As I write this post, my grandson (having perused this list) is playing on the floor in front of me building habitats for his rubber animals out of building blocks and various containers of water.  His pterodactyl is taped to the ceiling fan and is flying over the entire project.   When he is done setting it all up, the Playmobile people (and, no doubt any real people that happen to be here) will tour this miniature zoo to admire his creations.

When my grandson comes to stay for the week, he almost never turns on the TV, and video games are non-existent.   Growing up, my boys always had access to the “I’m Bored List”.   I made lots of lists because in the middle of raising a passel of kids, the brain gets taxed.  My lists helped me come up with creative ideas when my brain was feeling less than inspired.  Often, you would find a list like this hanging on the wall for the kids to consult whenever they got bored.

PLEASE PEOPLE — unplug the children!  

Read how to UNPLUG on Road Trips here.

Admittedly, we have amassed a great collection of toys over the years, so you might not have access to everything listed here.  Customize this list with the toy collections you have in your home.  We have always kept sets separate in a bunch of clear plastic boxes.  It makes them far more accessible than if they are all mixed up or buried in the bottom of a toy box.

A great place to start collections of your own is at local thrift shops or rummage sales.  

So here you have my “I’M BORED LIST” geared more toward younger children.  This list is largely stuff kids can do by themselves, but use adult supervision when needed.   Can you add more ideas?

Also see my list for older children here.

 

     Read Books

Color 

      Jump Rope 

Playdough 

Science Experiments 

 Play with Water

Play with Popcorn Seeds or Wheat Berries (Like Sand) 

    Write a Letter

   Play Card Games       

     Stencils

Basketball

 Paint  

Draw Pictures  

  Cuisennaire Rods

Pattern Blocks  

   Explore Fraction Circles

Kool-Aid Stand    

   Playmobile Toys

Board Games     

 Toy Train

Play Marbles

Puzzles   

 Rubber Stamps 

   Origami

    Play Musical Instruments

Clean/Decorate Your Room  

    Climb a Tree

Build a City(with blocks or boxes or in the dirt)

Play on Swingset 

Rollerblade

    Ride Bikes

Practice Writing with the Oppossite Hand

    Trampoline

Hopscotch    

Lego’s     

          Golf 

Set up an Obstacle Course   

     Chalk on Cement    

Learn Some Magic Tricks 

   Wash Windows

Time Yourself in Running (or doing anything else)

Think-it-Through Tiles  (Discovery Toys)

Clean a Shelf or Drawer in your Room    

    Play with Rubber Animals 

    Water  Balloon Fight

Set Up a Fair      

 

     Pound Nails, Turn Screws, Drill Holes 

Pearler Beads    

String Beads, Cherrios or Pasta 

     Dress Up in Costumes

Nature Hike 

     Memorize Bible Verses 

Memorize a Poem     

     Put on a Play

Play Croquet     

          Decorate your bike

Play Restaurant     

     Play Store 

Make a Tent/ Fort       

Try Baking or Cooking   Something  (with adult supervision)     

 
     Practice Face Painting