Just on the other side of boredom is… magic.And chances are you found this article because your child just said, “I’m bored!”
Good news: we’ve got more than 100 quick, simple, screen-free activities you can do right at home. This big list includes indoor ideas, outdoor ideas, creative projects, group games, quiet nighttime activities, and fun options for 9–12-year-olds – all updated for 2026.
Most of them are free.
Most require little to no setup.
And all of them are parent-tested and kid-approved.
Want more ideas? These boredom busters are just one section of our epic list of Fun Things To Do At Home With Kids.
Grab blankets, pillows, chairs, and build a cozy hideout.
Turn a slow afternoon into something sweet.
Try these silly Jokes for Kids for instant giggles.
Use our list of Truth or Dare Questions for Kids for easy prompts.
Get to know each other with our funny Never Have I Ever Questions for Kids..
Kids love predicting goofy futures. Try our Most Likely To Questions for Kids for inspiration.
Challenge your brain with What Am I? Riddles for Kids.
Simple tricks = big reactions.
Use this list of Kids Dance Songs to get moving.
Classic, high-energy, and always fun.
Use a balloon or ball and see how long you can keep it off the ground.
If you love a good laugh, why not have some lighthearted fun with harmless pranks? Check out our roundup of Quick & Easy Pranks for Kids to play on parents & family.
Try our list of 100 quick & easy science experiments—all doable with household supplies.
Use pillows, blankets, cones, and blocks to build a challenge course.
Monopoly, Blank Slate, Apples to Apples…and everything in between.
Try Gin Rummy, War, Speed, or Solitaire for solo play.
Try virtual hide-and-seek, charades, or drawing challenges.More ideas: FaceTime Games for Kids.
Find affordable choices at thrift stores or dollar shops.
A test of patience and balance.
Create cities, towers, and creatures.
No TikTok required.
Try kid-friendly story podcasts while doing chores.
Kids love seeing their parents “when they were young.”
Dry-erase markers are safe and wipe clean.
Here’s how to play hopscotch if you need a refresher.
Try these 25 Fun Sidewalk Chalk Ideas.
Tag, Red Light/Green Light, Freeze Dance—always easy to set up.
Try to beat your record.
Fresh air almost always resets the mood.
Need help picking a bike? Try our guide to best first bikes for kids.
Add food coloring for colorful bubble art.
On sunny days, trace objects or people.
A bucket of water + brushes = instant “paint.”
Decorate with rocks, petals, and leaves.
Stare at clouds, breathe, relax.
Try ideas from our post: Homemade Crafts for Kids to Make and Sell.
(Pro Tip: Keep these craft supplies stocked and you’ll always be ready to fight boredom with a burst of creativity.)
Check out our favorite Indigo Tie Dye Patterns and Techniques to get inspired.
Art for Kids Hub on YouTube is a great resource.
Create characters using old socks and craft supplies.
Try fun designs and play paper-airplane cornhole.
Fill it with meaningful items and open in 10+ years.
Here are some easy tie dye patterns for kids to try. Once you’re done, learn how to wash your tie-dye shirt for the first time.
Draw a dry “book,” dip it in water, and watch colors appear.
Mix dirt, water, and (optional) food coloring.
Did you know you can make ice cream at home with simple ingredients that you probably have around the house? Here’s a handy link for making ice Cream in a Bag.
Challenge your brain with What Am I? Riddles for Kids. These spark critical thinking.
Use our list of Truth or Dare Questions for Kids for easy prompts.
Kids love predicting goofy futures. Try our Most Likely To Questions for Kids for inspiration.
Great icebreaker for kids. Get to know each other with our funny Never Have I Ever Questions for Kids.
Family classics like Monopoly and Sorry are fun for all ages.
Gin Rummy, War, Peanut Butter (B.S.), Speed.
A classic craft.
Art for Kids Hub has endless options.
Creative + fun to wear.
Try choreographing something new.
Kids love nostalgia.
Here’s a list of must-read classic children’s books to get you started.
Cosmic Kids is great for beginners.
Dry-erase markers are safe and wipe clean.
A calm bedtime activity.
Story podcasts help kids wind down.
Sidewalk chalk
Board games
Puzzles
Mud painting
Yoga
Fort building
Crafting
Easy science experiments
Card games
Drawing tutorials
Nature walks
Most Likely To
Truth or Dare
Magic tricks
Tie dye
Photo album walk-through
Selling homemade crafts
Choreographing dances
FaceTime games
Longer science experiments
Creative writing or drawing
Try our huge list of 100 quick, easy science experiments.
Use our What Am I? riddles to build critical thinking.
Learn illusions with everyday materials.
Try one of these at-home community service projects for kids.
Paint rocks for neighbors or parks.
Create art to brighten someone’s day.
A scavenger or treasure hunt can be the perfect antidote to a boring day. There are several pre-made scavenger hunts online or you can create your own list of things to find.
We hope you loved this list of simple ideas and creative activities to help you pass the time when you’re bored.
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