also being completely safe and non-toxic. It’s the perfect stress-reliever that kids can squeeze while studying or adults can use during a busy day—certainly a win-win for everyone! 3+ years
Develops skills:
sensory development, focus, self-regulation, fine motor skills, mindfulness, stress relief
Why we love it:
NeeDoh Stress Relief Toy is a squishy, goo-filled ball that turns fidgeting into a calming experience, making mindfulness blissfully fun for both kids and adults.
LEGO City Race Car Adventure Set
Our Rank:
The LEGO City Race Car and Car Carrier Truck Toy Playset is an exhilarating way to engage children ages 6 and up in imaginative play. This set not only provides everything needed to build both a race car and a transport truck but also encourages fine motor skills and problem-solving as kids piece together their outdoor racing adventure. With the added benefit of the LEGO Builder app, young builders can explore 3D models and track their construction journey, fostering a sense of accomplishment and boosting confidence. This is more than just a toy; it’s a delightful way to inspire STEM learning while sparking creativity through racing stories! 6+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, problem solving, spatial reasoning, creativity, STEM learning, confidence building
Why we love it:
LEGO City Race Car Adventure Set includes a race car and transport truck, turning playtime into an engineering challenge that fuels imagination and boosts problem-solving skills.
Ultimate Playground Activity Set for Fun Learning
Our Rank:
Champion Sports Physical Education Variety Playground Activity Set is the perfect solution to keep our kids active and engaged! With endless combinations of games and exercises, this versatile set encourages teamwork, coordination, and physical fitness during recess, P.E. classes, or practice. Whether it’s dribbling a basketball, kicking a soccer ball, or jumping rope in sync, our children are developing crucial motor skills while having a blast. It’s not just about play; it’s about fostering social connections and a lifelong love for movement! 5-12 years
Develops skills:
teamwork, coordination, physical fitness, motor skills, social connections
Why we love it:
Ultimate Playground Activity Set for Fun Learning includes endless combinations of games, making it a fantastic way for kids to develop vital skills while forging friendships through active play.
Portable Tetherball Fun for Kids
Our Rank:
Lifetime 90029 Portable Tetherball System & Mikasa Glow in the Dark Outdoor Tetherball brings outdoor play right to your backyard! This exciting tetherball set encourages children to develop physical skills like hand-eye coordination and agility while having a blast swinging that softplay tetherball. With its durable, weather-resistant design and stable base, it’s perfect for any play surface—grass, sand, or concrete—which means kids can enjoy active play anywhere! Encouraging teamwork and sportsmanship, this is the ideal choice for playdates, family gatherings, or school recesses, making learning through play effortless and fun. 5+ years
Develops skills:
hand-eye coordination, agility, teamwork, sportsmanship, outdoor exploration, physical fitness
Why we love it:
Portable Tetherball Fun for Kids encourages active play with its durable design, making backyard fun a delightful way for kids to build coordination and learn teamwork!
Jump Into Learning With Bouncing Fun!
Our Rank:
Little Tikes Bouncing Fun! Blue Hopper is the perfect way for our kids ages 4-8 to channel all that boundless energy into something productive and fun! Designed with durable heavy gauge vinyl and a recessed re-inflatable valve, this inflatable hopper not only encourages active play but also helps build essential coordination skills and balance. You’ll love seeing your little ones bounce their way to a more active lifestyle while developing important motor skills. Plus, with easy deflation for storage, it’s a convenient addition to our family's educational toolkit! 4-8 years
Develops skills:
gross motor skills, coordination, balance, active play, concentration, motor skills
Why we love it:
Jump Into Learning With Bouncing Fun! is made from durable heavy gauge vinyl, turning your child's wild energy into coordinated bouncing that builds skills while keeping them happily active.
Cupcake Celebration Puzzle Fun
Our Rank:
EuroGraphics Cupcake Celebration Puzzle is not just a fantastic way to spend an afternoon; it’s a treasure trove of educational benefits! As we eagerly piece together the deliciously vibrant puzzle, our children's fine motor skills and picture recognition abilities flourish. With unique part shapes, biodegradable colors, and high-quality materials, this puzzle encourages creative thinking and problem-solving while being environmentally friendly. It's an easy and engaging activity, making it perfect for family bonding without the need for complicated instructions! 8+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, problem solving, picture recognition, creative thinking, environmental awareness
Why we love it:
Cupcake Celebration Puzzle Fun features unique part shapes that make piecing together this colorful treat a delightful way to boost creativity while bonding as a family.
Scrabble Deluxe Edition for Classic Word Fun
Our Rank:
The Hasbro Gaming Scrabble Deluxe Edition Board Game transforms family game night into an exciting adventure in vocabulary and strategy! Designed for 2 to 4 players, this stylish game features a colorful gameboard with recessed spaces that enhance play while making it easy to see those high-scoring words come to life. Not only does it ignite creativity and critical thinking, but it also builds essential language skills, spelling, and teamwork as players challenge each other to come up with the most clever combinations. With its sleek folding case and rotating gameboard, it’s perfect for keeping all the fun organized and portable—ideal for both home and gatherings with friends! 8+ years
Develops skills:
vocabulary, spelling, critical thinking, teamwork, creativity
Why we love it:
Scrabble Deluxe Edition for Classic Word Fun features a stylish gameboard with recessed spaces, turning family game night into a competitive yet educational adventure in wordplay.
Boost Fine Motor Skills with Garden Lacing Set
Our Rank:
Excellerations 17 Jumbo Pieces Garden Lacing Set is a delightful way for our little ones to explore the wonders of nature while developing crucial fine motor skills! Kids will love stringing together vibrant, chunky wooden pieces like a cheerful bumble bee and an adorable frog, enhancing their hand-eye coordination and concentration in a playful and engaging manner. With a specially designed flat-head needle, even the tiniest fingers can successfully tackle lacing activities, making this toy perfect for endless fun and learning. As parents and educators, we know how important these early skills are, and this garden-themed set offers both educational benefits and imaginative play all in one! 2 years and up
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, concentration, imaginative play, problem solving
Why we love it:
Boost Fine Motor Skills with Garden Lacing Set features 17 chunky wooden pieces that turn lacing into a garden adventure, making skill-building both fun and imaginative.
LEGO City Pizza vs. Fire Truck Race
Our Rank:
The LEGO City Pizza vs. Fire Truck Race Car Pack Toy is an exciting adventure designed for kids ages 5 and up! This imaginative building set ignites creativity while providing valuable educational benefits such as problem-solving, collaboration, and fine motor skills development. By constructing their own soapbox race cars and bringing the chef and firefighter minifigures to life, children engage in storytelling and interactive play that nurtures their social skills. Plus, the innovative LEGO Builder app enhances their building experience with 3D visualization, making learning fun and dynamic. 5+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, problem solving, collaboration, creativity, storytelling, spatial reasoning
Why we love it:
LEGO City Pizza vs. Fire Truck Race features interactive play with minifigures that sparks storytelling, making it a fun way to develop social skills while racing imagination.
Jungle Escape Puzzle: Fun & Learning!
Our Rank:
Ravensburger Escape Kids: Jungle Escape 368 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle is more than just a colorful adventure; it's a gateway to developing critical skills in your child! As they piece together the vibrant jungle scene, they'll be enhancing their problem-solving abilities, dexterity, and concentration—essential tools for lifelong learning. We love how each piece fits together perfectly, nurturing patience and persistence while creating a shared experience that families can cherish together. Ideal for gifting, this puzzle seamlessly combines fun with educational benefits, making it a must-have in every household. 6+ years
Develops skills:
problem solving, fine motor skills, concentration, patience, teamwork, spatial reasoning
Why we love it:
Jungle Escape Puzzle: Fun & Learning! encourages family bonding as we piece together 368 colorful pieces while honing our problem-solving skills—because who doesn’t love a good brain workout?
Ariel View of NYC Puzzle Adventure
Our Rank:
RoseArt - Kodak Premium - Ariel View of Manhattan New York City - 1500 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle for Adults is an exciting way to engage our minds and bond as a family! This beautifully crafted puzzle not only brings the stunning skyline of Manhattan to life, but also offers a world of educational benefits like problem-solving and fine motor skills development. As we work together piecing it all together, we’re strengthening our patience, concentration, and cognitive abilities. Plus, the premium quality materials remind us of the importance of sustainability, making it a great choice for environmentally-conscious families! 12+ years
Develops skills:
problem solving, fine motor skills, spatial reasoning, concentration, patience, cognitive development
Why we love it:
Ariel View of NYC Puzzle Adventure features 1500 stunning pieces that turn family time into a collaborative journey, fostering patience and problem-solving skills along the way.
Ocean Cottage Puzzle: Engage Young Minds!
Our Rank:
Ocean Cottage by Ray Powers is not just a puzzle; it's an adventure waiting to unfold in your child's imagination! Designed with great sharp detail and made from high-quality, recycled blueboard, this engaging piece promises both fun and educational benefits. As your little ones piece together the vibrant image of a charming cottage by the ocean, they'll enhance their cognitive abilities and fine motor skills—real learning disguised as play! Plus, once completed, this puzzle makes for a stunning wall décor piece that can brighten up any room while sparking joyful discussions about sea life and nature. 3+ years
Develops skills:
cognitive skills, fine motor skills, problem solving, spatial reasoning, creativity, focus
Why we love it:
Ocean Cottage Puzzle features vibrant detail made from high-quality recycled blueboard, transforming puzzle time into a journey of imagination and learning that beautifies any room.
KidKraft Farm Train Adventure Set
Our Rank:
The KidKraft Wooden Rural Farm Train Set with 75 pieces is an imaginative gateway into the world of open-ended play for children ages 3 and up. This beautifully detailed set not only sparks creativity but also promotes fine motor skills, problem-solving, and social interactions as little ones build their unique farm and train adventures. With friendly farmers, adorable animals, and a winding track, it’s an engaging way for kids to explore and learn about rural life while having endless fun. It's truly a gift that combines play with educational benefits, making it a favorite among parents and educators! 3+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, problem solving, creativity, social interaction, spatial reasoning, imaginative play
Why we love it:
KidKraft Farm Train Adventure Set includes 75 pieces for building unique farm and train scenes, fostering creativity while little ones explore rural life through imaginative play.
Elevate Play with Tetherball Fun!
Our Rank:
Franklin Sports 8.5" Rubber Tetherball transforms playtime into an engaging opportunity for skill development! This durable tetherball promotes physical coordination, balance, and team spirit as kids compete in spirited games. We love that it's made with heavy-duty rubber construction, ensuring it withstands hours of fun while helping our little ones build their motor skills and social interactions. Whether part of recess or backyard fun, it's an excellent way for kids to stay active and connect with friends! 5-12 years
Develops skills:
physical coordination, balance, teamwork, motor skills, social interaction
Why we love it:
Elevate Play with Tetherball Fun! features durable heavy-duty rubber construction, making it a fantastic way for kids to develop coordination and strengthen friendships while enjoying the thrill of competition.
Numberblocks Playing Cards for Educational Fun
Our Rank:
Numberblocks Playing Cards unleash a world of counting adventure for our little learners! As parents and educators, we know how crucial early math skills are, and this deck makes learning engaging and fun. Our children can identify, compare, sequence, and add numbers—all while playing delightful games featuring their favorite Numberblocks characters. With six games in one deck, this versatile set not only entertains but also nurtures foundational math concepts, making it a fantastic tool for indoor recess or travel activities. 3-5 years
Develops skills:
counting, number recognition, sequencing, comparing, problem solving, logical thinking
Why we love it:
Numberblocks Playing Cards include six games in one deck, turning early math learning into a playful adventure our little learners will truly enjoy.
Explore James Joyce’s World Puzzle
Our Rank:
Laurence King The World of James Joyce 1000 Piece Puzzle is an enchanting way for children and adults alike to dive into the rich tapestry of Irish literature. As we piece together the life of Leopold Bloom, from our family to yours, we not only engage in a delightful screen-free activity but also spark curiosity about Ulysses and its fascinating characters, like Stephen Dedalus and the author himself. This puzzle is more than just a fun challenge; it nurtures problem-solving skills, enhances concentration, and fosters teamwork while we share stories about Joyce’s influence on literature. Perfect for family game nights or quiet afternoons, this beautifully designed puzzle offers educational benefits that make it an outstanding addition to any home or classroom. 12+ years
Develops skills:
problem solving, concentration, teamwork, spatial reasoning, fine motor skills, literary appreciation
Why we love it:
Explore James Joyce’s World Puzzle with its 1000 pieces brings families together to celebrate literature while sharpening their minds—what a great way to piece together both fun and knowledge!
Engaging DIY Robot Foam Craft Kit
Our Rank:
Colorations DIY Robot Foam Craft Kit for Kids is an exciting gateway into the world of robotics! With everything your little ones need to design their own quirky robots, this kit not only sparks creativity but also enhances fine motor skills and imaginative thinking. The self-adhesive foam shapes make crafting a breeze, allowing PreK students to focus on bringing their ideas to life without any mess. As parents and educators, we appreciate how this kit promotes learning through play, making it a fantastic choice for early learners to discover the joy of STEM and STEAM concepts while having fun. 3-6 years
Develops skills:
creativity, fine motor skills, imaginative thinking, problem solving, spatial reasoning, early engineering
Why we love it:
Engaging DIY Robot Foam Craft Kit comes with self-adhesive foam shapes that simplify crafting, letting kids focus on building fantastically quirky robots while unleashing their inner engineer.
Voit Enduro Playground Ball: Bounce into Fun!
Our Rank:
Voit Enduro Playground Ball is the perfect companion for active kids ready to kick, bat, and bounce their way through outdoor playtime! Designed with tough nylon-wound construction, this ball facilitates not just play, but also essential skills like coordination, teamwork, and gross motor development. Its textured grip allows little hands to easily throw and catch, ensuring that every child feels confident and involved. As parents and educators, we appreciate how this ball can transform ordinary recess into a dynamic learning playground! 3+ years
Develops skills:
gross motor skills, coordination, teamwork, social skills, confidence
Why we love it:
Voit Enduro Playground Ball's tough nylon-wound construction ensures that kids can bounce, kick, and throw their way to building confidence and coordination in every active play session.
Dinosaurs! Matching Game - Memory Fun!
Our Rank:
Dinosaurs! Matching Game is the perfect way to spark joy and learning in our little ones. This delightful flip-the-card memory game not only entertains but also encourages memory skills and cognitive development in toddlers and preschoolers. With vibrant illustrations by beloved artist Bob Barner, our kids will love matching their favorite dinosaurs while learning their names! Whether it's during school recess or family game night, this matching game fosters both friendly competition and valuable learning moments for everyone involved. 3-6 years
Develops skills:
memory skills, cognitive development, visual recognition, social interaction, language skills
Why we love it:
Dinosaurs! Matching Game is filled with vibrant illustrations of beloved dinosaurs that turn family game night into a fun learning experience while sharpening little minds.
Indoor Scooter Board for Active Kids
Our Rank:
The hand2mind Green Indoor Scooter Board with Handles is the perfect addition to any classroom or playroom adventure! This fun and colorful scooter board invites kids to scoot, glide, and roll while developing their core strength and coordination. As they engage in this active play, they are also enhancing their gross motor skills—all while having a blast. With its safe design, including handles that keep little fingers away from the wheels, it's an ideal choice for both physical education classes and indoor recess activities. 5-12 years
Develops skills:
gross motor skills, coordination, core strength, balance, active play
Why we love it:
Indoor Scooter Board for Active Kids features handles that keep little fingers safe, making it a fun way for kids to build strength and coordination while zooming around indoors.
Transformers Optimus Prime 3D Model Kit
Our Rank:
Transformers Optimus Prime 3D Model Kit is not just a toy; it's an adventure in problem-solving and creativity for our teens and budding builders! With 321 punch-out pieces and no need for glue or tools, this kit encourages focus, patience, and fine motor skills as we assemble this iconic character together. Plus, with LED lights and a sturdy display stand, our completed model will not only look impressive but also inspire pride in our crafting accomplishments. Whether it's a rainy day project or a way to connect with others, this model brings learning to life while celebrating our love for Transformers! 12+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, problem solving, creativity, patience, focus, spatial reasoning, teamwork
Why we love it:
Transformers Optimus Prime 3D Model Kit includes 321 punch-out pieces that turn assembling this iconic character into a hands-on lesson in creativity and engineering fun.
Excellerations Fun Pair-a-Chute Play Set
Our Rank:
Excellerations Fun Pair-a-Chute is the perfect blend of fun and learning for our little ones! This exciting set includes two colorful parachutes and four beanbags, making it an ideal tool to cultivate teamwork, coordination, and cooperative play among young children. It's not just a toy; it's an engaging way to practice aiming and tossing skills too! Whether we're using it during recess or incorporating it into our homeschool curriculum, we love how it transforms outdoor play into powerful learning experiences for ages 3 and up. 3+ years
Develops skills:
teamwork, coordination, aiming, tossing, cooperative play, gross motor skills
Why we love it:
Excellerations Fun Pair-a-Chute Play Set includes two colorful parachutes, making outdoor play an exciting way for our little ones to build teamwork and coordination while having a blast.
Animal Matching Game for Little Learners
Our Rank:
Animals! Matching Game is the perfect way to boost your child's memory skills while having a blast! With colorful illustrations from the beloved artist Bob Barner, each card features delightful images of animals along with their names, making learning both fun and engaging. This game encourages cognitive development as kids work to match pairs, promoting concentration, memory retention, and even language skills. It's perfect for family game nights or as an interactive activity for preschool and kindergarten recess, ensuring that even the littlest learners can join in on the fun! 3-6 years
Develops skills:
memory skills, concentration, language development, problem solving, cognitive development
Why we love it:
Animal Matching Game for Little Learners features colorful illustrations that spark joy while helping kids master memory skills—perfect for family game nights or playful learning adventures!
Scoot, Glide, and Grow Strong!
Our Rank:
hand2mind Red Heavy-Duty Indoor Scooter Board with Handles is the perfect tool for kids to explore their physical abilities while having a blast. As educators and parents, we know how important it is for children to build core strength and coordination, and this scooter board makes it fun! With its durable hard plastic design and safety features, kids can safely scoot around while developing essential gross motor skills. Whether it's for indoor recess, gym class, or occupational therapy, this bright and exciting scooter board offers endless opportunities for learning and play! 5-10 years
Develops skills:
gross motor skills, coordination, balance, core strength, spatial awareness, teamwork
Why we love it:
Scoot, Glide, and Grow Strong! features sturdy handles that let kids zoom around safely while building strength and coordination, turning any space into an active play zone.
Jump Into Fun with EZ Can Steppers!
Our Rank:
Just Jump It EZ Can Steppers are the perfect blend of fun and learning for our little adventurers! These stilts not only transform playtime into an exciting balancing act, but they also promote essential skills like agility, coordination, and balance. With high-quality ropes and slip-resistant grips, our kids can safely jump, clomp, and silly walk their way to better motor skills. As parents and educators, we love how this retro toy encourages outdoor exercise and imaginative play, making it an ideal addition to any recess, backyard, or gym session! 4-8 years
Develops skills:
agility, coordination, balance, gross motor skills, imaginative play, outdoor exploration
Why we love it:
Jump Into Fun with EZ Can Steppers features slip-resistant grips that make mastering balance feel like an exciting race, turning exercise into a playful adventure for our little ones!
Engaging Cosom Scooter Boards for Fun Learning
Our Rank:
Cosom Scooter Board is an incredible tool for promoting active play and essential motor skills in our kids. With its sturdy design and non-marring casters, this board makes sliding games safe and enjoyable while helping our little ones develop strength, coordination, and teamwork. Perfect for physical education classes and recess, it opens the door to countless indoor games like scooter hockey and creative relays that keep children engaged and moving. Designed to last, the connect-a-scooter feature allows us to foster cooperation among peers—making learning through movement a joyful adventure! 3+ years
Develops skills:
gross motor skills, coordination, teamwork, physical fitness, problem solving, social interaction
Why we love it:
Engaging Cosom Scooter Boards for Fun Learning feature sturdy non-marring casters, making sliding games safe and promoting active play that helps kids build strength while having a blast.
Marvel Avengers Stackable Storage Fun
Our Rank:
The Tin Box Marvel Avengers Stack Store and Carry Tin is a delightful way to blend playtime with organization! As parents and educators, we know how important it is to teach kids about tidiness and responsibility, and this colorful, stackable tin makes it an enjoyable experience. With its recessed handle and embossed ridge for easy stacking, children can develop their fine motor skills while learning to keep their space neat and tidy. Perfect for storing toys, art supplies, or even books, this tin not only sparks creativity but also engages young minds in a fun, interactive way. 3+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, organizational skills, responsibility, creativity, imaginative play, spatial awareness
Why we love it:
Marvel Avengers Stackable Storage Fun features a recessed handle for easy carrying, turning tidying up into an epic adventure packed with superhero flair.
Scoot and Glide with Indoor Scooter Boards
Our Rank:
hand2mind Blue Indoor Scooter Board with Handles is an exciting way for kids to develop their core strength and coordination while having a blast indoors! Imagine your little ones zipping around the room, giggling with delight, all while enhancing their gross motor skills. This sturdy, easy-to-clean scooter board is perfect for gym class or indoor recess, and with safety handles for secure steering, parents can feel confident in their child's play. Plus, with options in vibrant colors, it’s not just a learning tool but a fun addition to your child's playtime! 5-12 years
Develops skills:
core strength, coordination, gross motor skills, spatial awareness, imaginative play, risk assessment
Why we love it:
Scoot and Glide with Indoor Scooter Boards features safety handles for secure steering, allowing kids to zoom around while building confidence and strength indoors.
Princess Memory Matching Game Fun
Our Rank:
Princess Matching Game is an enchanting way for our little ones to boost their memory skills while having a blast! With delightful illustrations of lovable princesses, this game is sure to captivate both girls and boys alike. As educators and parents, we know that developing memory and cognitive skills during early childhood is essential, and this game provides a fun-filled opportunity for our young kids to engage their minds while enjoying some quality family time. Perfect for cozy family game nights or lively recess breaks at preschool, this matching game encourages social interaction and healthy competition in a delightful way. 3+ years
Develops skills:
memory skills, cognitive development, social interaction, pattern recognition, critical thinking
Why we love it:
Princess Memory Matching Game features delightful illustrations of lovable princesses, turning memory-building into a fun family activity that even the youngest can enjoy together.
Just Jump It EZ Can Steppers Fun!
Our Rank:
Just Jump It EZ Can Steppers are the perfect way for kids to engage in active play while developing essential skills! These colorful can stilts are not just about fun; they promote balance, coordination, and fine motor skills as children learn to navigate their surroundings with agility. As parents and educators, we know that outdoor play is vital for our children's development, and this reimagined classic encourages them to get moving, be silly, and socialize with friends. Lightweight and easy to use, kids can put them on in a snap, making them ideal for recess, gym time, or backyard adventures. 4-10 years
Develops skills:
balance, coordination, fine motor skills, social skills, outdoor exploration
Why we love it:
Just Jump It EZ Can Steppers are lightweight and easy to use, turning any outdoor space into a fun zone for kids to develop essential movement skills while being delightfully silly.