No matter the weather, kids love to play the “I’m bored” game. We’ve put together a list of 20 kid-approved activities to combat that inevitable boredom, or you can just store them in your back pocket and save them for a rainy day.
1. Make a pillow fort
The classic living room fort that sparks the creative engineer inside us all. Every kid dreams about the day when they can create their own blanket kingdom inside their house, so why not make it happen.
2. Bake something delicious
Baking doesn’t have to be unhealthy. There are tons of alternative cookie recipes using things like bananas or apple sauce. Look up something yummy and get to baking!
3. Games
Board games. Card games. Make up a game. Spice it up and make it a tournament-style game day.
4. Venture out of the house
Go to a museum or aquarium. Take the kids to see your office at work – with your boss’s permission, of course. Even though it’s raining it doesn’t mean you have to be cooped up in the house all day. Strap on those rainboots and go on an adventure.
5. Play dates
Call a friend and team up to keep your kids occupied inside while you guys go catch up on life over some coffee in the kitchen. It’s a win-win situation.
6. Puzzles
They are inexpensive, educational, and will keep your kids occupied for hours!
7. Movie marathon
Yes, sometimes it’s completely okay to veg out and watch movies all day. Make a bowl of popcorn and let each kid pick out their favorite movie. Plus, you’ll get some quality cuddle time with your little ones.
8. Arts and crafts
Make some slime, homemade playdough, or go the more traditional route with a good ole-fashioned coloring book. There are TONS of kid’s craft ideas online, so if you’re not the creative type, no worries! Try searching on Pinterest for some fun ideas.
9. Science experiments
Use common household items to create experiments with. There are so many safe, fun, and kid friendly science experiments out there, all you have to do is look! To make your job easier just click here for plenty of ideas.
10. Hide and seek
A classic game that all kids love. Feel free to restrict them to certain areas of the house or give them free rein to roam where they please.
11. Dance party
Avoid cabin fever by getting all their energy out with some fun music and silly dance moves. Don’t we all feel better after just letting loose for a few minutes?
12. Scavenger hunt
Make a list of things your kids are sure to find around the house and send them hunting until they find all the items. Bonus points to whoever can find the shoe you’ve been missing for months.
13. Learn how to draw
Watch a tutorial on how to draw your favorite cartoon character and spend the afternoon tuning up your creative abilities.
14. Stroll down memory lane
Look at old pictures or watch home movies from when the kids were little. Spend the day reminiscing and talking about funny memories.
15. Lip sync battle
Also known as karaoke, play some of your kids’ favorite songs and see who can put on the best show. Bonus points for the kid who dresses up and truly plays the part.
16. Paper airplanes
Learn how to make paper airplanes and have a contest to see who can come up with the best design that flies the farthest.
17. Write a letter
Everybody enjoys some good ole-fashioned snail mail. Teach your kids the value of letter writing and make someone’s day in the process. Send some to grandma and grandpa, aunts and uncles, friends and neighbors, just really anyone with a mailbox – so, everyone!
18. Read some books
Get cozied up with your favorite blankets and read some books to your kids. The mommy-and-me time might just be exactly what you needed on this dreary day.
19. Play in the garage
Move your car out of the way and let your kids have at it. Play dodgeball, ride scooters, and do most of your favorite outdoor activities without the outdoors.
20. Clean
If your kids are really bored, put them to work sweeping, dusting, and folding laundry, but make it fun of course! Play some tunes and dance around the house while you make it spotless.
Fortunately, you don’t have to save these ideas for a rainy day. The next time your kids are complaining because they’re bored, just whip out this handy-dandy list to save the day.
