30 Ways to Cure Summer Boredom

The children have been home from school for almost a week.  We have really enjoyed a slower pace in the mornings and more family time!  However, I have come to realize their minds and bodies still need a lot of structure and routine.  The children are much happier when they are engaged in a project or game.  Here is a list of thirty activities that have cured them so far from Summer boredom and help to foster creativity and minimize the use of electronic devices.  If your child comes to you with the familiar line, "I'm Bored" perhaps you could suggest one of the following:  

1.  Make play doh (for my favorite recipe, click here) 

2.  Go on a nature walk (collect flowers/bugs)

3.  Mini Marshmallow Art (create 3-D designs using toothpicks)

4.  Alphabetize chapter books on a shelf

5.  Create something from a shoebox using around-the-house materials

6.  Bounce a large ball back and forth to each other

7.  Bake something 

8.  Build a fort

9.  Visit the library

10. Hunt for lizards and frogs

11. Play restaurant (have the children design menu’s)

12. Print math problems on a sheet of paper and solve the problems using a calculator

13.Type a letter to a friend or cousin on the computer

14. Dress up in costumes

15. Play a board game

16. Make jewelry out of pasta noodles or cereal

17. Collect leaves then make a leaf book using paper and glue

18. Make trail mix

19. Design a portfolio folder (for their summer artwork)

20. Play hangman

21. Invite a friend over to play for two hours

22. Make sock puppets (using old socks and buttons for eyes) 

23. Start a rock collection

24. Create a small structure using Dominos

25. Make a picture collage using old magazines

26. Quiet time (alone in bedrooms for 1 hour and quietly playing or reading alone)

27. Color by number artwork (there are several to choose from at Michaels)

28. Make cards (using cardstock, stamps and stickers)

29. Write a short story and read aloud to the family 

30. Play school (mom as the student)