Kids get bored over the summer, they just do. Eventually, the friends go home, there’s a rainy day, or they just run out of ideas for things to do independently. Some screen time is ok! Sometimes it can even be beneficial when playing creative apps like Minecraft or Prodigy. HOWEVER, we all know that too much screen time can turn kids into grumpy couch potatoes. Scheduling time for technology is a great way to set expectations for when and how long they can be on their devices or in front of the TV. You will, however, need to come armed with some great screen-free boredom-busting ideas to give them a boost in creative play!
Rainy Day Activities
The dreaded rainy day, when everyone usually stays inside, can actually be an opportunity for creative fun!
Go outside!
As long as it’s not storming or cold, put your bathing suits on and go run around in the rain. Turn your playset slide into a “waterslide”, play tag, kick the soccer ball around, shoot hoops, or even go for a hike in the woods! Embrace the rain!
Make a box and blanket fortress.
Get the creative juices flowing and put all of those Amazon boxes to good use! Use some duct tape and put boxes together. Grab a bed sheet or two and create roofs, tents, and awnings stretching across boxes and furniture. Kids can camp out overnight in their tent (as long as it’s safe!) or even use it for a fun space to do some quiet reading time!
Throw a Karaoke Dance Party
You don’t have to have a fancy karaoke machine to participate in this fun and silly activity. Grab a large kitchen spoon as a microphone and sing along with the tunes on this free karaoke website.
Make Indoor S’mores
Just compile the graham cracker, marshmallow, and chocolate into a s’more. Put it on a plate and pop it in the microwave. Watch it carefully, you won’t need to put it in for long! Take them downstairs and sit on a tablecloth in a circle telling campfire stories with a flashlight. You can even make a pretend campfire to sit around. When it’s sunny, you could try this variation on s’more fun!
Garage Picnic
Pull out the car, maybe do a little sweeping, and spread out your picnic blanket! Make up your picnic basket with everything you need for a picnic in the park, and then head into the garage! Keeping the garage door open makes it a little easier to pretend you’re not sitting in your garage ;-). Make-believe you’re in a park with a giant playground, or on a castle lawn, or out by a waterfall. Everyone can take turns describing the scenery they’re imagining!
STEM Activities (free download here)
Add some educational, problem-solving activities to the mix! This free activity, “Troll Bridge” is so much fun because it starts off with a silly and engaging video that paints the scenario for the activity. The video explains what the challenge is and the scientific concept behind it! It uses SIMPLE materials that are cheap and easy to find! ***Free Download here***
Crafts and Crafty Activities!
The good old go-to for rainy days! You can click here to visit my “Awesome Crafts for Kids” Pinterest board!
