Bust Boredom with These 50 Stimulating Ideas for a Kids’ Boredom Jar

ByLuci McQuitty Hindmarsh Last updated:
A GLASS BOREDOM JAR FOR KIDS FULL OF CHITS OF PAPER WITH BOREDOM BUSTERS ONPin

“I’m bored!” The two words that can sink the heart of even the most upbeat parent during long weekends, holidays, or unexpected days at home.

That’s where a boredom jar comes in super handy.

What on earth is a “boredom jar” I hear you ask!!

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A boredom jar is a simple (yet brilliant) way to keep your kids happily occupied and entertained with minimal effort from you.

How do you make one of these wonderous things?

Just grab a jar, any old jar will do.

Then fill it with ideas for activities written on paper chits or even on popsicle sticks if you’re feeling creative.

Then, everytime you hear the kiddo warcry of “I’m bored…” you can direct them to draw a fresh idea from the jar. Magic!

Want to make life easy? Grab this instant download set of 120 printable boredom jar cards.

Here are 50 creative boredom busters to get you started

Whether it’s a rainy day or just a lazy afternoon, these activities will spark kids’ imaginations and kick-start their creativity.

So, grab a jar, some paper or popsicle sticks, and start filling up on ideas.

Outdoor adventures

  1. Draw with sidewalk chalk
  2. Ride your bike or scooter
  3. Blow bubbles
  4. Play hopscotch
  5. Have a picnic (even in the backyard)
  6. Collect leaves or rocks in as many different shapes as possible
  7. Play tag with friends
  8. Make mud pies
  9. Jump rope or try double dutch
  10. Do a nature sketch

Indoor fun

  1. Build a blanket fort
  2. Make sock puppets and do a show
  3. Play with Play-Doh
  4. Have a dance party
  5. Do a puzzle
  6. Play a board game
  7. Play word games and puzzles (BigHeartLittleStar has some gorgeous printable games for kids)
  8. Build with Lego or blocks
  9. Make a collage from old magazines
  10. Play hide and seek

Creative activities

  1. Draw or paint a picture
  2. Make a comic strip
  3. Write a short story
  4. Make paper airplanes and fly them
  5. Create a card for someone
  6. Try origami
  7. Make a friendship bracelet
  8. Put on a fashion show
  9. Decorate a T-shirt with fabric markers
  10. Build a model from recyclables

Physical activities

  1. Follow a kids’ yoga video
  2. Play Simon Says
  3. Have a jumping jack contest
  4. Do a mini workout
  5. Play balloon volleyball
  6. Create a mini dance routine
  7. Do some gymastics in the backyard
  8. Practice a favorite sports skill, like keepie-uppie
  9. Do as many hula hoop tricks as possible
  10. Make an indoor obstacle course

Learning activities

  1. Read a few chapters of a book
  2. Write a journal entry
  3. Learn a new word and use it
  4. Do a science experiment with household items
  5. Try to make a new easy recipe
  6. Watch an educational video
  7. Solve a riddle or brain teaser
  8. Learn to count in a new language
  9. Build something with a kit
  10. Practice a musical instrument

Before you go…

I’ve got a set of ready-made boredom jar cards in my shop, Big Heart Little Star.

There are 120 cards, each with a fun boredom busting activity to inspire kids.

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And in other news… my roundup of the best outdoor games for kids to play always comes in useful as a boredom buster.

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