As much as we don’t want to think about it, summer is coming to an end. And what does that mean for our kids?
They’re BORED.
The novelty of the summer swimming hole is wearing off, the days of sprinklers is coming to an end and even the days are getting shorter.
That’s why I’ve compiled a complete list of the best boredom busters perfect for your kids to keep them entertained and out of trouble before the school year starts up once again.
1. Create a Summer Bucket List
Bucket lists don’t have to be things you hope or plan to do, create a bucket list full of fun actives that your child loves doing!
Get them off the couch and away from the TV with this interactive bucket list where they get to choose their own adventure!
2. Free Summer Reading Programs
I don’t know about you but when Pizza is an incentive to read, I’m gonna read as many books as I can!
Reading is the perfect way to combat boredom for both you and your child. You can make a game of it, see how many books your child can read by the time you finish one.
Or add incentives!
>>You can check out 10 free summer reading programs right here provided by adayinourshoes.com
3. Go Geocaching
You’ve heard of searching for “Black Beard’s” buried treasure right? Well, this is similar but way more fun and completely free! (no pirates involved)
Not only does geocaching take you and your family on an adventure, it gets everyone outside and working together for a fun, free family day!
4. Sponge ball Water Fight
In the summer when you can’t beat the heat, the best thing to do is to just give in and have a good old fashioned water fight!
What do you do if you don’t have any balloons?
Grab some sponges and turn them into water balls and cool off with the water game of your choice!
5. Create Painted Rocks
Being creative is one of the best ways to beat that pesky midsummer boredom!
Creating painted rocks is a really fun way to let your child’s imagination run wild! And it’s super inexpensive too!
Create a pet rock farm, paint your favorite characters or scatter them around the neighborhood as a special surprise for others to find!
6. Put on a Talent Show
My favorite thing to do as a kid was to make up a story and act it out in front of my parent’s old video camera. (remember those?)
Round up your kids and invite their friends and have a good old-fashioned talent show!
This is fun for you and lets your kids be creative and dress up in funny costumes and really lets their imagination run wild!
>>Get another 20+ boredom busters from reallyareyouserious.com!
7. Make your Own Bubbles
There is nothing better than running around the yard popping bubbles!
Kids love it, dogs love it, heck, even parents love it.
Here is a nifty way you can actually create your very own bubble solution that will make the biggest bubbles you’ve ever seen!
>>Get the full bubble making tutorial here provided by thepayathomeparent.com
8. Get out and Get Active
In today’s world, video games and cell phones are a dime a dozen but that’s no fun for anyone and at some point, sitting inside all day becomes boring!
Get up, get out and get active!
9. Play with Slime
Slime, we all know it and love it and it can keep your kids happy for hours!
Slime, while it can be used for just about anything you can think of, can actually be used to practice drawing and writing too.
Yes, sneaking in a little bit of educational fun in the summer never hurt anyone.
10. Make Finger Puppets
Puppets are easy to make and a really fun and inexpensive activity to beat summer boredom!
Create as many finger puppets as you want and put on a show for your neighborhood!
>>Get the full instructions on creating pipe cleaner finger puppets at thesoccermomblog.com
11. Jello Sensory Bins
Sensory bins can be used for pure entertainment, education and/or letting your child explore simply using their senses.
The fun thing about sensory bins is that they can be made out of absolutely anything, making them extremely affordable and a really fun family activity!
>>Get all the instructions to make your own educational jello sensory bin at inthekidskitchen.com
12. Bubble Wrap Painting
I’m all about reusing items we normally throw away, so why not use bubble wrap to paint!
This activity is best done outside which is a win, win for everyone! You get some free artwork and your kids get to stomp around outside with paint!
13. Paper Weaving Craft
Image by merakimother.com
Arts and crafts are perfect to keep kids entertained and off the couch!
This paper weaving craft is a stunning and unique way to create paper crafts for any room in the home or even fun cards to give out to friends or family!
14. Painted Seashells
Painting is a fun way to relax and really let your creativity and imagination fly!
Grab a bunch of seashells and turn them into something incredible! Paint on your favorite characters, create a seashell farm or write a special note.
>>For a full list of materials and ideas head over to flipflopweekend.com
15. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts are a fun way to spend time with the whole family while getting out in nature and of course, giving your kids a fun task!
Up the ante on this scavenger hunt and give out fun prizes at the end! Or skip the prices and have a fun picnic in the woods!
16. Road Trip Boredom Busters
Whether you’re taking a last minute summer vacation or have a long car ride coming up you need an easy way to entertain your kids!
From a good old sing-along to the alphabet game the options are endless but make sure to change things up!
>>Get a full list of fun, unique and inexpensive road trip boredom busters at sharingmyfavorites.com
There you have it, 16 summer boredom busters for kids to keep them off the couch, entertained and enjoying their last few days of summer!
What are some of your favorite summer activities to do as a family?
Thanks so much for including me, sharing on social networks!
Absolutely, Lisa, and thanks so much for sharing!