Boredom Buster Jar - Fun & Unique Activities for Kids & Families

Let’s be real: kids get bored– and fast. Long summer days, rainy afternoons, after-school restlessness… perfect times for kids to let out the dreaded “there’s nothing to do!” or “I’m boreddddd”. (They don’t even know how nice it is to have “nothing” to do!) 

The great thing is it’s often JUST on the other side that creativity, hobbies, problem-solving, and collaboration emerge.

We love practicing stillness here and there, but just as necessary is encouraging your kid to explore what the world has to offer off-screen. Giving them a nudge toward various forms of activity and stimulation can lead kids to breakthroughs in imaginative and critical thinking, resourcefulness, and other magical skills. 

This is where a boredom buster jar (aka the “I’m Bored” jar or activity jar for kids) comes in handy: a fun and easy way to spark curiosity and creativity. It can give kids the opportunity for independent play and exploration or meaningful family connection. 

Below is a quick tutorial on how to make your own boredom buster jar, plus a free printable PDF that includes 52 unique, low-prep, kid-approved activity ideas (one for every week of the year) ready to print and cut, plus an “I’m Bored’ jar label. These activities don’t require special skills or a huge budget (most are free!). They’re fun, flexible, and perfect for families looking for kids activities in Austin, Texas, or really anywhere. Use them during school breaks, weekends, or even create a family ritual around pulling one every Saturday morning. 

What kid (or adult…) doesn’t love a jar of fun possibilities mixed with the anticipation of what’s going to be pulled?! 

FTC Disclosure. This article includes affiliate links, from which I will receive a small commission should you purchase an item from the link. Girl needs commissions to build more themes! Maybe take a vacation. 

How to Build a Boredom Buster Jar

Supplies

• Large-ish jar

• Scissors

• Jar label + tape or jar decorating supplies

• List of awesome boredom busters

• Music! (optional 😀)

Instructions

• Print our list boredom busters and jar label

• Decorate your jar 

• Cut activities

• Fill out blanks with your own ideas

• Fill up your I'm Bored jar and make a home for it!

Categories to Add

You can mix all the activity types together or make separate jars for each type so you have a bit more control of the activity based on weather, time, etc.

Category ideas might include: 

• Do Inside

• Do Outside

• Make/Build

• Food

• Chores

• Educational

• Games

• Independent 

• Family Time

Next time your kids say they’re bored, tell them to pick something out of the I’m Bored jar and do it! The rule is: you pull it, you do it!

Tips

• Separate the pulled activities (keep in a baggie elsewhere). Once all the activities are pulled, you can put the winners back in and/or make new activities!

• Stick to the rule that unless there’s a very good reason to not do an activity, it must be done! This keeps kids from constantly wanting to pull something different.

• Write specific boredom busters when possible to give kids a little more direction (unless your kid is a creative genius!). “Draw a picture of the perfect backyard” vs “Draw a picture”.  

Download Your Year of Boredom Busters

Visit this link to download our Boredom Busters Activity Jar Kit! You’ll receive:

🥳 52 low-prep activities you can do with items you already have

🥳 An activity mix of creativity, movement, nature & more

🥳 Printable activity strips + a jar label for your very own “Boredom Buster Jar”

Awesome for weekends, after school, summer, and slow days. 

Thanks for letting The Wander Center be part of your family’s everyday magic! 💫

Have A Party Coming Up?

We help parents & parents-to-be throw magical low-stress birthday parties & baby showers in Austin, Texas with curated, sustainable party decor rentals. 

What you can expect:

🚙 Themed decor delivered to your door… and picked up after!

🌏 Thoughtfully sustainable – lots of hand-crafted & thrifted items, reused over & over

🖥️ Easy to book, easy on your budget

🎯 Fun add-ons available

🐯 Includes a free themed party plan with every rental. 

See our party themes: www.thewandercenter.com 

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Make the party planning process MUCH easier and faster by downloading our themed party plans HERE! I've done the research for you!

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About the Author

Dakota Rhoad is the owner of The Wander Center, a party decor rental service in Austin Texas, specializing in affordable, sustainable, and creative celebrations. With a passion for bringing joy and ease to families and reducing party waste, Dakota helps busy parents plan memorable events without the stress! Learn more at The Wander Center.