9 Frugal and Fun Activities For The ‘I’m Bored’ Jar

Two children under a blanket fort, engaging in a fun activity together.

We’ve been experimenting and trying to think of new ways each year but it’s still really hard to keep the kids entertained, right?

Heck, we made the ‘I’m Bored’ jar already and some days I still hear them say… mum, I’m booored.

Me: *rolls eyes*

Seriously, my eyes are tired from all the eye-rolling. Good thing I prepared a list of activities I can occupy them with for the next two weeks!

1. Learn How to Play Music Via Youtube

The kids might reject the idea at first but you never really know. Your child might end up being really good at playing the guitar or drums. YouTube is a great start for them to learn how to play instruments.  Even if the kids just want to learn the most famous ‘riffs’ – there are Youtube videos on how to do just that!

Child learning guitar with parent for fun boredom activity at home.
via istockphoto.com

2. Pretend to Work Like Mum or Dad Day

Not all workplaces let you bring your kids. But, if you can, create a space in your home to be your home office and bring the kids to ‘work’ with you. Mentally prepare them and give out rules as to what they should or shouldn’t do. To make it more fun, let them wear office attire!

Child standing in front of a brick wall with a round vent, smiling and having fun.
via ourfamilylife.co.uk

3. Go Camping (in the Backyard)

Put up the tents, build a small fire. Let the kids sleep in sleeping bags and try cooking a meal over the coals! It’s a lovely activity on Friday or Saturday nights for the whole family!

Family enjoying a fun camping day with kids and a dog in a backyard tent.

4. Learn How to Cook

If your kids are getting older and more mature, it’s about time to teach them how to work around the kitchen. Cooking is a life skill and it’s better to teach them slowly as they grow up. They can be in charge of washing fruits and veggies, cleaning up and measuring ingredients. Older kids can also learn peeling veggies and cooking eggs.

Some great recipes to try that are child friendly include:

Child mixing colorful salad in a glass bowl on kitchen table.
via eatingwell.com

5. Have a Movie Marathon

This one’s probably my go-to when the kids are bored. There are lots of really great movies to watch, and we have an awesome list here! But before that, I always give conditions, such as making sure all the chores are done, etc. It always works!

Children watching TV with snacks on the sofa.
via fatherly.com

6. Learn How to Ride a Bike

I don’t know how to ride a bike and it frustrates me a lot! It’s a great way to exercise and have fun with friends or siblings.

9 Frugal and Fun Activities For The 'I'm Bored' Jar
via totalwomenscycling.com

7. Learn New Jobs Around the House

Each year, I try my best to teach my kids to do something new. Just basic tasks like raking leaves, cleaning their rooms, folding, etc. Moreover, it’s important to teach the kids to pick up their toys while they’re young. It’s also a great way to discipline your kids whenever they fight with each other. Most house chores consist of working together so they won’t have a choice.

If you want to know more about what age-appropriate chores to teach your kids, check this post out.

9 Frugal and Fun Activities For The 'I'm Bored' Jar
via reliable-remodeler.com

8. Backyard Games

Backyard games or a simple obstacle course is super fun and a great way to drain the kids’ energies!

Kids playing with toy guns aiming at a colorful target board outdoors.
via sign-depot.on.ca

9. Write a letter

Your kids probably miss grandmum and pops or their friends at school while school hols. Let them write a letter and encourage them to say something nice or talk about how their day went. You can mail it or tell them to give it to their friends when they return to school. It will give the kids that feeling of excitement and it’s nice to remember our loved ones as well. Plus, they’ll be able to practice their writing.

These activities for the ‘I’m Bored’ jar are fun!

author avatar
Clare Whitfield Chief Editor
Clare Whitfield is the Editor of Stay at Home Mum and a recognised voice in practical home management for Australian families. Based in the northern suburbs of Sydney, she balances editorial leadership with life as a stay at home mum to two school age children. Her background in home economics and more than a decade of experience in recipe development, family budgeting, and household systems inform her work.

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