50 At-Home Kids' Activities to Banish Boredom

Long gone are the days of endless TV watching and cries of "I'm bored." Whether school is out, it's a rainy day or the summer heat is just too much, we've got 50 fun activities and DIY projects that'll keep the kids entertained for hours.

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By: Kamron Sanders and Shannon Petrie

Related To:

Boredom-Busting Activities for Kids

Keeping kids entertained at home can be a challenge for any parent — until now. The next time your kiddo declares, “I’m bored,” have our list of fun indoor and outdoor activities at the ready. With crafts, games, science experiments and more to choose from, you’ll find something to captivate your child no matter their age or interests. Many of these activities are easy to set up with low-budget items you may already have around the house. Others require a bit more prep work but can be used again and again for never-ending fun. Read on to find an activity your little one will love, like this felt fairy garden that can be enjoyed any time of year.

Get the How-To: Fairy Garden Felt Board

Sidewalk Chalk Story Telling

As a kid, there is no greater feeling in the world than being told you can draw on the driveway. Encourage your kids to think outside of hopscotch and draw a scene they can put themselves in. Don't forget to capture their creation with a photo!

Get the How-To: Sidewalk Chalk Project for Kids

Backyard Mini Circus

Kids have a wild imagination that is always ready to go. They can turn a big, empty box into hours of fun. So just imagine what they could do with their very own circus tent and trapeze-inspired hammock chair!

Get the How-To: How To Make a Kid's Hammock Swing and Mini Circus Tent

Road Trip-Approved Hidden Object Game

If you're headed out on the road with kids, it's best not to leave empty-handed. This simple DIY hidden object game will allow your kids (and you) to set the tablets aside and still have loads of fun.

Get the How-To: Road Trip Game: Search and Find Jar for Kids

From: Emily Fazio

Backyard Camping

You don’t have to haul the whole family to a campground to have an outdoor adventure. Set up a tent, blankets and pillows to create a kid-friendly campsite in your own backyard.

More Ideas: 10 Creative Backyard Camping Ideas for Mini Explorers

Recycled Sandbox Garden

There comes a time in life when you outgrow your sandbox and move on to bigger, better things. Like raised garden beds! Instead of tossing that old plastic sandbox, follow our steps to turn it into a kid-friendly, fully functioning raised garden bed.

Get the How-To: Upcycle a Sandbox Into a Kid-Friendly Garden

Kid-Friendly Bean Bag Toss

Bean bag tossing is fun for all ages, but it can be a little challenging for young kids. Luckily, this DIY bean bag toss setup includes built-in guard rails and a fun shark theme that is sure to keep them interested.

Get the How-To: Make This Fin-tastically Kid-Friendly Bean Bag Toss

Doorway Puppet Theater

Bring out your child's inner performer with an in-house puppet theater that is all theirs! Nothing will make them feel more special than getting to perform their latest work for an eager crowd. And when the show comes to a close, simply remove the tension rod, roll up the curtain and safely store for the next matinee performance.

Get the How-To: Break a Leg! DIY Doorway Puppet Theater

Kiddie Car Wash

Look no further than this kiddie car wash to turn your backyard into an ultra-cool waterpark. Skates, bikes and mini-cars alike all need a good cleaning, and this is the perfect spot!

Get the How-To: Crank Up the Fun With a DIY Kiddie Car Wash

Pool Noodle Obstacle Course

You'll be amazed at just how easy and cheap it is to transform your backyard into a ninja-inspired obstacle course! Just stake dowels into the ground and slide pool noodles over them in various ways to create all types of fun obstacles.

More Ideas: 10 Ways to Turn Pool Noodles Into Almost-Free Backyard Kids' Games

Activity Dice

The next time your kids say “I’m bored,” have these DIY activity dice at the ready. Make a set of two: one with actions like jump, stomp and spin, and another with numbers for how many times your kiddos should do the action.

Watch the Video: DIY Activity Dice

Seed Bombs

These DIY seed bombs aren't just fun to make, they're the gift that keeps on giving. Once done, just toss in the yard and have your child check every day to see their growth!

Watch the Video: DIY Seed Bombs

Backyard Water Blob

Once summer hits, it can be difficult to keep the kids entertained for more than a week. Never fear, the water blob is here. Reminiscent of a '70s water bed, this fun outdoor activity can be created with inexpensive materials and a few minutes of work, but it will keep them busy all season long.

Get the How-To: The Easy-to-Make Backyard Water Blob You Never Knew You Wanted

Upcycled Fishing Game

If you can’t make it to the lake for a day of fishing, bring the fish to you! Use empty paper towel rolls, paper clips and magnets to make a fun fishing game the kids will love.

Get the How-To: 5 Paper Towel Roll Crafts for Kids

Kid-Friendly Work Bench

It doesn't matter if it is building a house or working hard on a sandcastle; everything is easier with a work bench. Or in this case, a play bench. This simple DIY will ensure your little cuties have all the space they need to check everything off their playtime agendas.

Get the How-To: Kids' Multipurpose Play Bench

Swimming Pool Word Search

Beat the heat by getting creative and turning ordinary games into pool time fun! With a bread knife and a magic marker, you can easily turn Ping-Pong balls and pool noodles into a swimming pool word search!

Get the How-To: Get Your Pool Party Poppin' With These Dollar Store Pool Game DIYs

Indoor Kid Fort

Turn a rainy day into a fun day inside with this indoor kid fort. With a quick trip to the hardware store, you can provide them with hours of indoor fun! Then, simply fold it up and store under the bed until the next rainy day.

Get the How-To: DIY Indoor Kid Fort

Backyard Bowling Alley

If you have a few moments to spare, we've got a striking DIY for you! Turns out, a yoga mat and some pool noodles are all you need to install a bowling alley in your backyard.

Get the How-To: Turn Pool Noodles Into a Backyard Bowling Alley for Kids

Water Gun Paint Party

Turn your next kid's party into a backyard bash with water guns and paint. (Yes, you read that right!) Load up inexpensive water guns with acrylic paints, lay out a drop cloth or two, then set up an easel and canvas. Your little Picassos will love it! You'll probably want to give it a try, too.

More Ideas: Throw the Ultimate Summer Party for Kids With These Tips

Sponge Toss

Cool off on a hot summer day with this sponge toss game. Cut up sponges into long strips, then gather the strips and secure in the middle using zip-ties or twine to create a ball. Soak the sponge balls in ice-cold water, then let the kids start playing. The one that gets the most balls into the bucket, wins!

More Ideas: Throw the Ultimate Summer Party for Kids With These Tips

Marshmallow Launchers

Forgo the expensive water guns and foam dart guns and opt for a more...creative option. To build a super sweet marshmallow launcher, just tape a balloon end to a shortened pool noodle and let the games begin.

More Ideas: 10 Ways to Turn Pool Noodles Into Almost-Free Backyard Kids' Games

Low-Mess Snow Slime

Who says you can't have snow year-round? Not us! In fact, we've got the perfect how-to for a super fun, (surprisingly) low-mess snow slime. It's even cold!

Get the How-To: DIY Snow Slime

Lemonade Stand

Few activities say “summer” like setting up a neighborhood lemonade stand. Made from wooden crates, this adorable, portable lemonade stand can be reused year after year.

Get the How-To: How to Build a Perfectly Portable Lemonade Stand

Felt Veggie Garden

Teaching your child where food comes from and the value of hard work has to start somewhere! So, why not on the wall? This felt veggie garden does just that while also being an adorable addition to your home.

Watch the Video: DIY Felt Veggie Garden

Cardboard City

Repurpose those cardboard boxes from your online orders as building materials for the kids. Set them up with some tape, boxes, empty paper towel rolls and other recyclables, then let their imaginations run wild. From cities to castles to spaceships, the options are endless.

Get the How-To: Free-Play Activity for Kids: Build a Cardboard City From Upcycled Boxes

Tablecloth Playhouse

Who knew a simple white tablecloth could be transformed into something so adorable? Turn your dining room table into a spot where the kids can play house in style – no sewing required.

Get the How-To: How to Make a No-Sew Tablecloth Playhouse

Washi Tape Racetrack

Make your child's dreams come true by transforming your floors into their very own racetrack! Just outline the track using washi tape, and let them use their imagination and get as creative as they'd like.

Get the How-To: Washi Tape Racetrack DIY

Water Balloon Piñata

Sure, kids love candy, but that's nothing compared to a piñata made of water balloons! Best of all, this is a piñata they can totally handle by themselves, meaning no adults will have to step in and eventually get the candy out.

More Ideas: Throw the Ultimate Summer Party for Kids With These Tips

Kid-Size Kitchen

Give your future chef a place to hone their cooking skills with a pint-sized kitchen complete with a faux sink and range. Stock it with plastic food, plates and utensils, and watch what gourmet dishes they whip up.

Get the How-To: How to Build the Ultimate Kiddie Kitchen

Moldable Sand

Bring home the fun of building sandcastles at the beach with this DIY moldable sand. Store it in an air-tight container, and the kiddos can enjoy an at-home beach day again and again.

Get the How-To: Have a Beach Day at Home With This DIY Moldable Sand

Color-Coordinated Sleeping Pods

From summer reading to lazy movie nights at home, this adorable sleeping pod will be your child's ultimate go-to spot. Let them in on the action by allowing them to pick the pillowcase pattern and even try their hand at a simple whip stitch. Make a second pod for a friend, and your house will be the ultimate sleepover destination.

Get the How-To: Turn Pillows Into Cozy, Kids' Sleeping Pods

Giant Bubble Wand + Solution

Bigger is better, right? Definitely true for bubbles. Blow your child's mind with bubbles that are bigger than they are!

Get the How-To: Bring on the Bubbles: DIY Giant Bubble Wand + Solution

Pool Noodle Ring Toss

Yet another ingenious pool noodle project, this easy-to-make ring toss game comes together in about two minutes. Simply cut and stake a 24-inch noodle into the ground using a pencil or dowel. Then, cut and bend a few noodles into several sized rings, securing with colorful duct tape. Make two for a team version.

More Ideas: 10 Ways to Turn Pool Noodles Into Almost-Free Backyard Kids' Games

Solar Oven S'mores

Don’t throw out that empty shoebox or pizza box – have the kids transform it into a solar oven using aluminum foil and plastic wrap. Then, harness the energy of the sun to whip up a delicious batch of s’mores.

Get the How-To: Make Delicious S'mores With a DIY Solar Oven

Giant Kerplunk

We've said it before, and we'll say it again. Bigger is better, and this giant yard game is no exception! Turn your backyard into the ultimate party zone for kids and adults with our simple how-to.

Get the How-To: Kerplunk Into Summer With This Giant DIY Yard Game

Color Scavenger Hunt

Send kids on an "I Spy" adventure with this color scavenger hunt. Have them search for things that match the color on their sheets, then add them to their bags. (Within reason, of course!)

More Ideas: 10 Creative Backyard Camping Ideas for Mini Explorers

Super-Sized Tic-Tac-Toe

Add BIG time fun to your next outdoor get-together with this oversized Tic-Tac-Toe game you can build with your kids! Best of all, if the kids lose focus, you'll have nine hula hoops for plenty of extra entertainment.

Get the How-To: How to Make a Giant Outdoor Tic-Tac-Toe With Hula Hoops

Eggshell Geodes

This fun crystal-growing experiment is a great project for a rainy weekend. Use eggshells and alum powder to create sparkling geodes the kids will love to show off.

Get the How-To: How to Grow Glittering Crystal Geodes in Eggshells

Little Free Library

Little Free Libraries have been popping up in neighborhoods around the country. Flex your woodworking skills with this DIY library project, and let the little ones help paint and decorate it. Encourage the kids to share their old books and find some new ones!

Get the How-To: How to Build a Little Free Library for Your Neighborhood

Kiddie Concert Zone

Transform a corner of your child’s bedroom or playroom into a spot for putting on plays, concerts and other performances. Install a set of curtains, add a kid-sized microphone and hang some fun outfits and costumes to inspire your little star.

More Ideas: 50+ Amazing Rooms That Make Us Wish We Were Kids Again

From: Liz Carroll

Tarp Toss Game

Turn a basic canvas drop cloth into a fun backyard ball-toss game the whole family can enjoy. It folds flat for easy storage between games.

Get the How-To: How to Turn a Tarp Into a Fun Party Game

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Bubble Wrap Painting

Sure, painting with brushes is fun, but if you’re looking for something a little more active to burn off your kiddos’ energy, try bubble wrap painting. Cover your kids’ feet with bubble wrap, load them up with paint, then let them stomp away on a large sheet of paper or plywood to create a unique work of art.

Get the How-To: Bubble Wrap Family Art Project

Sun Prints

Keep a pack of sun-sensitive paper around, and you’ll always have a fun summer-day activity for the little ones. Kids can gather flowers, leaves and branches and place them on the paper, then be mesmerized as the prints develop.

Get the How-To: 3 Gorgeous Ways to Craft With Sun Prints

Life-Size Fairy Ring

Turn a corner of your backyard into a magical fairy ring that will inspire your child to play and dream all day. Tea party, anyone?

Get the How-To: How to Create a Magical Backyard Fairy Ring

Upcycled Greenhouses

Teach your kids how to start seeds by turning empty plastic containers into mini greenhouses. Plant some seeds, sprinkle them with water and place them in a sunny spot. Then, have the kids check on them daily to watch them sprout.

Get the How-To: 5 Small-Space Greenhouses

Glow-in-the-Dark Spray Chalk

Sidewalk chalk fun doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down. Whip up a batch of this glow-in-the-dark spray chalk so the kids can make masterpieces any time of day.

Get the How-To: DIY Glow-in-the-Dark Chalk Spray for Instant Summer Fun

Night Sky Canopy

Sometimes, kids just need a space to themselves. Whether it's for reading, playing or anything else they can think of, this night sky canopy is the perfect space. To make things even better, this DIY is so simple, you can get your kiddo in on the action!

Get the How-To: Make a Dreamy, DIY Play Canopy for a Kid's Room

From: Michelle Edgemont

Garden Racetrack

Have some leftover edging from your last landscaping project? Use it to create an outdoor racetrack where the kiddos can vroom and zoom their favorite cars.

Watch the Video: Kid's Garden Track

Rowboat Sandbox

Give your kids the sandbox of their dreams, all while flexing your DIY muscles. If you're looking to boost the backyard's fun factor without lowering your home's curb appeal, this nautical-themed sandbox is perfect for you.

Get the How-To: How to Make a Rowboat Sandbox

Backseat Activity Station

Make your car road-trip ready and kid-approved all at the same time. This super fun backseat organizer keeps your kiddo's toys, books, snacks and other go-to items right where they need them.

Get the How-To: How to Make a Fun Backseat Organizer for Kids

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50 At-Home Kids' Activities to Banish Boredom

Related To:

Boredom-Busting Activities for Kids

Sidewalk Chalk Story Telling

Backyard Mini Circus

Road Trip-Approved Hidden Object Game

Backyard Camping

Recycled Sandbox Garden

Kid-Friendly Bean Bag Toss

Doorway Puppet Theater

Kiddie Car Wash

Pool Noodle Obstacle Course

Activity Dice

Seed Bombs

Backyard Water Blob

Upcycled Fishing Game

Kid-Friendly Work Bench

Swimming Pool Word Search

Indoor Kid Fort

Backyard Bowling Alley

Water Gun Paint Party

Sponge Toss

Marshmallow Launchers

Low-Mess Snow Slime

Lemonade Stand

Felt Veggie Garden

Cardboard City

Tablecloth Playhouse

Washi Tape Racetrack

Water Balloon Piñata

Kid-Size Kitchen

Moldable Sand

Color-Coordinated Sleeping Pods

Giant Bubble Wand + Solution

Pool Noodle Ring Toss

Solar Oven S'mores

Giant Kerplunk

Color Scavenger Hunt

Super-Sized Tic-Tac-Toe

Eggshell Geodes

Little Free Library

Kiddie Concert Zone

Tarp Toss Game

Bubble Wrap Painting

Sun Prints

Life-Size Fairy Ring

Upcycled Greenhouses

Glow-in-the-Dark Spray Chalk

Night Sky Canopy

Garden Racetrack

Rowboat Sandbox

Backseat Activity Station

Shop This Look

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