1. Unplugged Play: No Batteries, No Plugs, Pure Fun by Bobbi Conner
Ages 1 to 10
With 710 games and activities for toddlers through tweens, this tome is the ultimate guide to analog play. From classics like “Simon Says” and “Duck, Duck, Goose” to more offbeat suggestions for solo and collaborative play, the book is overflowing with ideas for how to have fun as a family. Find it at NYPL or buy it on amazon.

2. Camp Out! The Ultimate Kids’ Guide by Lynn Brunelle
Ages 7 and up
Even though most New Yorkers don't have backyards, we're still big fans of family camping, whether you do it with the Urban Park Rangers or in your own living room. With more than 170 camp-themed activities, this book really helps enhance the experience with games to play, skills to master, projects to collaborate on, recipes to try and tunes to sing. And if you're lucky enough to go camping outdoors, you can try things like identifying animal tracks and making a pizza box solar oven. Find it at NYPL or buy it on amazon.

3. The Big Green Book of the Big Blue Sea by Helaine Becker, illustrated by Willow Dawson
Ages 8 and up
In NYC, we're lucky to live right on the waterfront. So before your next beach trip, pick up a copy of this book, which inspires kids to explore the ocean and its many fascinating inhabitants. Families can learn about ocean currents, underwater volcanoes, whale sounds and more by trying out the book's many activities and experiments, most of which can be performed at home using common household materials. Find it at NYPL or buy it on amazon.

4. I’m a Scientist: Backyard by Lisa Burke
Ages 4 and up
Got a little scientist in your home? Then grab this book and head to your local park or community garden. There are a ton of simple experiments that even preschoolers can try as you investigate roots and shoots, wriggly worms and other natural wonders in the urban jungle. Find it at NYPL or buy it on amazon.
 

5. What Can You Do with an Old Red Shoe?: A Green Activity Book about Reuse by Anna Alter
Ages 4 and up
Fans of Planet Earth (a.k.a. all of us) will love this green activity book, which is filled with fun ways to reuse and recycle. The author shares creative ideas for re-purposing empty tins cans, berry baskets, bits of old crayons, a raggedy tee-shirt and pretty much anything you have lying around your apartment. Find it at NYPL or buy it on amazon.

6. My Favorite Recipes by Annabel Karmel
Ages 7 and up
Cooking with kids is a wonderful way for families to bond and you'll find lots of simple recipes in this easy-to-use stand-up flip book, which features step-by-step color photographs. Kids will love preparing dishes like avocado "frog" dip, baked potato "mice" and especially a cupcake farm—and they'll love eating them, too. Find it at NYPL or buy it on amazon.

7. The Flying Machine Book: Build and Launch 35 Rockets, Gliders, Helicopters, Boomerangs, and More by Bobby Mercer
Ages 9 and up
The title says it all: Learn about the four forces of flight, then make and launch rockets (hand- and rubber-band powered), gliders, helicopters and boomerangs using household materials. With just two strips of paper, a drinking straw, some clear tape and scissors, you’ve got a Red Baron glider. Blast off! Find it at NYPL or buy it on amazon.

8. Über Origami: Every Origami Project Ever! by Duy Nguyen
Ages 5 and up
Immerse yourself in the ancient art form. The book's step-by-step color illustrations outline the basic folds, as well as more complex ones, and there are even some projects that use scissors and glue for the origami-challenged. From traditional paper cranes to more complicated submarines, dinosaurs and unicorns, the paper-folding fun should fill up many hours. Find it at NYPL or buy it on amazon.
 

Read about some of our other favorite children's books.
 

Thanks to The New York Public Library for providing this book list. You can find all of these titles at the library.