Every parent knows how challenging it can be to find toys that are both educational and entertaining. I don’t mind letting the kids watch movies or play video games within reason, but I’d much rather they do something constructive with their free time. Getting them to agree, however, isn’t so easy! (Yes, mine are picky and love to complain…) We’ve tried flash cards, art projects, science projects, etc. Some of these have captured their attention while others have been a total disaster. Still, I keep searching.
Recently, I saw something on Shark Tank that seemed perfect: Surprise Ride. This is a monthly subscription service for kids ages 6-11. Rides are theme-based and cover a wide variety of subjects. Each monthly package can be personalized in the child’s name and includes:
- All the supplies needed to complete two projects that explore the month’s theme.
- A book, a snack, and other fun surprises to go along with the ride.
- Instructional booklet with lessons on the theme, interesting facts, and ways to continue the exploration.
Surprise Ride generously offered to let us review the Snail Adventure. It certainly lived up to the company motto: “Life is full of surprises…enjoy the ride!” Check out all of these amazing goodies packed inside!
- Snail Slime kit (spoon, cup, powder)
- Snail Mail Stamps kit (scissors, paper, ink)
- The End of the Beginning book
- Quinoa chips
- Snail Mail Stamped Postcard & Greeting Card
- Prank Slug
- Snail Pullback Racer
It was a lot of fun for the kids just to unwrap the box and discover the treasures! They were super-excited over the contents and I was excited the directions for the two projects—creating snail slime and snail mail stamps—were clear and easy to follow. (Am I the only one that simply can’t deal with overly-complicated kids’ toys?!)
As I read the info card that explained what snails are, why they’re such slow pokes, why they produce slime, and why snails shouldn’t be regarded as pests, they listened and played. Just as I predicted, they loved the slime the most.
Our first ride was so enjoyable, they can’t wait to try another. The only problem is getting them to agree on a theme. Right now, it’s a choice between dragons or rockets, but that could change anytime.
Surprise Ride would be excellent as a gift for any child, especially homeschoolers. The kits are a great value for the money and provide a fun family experience.
