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home / Blog / family life / 150 Fun Boredom Busters for Kids to Do This Summer

150 Fun Boredom Busters for Kids to Do This Summer

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June 30, 2024 by Teach Mama 32 Comments

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ā€œI’m bored,ā€ are often two of the most terrifying words heard by parents.   But with a little brainstorming, they don’t have to be.  Instead, you can turn boring into a wonderful time of fun, learning and adventure!

Popsicle sticks with an activity suggestion on each in a pile next to a piece of paper that is stamped with the words fun sticks

Growing up my parents didn’t allow ā€œboredomā€.  Any time I even acted sort of bored they would ā€œfind something for me to do!ā€(some of the most terrifying words to a child!)   As a result, I never developed an aptitude for boredom… at least not that I would admit!  This list has grown out of many of those early boredom busters.  

Saying NO to Boredom and YES to Fun

I love to brainstorm and brainstorming with kids takes it to the next level.  ā€œPlayā€ is their language and their brains are hardwired to process through play and fun.  They are the world’s most natural brainstormers which, of course, makes the prep part as much fun as the doing. 

Popsicle sticks and fun things to do labels

Getting Ready

There are lots of ways to make Boredom Busters.  Let’s start with the easiest.  For that, you will need to print out the Boredom Busters and cut them out.  You’ll notice there are several blank cards for the brilliant ideas you and your kids will come up with.  Add more if there aren’t enough and remove any that aren’t appropriate for your situation. 

Fold or roll them up and put them in a large plastic jar with a lid.  Then whenever boredom raises its ugly head all a child has to do is reach in and draw out a fun activity.  Some kids may want a little more choice so in that case let them draw two or three and choose which they like the best.

Fun stick close-up

Fancier Versions

I recommend using what you have on hand if possible to make an upgraded Boredom Buster. Some things you could use…

  • Popsicle sticks or ping pong balls, or smallish smooth rocks or brightly colored paper
  • Something to put them in like a flowerpot, old coffee cup, canning jar for sticks and a big plastic jar with a lid for pebbles and ping pong balls… you get the idea.  Bonus points if you have a bingo tumbler hanging around your house.
  • Permanent markers (thin line) if you will be writing the activities on something.  If writing out everything is too much you could write numbers 1-150+ on sticks, balls or rocks and then match the number they draw to the activity list
Fun stick jar

FAQ: 

Some of this is too old (or too young) for us.Ā  Now what?Ā  What a great opportunity!Ā  Most of the more challenging activities could be explored with a parent or possibly an older sibling or deleted from the list and replaced with other activities.Ā  As for the easier activities, your child can draw again or do the activity with a younger sibling or just enjoy doing an easier activity.Ā  You may be surprised by what they come up with!

Get The Printable List!

Grab our printable list of all the ideas so that you can quickly print and paste them! Easy!

Here It Is, Friends: The Massive List of 150 Fun Things for Kids to Do

  1. Put together a puzzle
  2. Make a puzzle
  3. Do a word search
  4. Make a treasure map leading to a treasure you’ve made
  5. Cast actors for a movie of your favorite book
  6. Make and fly a paper airplane.  What’s the furthest it can go?
  7. Make a garden in a pot for someone
  8. Put together a purchased model
  9. Make a model of something from things around your house
  10. Read a book
  11. Make a cartoon strip about your favorite joke
  12. Cloud watch and see what crazy things you see in their shapes.
  13. Swing
  14. Play fetch with the dog
  15. Teach your dog a new trick
  16. Make a picnic lunch for your family
  17. Invent a board game
  18. Invent a card game
  19. Decorate envelopes/cards/stationery for yourself or someone else
  20. Write and send a letter/card 
  21. Paint a watercolor picture of something unexpected
  22. Go on an imaginary adventure in your backyard.
  23. Shoot hoops
  24. Play catch with a parent or friend
  25. Make an RC car track/obstacle course
  26. Write a song
  27. Learn a new song on an instrument
  28. Put on a play with others or one where you play ALL the characters
  29. Learn three basic embroidery stitches and decorate something with it (napkin, handkerchief, jeans, t-shirt
  30. Make a banner to celebrate the next holiday
  31. Make a bracelet or necklace
  32. Make cookies
  33. Make a rag doll
  34. Make puppets
  35. Put on a puppet play of an original or favorite story 
  36. Build a Lego town
  37. Build a Lego robot
  38. Watch a movie
  39. Watch a documentary
  40. Do a chore as a surprise that is normally done by someone else
  41. Plant flowers
  42. Plan and start a vegetable garden
  43. Pretend you are going to Mars and make a supply list of all the things you will need/want to take with you.
  44. Watch a NASA or SpaceX launch.  What questions do you have about it?
  45. Design and draw a space suit.  What special features does it have?
  46. Make a tangram puzzle and use it to make pictures for someone else to solve
  47. Make a costume.
  48. Write a funny story
  49. Learn to moonwalk
  50. Make popsicles
  51. Learn a new dance by watching a YouTube video (with parental approval)
  52. Learn to say hello, my name is _______, and what’s your name in as many languages as you can
  53. Vacuum or sweep a room like Mrs. Doubtfire
  54. Put on a fashion show
  55. Play in the sprinklers 
  56. Water the garden, flowerbeds etc
  57. Make a pinch pot with clay, Playdoh, or even plain ol’ mud.
  58. Make garden markers
  59. Start a family cookbook with everyone’s favorite recipes
  60. Adapt a Guess Who game to your friends, classmates or family
  61. Make mini games that fit in a mint tin
  62. Whittle something useful (with prior parent approval/supervision)
  63. Give a kazoo concert
  64. Make a book
  65. Make lemonade
  66. Write and send a thank you card to someone who probably doesn’t get thanked.
  67. Run around the house five times
  68. Play hopscotch
  69. Jump rope
  70. Make a map of your neighborhood
  71. Take 30 digital pictures.  Experiment with lighting, distance, composition, color vs black and white.  Pick out your favorite one.  Get others to pick their favorites.
  72. What can you make out of a cardboard box?
  73. What can you make using a mint tin? A dollhouse, a sewing kit, fishing kit, repair kit, game box or something else?  (Pinterest and Google are great places to get even more ideas)
  74. Learn Morse code
  75. Explore your yard with a pair of binoculars
  76. Make a wind chime out of everyday objects (check before using things that it’s okay)
  77. Draw or paint a picture of your pet (or the pet you wish you had or maybe an imaginary one… dragons, unicorns, talking frog?)
  78. Make a list of one item from each room in your house then write a silly poem, song or story about one of them.
  79. Pretend you are an alien from another planet visiting your Earth friends.  What are some things you are curious about Earth that are different from your world?  
  80. Make garden stepping stones LINK
  81. Make a hot weather treat for your backyard chickens LINK
  82. Water paint LINK
  83. Play Corn Hole alone or with a friend
  84. Play Frisbee with a friend
  85. Paint and decorate a flowerpot (terra cotta works great for this) and then plant something.
  86. Learn to play the harmonica or the kazoo
  87. Watch a how-to video and practice juggling
  88. Make and fly a model rocket (May need supervision and permission to launch)
  89. Read a book or story aloud to a younger child
  90. Build a rubber band airplane, boat or car.
  91. Use a balloon to propel a small car.
  92. See how many different kinds of birds you can spot in your yard
  93. How many trees are in your yard… bonus points if you can name them!
  94. Make a Shrinky Dink charm bracelet LINK
  95. Practice soccer moves
  96. Practice free throws
  97. Play badminton with a friend
  98. Play a dice game 
  99. Make two encoder/decoder devices and send one and a secret message to a friend.
  100. Use scraps of colored paper to make a mosaic picture
  101. Make bookmarks
  102. Make a video of you singing a song
  103. FaceTime with your grandparents
  104. Play with trains
  105. Play house
  106. Help someone learn a new skill that you already know
  107. Make a garden fairy house
  108. Use a stop action app on a phone to do a stop action video with your toys
  109. Look at photo albums/scrapbooks
  110. Play restaurant
  111. Paint your fingernails
  112. Play James Bond card game LINK
  113. Listen to music (maybe try a new kind of music)
  114. Set up a fun course and play miniature golf
  115. Make a quilt for a doll or stuffed animal
  116. Do forward or backward somersaults, cartwheels, or stand on your head
  117. Fly a kite
  118. Weed the garden or flowerbed
  119. Play with bubbles
  120. Play Chicken Foot or Mexican Train
  121. Make a giant bubble wand
  122. Play with PlayDoh or make homemade play dough
  123. Make snowcones with fruit juice or drink mix
  124. Make flower pencils or pens
  125. Tie dye a t-shirt with koolaid or Sharpie markers (get permission first)
  126. Read about an animal
  127. Create a business 
  128. Use your name to create a piece of art
  129. Build the tallest tower you can with blocks
  130. Make an ABC book around a theme
  131. Brush the cat or dog
  132. Play in the bathtub
  133. Take a nap
  134. Finger paint a picture
  135. Play Solitaire
  136. Play chess
  137. Make up a story with Story Cubes
  138. Read about a famous person
  139. Make a flower arrangement
  140. Look at a map and plan a road trip to go somewhere fun
  141. Color
  142. Make an acrostic poem
  143. Play with Magnetic Poetry 
  144. Make a poster
  145. Make a pirate hat
  146. Pretend you’re an astronaut traveling to a new planet
  147. Draw pictures of your emotions
  148. Set the table and make a centerpiece
  149. Make a recording of you singing someone’s favorite song and send it to them
  150. Make a suncatcher with colored tissue paper
  151. Play Jacks or marblesPlay with a yo-yo
  152. Bounce a ball

Other Fun Summer Activities for You and Your Kids

  • Geocaching, a Modern Treasure Hunt
  • Backyard Chickens
  • Getting Kids Excited About Gardening

About the Author

Hi, I’m Patricia, an elementary teacher and reading specialist, turned homeschool mom. I also have a master's in psychology, specializing in children's issues. Read More…

Teach Mama: View My Blog Posts
Previous Post: « Backyard Painting–With Nature
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. crystal@growingajeweledrose says

    March 24, 2012 at 9:48 am

    Love this idea! We could really use a jar of idea sticks this morning šŸ˜‰

    Reply
    • amy says

      March 25, 2012 at 12:55 pm

      Thank you thank you thank you, Crystal!!! Totally appreciate your feedback and please let me know if you have any ideas to add!!

      Reply
  2. Kristin @ Preschool Universe says

    March 24, 2012 at 11:41 am

    I love the idea of having a “bored jar.” I still remember my 4th grade teacher had a poster in her room that said “gifted people are never bored.” They still need some inspiration sometimes, though.

    Reply
    • amy says

      March 25, 2012 at 12:55 pm

      Kristin! I love that–and I agree–sometimes we all need a little inspiration or a kick start, right? Thanks so much for reading, my friend, and huge thanks for writing!!

      Reply
  3. Carolyn Wilhelm says

    March 24, 2012 at 8:17 pm

    Swiffer the floors caught my attention as yes, children love to do that. First graders thought it was an honor to use the hokey (carpet sweeper) on the carpet! Whatever the children think is a good idea is an excellent attitude and is what works. Thanks for the printable and all the ideas and the wonderful explanation! Carolyn

    Reply
    • amy says

      March 25, 2012 at 12:56 pm

      Carolyn! So funny that kids like to do these ‘novelty’ things sometimes, right? I agree–whatever works for the kids and gets them excited. Many thanks for reading–and huge thanks for writing, my friend!!

      Reply
  4. Robin Schick says

    March 25, 2012 at 1:52 pm

    I used a similar idea for when we are on a long trip and need things to do at rest areas. I had a show box packed under the seat, that had all of the supplies for activities, like bubbles, chalk, helicopter, gliders, jump ropes etc. I then made sticks with each rest area safe activitiy and the boys took turns pulling a stick when we stopped. Then we would pull out the supplies and take a little break from traveling. This was great for getting the wiggles out of kids and it also controlled the fighting over what to do while we were at the rest areas. I stored the sticks in the glovebox in a baggie. Worked great!

    Reply
    • amy says

      April 15, 2012 at 9:50 am

      Robin–SO, so, so smart!! I LOVE that idea!! What a super-smart one, especially for long trips. Totally going to do the same!! Thanks, friend!

      Reply
  5. Rita says

    March 27, 2012 at 11:47 pm

    Thank you for posting this idea. Our children need to know all the things they CAN do. I am sure Owen was amazed at the list which is probably growing. I will share this with many.

    Reply
    • amy says

      March 28, 2012 at 7:58 am

      thanks so much, Rita!! totally appreciate you reading–and taking the time to write!!

      Reply
  6. julie says

    March 30, 2012 at 10:08 pm

    Fantastic!!! This is SO perfect–need lots of ideas to have ready when baby number three arrives in a few weeks. We have an “I’m bored” jar that we made a few years ago–desperately needs updating and this is going to be just what we needed. Thank you, thank you thank you! So kind of you to share all your ideas! Can’t wait to spend more time exploring your blog. Really excited!

    Reply
    • amy says

      March 30, 2012 at 10:49 pm

      Julie–Congratulations on baby #3 and thank YOU for reading and taking the time to write–cannot tell you how much it means to me!!! Best to you, my friend!

      Reply
  7. sarah says

    July 18, 2012 at 12:08 pm

    Thanks a ton. I love the idea and LOVE that they are already in label format. We have labels, sticks and tape. Thanks a TON!

    Reply
    • amy says

      July 18, 2012 at 5:55 pm

      super!! please do let me know how it goes for you, Sarah!!

      Reply
  8. Jessica W says

    October 30, 2012 at 6:30 am

    WOW this website is really good/cool and really creative what is the girl called who made thiswebsit just so I can speak to her in person and tell her how pleasured I am to read her loovely ideas for board kids.

    Reply
  9. Jessica W says

    October 30, 2012 at 6:35 am

    Sorry about my spelling mistakes I think I might of rewind your website I’m so verry sorry I hope you forgive me šŸ™‚ x

    Reply
  10. Jessica W says

    October 30, 2012 at 6:41 am

    šŸ™‚ šŸ˜‰

    Reply
  11. Kelly @ IdealistMom.com says

    June 14, 2013 at 12:00 pm

    What an awesome list! I made a bored jar earlier this year, and my 5-year-old is loving it. I just got a whole TON of more ideas for it from this post, thank you! Pinning it now. šŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Teach Mama says

      June 14, 2013 at 3:35 pm

      thank you thank you, Kelly!! totally appreciate it!

      Reply
  12. Theres Just One Mommy says

    February 28, 2015 at 8:04 pm

    I love this idea! We are just starting to do the “I’m bored…” thing around here. Going to make some of these and nip it in the bud early!

    Reply
    • Teach Mama says

      March 2, 2015 at 2:16 pm

      thanks so much, my friend! let me know how it goes!!

      Reply
  13. Colleen says

    May 18, 2016 at 7:46 am

    This is a really great idea, thanks for sharing!

    Reply

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Hi, I’m Patricia, an elementary teacher and reading specialist, turned homeschool mom.

After our three kids graduated high school, I went back to school to become a marriage and family therapist who has specialized in children’s issues.

I love helping families find all the fun and deep learning possible for their children.

I’m so glad you’re here on Teach Mama and I look forward to helping you on your journey!

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