80+ Fun & Amazing Things To Do When Kids Are Bored

Are your kids home on break from school and you are running out of activities to keep them from getting bored? Don’t worry, we’re here to save the day with over 80 fun and exciting activities your kids can do when they say “I’m bored!!”

fun activities to do when your kids are bored

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As a SAHWM of four young children, I am constantly trying to find fun activities to keep them busy and from becoming bored kids. 

While I love individual play, and use it often when my kids are home during summer break, I need more activities to fill the full day when my kids are home. 

Related Post: How to survive Summer as a SAHM

Related Post: 100+ FUN Summer activities for kids

You may also like 10 BEST Backyard Outdoor Toys & Games for Big Kids.

This perfect list has many creative activities that will entertain kids of all ages when they are home during fall break, winter break or spring break.

In this blog post about things to do when your kids are bored, we’ll cover:

  • Ideas for Active kids
  • Ideas for Creative kids
  • Family Ideas
  • Cooking Ideas

Ideas For Active Kids Who Are Bored

1. Create an obstacle course

Build a challenging obstacle course in your backyard, using items like cones, hula hoops, and pool noodles.

2. Go on a scavenger hunt

Create a list of things to find around your house or neighborhood, and see who can find them all the fastest.

3. Build a fort

Gather blankets, pillows, and chairs to create an epic fort in the living room, and then spend the day lounging inside.

4. Go on a nature walk

Take a walk around your neighborhood or local park and try to identify different plants and animals.

5. Have a dance party

Put on some music, clear the furniture from the living room, and have a fun dance party with your kids.

6. Go on a bike ride

Going on a bike ride is a great way to get some fresh air, exercise, and explore new places. Take your family on a new trail or park and talk about the sights you see. Don’t forget to bring water and snacks!

7. Favorite Song and Music

Kids love music, so play their favorite songs and have them sing along. This activity can also double up as a mini dance party where the kids let loose and have fun.

8. Play Hide & Go Seek

An old but fun game that kids love. It helps develop critical thinking, strategizing, and teamwork skills.

9. Outdoor Activities

Spending time outdoors can be a fantastic way to entertain your kids and keep them busy. Activities such as hopscotch, cycling, and frisbee are excellent options.

fun outdoor activities when kids are bored

10. Hula Hoop

A simple Hula Hoop can provide hours of entertainment for kids. Your child can learn a new skill while staying active, and it’s also a great way to improve hand-eye coordination.

11. Nature Walk

Take a nature walk with your kids and marvel at the beauty of the world around us. You can teach them about different plants, animals, and insects, and it’s a great way to get them moving and spending time outdoors.

12. Bird Watching

Not only is bird watching entertaining, but it’s also a great way for kids to learn about different bird species and their habitats.

13. Sports

Playing different sports such as soccer, football, baseball or basketball helps kids stay active while providing hours of entertainment. Encourage them to play with friends, siblings, or parents.

14. Go on a treasure hunt

This classic game is always a fun way to keep kids active and engaged, as they follow clues and search for hidden treasures. Not only is it a great way to beat boredom, but it’s also a fantastic opportunity to get the whole family involved in a fun and exciting adventure.

15. Play with a Pet

If you have a pet, encourage your child to spend some quality time with them. Playing with pets not only combats boredom but also strengthens the bond between the child and their furry friend.

16. Go for a Walk

Going for a walk is a great way to get some fresh air and stretch your legs. Take a stroll with your kids and explore your neighborhood or local park. You can even make it more exciting by turning it into a scavenger hunt or a nature walk.

17. Play Dress Up

Playing dress up is a fun activity that allows kids to use their imagination and creativity. They can dress up as their favorite character or create their own. You can even turn it into a fashion show or a performance.

fun & entertaining outside activities for kids, like flying a kite

18. Fly a Kite

Flying a kite is a simple but entertaining activity that kids of all ages can enjoy. You can make your own kite or purchase one from a toy store. Head to a nearby park or field, and watch your child’s face light up as they send their kite soaring high in the sky.

19. Go Fishing

Fishing is a great activity for kids to learn patience and persistence. Grab some fishing gear and head to a nearby pond or lake. Spend the day enjoying nature and trying to catch some fish.

20. Organize or Clean Your Room

Organizing or cleaning their room may not sound like a fun activity for your child, but it can be. Turn it into a game by challenging them to find creative ways to organize their toys or see who can clean their room the fastest.

21. Wash the car  

Not only is this a fun activity, but it is also a great way to get work done. Your kids will love playing with bubbles and water. Plus, the end result is a shiny, clean car!

22. Yoga or Fitness Class  

Get everyone moving with a yoga or fitness class. You can even turn it into a fun competition to see who can do the most push-ups or hold a yoga pose the longest.

23. Play with Chalk Outside 

Let your kids get creative with sidewalk chalk. They can draw hopscotch, create art, or write inspiring messages on your driveway.

24. Put on a Play  

Encourage your kids to create and put on their own play. Let them use their imagination and act out their favorite stories or characters.

25. Play Keep It Up  

Get a balloon and challenge your kids to see who can keep it up the longest without it touching the ground.

DIY crafts are great things that kids can do to keep themselves busy and having fun during break and time at home

Ideas For Creative Kids Who Are Bored

26. Make homemade slime

Mix glue, water, and borax to create your own slime, then add food coloring and glitter for a fun touch.

27. Put on a talent show

Let your kids show off their skills with a fun talent show, complete with costumes and props.

28. Make a time capsule

Fill a container with items that represent your family and the current time, like pictures and newspapers, and bury it for future generations to find.

29. Paint with watercolors

Set up a paint station with watercolors and paper, and let your kids explore their creativity.

30. Do a science experiment

Search online for fun and easy science experiments to do at home, like creating a volcano or making a tornado in a bottle. Here are 67 easy science experiments kids can do at home.

31. Make a bird feeder

Use household items like empty bottles and cardboard tubes to create a bird feeder and attract birds to your yard.

32. Write a story

Have your kids use their imagination to write a creative story, and then read it out loud together.

33. Create a photo album

Spend the day going through old photos and putting together a photo album or scrapbook.

34. Sock puppets

All you need for this is old socks, buttons, yarn, and glue. Encourage your kids to use their imagination and create their own handmade puppets. After they are done crafting, put on a puppet show and have a good laugh together.

35. Magic tricks

Keep your kids entertained for hours by teaching them magic tricks. Not only is it fun, but it also helps to enhance their movement skills, dexterity, and confidence.

My kids love magic tricks, and recently we got my oldest this magic kit for Christmas and he loves it. We may have a future magician on our hands.

36. Vision board

Give your kids a sense of direction in life by creating a vision board. With this fun activity, your child can explore their passions, interests, and motivation by creating a visual board full of all the things they want to achieve in life.

37. Give them toilet paper

Younger children will be entertained for hours building forts and mazes to creating paper airplanes and pom-poms.

38. Coloring book

Coloring books are a great way to encourage creativity and imagination in kids. Set up a coloring station and allow your kids to color to their heart’s desire. You can also sit down and join in on the fun.

39. Card Games

One of the best ways to keep your kids occupied and entertained is by playing various card games with them. There are many card games that are easy to learn and play like Go Fish, Old Maid, and Crazy Eights. 

40. Musical Instrument

Introducing your child to a musical instrument is an excellent way to keep them entertained while encouraging them to develop a new skill. You don’t have to buy an instrument for your child. Many reputable music schools offer music lessons for kids.

puzzles are fun when kids are bored

41. Jigsaw Puzzle

Puzzles are a fun way to challenge your child’s mind and provide hours of entertainment. Not only do they help improve cognitive skills, but they also help with problem-solving.

42. Pretend Play

Kids have an active imagination, and they enjoy pretending to be different characters. Encourage them to play dress-up and use their imagination to create fun scenarios.

43. Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard boxes can provide endless entertainment for your kids. They can make forts, houses, castles, and spaceships out of them. Kids love coloring on cardboard boxes.

44. Masking tape

Masking tape can be used for various activities, from making hopscotch squares on the floor to creating a maze around the house.

45. Old Magazines

Let your kids make a collage using old magazines. Get a few pairs of safety scissors and glue sticks, and let their imagination run wild.

46. Shaving Cream

Shaving cream can be an excellent tool for sensory play. Buy a few bottles, and let your kids explore and play. They can write on walls and windows, make designs, and even make new colors.

47. Book Club

A book club is not only entertaining for your kids but also helps with reading and comprehension skills. You can pick a new book every week, read it together, and discuss it.

48. Tea Party

Hosting a tea party for your kids and their friends can be a fun activity. They can dress up, enjoy some treats, and have fun socializing.

49. Art Projects

Art projects can be a fun way for kids to get creative and express themselves. Get some paint, markers, and paper, and let them create their masterpieces.

50. Paint by Stickers

My kids love the paint by sticker books. There are many to choose from, varying in age appropriateness, and are perfect at keeping younger kids busy for hours. 

painting rocks is a fun activitiy for kids

51. Paint Rocks

Why not try painting rocks? This exciting activity allows for endless creativity as your kids can paint a variety of designs and patterns on the rocks. In the end, they can display their masterpieces and feel proud of what they have accomplished. The best part? You don’t need any fancy materials to get started – just some paint, brushes, and naturally occurring rocks.

52. Build a fairy garden

One of the most enchanting ideas is creating a stunning fairy garden. With a little imagination, your children can craft a tiny, whimsical world filled with miniature flowers, tiny animals, and maybe even a magical fairy or two! Creating a fairy garden is not only a great way to pass the time, but it also encourages creativity and imagination in children.

53. Listen to an Audiobook

Audiobooks are a great way to entertain your kids while also improving their literacy skills. You can borrow audiobooks from your local library or purchase them from online retailers like Audible. Choose a story that interests your child, and sit back and relax as they immerse themselves in a new adventure.

54. Legos

Legos are a classic toy that has kept kids entertained for generations. Challenge your child to build a tower, a spaceship, or a city with their Legos. Not only will this keep them occupied, but it also helps develop their fine motor skills and creativity.

55. Sew

Sewing is a fantastic skill to introduce to your child. They can start with simple projects like sewing a button onto a shirt or a patch onto a backpack. As they improve, they can move on to more complicated projects like pillowcases or tote bags.

56. Write a Song

If your child is musically inclined, encourage them to write a song. You can even help them record it on your phone or computer. Not only is this an entertaining activity, but it also helps develop their creativity and self-expression.

57. Make a Comic

Encourage your child to create their own comic book complete with superheroes, villains, and a storyline. They can use pictures they draw themselves or find online. This project helps develop their writing and drawing skills and gives them a sense of accomplishment.

58. Make a Flipbook

A flipbook is a fun activity that combines drawing and storytelling. All you need are some sheets of paper and a pen. Your child can draw a series of pictures that tell a story, and then flip through the pages to bring their creation to life.

59. Learn a New Language

Learning a new language is an incredibly beneficial activity for children. It not only makes them more culturally aware but also improves their problem-solving and memory skills. There are many language-learning apps and websites available, such as Duolingo, that make it easy and engaging for kids to learn.

60. Make Friendship Bracelets  

Teach your kids how to make friendship bracelets. They’ll love creating new patterns and designs for their friends.

61. Paper Airplanes  

Who can make the airplane fly the furthest? This classic childhood game is always fun and exciting.

62. Play with STEM Toys  

Encourage your kids to play with STEM toys that teach them important lessons while still having fun.

63. Make a Time Capsule

Making a time capsule is a fun and engaging way for your child to preserve memories. Gather some important items to your child, such as a photo, a drawing, or a trinket, and put them in a container. Bury it in the backyard, hide it in a closet, and open it together in a few years.

64. Play-Doh 

Who doesn’t love playing with Play-Doh? It’s a great way for kids to get creative and make all kinds of designs.

65. Toothpick Tower 

Give your kids a bunch of toothpicks and mini marshmallows, and challenge them to build the tallest tower they can.

66. Do Puzzles 

Work on puzzles as a family. It’s a great way to bond and teach kids patience.

67. “When I Grow Up” Vision Board 

Have your kids create a vision board of their future aspirations. This will encourage them to think about their future, and it’s even better if they glue pictures and magazine clippings on a board.

68. Boredom Jar 

Create a boredom jar with a bunch of activities for your kids to choose from when they’re feeling bored.

Family Ideas For When Your Kids Are Home On Break

69. Have a movie marathon 

Choose a few of your favorite family-friendly films and spend the day snuggled up on the couch with popcorn and snacks.

70. Something for the entire family 

Plan and enjoy an activity as a family, like a day trip, movie night, or game night. Take the whole family bowling, miniature golf, or to the movie theater. Spending time together as a family is crucial to building bonds and memories, so make sure you prioritize family time.

71. Have a board game tournament 

Set up a board game tournament with a variety of games, and see who comes out on top.

72. Host a game show 

Create your own game show at home, complete with a buzzer and prizes, and see who can answer the questions the fastest.

family games

73. Family Game Night

Board games are a classic activity that all generations can enjoy and can be played indoors or outdoors. They are perfect for family bonding and can be educational, too. Find age-appropriate games for your kids and make a game night tradition.

74. Allow some screen time

Although too much screen time can be a bad thing, there are ways to make it educational and fun. Look for interactive video games and apps that develop skills like problem-solving or motor skills, which can be played alone or with another family member.

75. Bowling Alley 

Bowling is a fun indoor activity that your kids will enjoy. It is a great way to bond with your kids while providing them with hours of entertainment.

Cooking Ideas For When Your Kids Are Bored 

76. Bake cookies

Whip up a batch of your favorite cookies from scratch, and let your kids help with measuring and mixing.

77. Make homemade ice cream

Mix cream, sugar, and any flavoring you’d like in a plastic bag, then put it in a larger bag with ice and salt and shake it until it turns into delicious ice cream!

78. Have a picnic

Pack a basket with sandwiches, fruit, and snacks, and head to a nearby park for a picnic lunch.

79. Make your own pizza

Buy pre-made pizza crusts and let your kids choose their own toppings for a fun and delicious dinner.

80. Ice cream

When it gets too hot to play outside, take your family on a trip to the nearest ice cream parlor. Cooling off over some chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream will undoubtedly put smiles on everyone’s faces.

play outside and enjoy the beautiful weather

Now You Have a List Of Things To Do When Your Kids Are Bored

Now that you have over 80+ fun and amazing things to do when your kids are bored, you will never have to worry about them being bored again! Whether you’re looking for indoor or outdoor activities, creative or educational, this list has got you covered. 

Looking to entertain a large group of kids? Check out these youth indoor activities.

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What are your favorite things to do with your kids when they’re bored? Share your ideas in the comments below!

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