Are you tired of hearing your kids complain about being bored at home?
Do you want to find fun and easy activities to do with them that won’t break the bank?
If so, you’re not alone!
With many families spending more time at home than ever before, it can be challenging to keep kids entertained and engaged.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
In this post, we’ll share some of our favorite activities that you can do with your kids, using items you probably already have around the house.
So, what to do at home?
When you’ve exhausted your typical go-to activities, try one of these fun and easy activities.
(And we do mean EASY. We’ve chosen these projects specifically for NON-CRAFTY people. 😉 )
Let’s dive in and banish boredom once and for all!
100 Things To Do At Home With Kids
Science Experiments
Want to unleash your inner mad scientist? We’ve got an epic list of 100 Science Experiments For Kids. Here are a few of our favorites:
1. DIY Mini Volcanos
Overview:
This super easy baking soda and vinegar volcano eruption is a real crowd-pleaser for kids of all ages, and your kids will be begging to do it over and over again!
All you need is a few very basic household ingredients, and your colorful volcano will be erupting in no time. It only takes about three minutes to prep.
If you want this to be a no mess science experiment, plan to do it outside on the dirt or on rocks.
Ingredients
Plastic cup
Water
3-4 Tbs of baking soda at least
1 tsp of dish soap
Food coloring (or washable paint if you want to avoid staining)
1 cup (8 oz) of Vinegar
Steps:
First, combine your base ingredients by putting the water inside of the plastic cup and filling it about 2/3 full.
Then add the baking soda, dish soap, and a little bit of food coloring or washable paint. Using washable paint instead of food coloring will help you avoid staining.
Stir the ingredients together.
Then, pour in the vinegar until it starts foaming and pouring out of the cup.
Repeat as necessary with more colors. Your kids will definitely be asking for more.
What’s Happening:
The “lava” bubbles that erupt are filled with carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is a gas that forms when an acid — the vinegar — reacts with a base — the baking soda.
2. Exploring colors with baking soda and vinegar
Overview:
In this science activity for kids of all ages, your little scientists will create a chemical reaction, explore color mixing, AND create colorful artwork. Triple win!
What You Need:
Tray (A baking sheet will do)
Baking soda
White vinegar
Ice Cube Trays or other containers to hold the colored vinegar
Pipettes or eye droppers
Liquid watercolors or food coloring
Steps:
1. Give each child a tray.
2. Fill the tray with a heaping amount of baking soda.
3. Fill each ice cube tray (or other container) with vinegar. Add liquid watercolors to the vinegar so your child has a variety of colors to use.
3. Rainbow Bubble Snakes
The only incredients you need for Rainbow Bubble Snakes are a plastic bottle, some duct tape, a sock without a match, and dish soap. SCORE! I have literally all of these things, and I’m sure you do, too. As usual, it’s more fun with food coloring.
4. Elephant Toothpaste
Overview:
Have you heard of the elephant toothpaste experiment yet? It’s a blast! You will need an adult for this experiment. Kids of all ages will love learning about catalysts and exothermic reactions in this simple fun science activity.
What You Need:
16-oz plastic soda bottle
1/2 cup 20-volume of 6% solution hydrogen peroxide liquid
1 Tablespoon dry yeast
3 Tablespoons of warm water
Liquid dish soap
Food coloring
Small cup
Safety goggles
Steps:
First and foremost, put on your safety goggles or protective eyewear. Hydrogen peroxide can irritate skin and eyes. As a safety precaution, an adult should always be the one to carefully pour the hydrogen peroxide into the bottle.
The next step is to add 8 drops of your favorite color food coloring into the bottle.
Then, add 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap and swish the bottle around the mix the ingredients together.
In a separate cup, mix the warm water and yeast together for 30 seconds.
Finally, pour the yeast water mixture into the bottle and watch the foam form!
What’s Happening:
Each tiny bubble in the foal is filled with oxygen. The yeast was a catalyst (it helper) to remove the oxygen from the hydrogen peroxide. Because it happened so fast, it created lots of bubbles.
make this fun DIY paint, you just need shaving cream, glue, food coloring, and a plastic bag. After you squish the ingredient together, you can make some colorful and unique art!
5. Funfetti Play Dough
Homemade playdough that looks like confetti? How fun is this? It only takes two ingredients to make it, but be careful, because it’s edible and VERY sweet!
6. Homemade Slime
Overview:
What kid doesn’t love slime? This is one of our favorite science experiments because it’s a sure kid-pleaser! In this basic recipe, you can make some of your own right in your kitchen, and have fun squeezing it with your bare hands all day long. Slime has quickly become one of those classic science experiments that every family should try at least once!
Materials:
Water
White school glue
food coloring
borax
two bowls
Steps:
First, mix 1/4 cup of water and 1/4 cup of white school glue in a bowl. (Double the recipe if you’d like more.)
Next, if you want your slime to be colorful, add a few drop of food coloring to the mixture.
Then, mix 1/2 tablespoon of borax and 1/2 a cup of water and stir it around until the borax dissolves. I
Finally, add the borax solution to the glue mixture and mix them together. Voila!
Variations:
For glow in the dark slime, use glow-in-the-dark glue. For glittery slime, add glitter!
Don’t have borax lying around the house? Order some from Amazon at a good price.
7. Dancing Raisins
Overview:
Home science experiments don’t have to be complicated. In this very easy science experiment that’s perfect for young kids, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your household: clear soda, a glass of water, and a handful of raisins. With these simple ingredients, you’ll produce chemical reactions that your kids can watch in real time!
What You’ll Need:
Clear Soda
A clear glass of water
Handful of raisins
Steps:
First, you fill one glass with clear soda, and another glass with plain water or a different liquid that does not have gas bubbles. Then, place the raisins in each glass, and watch how they dance in the glass with clear soda.
The gas bubbles from the soda carry the raisins upwards. When they pop, the raisin sinks again.
What’s happening?
Once the carbon dioxide bubbles reach the surface of the soda they pop and the gas is released into the air. This makes the raisin lose buoyancy and fall back down to the bottom of the glass. This is why the raising acts differently in different liquids.
8. Static Electricity Hair
Overview:
Want to provide your kids with (literally) hair-raising good time? It’s super simple to teach your kids about static electricity with this easy, no-mess science activity.
What You need:
an inflated balloon
a piece of cloth
Steps:
Rub the surface of the balloon with the cloth for at least40 seconds. Then, hold the balloon a short distance above your head and watch your hair stick to it!
What’s Happening:
The balloon gains electrons from the cloth and becomes negatively-charged when you rub it together. Then, when the balloon touches you hair, it attracts your hair, which is positively charged.
9. Invisible Ink
In this fun experiment, your kids can write secret messages that they will learn how to reveal scientifically. You need only basic materials, and it’s sure to be a big hit.
Materials:
-Cotton swab
-lamp or light bulm
-plain white paper
-bowl or cup
-lemon juice
Steps:
First, squeeze the lemon juice into a bowl or cup and mix in a few drops of water.
Next, dip the cotton swap into the lemon juice / water mixture, and write a secret message or draw a secret picture onto the plain white paper.
Wait a few moments for the paper to dry and for the juice to become invisible.
Finally, hold the paper close to a light bulb or lamp and reveal your secret messages.
What’s Happening?
Lemon juice contains carbon compounds that are colourless at room temperature. The heat source (in this case the light bulb) breaks down the compounds and thereby releases the carbon. The carbon oxidizes when it comes into contact with the air. It then turns brown, making your invisible message visible under the hot light bulb.
10. Homemade Play Dough
Overview:
This is a classic DIY project, and kids of all ages will love it.
Materials:
-3 cups of flour
-1.5 cups of salt
-6 teaspoons cream of tartar
-3 tablespoons of oil
-3 cups of water
Mix it all together to make your play dough!
See all 100 Easy Science Experiments For Kids >>
Outdoor Activities
When the weather is right, it’s the perfect time to get the family outside for some fun outdoor games and activities.
If you’re looking for ways to get your kids off their screens and outside in the fresh air, look no further.
We’ve compiled a list of the best 100 outdoor activities for kids that will keep them entertained and engaged for hours.
From classic games to bug hunts, we’ve got you covered.
Here are a few of our favorites:
11. Hopscotch
Hopscotch is a classic children’s game that has been enjoyed for generations.
With its simple rules and minimal equipment requirements, it’s a popular pastime for kids all around the world.
In fact, you might remember playing is as a child back in the day!
But do you remember the Hopscotch Rules?
Check out our post “Hopscotch 101: A Step-By-Step Guide to the Rules” >>
12. Water Balloon Games
Summer fun at home is the best kind of fun!
And on a hot summer day, there is nothing better than some good old-fashioned fun with water balloons.
We found 21 fun water balloon games your kids will love this summer, including a Water Balloon Spoon Race, Water Balloon Dodgeball, and my personal favorite, Water Balloon Painting.
I recommend having a water balloon theme day and playing them all, or you can spread them out throughout the summer.
13. Sidewalk Chalk Activities
You’ve chalked your walk, drawn rainbows galore, and printed everyone’s name in the family all over your driveway.
What else can you do with all that sidewalk chalk?
Here are ten Sidewalk Chalk activities your kids will love, including Wet Paint (wait until you see these bold colors!) and a Tic Tac Toe tournament.
14. Bug Hunt
For a fun outdoor adventure, grab a mason jar and a magnifying glass and head outside to find some bugs. Maybe you’ll find yourself a new pet! It’s extra fun to do this at night to catch some lightning bugs. This is especially fun for younger children.
15. Bubbles!
POP! Bubbles make everything more fun.
My kids LOVE this machine. Turn your backyard into a magical land of bubbles with this lightweight and durable bubble machine.
16. Mud Pies
Grab a pie tin or some old pots and pans, and head outside to make mud pie! Fill it up with dirt and then decorate it with pebbles, flower petals, twigs and more. The best part? No calories!
Here are more simple Spring activities for kids you’ll love >>
17. Kite Flying
On a windy day, it’s a good idea to take advantage of the wind and fly a kite! Here’s a classic rainbow kite for beginners.
18. Outdoor Hide and Seek
Hide and Seek is one of the most fun games for kids, and it’s even better when played outside! One player covers their eyes and gives the other players 30 seconds to hide. After 30 seconds, they’re coming for you!
19. Tie Dye
Tie-dye shirts have been popular for decades, and it’s no wonder why!
Here are 10 easy tie-dye patterns for kids to try.
This one-step tie-dye kit will simplify your next tie-dye project.
It includes enough tie-dye supplies for a party of five people, including 15 squeeze bottles of highly-concentrated nontoxic one-step dyes in popular colors (you have to add water to activate), plus a step-by-step technique guide featuring 8 tie dye looks to choose from.
When you’re ready to wash your tie-dye for the first time, be sure to consult our step-by-step guide.
20. Jump Rope
Jumping rope is one of the best activities you can do for your heart, and it also happens to be really fun! Have a competition to see how long you can jump rope before tripping up.
See all 100 Best Outdoor Games & Activities >>
Backyard Games & Activities
When summer rolls around, it’s time to dust off the backyard and get ready for some backyard fun!
But what games and activities should you have ready to keep them entertained for hours?
Fear not, we’ve got you covered with a list of the 100 best backyard games and activities for kids that are sure to keep them engaged, active, and most importantly, having fun!
Here are some of our favorites:
21. Red Light Green Light
One person is chosen to be the traffic light and they stand a good distance away from the other players with their back to them. The other players stand in a line facing It. When It calls ‘Green Light,’ the other players move towards him until he spins around, calling ‘Red Light’. If the other players move on a red light, they’re out!
22. Keep It Up
Using balloons or a light bouncy ball, see how long you can keep it in the air without it touching the ground. Team members cannot touch it more than once in a row. The team gets a point for every touch.
23. Paper Airplane Cornhole
Each player creates the best paper airplane they can. Then take turns trying to land the airplane into a bucket or other target.
24. Penguin Race
Set up two cones or markers on either side of the yard. Each racer has to place a ball (the “egg”) between their legs. See how many laps they can complete in one minute. If they drop the “egg” they have to do 5 jumping jacks!
25. Shadow Tag
Players decide one person to be “it.” The “it” person must run around and jump on another player’s shadow, making them the new “it.”
26. Sly Fox
One player is chosen to be the Fox, and faces away from the rest of the players. The other players sneak up gradually on the Fox and aim to touch their back before they turn around to catch them. Before the Fox can turn around, they must count to 10 under their breath or out loud as fast or slowly as they like. When the Fox turns around all the other players must ‘freeze’. If the Fox spots a player moving, or falling over, that player must return to the starting point again.
27. Sprinkler Tug Of War
Put one person on either side of the sprinkler, grab a rope, and tug!
28. Freeze Dance
Bring a speaker outside and blast your favorite music. When the music stops, everyone freezes!
29. Three legged Race
Tie the left leg of one person to the right leg of another person and see how fast you can get across the yard!
30. Giant Memory Game
Use a Sharpie to write two of each letter or number on large pieces of cardboard. Then lay all the cardboard facedown in your yard and play a giant game of Memory!
See all 100 Best Backyard Games & Activities For Kids >>
Boredom Busters
Parents, we’ve all been there.
You’re in the middle of making dinner, trying to catch up on some work, or just trying to enjoy a moment of peace and quiet, when suddenly you hear those dreaded words: ‘Mom, Dad, I’m so bored.’
Don’t panic! We’ve got you covered with a list of the 100 best activities for when kids say they’re bored.
From creative projects to fun games, we’ve compiled a list of ideas that will keep your kids entertained and engaged, so you can have a break.
So, the next time you hear those words, simply pull out this list and get ready to have some fun.
Here are some of our favorite boredom busters:
31. Build a Fort
A great way to pass the time when you’re bored (and especially on cozy rainy days) is by building a fort. Grab all the blankets in the house, chairs and tables for stability, pillows for comfort, and get to building your custom fort!
32. Bake Cookies.
The best way to turn a boring afternoon into a delightful one is by baking cookies. You probably have all the ingredient in your pantry right now!
33. Flashlight Games
From flashlight tag to Shadow Puppet Charades, a simple flashlight can lead to a whole lot of fun. Check out our 5 Favorite Flashlight Games for Kids >>
34. Facetime a Relative
When you can’t be in the same place as your loved ones, using technology to connect is the next best thing.
But FaceTime & Zoom calls can get boring fast!
From “Would You Rather?” to Battleship, Ttese FaceTime games will make your next chat way more fun.
35. Make Friendship Bracelets
Friendship bracelets can be a special way of telling someone how much your care about them. You can use string, lanyard, or small rubber bands to create your special gift.
36. Have a Dance Party
Dancing should be a part of every day! Put on a playlist of your favorite songs and boogie down. Maybe you can even choreograph your own dance. Here are the best Kids Dance Songs to get your party started.
37. At-Home Community Service Projects
Paint rocks to decorate your neighborhood, create art for seniors, or make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for a local homeless shelter. Here are 10 at-home community service projects for kids.
38. Do a Jigsaw Puzzle
Jigsaw puzzles can be the perfect challenge when you’re feeling bored. There are easy puzzles for younger kids, and difficult ones for older children. If you don’t have any around the house, and you don’t want to spend full price, you can often find inexpensive puzzles at places like Good Will.
39. Make Paper Airplanes
Make some paper airplanes and see how well you can get it to fly. There are all kind of different designs online. You could even use a bucket to play paper airplane cornhole. Try to see if you can get the airplane to land in the bucket.
40. Create a Time Capsule
Time capsules are a creative way to send a message to your future self. Gather up objects that are symbolic of today’s world (food packaging, magazines, the ribbon you won for swimming, etc.). Some up with some of your own ideas to make it unique to you. Then hide it somewhere and don’t open it for at least ten years!
Check out our entire list for 100 Fun Activities For When Kids Say They’re “So Bored” >>
Rainy Day Activities
Rainy days can be a bummer, especially when you have a house full of energetic kids bouncing off the walls.
But fear not, parents!
With a little creativity and imagination, you can turn a gloomy day into a fun-filled adventure that your kids will remember for years to come.
It’s the perfect opportunity to hunker down, get cozy, and bond with your little ones.
For our full list, check out 100 Best Rainy Day Activities For Kids >>
Here are some of our favorites:
41. Tea Party
Do you have a tea set that hasn’t been used in awhile? A rainy day is the perfect time for a tea party. Invite the whole family!
42. Play a Board Game
From the classic Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit, to newer favorites like Blank Slate and Apples to Apples, board games have entertained the entire family throughout the decades. Break open the game cabinet, gather around the dining room table, and get started!
43. Snuggle Up With a Book
There’s something special about curling up with a good book on a rainy day.
If you need some suggestions, heads to our list of 100 Classic Children’s Books >>
The sound of rain tapping against the windows creates a soothing background noise that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the story.
The grey skies and dim light create a cozy atmosphere, making it the perfect setting to escape into a different world. With no distractions from the outdoors, you can fully indulge in the pages of your book without interruption.
Whether you prefer a thrilling adventure or a heartwarming novel, reading on a rainy day is a simple pleasure that can bring comfort and relaxation.
So next time the rain is pouring outside, grab your favorite book and enjoy the peacefulness that comes with a quiet afternoon spent lost in its pages.
44. Have a Movie Marathon
A rainy day can be the perfect excuse to indulge in a movie marathon. With no need to venture outside, you can relax and enjoy uninterrupted viewing from the comfort of your own home.
Here’s a list of the best family movies to watch with your kids >>
And let’s not forget the snacks – a movie marathon wouldn’t be complete without some popcorn, candy, or your favorite comfort food.
So if you’re looking for a way to pass the time on a rainy day, grab your favorite movies, get cozy on the couch, and settle in for a day of pure relaxation and entertainment.
45. Spring Cleaning
Did you know that in many cultures throughout the world, parents invite their children into their daily work from an early age?
This NY Times read is a must if you’re feeling like the 24 hour event planner for your children.
This week, try focusing on practical life skills with your kids, and getting some to-do items checked off your list.
Invite your child into your world as you take care of projects around the house this week. Try to identify any small way that they could actually help you, even if it slows you down a bit.
From giving your toys a bath to getting the windows nice and sparkly, here are some fun ways kids can help clean the house >>
We also have a list of the best free Chore Chart Templates for kids.
For our full list, check out 100 Best Rainy Day Activities For Kids >>
Sleepover Activities
Sleepovers are the ultimate way for kids to have fun with their friends and make lasting memories. But beyond the typical movie nights and board games, there are countless other exciting activities to try during a sleepover.
We have an epic list of 50 Fun Things To Do at a Sleepover. Here are some of our favorites:
46. Blindfolded Makeup
For this fun activity, split the party guests into groups of two. One person puts on a blindfold. The blindfolded person applies makeup to their partner’s face trying to follow the instructions of their partner. It gets wacky pretty quickly!
47. Photo Booth and Props
If there aren’t photos, did it even happen? A good way to make sure you document sufficiently is by having a photo booth. You can rent a professional photo booth, or you can simply hang a backdrop and add some props for the kids to take silly photos of each other.
How about setting up a DIY photo booth, complete with silly props and backdrops?
48. Make Your Own Pizzas
For dinner at a sleepover, you can either order a bunch of pizzas, or make your own. Buy individual crust and some sauce for each guest, and then put out some toppings for them to create own pizza.
49. Truth or Dare
Truth or Dare is a classic sleepover game to help everyone get to know each other better. One player asks another player if they want a “Truth” or a “Dare.” If they say “Truth”, you can ask them anything and they have to answer truthfully. You can come up with a question on your own or find a list online.
Examples of Truth Questions:
1. “When is the last time you lied?
2. “What is the most embarrassing music you listen to?
3. “What is your biggest regret?”
If they choose Dare, you get to dare them to do something silly or embarrassing!
Examples of Dares:
1. Do a free-style rap for the next minute.
2. Act like a chicken until your next turn.
3. Talk in a British accent until your next turn.
4. Do 20 pushups.
5. Dump out your purse, backpack, or pockets and do a show and tell of what’s inside.
Important Note:
It’s important to stay safe both emotionally and physically. Set clear expectation for your party guests.
For a crafty activity, you can decorate pillowcases or t-shirts with fabric paint or markers.
If you’re feeling adventurous, set up a scavenger hunt in the backyard or create an obstacle course.
And for a fun way to wind down before bed, why not try some yoga or a relaxing guided meditation?
Whatever activities you choose, the most important thing is to have fun, be creative, and enjoy spending time with your friends.
Next time you’re planning a sleepover, mix it up with our list of 50 Fun Things to do at a Sleepover >>
50. Cupcake Wars
Pre-bake some plain cupcakes and let the kids compete with each other for the best-decorated cupcakes, just like in their favorite baking shows! The winning team can earn a baking-themed prize. The best part? it’s built-in party food!
Babies & Little Kids
Babies
As any new parent can attest, caring for a young baby can be both challenging and rewarding.
One of the most important things you can do for your little one at this stage is to provide appropriate activities that will help promote their development.
But with so many different options out there, it can be tough to know where to start. From tummy time to sensory play, the possibilities are endless.
Here is a list of the 35 Best Activities for Three Month Olds >>
Little Kids
Passing the time with a busy toddler or preschooler can be exhausting, and we can all use some fresh inspiration every now and then.
Teaching shapes is a fun and productive way to spend your time at home, and it’s easy to incorporate into everyday life.
Whether you’re at home with a toddler, or teaching in a preschool classroom, these shape activities for preschoolers will fit the bill.
Educational Websites
ABCmouse.com
If you’re ready to give the kids some screen time, you can make it educational with ABCmouse.com. They are offering a *free* 30 day trial.
See all 50 Free Educational Websites we recommend >>
On The Go
When you do venture out of the house, you may need some engaging and interactive activities for the car or plane ride.
Whether you’re looking for ways to keep your kids entertained on a rainy day or simply want to spend some quality time together as a family, these fun and easy activities are sure to be a hit.
We hope you enjoyed reading our post and found some new ideas to try at home.
Remember, the possibilities for at-home fun are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative and have some fun with your kids!
If you liked this post, be sure to check out our other related posts for more ideas and inspiration.
Thanks for reading, and happy playing!
mkewithkids
In 2013, Calie Herbst, a former teacher with three little ones, saw a need for a “One Stop Shop” for family fun in Milwaukee. So she founded Milwaukee With Kids. Her goal was to find the best this city has to offer families and share it with other parents. In one place. In 2019, she published "Exploring Milwaukee WIth Kids", a comprehensive Milwaukee travel guide for families and kids. She appears regularly on WISN News, Fox 6's 'Real Milwaukee', B93.3, and Wisconsin Morning News. She has been featured in Medium, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, NPR, the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle, and on CBS 58 News. Calie is available for hosting, moderating and media appearances.
