🧠 How to Keep a Bored Child Happy: 21 Genius Ideas That Actually Work. By Mark Morgan. Children’s Book Author & Creator of “Kids in the Kitchen”

Ever heard the words, “I’m booooored!” echo through your house for the tenth time in a single afternoon?

You’re not alone. Whether it’s a rainy Saturday, a school break, or just the after-dinner slump, boredom happens. And while boredom isn’t always a bad thing (it can spark creativity!), having a few tricks up your sleeve can turn whines into wonder.

Here’s your ultimate guide to keeping a bored child happy, busy, and even learning — without relying on screens. Save it. Bookmark it. Live by it.

🎨 1. Rotate Boredom Bins

Create “boredom bins” with different themes:

• Art & crafts

• Puzzles & brain games

• Books & coloring

• Kitchen fun (kid-safe recipes!)Pull out a new bin when boredom strikes — it feels like a surprise every time.

🧁 2. Cook Something Together

Let your child become your mini chef. Even toddlers can help stir or sprinkle. Try these easy recipes from my Kids in the Kitchen series:

• Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Chocolate Gravy (an old-timer’s favorite!)

• Apple NachosCooking builds confidence, math skills, and memories that stick.

🧩 3. Set Up an “Unplugged” Hour

Challenge the family: 60 minutes, no screens.Ideas:

• Board games

• Card tricks

• Paper airplane races

• Build a fort with blankets and pillows

They’ll resist at first — then ask to do it again tomorrow.

🎭 4. Create a Mini Theater

Let them perform! Costumes, made-up scripts, silly accents — it’s all good. Record it for family movie night or send it to Grandma.

Bonus: Reading scripts boosts fluency and confidence.

🌱 5. Give Them a Job That Feels Big

Let them help in meaningful ways:

• Wash veggies

• Water plants

• Fold laundry into a game

• Walk the dog with a “mission”

Kids love feeling capable and needed.

📚 6. Read... but Make It an Adventure

Reading time doesn’t have to be still and quiet. Try:

• Reading under a blanket fort with a flashlight

• Acting out the book

• Letting them “read” to a pet or stuffed animal

Tip: Use read-alouds from my books like Petal the Seed, Rusty the Can, or Grandpa’s Guitar to inspire new activities after.

🧼 7. Clean Something (Make It Fun)

Seriously. Turn on music and challenge them to:

• Find 5 things to donate

• Wipe down their toy shelf

• Beat the clock while tidying up

Kids love a good challenge and clear goal.

🕵️ 8. Make a Treasure Hunt

Write clues, hide little prizes, and let them go on an indoor or backyard adventure. Use books, toys, or favorite snacks as prizes. You can even make it educational!

🖍️ 9. Download a Free Coloring Book

Head over to markmorganbooks.com/free-coloring-books and grab printable pages from my children’s books. Kids can color their favorite characters while you take a break (or join in!).

🧠 10. Embrace “Boredom Time”

It’s okay to let your child be bored. Encourage them to:

• Journal

• Daydream

• Build with LEGOs

• Invent a gameIt helps develop self-direction — and you might be surprised what they come up with!

Final Thoughts: Boredom Isn’t the Enemy — It’s an Opportunity

Keeping a bored child happy isn’t about constant entertainment — it’s about sparking curiosity, inviting connection, and creating room for creativity. With a few simple ideas, you can turn “nothing to do” into “look what I made!”

💬 Got a favorite boredom-buster? Share it in the comments below — I’d love to hear what works in your home!

And if you liked this post, explore more fun (and free!) activities, recipes, and stories on my site. Happy parenting — and happy creating!