The Children’s Museum at Saratoga has a backpack full of ideas to help prevent children from being bored.

Now that summer break is officially here, parents face the challenge of keeping kids entertained and engaged and that doesn’t mean parking them in front of a screen.

“Now that they’re not in school learning every day, they’re still learning and absorbing things – everything they do,” said Sarah Smith, executive director at the Children’s Museum at Saratoga. “You as a caregiver, as a parent, as a grandparent, you’re their teacher here during the summer.”

There are different types of backpacks. There is a bird-themed backpack with a book about different bird songs. There is also a field notebook, so children can write down what they observe and a bird call.

Another water-themed backpack has a kit that allows children to test the water for acidity, nitrogen levels.

There are also books about animals and even one with a compass that can teach people about navigation.

“It’s a way for kids and parents to work together. Have fun and learn. At the same time, kids want to engage in a hands-on way with nature,” Smith said.

The backpacks are also available at your local library and if they do not have one, reach out to the museum.