It can be such a struggle to entertain kids, especially when you are so exhausted yourself. Coming up with fun and creative ideas to keep busy may seem overwhelming, but there are so many things you can do!
While it is great to play with your kids, sometimes, you just need them to play by themselves. Our list outlines things to do together as well as things kids can do alone. This way, you can choose something based on your own energy level and still help keep your kids from getting too bored.
Give Them Some Legos
Lego bricks are a great way to bust boredom. There are so many options for kids to choose from, and you can pretty much set them free to build what they want while you relax. If you're up for playing with them, at least you'll be able to sit down.
Bake Something Together
Making a treat together is another way to chase away boredom. If you aren't up for anything too involved, pick something simple that still involves stirring. This way, the kids can still feel like they really did something. Then you can all enjoy it together.
Get Outside
Fresh air does wonders for busting boredom and perking us back up. Take the kids outside and let them run around. If you are up for exploring with them, do that. If you just want to relax while they play, get a lawn chair and your coffee and enjoy being outside.
Do an Easy Craft
Crafts don't need to be complicated. Just something simple could help your kids have fun and use their imaginations. Pick something easy, like cutting out and decorating hearts. They will have fun coloring, and cleaning up won't take long at all.
Build a Cozy Fort
If you are especially exhausted, build a fort with plenty of pillows for the kids. Then, climb in and snuggle with them. You could read stories together with a flashlight. You could also let them play with the fort while you go relax somewhere else.
Set Up Some Tape Games
You can entertain your kids for hours by creating different tape games. Grab some painters or masking tape and create a race car track or hopscotch layout. You could also challenge your kids to create their own tape games. Cleanup won't take long, either.
Have a Snowball Fight With Socks
Snowball fights outside take a lot of work and need the perfect packing snow. If it's summer, or you just don't want to deal with your kids accidentally getting beamed with a snowball to the face, have an indoor snowball fight with rolled-up socks. Getting up and moving can actually make you feel less exhausted. You could also just set the kids loose.
Create a Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts can be done either indoors or outdoors. You can relax on the couch while telling them to find random objects and bring them to you. If you have more energy, you can hide objects ahead of time or print out a set of prompts or clues from the internet.
Have Them Put on a Play
Kids love to put on a show. Have them make up a story and put together their own costumes. They can have a lot of fun decorating and putting together a story for you. Then, you sit back and watch their play when they're done. If you record it, they will also love rewatching it later on.
Have the Kids Build an Obstacle Course
The initial mess may hurt your brain, but this idea will entertain and tire out your kids. Let them create their own obstacle or ninja course. They can have a ton of fun using pillows and other objects and then making their way through the course.
Go for a Walk
A great way to beat the boredom and help everyone get some energy is by going for a walk. You could walk around the neighborhood or your own yard. Exploring at the same time will be fun for your kids as well. You could take the walk at a leisurely pace if you are feeling tired, but it may help everyone feel better.
Enjoy Some Extra Reading Time
If you are super exhausted, why not have some extra reading time? You could cuddle up on the couch with your kids, a blanket, and some books. They will love getting to read more books than usual, and you can have some enjoyable downtime.
Throw a Dance Party
Sometimes getting up and moving actually makes you feel better when you're exhausted. Even just some movement can help. Putting on some fun tunes to dance to can improve your mood and give everyone some exercise. Take turns picking songs and have some fun.
Do Yoga Together
If you want to ease into some movement, do yoga or some stretching. Yoga is a great way to mindfully take up some time. It can also help you with exhaustion and improve everyone's mood. Encourage your kids to do yoga with you as a great way to shake off the boredom.
Make Some Snack Bags
As a special treat and a way to find something to do, grab some different ingredients and make treat bags together. Your kids will have fun picking their own foods, and then you will even have a snack prepared ahead of time instead of needing to worry about it later in the day.
Snuggle With a Movie
Screen time is OK sometimes, and you may need it to get through the day. If you're feeling exhausted, find a new kid-friendly movie for everyone to enjoy. You can just take it easy and snuggle on the couch together and have some time just to relax.
