Learning tools can be fun and educational

 If you want your kids to learn over the summer, be sneaky.   Use an educational tool that's more fun than educational.

Take Crayon Physics.  It requires kids to master certain science skills before moving to the next level.

Even younger kids can get their minds going. Toy Insider mom Laurie Schacht says you can give them Leap Pads and new e-books.

Schacht says, "Their progress is actually assessed as they go through different activities and different games and the books will auto adjust to their level."

If you're worried about too much computer time, check out the Kurio tablet. On it, parents can control access to minutes and can be used on 8 different kids.  

Another tool that's kid-tested is the New Animal Planet Game.  Schact says, "They can watch a 3D version of behavior and habit.  Then, they can go in the library.  They can get all kid of facts about the animal."

You can also take the learning outside.  Look at the green thumb garden set and grow-ems.

Solar energy panels could be a bright idea.  Do you want your child to stay up on history?  Try the Battleship Missouri.

But the game "Suspend" could be the trickiest game of them all.  It requires steady hands and a strategic mind.