8 “I’m Bored” Activity Ideas + FREE Printable

We love summer! No more packing lunches, screaming for the kids to get out of bed, and a less strict schedule. But summer is also notoriously known as the “I’m Bored” months.  To help with the constant “I’m Bored” and “There is nothing to do”, we have put together a list of engaging activities to help keep your kids entertained.

Also, use our FREE “I’m Bored” List to print out and hang in your house.  It will come in handy when your kids just don’t know what to do and have come to you to complain that there is just nothing to do.

Want more ideas? Check out our 5 Screen Free Kid Activities.

“I’m Bored” Activity Ideas

We can not always leave our house or schedule every minute of the summer with exciting outings. So, use these fun ideas throughout the summer to keep the kids entertained. These 8 ideas should appeal to most school age kids.

CHALK

Chalk is so underrated.  From young kids to even teens, chalk can be a great activity. Maybe make a family challenge where you pick a category (sports, animals, summer, etc) and have everyone draw a chalk picture of something from the category.  My kids LOVE decorating the neighbor’s driveways and since several of our neighbors are older, my kids get to brighten our neighbor’s day.

For older kids and teens, follow Kendra Doodles for more detailed chalk ideas.  She may even inspire your kids to chalk a park, friend’s house or local coffee shop!

ART FOR KIDS HUB

You will fall in love with this family as they share art lessons around drawing, painting and even origami. Their step-by-step instructions make it easy for kids of all ages to get creative and make something to be proud of.  You can find how to draw your child’s favorite characters, holiday ideas, silly food and so much more. With so many different lessons your kids will come back to Art For Kids Hub over and over again.

PODCAST

Podcasts are an entertaining and relaxing way to spend time this summer. Here is a list of some of my favorite podcasts that are kid approved! Please check the age suggestions before listening.

• Smash Boom Best – My kids favorite podcast! A battle between two fierce items that kids can vote on who is the BEST!!
• Brains On! Science Podcast for Kids – Fascinating stories around science.
• Camp Monsters – Camping stories brought to you through REI. WARNING: Though these are great camping stories you might want to preview them before letting your kids listen.  My 9 year old was scared by some stories, while my 7 year old enjoyed them all.
• Story Pirates – Do your kids love pirates? Do your kids love stories of adventure?  This is such a fun podcast with great stories!!
• Little Stories For Tiny People – Great stories for the littles in your life!
• What If World – what a creative podcast that answers all your kids questions of “what if…..”
• Six Minutes by Gen-Z Media – Eleven-year-old Holiday is pulled from the icy waters of Alaska with no memory of who she is or where she came from. Are her mom and dad really who they say they are? When she begins to develop incredible abilities, she’ll soon discover she’s not alone in the world.

READ

I know, this is a go-to summer suggestion from every mom, but really the summer can be a great time to get through a good book series or check out a new author.  Your local library is filled with a huge selection of books.

One way my kids are extra motivated to read during the summer is to choose a book that has been made into a movie or a show.  It is so fun to read a book and then enjoy the movie/show after.  Want some ideas on books that have been made into movies?  Check out 30 Book and Movie Combos for Kids.

BAKE SOMETHING

Shh…baking incorporates reading, math and science but our kids don’t need to know that.  They can bake something from a box or completely from scratch. Maybe assign a day a week for each kid to bake something.  Check out these 40+ kid-friendly recipes from Sally’s Baking Addiction.

RIDE BIKES

A kid is never too old to take a bike ride.  I constantly send my kids on a quick bike ride around the block when they are fighting or getting too crazy.  It helps them reset or get their energy out.  Summer is also a perfect time to incorporate a family bike ride in the evening after dinner.

CALL SOMEONE

Phone etiquette is probably not something our kids are used to and with texting, they may not even be comfortable making a phone call. But when they are bored, chatting with a friend or family member can be a lot of fun.  You can help them by giving them some questions ahead of time that they can ask or helping them brainstorm some topics.  My kids really enjoy using FaceTime to call friends in other states and their grandparents.

PLAY OUTSIDE

Playing outside is so good for our bodies and mental health. You can grab affordable balls, bubbles, and outdoor items at discount stores.  Introduce your kids to the basketball game of HORSE or challenge your kid to a soccer game. A bubble machine can be a surprising way to entertain kids outside.  Also, remember slip-n-slides?!

“I’m Bored” Ideas – Free Printable