By Pam from Frugal Catholic Mommy
With 4 kids at home, I want to be prepared with spontaneous “boredom busters” to fill the days, so I’ve compiled a list to keep my kids (and yours!) busy.
- Shiny Pennies. Click here to learn how. Even older kids still like to do this!
- Have the kids act out a story while you video tape it, then hook up your video camera and watch it on TV. Our kids acted out Goldilocks and it was hilarious! And it kept them busy with rehearsal for about an hour, then they watched themselves on TV about 5 times!
- Make a trash dollhouse (or “Army bunker” for boys)–this can fill up days and days! All you need is a shoebox or other cardboard box and an assortment of caps, little empty bottles, paper clips and other miscellaneous household junk that we all have lying around in a drawer. Click here for the instructions.
- Going to the Pool? Here are 8 water games for the pool
- Finger Weaving Contest. This is great for older kids (8+). Stock up on yarn at the dollar store and Click here for instructions.
- Add It Up (toss $1.00 in coins out in the yard and have the kids search for the entire $1.00—while Mom takes a coffee break! If you want to be mean and take a LONG coffee break, only toss out $.95 and they will look for the elusive nickel for hours J)
- Play Battleship. If you don’t have the actual game, you can print out a version here.
- Make Hot Pretzels. Get creative and roll the dough into names, animals, footballs, a butterfly etc… Click here for an easy recipe.
- Make a chalk mural on your sidewalk–let each kid (and neighbor kids) each fill up an entire sidewalk square.
- Make your own pinata. This takes several days from start to finish, so it would be great to start on a Monday and have it ready for a play date on Friday. All ages can help with this one. Instructions here.
For more ideas, read another Boredom Busters post from Pam here.
Great tips!
Thanks!
With a 10yo & a 2yo, I need something to keep them busy so I don’t go insane.