Explore 50+ ideas for passing time at home when boredom sets in! Whether you craft or revisit a former hobby, you’ll likely spot something you love!
If you’ve ever felt restless after a long stretch at home, this list should help you fill the hours! Maybe you’ve welcomed a new baby, are recovering from illness, or are caring for someone you love. Those slower seasons at home can be productive and even enjoyable!
I was homeschooled as a kid and have worked from home for over ten years, so I’ve logged plenty of hours indoors. Along the way I’ve had to find ways to entertain and occupy myself.
That may be why I run a DIY home decor blog, since I learned to tackle projects at home to keep busy as a child. It really comes in handy whenever I’m stuck indoors and need something to do!
Feel free to share your own ideas in the comments below!
Activities for When You’re Bored at Home
1. Paint something. Here are some painting resources to get you started:
- How to Paint a Room in 5 Simple Steps
- Chalk Paint: A Starter Guide
- How to Paint an Outdoor Concrete Patio
- My Go-To Interior Paint Colors
Did you know? You can even order paint online if a store trip isn’t possible! Benjamin Moore ships paint samples and full gallons, so your painting projects don’t have to stop just because you’re staying home.
2. Decorate for the coming season. You’ll find plenty of seasonal decor inspiration here: Spring, Summer, Fall, Christmas, Winter.
3. Clear out your closet. I’ve shared my closet decluttering tips here.
4. Call or FaceTime friends and family. Actually talk on the phone instead of just texting.
5. Try an online workout program. YouTube channels like Cosmic Kids Yoga, Kidz Bop Kids and Go Noodle are great for children. I personally love Suzanne Bowen Fitness. The Peloton app is also offering a 90-day free trial of its online workouts right now for Android and iPhone users.
6. Listen to a Podcast. My favorite lighthearted picks are The Popcast, Young House Love Has a Podcast and The Big Boo Cast.
7. Read a Book. I read mostly nonfiction, so these picks may not suit you, but here are my latest favorites:
- Better Than Before
- Boss Up!
- Preach to Yourself
- The Life-Giving Parent
- The Life-Giving Home
- Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up
Our Favorite Kids’ Books:
- Sisters First
- Ramona and Beezus (wonderful to read aloud to your kids!)
- Amelia Bedelia
- Fly Guy
- Bob Books (for new readers)
- Llama Llama Red Pajama
- Madeline
- When God Made You (or any children’s book by Matthew Paul Turner)
8. Start a blog. What better way to pass the time than sharing a talent or skill with others? Whether you cook, craft or anything else, the possibilities are endless. Start sharing with the world!
9. Clean your windows.
10. Plan a road trip or vacation for later this year.
11. Write positive affirmations for yourself.
12. Learn a new skill. SkillShare.com is a great place to pick up skills like photography, watercolor, calligraphy, creative writing, interior design and much more!
13. Declutter under the sink.
14. Join a Bible study.
15. Start a new TV series. These lighthearted, funny shows are our favorites:
- Friends
- The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon Prime)
- Schitt’s Creek
- The Great British Baking Show
- Gilmore Girls
- Parks and Recreation
- Anne with an E
- Friday Night Lights (not exactly lighthearted, but truly heartwarming)
16. Listen to a sermon. Our church posts all of its past sermons online, and I highly recommend them!
17. Clean out your fridge. Find tips for clearing out and organizing your refrigerator HERE.
18. Make something crafty.
- Photo Transfer Decor
- Bath Bombs
- Easy Wreath
- Pillow with Iron-On Transfer
- Wood Bead Garland
- Rag Garland
- Simple Vinyl Monogram
19. Play a board game. Check out my family board game picks HERE.
20. Cook a favorite recipe – or try your hand at a new recipe!
21. Make a custom photo book. I recently tried ChatBooks for the first time and was really impressed! I plan to make one album for each year!
22. Write letters to people who are alone! My grandparents just moved into an assisted living facility and can’t have visitors right now. We plan to write to them and make cards for them.
23. Teach someone a new skill. Use this free time to show your kids something you never had the chance to teach them before!
24. Melt down old candles to make new ones.
25. Whip up a bath bomb, then enjoy a bubble bath.
More Ideas for When You’re Bored at Home
26. Take a walk around the block.
27. Get a head start on your taxes.
28. Set up a FaceTime playdate.
29. Throw a dance party.
30. Color. Kids and adults alike find coloring calming. I personally love this adult coloring book, and this one as well!
31. Paint a picture.
33. Launder your curtains
34. Journal. A gratitude journal is a lovely habit to build, and bullet journals are also very popular!
35. Sort the apps on your phone. Gather them into one folder and delete any you haven’t opened in a month.
36. Pamper yourself with a face mask.
37. Do your nails.
38. Rearrange your furniture. Moving things around can make a room feel brand new!
39. Send the thank-you notes you’ve been putting off.
40. Set goals for the next year or few months. My favorite planner for this is Power Sheets by Cultivate What Matters.
42. Start a garden.
43. Dust off your indoor plants.
44. Book that appointment you keep postponing.
45. Train your dog to do a new trick.
46. Take a class or pick up a new language.
47. Assemble a jigsaw puzzle.
48. Build a blanket fort with the kids.
49. Hold a picnic in the backyard.
50. Clean your makeup brushes.
51. Clear out and organize your pantry.
52. Listen to an audiobook.
53. Settle in for a movie.
54. Write a bucket list of things to do while you’re at home!
I hope this list helped! What would YOU add? Share your ideas in the comments below.
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