Summer time, wintertime, and even in the spring, moms hear the words Im bored way too often. When my children tell me theyre bored, I dont have much patience for it. I tell them they cannot be bored if they are using their brains or their imaginations. I really do understand that sometimes it is difficult to come up with something to do (what?!?).
Here is my list of 100 ideas for your children to do by themselves when they are bored.
The list was created for children covering a range of ages, so some ideas may not be appropriate for your child. You can use this list in a variety of ways. Use it to offer suggestions to your children. Make a things to do jar so your children can select an activity when they are bored. Use it to inspire your familys own list of things to do.
Practice cursive handwriting
Write someone a note a friend, a relative, a sibling
Practice something an instrument, a handstand, karate
Play in the backyard
Work on math problems
Read a book
Read to a sibling
Dance
Sing a song
Build a fort with pillows and blankets
Do an art project color, glue, paint!
Do a science experiment (moms - there are great ideas online)
Play ball (outside!)
Run through the sprinklers
Call a friend
Call a relative to say hello
Write to a soldier to say thank you
Write a story
Build something out of Legos
Do a chore
Make your bed
Clean out your drawer
Play a board game
Film a movie
Cook something (with supervision, if necessary)
Help a neighbor
Walk the dog
Feed the reptiles
Make a thank you poster for the local fire or police department
Paint with water. Outside. On a wall.
Go to the park
Read (yes!)
Color with sidewalk chalk
Jump rope
Do something nice for a sibling
Build something with Lincoln Logs, blocks
Use your imagination
Blow bubbles
Decorate your room
Play hide n seek
Plant seeds
Take a nap
Play cards
Make lemonade
Bead a necklace
Make a welcome sign for the front door
Invent a new game
Journal
Listen to music
Dig in the backyard
Build a sandcastle
Do a puppet show
Read (!!)
Ride your bike/scooter/big wheel
Do a dance party
Do a puzzle
Clean the garage (a mom can be hopeful)
Look at family photo albums
Cloud watch what shapes and pictures do you see?
Make a family newspaper
Create a treasure map
Paint a rock
Play restaurant
Make noodle necklaces
Swing
Play with Play-Doh
Play hopscotch
Fly a kite
Practice juggling
Turn a cardboard box into something else
Do a brainteaser puzzle
Take a spray bottle of water outside
Have a water fight
Walk the dog
Play with the dog
Host a tea party
Read
Search for four leaf clovers
Finger knit
Fold laundry
Draw
Pretend youre an astronaut, a doctor, a scientist
Fly a paper airplane
Braid your hair
Run around
Take pictures
Make a duct tape creation
Play with a magnifying glass
Build something with Lincoln logs
Make a mini village
Pull someone in the wagon (or a stuffed animal)
Water the flowers
Finger paint
Look through binoculars
Make your own list of things to do
Read
Go through all your markers & throw away the ones that dont work
Find six toys to donate
Play with magnets
Play soccer
Yes, I realize that read is on this list several times. Reading is important, and I believe it deserves multiple recognitions on a list of things to do. When youre children are bored, its a good time to begin a conversation about what bored really is. Help your children develop the skills to move through boredom on their own. In the meantime, keep this list handy for those moments of boredom.