Zero-spend bored jars

When the weather's cooling down and there's more time spent indoors, a bored jar really comes in handy.

My boys love getting to choose what to do with their time; it gives them a sense of independence and control.

Zero spend bored jar activity list - save and print out or copy the list below!

What is a bored jar?

The idea of a bored jar is that you have a container (doesn't have to be a jar, can be a small box, tub or bag even) that is filled with suggestions for activities when your child is bored. Our bored jar is just an unassuming bit of recycling with some lolly sticks in, but it's totally invaluable in our house.

Ideas can be creative, silly or practical, for example making a paper aeroplane, telling a joke or doing the washing up, and ideally they should be things that your child can do in and around your home.

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In our house, our bored jar is a small recycled jar containing about a dozen lolly sticks. Each of the sticks has a suggestion for an activity written in permanent marker, that I rotate. Some of the activities are written 2 or 3 times, such as read a book or tidy your room (I sneakily add a few that make mum a happy bunny).

So if the boys ever complain of having nothing to do, I tell them they can pick one of the sticks. It might not always be met with enthusiasm, but it definitely stops them complaining of boredom!

Writing on lolly sticks is a super easy way to do things as your kids can pick one random stick at a time and the activity is a surprise.

If you don't have lolly sticks, you could always just write on some small pieces of paper and fold them up.

You can have lots of fun coming up with creative and entertaining suggestions and if you have more than one child at home, it helps to make sure the activities are suitable for all ages.

I try to avoid anything that will cost money or that creates a lot of mess; the last thing I want is entertained kids but extra housework, and if you're like me you try to avoid spending a fortune on new toys or day trips to stop the kids driving you nuts.

The last thing you want is entertained kids but extra housework

So for all those mums out there who are sick of hearing those ill fated words "I'm booored" here is the ultimate list for inspiration. I've included 80 suggestions and the great news is, they're all FREE! If you want to print them out, copy and paste the list below or the save the picture version above.

Bored jar activity list

1. Draw a treasure map

2. Invent a new game

3. Feed the birds

4. Go bug hunting

5. Pair socks

6. Make an obstacle course

7. Press a flower

8. Play a board game

9. Draw a picture of your family

10. Water the plants

11. Draw an animal

12. Build a really tall tower

13. Clean the windows

14. Write a story about yourself

15. Learn some sign language

16. Have a fashion parade

17. Make an monster collage

18. Tell some jokes

19. Try birdwatching

20. Read a book

21. Put on a talent show

22. Write a funny poem

23. Do twenty star jumps

24. Write someone a letter

25. Have a disco

26. Paint your family

27. Watch a film

28. Make the beds

29. Design a new car

30. Play charades

31. Craft a robot from recycling

32. Have a teddy bears picnic

33. Paint rocks

34. Make a musical instrument

35. Blow bubbles

36. Call a grandparent

37. Dress up

38. Try some yoga

39. Invent a super hero

40. Design a family crest

41. Make a paper aeroplane

42. Play 'i-spy'

43. Make a junk model

44. Play hopscotch

45. Do the washing up

46. Put on a puppet show

47. Play hide and seek

48. Make a time capsule

49. Doodle

50. Tidy your room

51. Play balloon tennis

52. Read a magazine

53. Plan a trip to outer space

54. Make a den

55. Draw a mythical creature

56. Do a puzzle in record time

57. Make a card for someone

58. Wash the car

59. Play the ABC game

60. Bake a cake

61. Build a Lego maze

62. Start a diary

63. Make a gift for someone

64. Have a bubble bath

65. Play with playdough

66. Listen to the radio

67. Make a comic book

68. Plan an adventure

69. Take some pictures

70. Bake some bread

71. Find shapes in clouds

72. Have a hot chocolate

73. Mow the lawn

74. Make an alien mask

75. Sharpen all your pencils

76. Tell a story

77. Thumb wrestle

78. Make a sock puppet

79. Play a card game

80. Design a poster

Looking for more ideas? Head over to howweplayandlearn for tonnes of playful leaning and creative ideas for kids.

Can you think of anything to add to the list? Let me know below!

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