Last Updated on September 2, 2021.
The truth is it’s not mom’s job to entertain kids 24/7. But sometimes you get tired of hearing “I’m Bored” and need to just throw an activity their way. So here are 26 Low or No-Prep Boredom Busting Activities you can store in your back pocket for a rainy day.
Pro-Tip: Spend a little time prepping a “boredom box” (or jar) with little slips of paper with your favorite activity ideas. Then when the kids use the dreaded phrase, send them straight to the box to pick out an activity!
Crafty & Upcycled Activities
I love up-cycled activities! And it’s fun to get crafty once in a while… but often times it creates a huge mess. Here are a few No-Prep, Low Mess activities that you can give to your kids for hours of fun!
- No-Prep Caterpillar Race
- No-Prep LEGO Challenge
- Up-cycled Seedling Pots & Garden Markers
- Easy Coffee Filter Butterflies
- Spring Flower Sun-Catcher
- Season of a Tree Artwork
Need more tips? Here’s a great post on how to refresh old toys and bring them to life again!
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STEM & Educational Activities
My favorite boredom busters are educational activities. Two birds, one stone, as they say. Here are some really cool, no-prep activities most kids can do on their own!
- 10 STEM Dragon-Themed Activities
- Solo Cup Engineering Challenge
- Paper Towel Tube Number Matching Activity
- No-Prep STEM Tinker Challenge
- LEGO Maze Activity
- Tree Leaf Identification Activity
- Make a Magnolia Leaf Wreath!
- Rainbow Cloud Experiment
- Toddler No-Prep Pom Pom Activities
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Make Ahead
Here are a few activities that do require a little bit of prep work. Sometimes it’s worth it to do a little work ahead of time when you know you’re going to be super busy! That way the kids can entertain themselves with these extra special activities.
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Printables
What’s easier than printing out a slip of paper and handing it to your kid for hours of fun? Nothing! Try these printables to keep your kids busy for a while.
RELATED: Toys that are perfect for sharing!
Less Fun “I’m Bored” Activities
Life isn’t all cupcakes and rainbows. Sometimes there’s work to be done. So if the kids have downtime, don’t be afraid to delegate some “Less Fun” activities. Seriously… it will do them good in the long run. Here are ones I like to use!
- Kid’s Math Practice Printables
- Practice Grounding Techniques
- Letter Tracing Practice Workbook
- Here’s why chores need to be on the “I’m Bored” list.
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Do you have any amazing No-Prep Activities fore bored kids? Share them with me! I love to hear your stories.