Warm weather is here, which means kids will be able to spend a lot more time outside. But there will still be rainy days, days when virtual school may make them more bored than ever, or times when the health crisis has shut down activities or stopped playdates that used to help take up their time and give them something to do. That's where these boredom busters come in.
Between our own creative juices, cool kids' toys and products, and taking inspiration from other parents, we found lots of ideas to help keep kids busy and stimulated even in the most boring times. From turning boxes into games and forts, to a children's version of a paint and sip class, to cooking, we've put together at least 20 different activities for moms to break out when the kids say, "I'm bored." Each activity caters to different kinds of kids, from the creative ones to active ones. Just thank us later!
Djeco Leon The Dragon Giant Puzzle
$19
from
Fat Brain Toys
Jigsaw puzzles have been around for a long time, but all of us spending so much time at home boosted their popularity. It has also solidified the activity as a fun go-to boredom buster that anyone can do. There's puzzles for adults and kids, and kids will love this dragon one.
10 Pin Kids Bowling Set
Bowling is one of those activities that is fun to do when going out is an option. But it can also be played in the house, thanks to this 10-pin bowling set made just for kids —which is super cool. Play in the living room, bedroom, or playroom.
Tabletop Bean Bag Toss
There's just something about bean bag tosses that everyone loves. Usually they're played outdoors, but this indoor bean bag game set brings the fun inside to a table. Kids can play alone or make it into a game with others.
Mad Libs
$16
from
Rainbow Resource
Ah, Mad Libs. The super fun word game that turns out hilarious no matter what words are used or said. The cool thing about Mad Libs is that there are so many different pages in the booklet for kids to play with independently or with others.
The Balloon Game
OK, we're really taking boredom busters back here with the balloon game. It's so simple, yet kids have adored and played it for generations. Just blow up some balloons and tell the kids it can't hit the ground. See how long they can keep it in the air.
An Indoor Scavenger Hunt
Really want to keep the kids busy? Create a simple but fun scavenger hunt for them. Write down items they can look for around the house or print out some templates from Pinterest. There are so many different kinds of hunts that there will always be something to find.
Kid's Global Adventure Cooking Kit
$25
from
Uncommon Goods
Cooking is a fun indoor activity that not only gives the kids something to do (with parental help or supervision) but also yields yummy results at the end. This cooking kit makes the task super easy and safe for kids ages 4 through 12.
An Out-of-This-World Donut Kit
Because we can't get enough of foods, we're staying on the theme. This time, we're all about baking to help give kids a fun activity to work on when they're bored. This galaxy donut kit will make it easy, but also is something different and fun for them.
This 31-Piece Jr. Real Baking Set
$30
from
Baketivity
Of course, donuts aren't the only thing kids can bake. This baking tool set will allow them to experiment with a ton of different recipes but it's also safe enough for them to use to play pretend, too, when mom or dad can't help.
A 'Paint and Sip' Sesh for Kids
$99
from
Pottery Barn Kids
Art has been a kid activity at schools and camps for so long for a reason. It allows them to express their creativity, but it's also fun. If they're feeling a bit bored, set up this easel and have them paint or draw something in the room, like a kids' version of paint and sip.
Playing Laundry Basket Ski Ball
For the more active kids, this indoor skee ball game looks like a blast. All that's needed to create it is an old box that can be the ramp, a ball, and a laundry basket. A great way to bring the beloved arcade game inside the home.
Stacking Cups
For younger kids, sometimes the simplest things make for the best boredom busters. These stacking cups will keep little ones busy as they'll be able to stack the cups and make different towers and formations. Or, they can put an item under one cup and try a magic trick.
Putting on a Puppet Show
Puppet shows may seem old-school, but they are so much fun. The kids can start out by creating their own puppets (or use stuffed animals) and then with some help can fashion a box into the puppet theater and then put on a show.
Turning the Living Room into a Movie Theater
Like bowling, movies are often one of the go-to activities for kids when they're bored. But there's a way for them to watch movies at home and still feel like it's exciting. Just create a movie theater treat pack like this parent did, and print out some tickets for them.
Creative Tape Games
Gosh, what would we all do without tape? It solves a lot of life's adult problems, but it can also solve the issue of boredom when it comes to kids. Make a spy-like obstacle course with the tape, or like shown here, create a "spider web" from tape and have the kids see who can get the most cotton balls or pieces of paper stuck.
Getting a Craft Club Box
$35
from
Kid Made Modern
Speaking of crafts, they're great boredom busters for kids, but it can be a hard to always come up with new ideas or run out and get supplies. That's where this craft kit comes in. It's a crafting subscription box for kids that gives them a fun ready-to-go project every delivery.
Constructing a Box Fort
Is it obvious yet how much we love what boxes can do to help kids play? Well, if not, we have one more box game to help beat boredom, and it's super simple. Turn it into a fort for them to play or crawl into. And give them crayons and let them decorate as they see fit.
Playing Chess
Netflix's The Queen's Gambit made playing chess cool again, and it's never too early to teach kids how to play. Not only is it fun, but it really helps to get them to think strategically. And it takes up time! Woo.
Camo Chameleon Bean Bag Toss Game
$27
from
Melissa & Doug
This toy is similar the table bean bag toss game, but larger and can still be played with inside. Instead of one hole, there are a ton for kids to try to sink the bag into. They can practice with it, which will surely help them beat boredom.
Chemistry Experiment Boxes
For the science-loving kids, it's easy to stay busy with the many experiments for kids that can be found online. But we love this STEM subscription box called the Young Chemist Pack, that gives them an experiment and the tools they need to complete it.
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