“What can we do?” “I’m BORED!” “There’s nothing to do!” When summer vacation begins, these types of comments are almost certain. I’m sure most parents know exactly what I’m talking about. It seems that the kids are always looking for ideas of what they can do to keep themselves entertained and busy once school is out. We’re not big on sitting in the house watching television or playing video games all day. Therefore, we’ve made a list of fun things to do when bored. That list was transferred to sticks and into a cute “I’m Bored” Jar for those days when the kids just can’t seem to think of anything to do.
Bored Jar Ideas
Being bored sometimes breeds the best ideas! It is an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. It’s also a chance to be creative and learn to entertain yourself! The act of making an I’m bored jar will get you thinking. Plus, it’s fun in and of itself!
Craft Supplies:
- die cut shapes
- wooden popsicle sticks
- hot glue and glue gun
- mason jar
- paint pen or permanent marker
How To Make A Bored Jar
Begin by decorating your mason jar using the die cut shapes. You can find many adorable packs at the craft store for around $1. You could cut and print your own as well. The set I picked up had cute summery shapes and lovely sayings.
Next, make a list of fun things to do when bored for the jar. I asked my kids to help come up with the fun activities list because I wanted the I’m Bored Jar to be full of things I know they love. We decided to make four categories and made sure we had ideas for each. I used glue to attach fun cut outs with each category to the outside of the jar.
Our categories for fun things to do when bored:
What Can We Make? This is for crafts, cooking, baking, fort building, making clothing, doing science experiemnts and such.
Quiet Time Activities! This is for reading a book, coloring, drawing, writing in a journal and other activities the kids can do quietly and on their own.
Things We Can Do! This can be individual activities or things we do as a family. Activities like ride your bike, fly a kite, go for a walk, or play sports. And there is so much more.
Family Time! This is for things we love to do as a family like play a board game, make a pinata, have a picnic, play nature bingo, and have a scavenger hunt.
List of fun things to do when bored:
Free time is a blessing. It provides the opportunity to learn a new skill or start creative projects. There are plenty of fun things you can do when you’re bored. Here is a list of things to do when bored to get you started on some ideas:
- Read a Book: Find a book you’ve been meaning to read or explore a new genre.
- Watch a Movie or TV Show: Catch up on your favorite shows or discover something new.
- Exercise: Whether it’s going for a run, doing a home workout, or practicing yoga, physical activity can be both fun and beneficial.
- Learn Something New: Pick up a new hobby or skill. You could try learning a musical instrument, a new language, or taking up painting.
- Cook or Bake: Experiment with new recipes or try your hand at baking something delicious.
- Play Games: Whether it’s video games, board games, card games, or puzzles, gaming can be a great way to pass the time.
- Take a Walk: Go for a stroll in a nearby park or explore your neighborhood.
- Listen to Music or Podcasts: Discover new music or find interesting podcasts on topics that interest you.
- Do a Creative Activity: Draw, paint, write, or engage in any creative activity that interests you.
- Visit a Museum or Art Gallery Online
- Organize and Declutter: Start with a drawer or a closet, then go room by room.
- Plan a Future Trip: Research and plan your dream vacation, even if it’s just a hypothetical one for now.
- Connect with Friends and Family: Reach out to friends or family members for a chat or to plan a get-together.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Practice mindfulness or meditation to relax and clear your mind.
- Volunteer: Try a community garden, senior living home, or animal shelter. So many places to volunteer!
- DIY Projects: Try your hand at do-it-yourself projects, whether it’s crafting, home decor, or simple repairs.
- Photography: Take a walk with your camera or smartphone and capture interesting shots in your surroundings.
- Gardening: If you have outdoor space, try your hand at gardening. Planting flowers or herbs can be rewarding.
- Play a Musical Instrument: Dust off that guitar or piano and play some music.
- Explore Online Courses: Enroll in an online course to learn something new or enhance your existing skills.
Finishing The Fun Ideas Jar
Once you’ve made your list of fun things to do when bored begin writing them on the popsicle sticks using permanent marker or a paint pen.
After all of the sticks have been made attach a die cut shape to the top of each one using hot glue.
Place the kids activities idea sticks into your decorated mason jar and wait for the time to be right. It might not strike next week but you know it’s coming!
Conclusion
When boredom strikes, it can actually be a great opportunity to explore new interests, spark creativity, or simply slow down and recharge. Whether you choose to dive into a hobby, try a DIY project, connect with a friend, or learn something new, there are countless ways to turn idle time into something meaningful or fun. The key is to stay open-minded and curious—you never know what simple activity might bring unexpected joy or inspiration. Creating a “bored jar” can be a fun and interactive way to combat boredom. The goal is to have a variety of options that cater to different moods and interests. What are some fun things to do when bored that you encourage your kids to do when the I’m Bored bug bites?
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Suzanne says
Thank you SO much for sharing this! My kids often say those exact words… “I’m bored!” This post gave me so many fun ideas! I think the best way to beat boredom is to mix things up—one day it might be a trip to the local library, and the next, building an obstacle course in the backyard. I love the idea of doing something that your future self will thank you for, like writing a letter to a family member or checking off something from your bucket list. A relaxing face mask, a peaceful bike ride, or just making a list of your favorite things can really shift your mood. Thanks for the inspiration!
Cheri D says
This is a great idea! I love it! When my son says he is bored I tell him “Ok, I better go to your room and start collecting your toys to give away” I also suggest that he go to his room and take a look in his closet or his bookshelf to find something to do. I’ve been lucky with him! He usually finds something and really doesn’t claim boredom too often. 🙂
Jay says
This list is such a lifesaver for those ‘I’m bored!’ moments. I love how the activities encourage creativity and keep kids engaged without needing screens. It’s great to have so many fun and simple ideas that can spark imagination and even teach a few skills along the way!
Josh says
This post gave me so many fun ideas! I think the best way to beat boredom is to mix things up—one day it might be a trip to the local library, and the next, building an obstacle course in the backyard. I love the idea of doing something that your future self will thank you for, like writing a letter to a family member or checking off something from your bucket list. A relaxing face mask, a peaceful bike ride, or just making a list of your favorite things can really shift your mood. Thanks for the inspiration!
Lillian says
I always look for the perfect way to make good use of my time when I’m feeling bored. Trying out simple magic tricks or tackling productive things—like organizing a drawer or taking time to clean windows—really helps me feel accomplished. I also love finding free things to do that push me out of my comfort zone a little. It’s amazing how even small actions can boost your energy levels and turn a dull day around!
Khushboo says
Loved this list— simple yet super helpful! I always forget how fun a quick craft can be. I recently shared a few mindful digital activities on our blog too— sometimes a little tech can help beat boredom in a productive way!
Space Waves says
What a brilliant and creative idea! The “I’m Bored” Jar is such a fun, hands-on solution to the classic summer dilemma—and I love how it encourages kids to be independent, creative, and active.