Thank goodness a shipment of K’NEX came this past week. We are trying to cut back on screens for Screen Free Week and my biggest challenge is my 8-year-old son who likes to simultaneously play video games on the computer while watching TV and eating a snack. I need more screen-free week ideas!
I met Kate from K’NEX at BlogHer12 and am thrilled to be part of their blogger ambassador program. The first box of K’NEX toys arrived and I called my son off the multi-screens. He came reluctantly but then his eyes lit up when he saw the goodies.
The first thing he went for was the little packages of Mario Brothers figures. He didn’t touch the Star Wars packages so I am giving those away. He’s not a Star Wars fan (yet…)!
The Mario Brothers are perfect for keeping in a ziplock bag in my purse and pulling out at restaurants. These toys and the “What’s Changed?” game should help keep him off screens.
The three pieces snap together easily…
And the different Mario character pieces are interchangeable!
Assembling the Mario guys took a few minutes, so my son picked a robot K’NEX kit next. He worked happily for one and a half hours, carefully following the instructions to built it exactly as specified.
If he broke a piece or lost a piece (and that happened a few times), he used another kit to fill in.
Once the robot was built, my son said it took him a half-hour to figure out how to make the motor work … but it was well worth it!
He even got Mario involved!
Do your kids like following the directions for building kits? My son does. He is pretty methodical about building the kit exactly as specified the first time around, but once it’s complete and taken apart, the real creativity begins.
K’NEX Men Figurine Giveaway
Please fill out the Rafflecopter below to win these three K’NEXMEN figurines.
I’m also impressed that K’NEX is the last large toy manufacturer to still produce entirely in the United States.
What toys are your kids using to stay off screens? Please share! Especially the building kinds of toys! Thanks so much!
This is not a sponsored post. All my opinions are my own. I received a box of K’NEX toys as part of their blogger ambassador program and my son is finally supportive of my blog because he loves these toys. I was thrilled that it kept him off screens.
p.s. More ideas to keep kids off screens:
Screen-Free Fun: 400 Activities for the Whole Family by Shannon Philpott-Sanders
A manual packed with ideas to keep kids of all ages off screens including DIY projects, outdoor adventures, and easy day trips. [parenting book]
To examine any of the items listed, please click on image of item. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
BEST #OWNVOICES CHILDREN’S BOOKS: My Favorite Diversity Books for Kids Ages 1-12 is a book that I created to highlight books written by authors who share the same marginalized identity as the characters in their books.
We’re doing art projects! And playing outside- the weather has been amazing here, and I think without the help of Mother Nature it would be much harder to stop the screen madness.
Hi Jeanette,
I like you new photo and blog home page for It’s All So Funny! My, you’ve been busy lately!! Glad to know you are doing lots of art projects instead of screen time. I love reading about them on Artchoo!
My kids are onto logic strategy games. Games by thinkfun and smartgames in particular. Also we have a lot of blocks…bringing them all out and letting them create anything they want!
Hi Nadine,
Thanks for the great game recs. I need to get a few more!
I love to play with blocks of all kind
Hi Livivua,
Blocks are great! Do you have a favorite kind?
My grandkids seem to prefer the large size plastic block toys right now, as they are still young.
Hi Barbara,
Do they like the plastic blocks that stick together like a lego? My kids liked Mega Blocks when they were small too.
My son is my big builder, and he is obsessed with Legos as well as a new toy called Bionic Blox that I’ll be running a giveaway for this Friday! He hasn’t played with K’NEX (yet), but I know he would LOVE the Star Wars figures!
Hi MaryAnne,
We are using the Bionic Blox too! My sons likes them a lot but needs help taking them apart. I’m sure he will love K’NEX Men too!
My youngest loves to build dinosaurs, planes, and whatever her imaginative heart desires!
Hi Monise,
Sounds like she is able to self entertain really well! Good for you! I think building is so great for creativity!
My daughter loves to play with Legos!
Hi Austin,
You are entered to win. Legos are great! My son loves them too! It’s funny but I never could get my girls to play with legos though.
Oh my goodness, a whole week without screens! I don’t know if we would manage that in this house. I don’t lead by very good example since I’m so often working on a computer 🙂
Hi Elle,
We can’t accomplish that either! I’m just trying to cut back their time. I think learning to manage their time for screen time and homework/extra curriculars is the important outcome.
Legos any time for my boys.
Hi Viren,
Legos are great!
We love the K’NEX we won from you! I didn’t realize they were made here, I love them even more now! Books are a favorite screen free activity and drawing and coloring and Legos, actually playing with toys in general!
Hi Ann,
Glad you are enjoying the K’NEX! Sounds like your kids can go screen free without too much of a fuss!