Our house always seems to draw a crowd. I don’t know if it’s because my kids are just that entertaining or if I make the best snacks around, but I like to think it’s the snacks. 😉 Even on those days when it feels like we’ve hit our max capacity on neighborhood visitors, the kids can become bored of each other’s company. That’s when even the nicest kids can get cranky and start to bicker. I keep some games and activities on hand for just such a time. No cranky kids can resist my boredom busters! They’re great for rainy days or super hot summer days.
These are some of our favorite indoor activities. Some you can plan spontaneously and others you will have to have on hand for rainy days! Be sure and check out my Amazon list of rainy day must-haves to find these ideas and more boredom-buster inspiration!
My kids love making these! I got extra paints and they’ve lasted such a long time. With a stash of suction cup hooks on the kitchen slider, we switch out the kids art so there’s always something on display! Our top picks for sun catcher supplies are definitely on the rainy day must-haves list.
Building a blanket fort
This activity is great for when they have a friend over too. It keeps them busy and their conversations are pretty adorable to listen in on.
Making fuse bead art
This is a great activity because it keeps kids busy for a loooooooooong time. My kids needed help the first time they made things with fuse beads, but once they got the hang of it they were off and running! The neighbors love joining us for a fuse bead craft session.
Play-Doh
Oh my gosh, have you seen the POOP Play-Doh?? Too funny! We keep a big tub of Play-Doh and accessories on a shelf just outside the playroom. When we bring out the Play-Doh, the kids know the fun is about to begin!
Special “Rainy Day” craft supplies
Our house is full of various crayons and coloring books. But for exceptionally boring days we break out the super duper special art stuff, like a big cylinder of gel pens, color-with-water books, and puffy stickers. The kids love adding pizzazz to their art with a big fuzzy flower!
Lights Out!
On dark and glooomy afternoons, my kids love to turn out the lights and turn on the flashlights. I found some cute bug-shaped lights on Amazon that we’ve had for almost a year!
Puzzles
Maybe I’m just a nerd, but I love puzzles on a lazy day. Whether it’s too wet or too hot to go outside, a puzzle offers entertainment AND not a lot of mess! Gotta love that. 😉
Make paper airplanes
It’s definitely a challenge to make the perfect paper airplane. I use a tutorial (like the book found here) and help my kids fold the plane. But then they get to color and decorate the plane once it is “built”!
Building and Learning Activities
These activity boxes are far more creative than anything I could come up with. Our favorites are:
KiwiCo Crates. I love that each activity incorporates STEAM principles too! (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math).
Mrs. Wordsmith. Great vocabulary building learning opportunities! Johnny loves doing his “homework”, haha.
Zonk’dBox. This science experiment-themed box gets my teacher mojo going. Plus it comes with snacks to enjoy while you create!
Most of the activities mentioned in this post can be found on our Amazon rainy day must-haves list, so be sure and check it out. And please share any expert boredom-busters that you’ve found to be helpful, I’d love to add them to our list!