From a series about our favorite books for parents.Unbored: The Essential Field Guide to Serious Funis billed as “the guide and activity book every modern kid needs.” It’s a fantastic resource, full of instructions, DIY advice and creative how-to guides designed to spark engagement with the wider world.
The book also goes beyond instruction, presenting activities in the context of history or culture. It includes trivia, lists, and interviews with leading thinkers.
Not all of the activities are strictly educational, or even strictly safe. In that way, “Unbored” has a welcome rebel spirit.
This book seems best suited for 9 - 12 year olds. Many of its activities are a bit advanced for my six year old, though she loves hearing about them. (Browsing the activities make great bedtime reading with younger kids.) Even for older kids, the book encourages grownups to participate.
The book looks and feels fantastic. It has bold typography and illustrations on every page. It's divided into four big sections: You, Home, Society and (my fav) Adventure.
Activities include green chemistry experiments, classic science experiments, kitchen experiments, crafts and upcycling, board game hacking, spycraft, code-cracking, geocaching, skateboard repair, how to yarn bombing, stop-action movie-making and much more.
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Although we become parents, we never truly cease to be children. Sure, we are saddled with profound responsibilities. But we can embrace our inner kid, too.
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