The Parent Journal

We Tried 5 Toys to Replace the iPad. Only This Worked.

By Susan Smith

45 year old mother of 3 kids

Updated: 15. September 2026

01For Little Builders

LEGO Classic

Medium Creative Brick Box

Our rating6/10

Build cars, houses, and anything they dream up.

Pros	Cons
Lots of ways to build Storage box included	Small pieces to tidy up Small parts: ages 4+ Hands busy, less whole body movement

Age guide: 4+ · Building

02For Towers And Tiny Towns

Classic 32 Piece Set

Our rating6.5/10

Snap the tiles together to make a little tower.

Pros	Cons
Easy to connect Build something new	Needs space to spread out 32 tiles limit bigger builds Storage bin sold separately

Age guide: 3+ · Building

03For Busy Little Hands

Green Sandbox Set

Our rating5.5/10

Scoop, squeeze, and make shapes in the tray.

Pros	Cons
Busy hands Tray included	Mostly seated play Just one sand color Only 1 lb to share

Age guide: 3+ · Sensory play

04For A First Basket

Easy Score Basketball Set

Our rating7/10

Shoot a basket, then go for another.

Pros	Cons
Gets kids moving Adjustable height	Needs clear floor space 40 lb of sand needed, sold separately Adult assembly required

Age guide: 18 months to 5 years · Active play

05 OUR WINNER

Our Pick For An Active Screen Break

Our rating9.5/10

Punch, watch it bounce, and take turns together.

Pros	Cons
Gets kids moving No screen needed Simple to start Turns “I’m bored” into “Watch this”	Limited Availability

Use on a smooth, flat surface. Adult supervision needed.