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

- Link: https://stayathomemum.com.au/family/baby/9-frugal-and-fun-activities-for-the-im-bored-jar/
- Published: 2022-01-06T09:00:00+11:00
- Author: Clare Whitfield

We’ve been experimenting and trying to think of new ways each year but it’s still
really hard to [keep the kids entertained](https://stayathomemum.com.au/my-kids/activities/20-ways-to-keep-the-kids-entertained-for-hours-and-hours/),
right?

> Heck, we made the [‘I’m Bored’](https://stayathomemum.com.au/my-kids/activities/how-to-make-an-im-bored-jar/)
> 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](https://stayathomemum.com.au/family/baby/9-frugal-and-fun-activities-for-the-im-bored-jar/#1-learn-how-to-play-music-via-youtube)
 * [2. Pretend to Work Like Mum or Dad Day](https://stayathomemum.com.au/family/baby/9-frugal-and-fun-activities-for-the-im-bored-jar/#2-pretend-to-work-like-mum-or-dad-day)
 * [3. Go Camping (in the Backyard)](https://stayathomemum.com.au/family/baby/9-frugal-and-fun-activities-for-the-im-bored-jar/#3-go-camping-in-the-backyard)
 * [4. Learn How to Cook](https://stayathomemum.com.au/family/baby/9-frugal-and-fun-activities-for-the-im-bored-jar/#4-learn-how-to-cook)
 * [5. Have a Movie Marathon](https://stayathomemum.com.au/family/baby/9-frugal-and-fun-activities-for-the-im-bored-jar/#5-have-a-movie-marathon)
 * [6. Learn How to Ride a Bike](https://stayathomemum.com.au/family/baby/9-frugal-and-fun-activities-for-the-im-bored-jar/#6-learn-how-to-ride-a-bike)
 * [7. Learn New Jobs Around the House](https://stayathomemum.com.au/family/baby/9-frugal-and-fun-activities-for-the-im-bored-jar/#7-learn-new-jobs-around-the-house)
 * [8. Backyard Games](https://stayathomemum.com.au/family/baby/9-frugal-and-fun-activities-for-the-im-bored-jar/#8-backyard-games)
 * [9. Write a letter](https://stayathomemum.com.au/family/baby/9-frugal-and-fun-activities-for-the-im-bored-jar/#9-write-a-letter)

[⌊Diy im bored jar with fun activity sticks for kids⌉⌊Diy im bored jar with fun 
activity sticks for kids⌉[

## **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⌉⌊Child learning guitar with parent for fun boredom activity at home⌉ ](https://i0.wp.com/stayathomemum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/istockphoto-472067885-612x612.jpg?quality=89&ssl=1)

[via istockphoto.com](https://www.istockphoto.com/photos/father-and-son-guitar?page=2)

## **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⌉⌊Child standing in front of a brick wall with a round vent smiling and having fun⌉ ](https://i0.wp.com/stayathomemum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/ourfamilylife.co_.uk1_.jpg?quality=89&ssl=1)

[via ourfamilylife.co.uk](http://ourfamilylife.co.uk/kids-fashion/)

## **3. 󠀁[Go Camping (in the Backyard)](https://stayathomemum.com.au/my-kids/5-nifty-backyard-camping-ideas-for-the-family/)󠁿**

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⌉⌊Family enjoying a fun camping day with kids and a dog in a backyard tent⌉ ](https://i0.wp.com/stayathomemum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/VanessaLachey-CampingBackyardParty-44.jpg?quality=89&ssl=1)

## **4. Learn 󠀁[How to Cook](https://stayathomemum.com.au/recipes/11-cooking-skills-your-kids-should-learn/)󠁿**

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:

 * [Spaghetti Omelette](https://stayathomemum.com.au/recipes/spaghetti-omelette/)
 * [Impossible Pizza](https://stayathomemum.com.au/recipes/impossible-pizza/)
 * [Sand Cake](https://stayathomemum.com.au/recipes/sand-cake/)

[⌊Child mixing colorful salad in a glass bowl on kitchen table⌉⌊Child mixing colorful salad in a glass bowl on kitchen table⌉ ](https://i0.wp.com/stayathomemum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/toddler-cooking-with-dad-gettyimages-893385762_1.jpg?quality=89&ssl=1)

[via eatingwell.com](http://www.eatingwell.com/article/290725/cooking-skills-every-kid-should-learn-by-age-10/)

## **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](https://stayathomemum.com.au/my-lifestyle/60-best-movies-to-watch-for-a-fun-sleepover/)!
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⌉⌊Children watching tv with snacks on the sofa⌉ ](https://i0.wp.com/stayathomemum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/fatherly.com1_.jpg?quality=89&ssl=1)

[via fatherly.com](https://www.fatherly.com/parenting/how-to-help-kid-that-is-scared-of-movies-or-tv/)

## **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⌉⌊9 frugal and fun activities
for the'I'm Bored' Jar⌉[

[via totalwomenscycling Com](https://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](https://stayathomemum.com.au/my-kids/activities/age-appropriate-chores-for-kids/).

[⌊9 frugal and fun activities for the im bored jar⌉⌊9 frugal and fun activities 
for the im 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⌉⌊Kids playing with toy guns aiming at a colorful target board outdoors⌉ ](https://i0.wp.com/stayathomemum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/DIY-Backyard-Games-For-The-Cottage.jpg?quality=89&ssl=1)

[via sign-depot.on.ca](https://sign-depot.on.ca/diy-backyard-games-great-ideas-for-your-cottage-or-cabin/diy-backyard-games-for-the-cottage/)

## **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!

[For instructions on how to make your own ‘I’m Bored’ jar, click here! ](https://stayathomemum.com.au/my-kids/activities/how-to-make-an-im-bored-jar/)

![author avatar](https://i0.wp.com/stayathomemum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/
12/clare_whitfield_profile.webp?quality=80&ssl=1)

 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.

 [See Full Bio](https://stayathomemum.com.au/author/clare_whitfield/) [  ](https://stayathomemum.com.au/author/clare_whitfield/)