I'm trying to keep my kids active, off the couch, and away from TV and video games this summer. I couldn't be happier when Uncle Milton sent us some Explorer Academy toys to check out. They're perfect for outdoor fun and daytime adventures!

Uncle Milton and National Geographic have teamed up to develop this incredible new line of toys for outdoor  play. My kids loved the toys we tried this week. They would much rather be exploring and poking around in nature rather than be indoors and in front of a screen.

The All-Terrain Nature Collector (photo left) is great for kids who love bugs and critters. Mine do! We attached the domes to the end of the claw-like toy and went searching for critters we could safely catch and closely observe before letting them go. We looked for ladybugs and beetles in our yard one day, and another time we took the Nature Collector to the beach and grasped tiny sand fleas and baby crabs. It was fascinating for the kids to investigate their catches so closely in such a safe way (for the kids AND the critters!).

With the 4-in-1 Navigational Tool, young explorers get four tools in one that are all completely functional and we'll use on future hikes and geocache adventures. It's been educational for my oldest to demonstrate for my youngest as he learns directional information, as well as wilderness safety.

Earth Tag is an especially interactive toy that is an action game of discovery. Better than any video game, this live action gadget is a cool slingshot with three yellow Earth balls. In no time, my kids got really good at aiming for a target (trees or the swingset) and launching a ball. For a while, they kept score of who tagged the structure they were aiming for. This toy is recommended for ages 8 and up. My 6-year-old struggled more initially as he tried to have the strength and coordination to launch the balls. He eventually got the hang of it and is having a 'ball'!


Each product comes with an Explorer Activity Guide with suggestions for ways to use the tool and games you can play. Your kids are sure to be inspired to get outdoors and conjure up their own expeditions.

Uncle Milton has also created a National Geographic Explorer’s Academy website at www.natgeoacademy.com which includes ideas for outdoor explorations, educational materials from National Geographic, and more information on the Outdoor Explorer line of toys.  You can also find these toys at Amazon.com, Toys ‘R Us and many other retailers.

Uncle Milton is a proud supporter of Macaroni Kid.