It's perhaps one of the most dreaded phrases—“I’m bored!” Next time your kiddo utters this phrase, try one of these ideas to help them alleviate their perceived boredom.
1. Bake Cookies
Try your favorite recipe and add a twist to make it your own. Librarian Lisa loves to make this recipe from Bellyfull with her kids, letting them create their own colored royal frosting and add ingredients to the batter to create one-of-a-kind treats for special occasions (or a dull Saturday night).
2. Try a Construction Challenge
Some of our most loved programs here at CPL are when we give kids recycle bin-headed materials to engineer something new. Gather some recyclables and then try to create one of these project suggestions.
- A bird feeder for the window
- A new toy
- An organizer for cables, bathroom supplies, or a junk drawer
- A planter for spring
- A birdhouse
- A sensory bottle
- A toy for a pet
3. Build a Fort
Use blankets or towels and clothespins or safety pins to drape fabric around furniture and create a fort to play in. Some kids might even want to spend the night in their fort before taking it down.
4. Learn a Magic Trick
Try one of these items or search online to find a magic trick to learn at home.
5. Play "Keepy Uppy"
This is a super fun and easy activity for all ages that involves inflating a balloon and then keeping it from touching the ground by bopping it with hands, feet, arms, head, and so on.
6. Play a Board Game and Then Create Your Own
Having your child create a new version of a favorite board game is a great way to spend time together.
7. Take a Walk Around the Neighborhood
Make sure to dress appropriately for the weather and take a stroll around your neighborhood. Collect 10 small items on the walk, and when you come back, take turns drawing the items or writing a story about how something ended up where you found it. Try doing a scavenger hunt while on your walk. Keep an eye out for things that surprise you on your walk.
8. Listen to a Podcast
Check out our blog, STEAM at Home on a Budget, and listen to one of the STEAM-related podcasts, or search for a podcast that meets your family’s interests. After it is over, write an email or postcard to someone from the podcast and send it. Be sure to tell them your favorite thing you learned.
9. Make Homemade Play Dough or Slime
Check out this play dough recipe you can create and experiment with on a dreary day:
Materials
- 3 cups flour
- 1.5 cups salt
- 6 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 3 cups water
Mix all the ingredients together to make your play dough!
10. Make an Indoor Obstacle Course
Use couch cushions and pillows as landing points, create a fake fire to jump over, take the stairs by hopping on one foot, use masking tape on the floor to chart the path, and lay down spirals to balance on. Use your imagination and have your kids help design it. Time each child and see if they can beat their own time.
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