15 Fun Things To Do At Home When Bored For Kids (Ages 8-11)
The best list of fun things to do at home when bored for kids.
Are you tired of hearing “Mom, I’m bored”? You’re not alone. When kids run out of ideas, it can feel like nothing keeps them entertained.
That’s why I put together this list of fun things to do at home when bored for kids. These are easy, creative, and screen-free ideas that’ll actually keep them busy.
Whether you have an 8, 9, 10, or 11-year-old, these boredom busters will save your day (and your sanity)!
This post is all about fun activities to do with kids at home.
Top Quick & Easy Boredom Busters for Kids
Short on time? Start with these easy ideas that work fast.
- Keep a balloon off the ground – Easy, active, and a fun challenge.
- Build a fort – A few blankets and pillows can keep kids entertained for hours.
- Play charades – No supplies needed, but laughs are guaranteed.
*This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase using the links I provide, I may earn a small commission*
Fun Things To Do At Home When Bored For Kids:
These indoor activities for kids are perfect for screen-free play, rainy days, or anytime your kids need something fun to do at home.
1. Make a book or comic
If your child loves creating and telling stories, inspire them to make a book or comic.
I got my kids this blank comic book, and they have so much fun making stories!
Why kids love it: They get to be creative and in control of their own story.
2. Art and crafts
There are so many fun art and craft kits for kids that come with everything you need to create!
I bought this rock painting set for my kids to do over last Summer break, and it was a hit! They created so many cute rocks and used them to decorate their desk.
Mom tip: Set up a simple art station and let them create without rules or pressure.
3. Create with Legos
Have them play with Legos, and encourage them to use their imagination to build something cool.
My son loves putting these Lego sets together, and they keep him busy!
Why kids love it: It feels like play, but it also lets them problem-solve and build.
4. Play charades
Charades is a fun game to play with friends or siblings.
Mom tip: Write ideas like animals, jobs, or characters on paper and let them take turns acting them out.
5. Have a picnic
This is a simple but fun idea for kids. Lay out a blanket and let them pick out some snacks to eat for their picnic. You can create a picnic indoors, in the backyard, or on the porch.
Why kids love it: It makes an ordinary meal feel fun.
6. Answer this or that questions
“This or That” questions are a fun way for kids to share their thoughts and spark their creativity and imagination in different scenarios.
Why kids love it: They get to be silly and express their opinions.
7. See how long you can keep a balloon off the ground
This is one of my kids’ favorite random things to do when bored. I blow up a balloon for them, and they try to keep it in the air for as long as possible.
Why kids love it: It’s active, simple, and feels like a game.
8. Kinetic sand
Both of my kids love playing with kinetic sand! My daughter will play with this for hours.
Here is the first kinetic sand set we bought – the sandbox it comes with makes it easy to store the sand. This is the perfect starter set if it’s your first time purchasing it!
Mom tip: Add small toys or molds to make it more interesting.
9. Puzzles
Puzzles are a fun challenge for kids and will definitely keep them busy. I feel like most of us have puzzles lying around, so put them to use!
Mom tip: Start with smaller puzzles and let them work up to the bigger ones.
10. Play would you rather
“Would You Rather” questions present unusual and silly scenarios that will inspire creative thinking and imagination. It’s also a great game to start conversations and give kids a chance to share their thoughts and listen to others.
Why kids love it: The sillier the questions, the more fun they have.
11. Play a board game
My kids have been playing board games nonstop lately.
Here are some of my kids’ favorite games:
Connect 4
Monopoly Junior
Mom tip: Choose games based on your child’s age and attention span to avoid frustration.
12. Read a book
Try to find books that align with your child’s interests to make reading fun. My son loved the Captain Underpants movie, so I bought him a Dog Man chapter book (which is written by the same author as Captain Underpants). Initially, he hesitated to read, but he couldn’t put the book down once he started.
Mom tip: Let your child choose their own books, so they’ll enjoy reading more.
13. Have a movie day
Who doesn’t love a movie day? Make some popcorn and watch a movie for an easy and fun indoor activity!
Why kids love it: It feels like a special treat at home.
14. Build a fort
One of my kids’ favorite creative things to do when bored is to build a fort. They use blankets, sheets, and furniture to make an epic fort.
Mom tip: Add pillows, flashlights, and books to make it extra cozy.
15. Answer trivia questions
Trivia questions are a super fun way to keep kids engaged and entertained. It’s also an enjoyable way for kids to learn new information and facts.
Why kids love it: They enjoy testing their knowledge and learning new things.
Now the next time your kids say, “I’m bored”, you’ll have plenty of easy indoor activities ready to go.
Screenshot this list or save this post, so you can give your kids a list of fun things to do the next time they tell you they are bored!
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This post was all about fun things to do at home when bored for kids.
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