How To Make Playtime More Educational For Your Children

Playtime is one of the most important and natural things for a child to engage in as they grow up. It helps them develop creativity, imagination — and, not to mention, it's just plain fun.

But while playing with dolls, action figures or toy cars will provide hours of fun for kiddos, parents can also promote playtime in ways that can make it even more beneficial for their developing brains and social skills.

Is your child showing an interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning? Is your little one ready to learn some reading and language skills? Well, we've rounded up some toys that will teach children valuable lessons in art, geography, science and much more.

Check out these fun and educational picks to help create a brighter future for our children. The best part? Your kids won't even realize how much knowledge they're gaining.

Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Globe Featuring Bindi Irwin, $107.99

Adventure is at your chid's fingertips with the help of this interactive globe that allows kids to explore the world and discover more than 1,000 fascinating facts about geography, animals and nature. By touching the smart stylus pen to different spots on the globe, they will be able to learn about continents and countries, measure distances and hear cool facts — all voiced by Wildlife Warrior Bindi Irwin.

National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Why, $12.56

"Why?" is often a question parents hear from their little ones. But now, with the "National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Why," parents will be able to satisfy their children's curiosity with fascinating answers to their questions. Using an interactive question-and-answer format, the interesting and playful book delivers lively information, hands-on games, simple recipes, crafts and much more.

Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears! Super Building Toy Set, $37.17

Allow your "little engineers" to develop an early love for STEM learning with Gears — the building blocks that help strengthen their problem-solving skills through fun, interactive play. Bright colors and fun shapes promote creativity, and the versatile pieces will have your kiddos sorting, grouping, counting, designing, constructing and more.

Fansteck Water Doodle Mat, $21.99

Inspire your kids to use their imagination with this mess-free water doodle mat. Kids can freely doodle or use different stencil shapes and drawing manuals to help early learning concepts. It also comes with with more fun accessories such as "magic pens," stamps, a brush pot, a wheel stamp, a drawing booklet and two storage bags.

" I Spy - Everything!", $7.46

This "I Spy" book will provide so much fun for kids, they won't even realize that they're learning! Each page is a new puzzle that focuses on a different letter of the alphabet, helping kids to learn observational skills as well as how to assign certain letters to objects.

Toddler Musical Instruments, $29.99

For the little musician in your life, this colorful instrument set is the perfect toy to inspire them to get moving and grooving. Fifteen types of instruments will allow them to dance to their own beat and give them a little taste of creating their own music and rhythm.

Magformers Basic Set (30 pieces) magnetic building blocks, $31.90

Your child will be able to expand their imagination with these magnetic building blocks. Complete with both square and triangle shapes, the building possibilities are endless with this set of magnetic tiles. Perfect for children ages 3 and up, they ensure connectivity every time you play or build, and come with an idea booklet.

VTech Touch and Learn Activity Desk Deluxe, $53.65

From a learning desk with to an art station with a chalkboard, this deluxe learning station allows for fun discovery. The desk offers engaging content including letters, numbers, music, colors and more. Plus, you can extend play with additional expansion packs (each sold separately) that focus on specific curriculums including math, science, language arts and more.

Creativity For Kids Grow 'N Glow Terrarium Science Kits for Kids, $12.99

Children who have shown an interest in science and nature will just love this terrarium that allows them to craft, plant, water and grow their own tabletop habitat. The kit comes with everything you need for two full plant life cycles, including a plastic mason-style jar, potting mix, organic chia, garden figurines, decorative sand and much more — all you need to add is the water.

Interactive Whack A Frog Game, $29.99

Great for kids ages 2-8, this Whack-A-Frog game can help your child develop fine motor skills and encourage the development of hand-eye coordination as well as attention span. It includes different game modes and a total of 38 different speed changing levels, which increase in difficulty as you progress. The toy will provide hours of fun and is great for playing with a friend, sibling or parent.

LeapFrog LeapStart 3D Interactive Learning System, $37.78

Get your little ones tapping, reading and learning with the LeapStart 3D Learning System. Kids will get excited about learning with 3D-like animations, touch-and-talk activities and more. The LeapStart library includes more than 25 books (each sold separately) with more than 30 activities in each book.

ThinkFun Zingo Bingo, $19.99

Perfect for family game night, this bingo game helps pre-readers and early readers develop critical language and matching skills, while having loads of fun. The game is super easy to understand, and it's also fast-paced and enjoyable for everyone.

All prices and savings listed in this post are as of publication and could change. Patch may earn a commission on products purchased.