We’ve all been there: you’re sick of scrolling, you’re tired of TV, and you’re wondering what else there is to do when you’re bored. Sound relatable? Then you’ve come to the right place! To help you out of your boredom spiral, we’ve rounded up 100 creative things to do when you’re bored, from artsy ideas to outdoorsy activities (including kid-approved options).
Because if you ask us, we could all use a lot less screen time and a lot more hobbies. So grab your to-do list, and keep scrolling for 100 unique, creative, and entertaining things to do when you’re bored.
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Our Methodology – How We’ve Crafted Out List of Boredom-Banishing Ideas
To create our list of 100 things to do when you’re bored, we polled our GWS followers on Instagram for their most unique and creative ideas. And they delivered!
From crafty things to do when you’re stuck at home to fun activities for kids, these ideas have been tried and tested by real people — so they’re pretty much guaranteed to make you feel less bored. And with 100 things to choose from, you may never be bored again.
Our Complete List of What To Do When You’re Bored, In Any Situation
You never know when boredom is going to strike. And if you ask us, not all feelings of boredom are created equal. Maybe you’re bored of scrolling through social media and want to do something active outdoors. Or perhaps you’re looking for a new hobby to do when you’re feeling bored at home.
No matter what is causing your boredom, we’ve rounded up 100 creative things to do when you’re bored in any situation. And to help you banish your boredom fast, we’ve broken these ideas down into different categories, from outdoorsy ideas to artsy projects. So say goodbye to being bored, and hello to your new favorite hobbies!
Our Boredom-Banishing Categories
Creative Things To Do When You’re Bored And Stuck At Home
It’s happened to the best of us. You’re stuck at home, bored out of your mind, and you’ve officially watched everything good on Netflix. Now what? To kick off this list of 100 things to do when you’re bored, we’re sharing the creative ideas we turn to on lazy Sundays and quiet weeknights.
So put down your phone, turn off the TV, and entertain yourself with these ~actually~ fun things to do when you’re bored at home.
1. Make a wall collage in your home: This is a top pick for tons of GWS readers! Check out these rad collage kits on Etsy for a unique way to decorate your home office or bedroom walls.
2. Create a playlist: Because who hasn’t imagined the soundtrack to their life?
3. Start a journal: Document your thoughts, dreams, and daily musings. Being bored is a great excuse to buy a new notebook!
4. Write a short story: Another fun way to fill the pages of your favorite journal.
5. Try a new recipe: Challenge yourself to recreate a dish from your favorite restaurant — or attempt the viral TikTok recipe you’ve had saved for months.
Bored of your usual grocery list? Mix things up with our list of the best Trader Joe’s items, according to our editors. Perfect for trying a new recipe when you’re bored at home.
6. Experiment with makeup: Colorful mascara? Blue eyeshadow? Clean girl makeup? The options are endless!
7. Learn a new language: Download a language app and finally learn French.
8. Have a movie marathon: Pick a genre or series, grab your favorite snack food, and settle in for hours of entertainment.
9. Write a letter to a friend: Go old school and send a handwritten note or postcard to a friend.
10. Make DIY home decor: Paint some trendy wall art, create a macrame plant hanger, or build a floating bookshelf. Pinterest has great inspo for when you’re feeling bored!
11. Redecorate a room: Not super crafty? Rearranging your furniture and decor is an easy way to make a bored room feel brand new — no DIY skills necessary. Peep our aesthetic bedroom inspo round-up for ideas.
12. Plant an indoor garden: Turn your kitchen counter into a flourishing herb garden!
13. Read a book: It’s time to tackle your TBR pile.
14. Take an online course: MasterClass has amazing online courses taught by true experts. Where else can you learn cooking from Gordon Ramsey or photography from Annie Leibovitz?!
15. Learn choreography to your favorite song: It’s a fun exercise and a great party trick!
16. Create a new cocktail or mocktail: Experiment with unique flavors, like a tomato martini or a cherry margarita.
17. Host a game night: Invite your friends over for a little friendly competition. You can also do this virtually!
18. Learn tarot: Tap into your third eye with a modern tarot deck. We love the style of this pink one!
Active And Outdoorsy Things To Do When You’re Bored
Sometimes the best thing to do when you’re feeling bored is to get a little fresh air. Leave the house. Touch grass. And that’s where these outdoorsy activities come in! Even if you’re not a super outdoorsy person, these creative ideas are great when you’re feeling bored with your usual hobbies and activities.
So make the most out of the daylight with these active things to do when you’re bored….your body AND your mind will thank you!
19. Go for a hike: Find a local trail. Turn your phone on “Do Not Disturb.” Enjoy.
20. Take a bike ride: There’s no better way to romanticize your life than with a scenic bike ride through your neighborhood or a nearby park. You are the main character!
21. Go for a run: Instant serotonin boost.
22. Have a picnic: Pack a cute picnic blanket and your favorite snacks, and enjoy a meal outside. Don’t forget to take pics!
23. Go paddleboarding or kayaking: It’s impossible to be bored when you’re on the water.
24. Go horseback riding: Ready to enter your cowgirl era?
25. Practice yoga or meditation: Perfect your vinyasa with an online class — bonus points if you take your practice outdoors!
26. Try rollerblading: Embrace the nostalgia with a pair of roller skates and your brightest outfit.
27. Take a photography walk: Wander around your neighborhood or local park with a camera (or your smartphone). Look for the beauty in the small things.
28. Play mini golf: Grab a friend and throw it back your childhood summers with a game of mini golf!
29. Go camping: Set up a tent and enjoy a night under the stars. You can even do this in your backyard (or living room) if you’re bored on a weeknight. Just don’t forget the s’mores!
30. Try plein air painting: Grab a canvas and an easel, and channel your inner Van Gogh.
31. Learn to cartwheel: Or handstand. Or somersault. Either way, it’ll make you feel like a kid again!
32. Play pickleball: If it seems like everyone is playing pickleball these days, it’s because they are.
33. Go rock climbing: Find a local climbing gym and challenge yourself to get to the top.
34. Go bird watching: Don’t knock it until you try it! All you need are a pair of binoculars, a local park, and a keen eye.
35. Have a beach day: If you’re near the coast, spend a day soaking up the sun and sand.
36. Try disc golf: This unique outdoor activity is tons of fun when you’re bored, and you don’t need any experience!
Ways to Unwind – Self-Care-Centric Ideas
You’ve had an exhausting week, and you just want to unwind with a relaxing activity. Do you know what’s not the answer? Doomscrolling for hours. Do you know what is the answer? One of these creative self-care ideas to do when you’re bored!
While ALL of our 100 things to do when you’re bored are great for de-stressing, these ideas are especially soothing. They’ll leave you rested, relaxed, and definitely not bored. Go ahead, you deserve it!
37. Take a bubble bath: Pop in a bath bomb, light some candles with dreamy scents, and take some time to truly relax.
38. Do a face mask: Pamper your skin with a soothing face mask — you can even make your own with ingredients in your fridge, like honey or avocado!
39. Watch ASMR videos: If you haven’t embraced the world of ASMR, now’s your chance.
40. Treat yourself to a DIY or professional manicure: Try out one of the latest nail trends, like chrome nails or butterfly nail art!
We’ve rounded up the best trendy nail ideas for every style and occasion — plus DIY tutorials to do when you’re bored!
41. Listen to a podcast: There’s something about a true crime podcast that’s so soothing. Anyone else?
42. Practice mindfulness meditation: Focus on your breath and stay present. Even 10 minutes can be a game-changer when you’re bored!
43. Take an everything shower: Take your time. There’s no rush.
44. Read a self-help book: We love You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero.
45. Do a digital detox: See the previous idea. You can also paint, journal, or take a relaxing walk.
46. Take a nap: Nothing says R&R like a quick power nap!
47. Create a Pinterest mood board: Manifest your dream home coffee nook, wardrobe, or lifestyle — check out our Pinterest for more ideas!
48. Write in a gratitude journal: Reflect on what you’re thankful for. It’s the perfect mood booster when you’re bored!
49. Go for a long drive: Queue up your favorite songs and just keep driving. We’ll have Taylor Swift’s lyrical genius on repeat.
50. Color in an adult coloring book: If you thought coloring was just for kids, think again. With so many cute adult options, you’ll never be bored again.
51. Create a Zen garden: Add this kit to your desk or coffee table for whenever you feel bored!
52. Drink herbal tea: You can even make it a tea party — get dressed up, sit outside, and snack on finger sandwiches as you sip your favorite blend.
53. Do gentle stretching: Release tension with some gentle stretches.
54. Do a puzzle: Spend a bored afternoon piecing together a cute jigsaw puzzle, then hang your finished masterpiece on the wall.
Productive Things To Do When You’re Bored
With such packed schedules, sometimes even feeling bored can be a luxury. So to make the most out of your precious free time, why not cross a few things off your to-do list? To get you started, we’ve rounded up the best things to do when you’re feeling bored and want to feel productive instead.
So stop procrastinating, queue up your favorite playlist or audiobook, and scroll on for more of our 100 creative things to do when you’re bored.
55. Do your weekly meal prep: Work now, relax later.
56. Plan a future trip: Spend an afternoon researching unique Airbnbs or vacation rentals for your next getaway. Because there’s no better feeling than having a vacation to look forward to!
We’re never bored when we’re looking at dreamy vacation rentals — and that’s why we’ve rounded up the best luxury rentals all across the US.
57. Organize your closet: Keep whatever sparks joy, and donate the rest.
58. Update your resume: When was the last time you looked at your resume? If you don’t know the answer, it’s probably time for a refresh.
59. Update your LinkedIn profile: The same applies to your LinkedIn resume!
60. Plan your week: Map out your goals and create a to-do list for the week. If you’re still bored, do the same for the year!
61. Declutter your home: Boring? Yes. Necessary? Also yes.
62. Organize your photos: If your camera roll has more than 20,000 photos (because same), take this time to purge. You can even print out your favorites and create a photo album IRL!
63. Clean out your email inbox: Get that notification bubble to zero.
64. Read industry articles: Stay up-to-date with the latest news and trends for your field. For fashion lovers, start with this article about the latest viral outfit aesthetic!
65. Create a budget: Set yourself up for success with a monthly budget and spending tracker.
66. Research investment opportunities: Once you know your budget, make the most out of your money with new investment opportunities.
67. Review your subscriptions: Another way to save money? Cancel all your unnecessary subscriptions!
68. Clean your makeup brushes: Let’s be honest — it’s probably been too long.
69. Learn a new industry skill: Improve your public speaking skills. Learn to code. Take a quick certificate course. Anything to improve your resume and avoid being bored…it’s creative and productive.
70. Organize your digital files: Clean up your desktop and delete old files. If not now, when?
71. Network online: Connect with professionals in your industry on LinkedIn. You never know what it could lead to!
Crafty And Art Focused Things to Do When You’re Bored
Let your creative flag fly with these fun and artsy things to do when you’re bored! As adults, it’s easy to forget about all the creative hobbies we used to love as kids, like painting, drawing, and making friendship bracelets. But with these creative ideas, you unlock your inner child and banish your boredom at the same time!
And no, you don’t have to be an artist to do these artsy activities — you just have to be bored, creative, and open-minded!
71. Make a candle: Use this kit to craft your own scented candles. Or for something a little easier, paint cute flowers onto your existing candles, like these ones!
72. Learn to crochet: Make a blanket. Or a trendy top. Or even a cute animal!
73. Paint a masterpiece: Unlock your inner artist with watercolor paints or oil pastels.
74. Make friendship bracelets: Calling all Swifties! Turn on your favorite album and have fun making friendship bracelets for the Eras Tour — and beyond. (This is the kit we used for our bracelets!)
If you’re bored and have future tickets to the Eras Tour (or just love Taylor Swift), why not revamp your wardrobe with these cute Eras Tour outfit ideas?!
75. Upcycle old clothes: Transform old or thrifted clothes into something new and stylish.
76. Try scrapbooking: All those physical photos and ticket stubs you have lying around? Compile them into a scrapbook or a memory journal using colorful washi tape.
77. Create a photo book: Or for a more professional look, design a hardcover photo book. These ones look gorgeous displayed on a coffee table for you to flip through whenever you’re bored.
78. Try embroidery: Start with a cute cross stitch kit. Soon you’ll be embroidering everything!
79. Learn Origami: Step one — practice the ancient art of paper folding. Step two — impress all your friends.
80. Design a beautiful cake: Artwork that you can eat? Win-win! Use piping tools for an intricate design, or cover your cake in seasonal fruit and flowers. The more photo-worthy the better.
81. Create a mural: Have a large canvas or empty wall? Fill it with a custom mural!
82. Press flowers: Collect gorgeous blooms from your garden or park, then use a flower press (or heavy books) to turn them into unique pieces of art whenever you’re feeling bored.
83. Create a collage: Grab some magazines, scissors, and tape, and get to work.
84. Create digital art: A little more tech-savvy? Use graphic design software (like Photoshop) or artsy apps (like Landing) to create a digital collage instead. Perfect for your phone lock screen!
85. Make pottery: Take a local pottery class, or pick up some air dry clay and make cute designs when you’re bored at home.
86. Sew your own clothes: Ever dreamed about going on Project Runway? Make it work!
87. Learn calligraphy: This is such a great skill to have in your back pocket when you’re bored. Use this kit to design beautiful journal pages, dreamy letters, and even gorgeous signs for your home!
88. Write poetry: We’re all in our TTPD era, so unlock your inner tortured poet and write a poem (or a song)!
Our Favorite Fun Kid-Friendly Activities
It’s officially play time! While many of these 100 things to do when you’re bored are kid-friendly, we wanted to highlight a few creative ideas that are just for kids (and kids at heart). Whether you’re bored at home or are looking for fun hobbies you’ve never tried before, these ideas are guaranteed to keep the entire family busy for hours.
So to end our list of 100 creative things to do when you’re bored, here are the best activities for kids of all ages!
89. Build a fort: Use blankets, pillows, and string lights to create a cozy fort. Then cuddle up inside and watch your favorite Disney movie!
90. Bake cookies: Or brownies. Or a really delicious cake. And don’t forget the frosting!
91. Play board games: Our current recs? Tapple, Hues and Cues, and Sushi Go. Bring on family game night!
92. Make homemade playdough: Craft your own playdough (there are recipes online!) and sculpt fun shapes.
93. Have a dance party: Take turns playing your favorite songs, then show off your best dance moves in the living room.
94. Create a scavenger hunt: Etsy has lots of fun downloadable scavenger hunts for your house or yard. The perfect creative solution for what to do when you’re bored at home.
95. Go on a nature walk: You can also turn this into a fun scavenger hunt. Try to collect something for every color of the rainbow, or search for heart-shaped rocks and leaves!
96. Do a science experiment: Google easy experiments that you can do at home when you’re bored, like combining Coke and Mentos to create a bottle rocket. Fun AND educational!
97. Get artsy: Make an arts and crafts station with watercolors, construction paper, stickers, and coloring books.
98. Create shaving cream marbling art: For something more unique to do when you’re bored, use shaving cream and food dye to make shaving cream art. Here’s a full tutorial!
99. Read stories: Or write your own!
100. Watch a family movie: Simple, but always a crowd-pleaser when you’re bored. Pick a movie everyone will enjoy and pop some popcorn!
Need More Ways To Add Some Fun Into Your Day?
If you read our entire list of 100 creative things to do when you’re bored, but you’re still suffering from boredom, we’ve got you covered!
Turn snack time into a fun activity with our round-up of charcuterie board ideas. Because you can’t feel bored when there’s a charcuterie board involved!
Another fun way to pass the time when you’re feeling bored? Make your own dried flower arrangements — we’ve created an entire guide to get you started!
If you’re bored of your same old routine, make a more drastic change with a weekend getaway. This list of romantic Airbnbs is great inspo for whenever you’re bored.
Which of these ideas are you going to try out the next time you’re bored at home? Did we miss any creative things to do when you’re bored? Let us know in the comments below!