Fun Activity Books for Long Summer Afternoons

Summer holidays are the perfect time for children to relax, explore and enjoy new experiences. With long afternoons stretching ahead, parents often look for ways to keep their little ones engaged, entertained and learning — without relying too much on screens. This is where fun activity books come in! They combine creativity, learning and play all in one, making them the ideal companions for summer days.

Whether it’s a sunny afternoon in the park or a quiet time indoors, activity books help children develop essential skills while having a great time. From solving puzzles and colouring to exploring exciting stories, these books are full of surprises that spark imagination and curiosity.

Among the many options available today, one series that truly stands out is Offshoot’s “The (W)hole Series.” With real cut-out shapes and interactive content, this set of three books offers a unique and delightful experience for children. Perfectly designed for curious minds and busy hands, this series turns reading into a hands-on adventure. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these activity books for kids so special.

What Makes “The (W)hole Series” So Unique?

What catches the eye first about this series is the playful use of real holes in each book, shaped like a circle, a square or a line. These aren’t just for fun; each hole is cleverly woven into the story and the activities, making the reading experience more interactive and enjoyable. These children’s activity books go beyond ordinary storytelling — they invite children to touch, see and participate on every page.

“The (W)hole Series” includes three beautifully illustrated books: 

⭕ Circled!
➖ Lined!
🟫 Squared! 

Each book introduces children to a lovable character and a thrilling journey that mixes facts, fun and activities. Perfect for ages 8-11, these kids’ activity books are ideal for keeping children engaged on lazy summer days.

Circled! – Join Willy the Bookworm

In “Circled!,” children meet Willy the bookworm, a cheerful and curious character who welcomes young readers on the very first page. Willy takes them on a lively adventure through colourful pages filled with fun activity book elements like puzzles, games and interesting facts.

The circle-shaped hole in the middle of each page becomes a fun part of the story. As children follow Willy, they learn about stars, animals and the world around them. The bright illustrations and easy-to-read text keep them turning the pages, eager to see what comes next.

Willy’s adventure is not just entertaining, it’s educational too. Children practise counting, learn new words and improve their observation skills — all while having fun. Circled! is one of the best summer books for kids looking for playful learning.

Lined! – Go on an Adventure With Greg

“Lined!” introduces children to Greg the giraffe, his best friend, Piper the penguin and many other characters. Together, they set off on a safari through the African wilderness. The book features a line-shaped hole that runs across the pages, adding a fun element.

This book is packed with exciting facts about animals, landscapes and traditions. Children get to travel alongside Greg, learning while solving puzzles, colouring and learning in a fun way. It’s a journey full of wonder and discovery.

Lined! is a brilliant example of how learning books can be both educational and thrilling. With every turn of the page, children not only explore the wilds of Africa but also build fine motor skills and boost their creativity. This book makes wildlife fun — no textbooks needed!

Squared! – Fly Across the World with Ann the Arctic Tern

In “Squared!,” we meet Ann the Arctic tern, a small bird with a big mission. Every year, Ann migrates from Greenland to Antarctica, flying thousands of kilometres across the globe. Children join her on this incredible journey, flying over different countries, oceans and continents.

With a square-shaped hole that appears on every page, Ann’s story comes to life in clever ways. Children learn about different creatures, places and food, all while doing activities like colouring, crafting and answering fun quiz questions.

With simple language, colourful illustrations and engaging tasks, “Squared!” turns complex learning into an enjoyable experience. It’s the kind of activity book that makes kids want to read and learn more.

Why Choose “The (W)hole Series” This Summer?

Summer is the perfect time to take a break from regular school routines but that doesn’t mean learning has to stop. In fact, it’s the best time to introduce kids’ activity books that inspire and educate in fun ways.

Here’s why “The (W)hole Series” is a great pick for this summer:

✅ Interactive Design: The real holes in each book make reading more engaging. Children can touch, see and interact with the pages in a new way.
✅ Imaginative Storytelling: Each book has a lovable character and a fascinating journey that sparks imagination.
✅ Learning Through Play: Children absorb facts about nature, geography and animals without even realising they are learning.
✅ Skill Development: The books promote reading, problem-solving, motor skills and creativity — all essential for young minds.
✅ Portable and Mess-Free: Perfect for travel or quiet time, these children’s activity books require no screens or batteries. Just open and go!
✅ Perfect for Ages 8-11: These books are designed for young learners who like to read and explore independently.

Conclusion

As parents, we want the best for our children, especially when it comes to their development and happiness. With so many options out there, it’s important to choose activity books for kids that not only entertain but also enrich. Offshoot’s “The (W)hole Series” does just that. It brings together the joy of reading, the excitement of discovery and the fun of hands-on activities in one delightful package. Whether your child is fascinated by animals, curious about the world or just loves a good adventure, this series will keep them happily busy all summer long.