Because if one more child says “there’s nothing to do,” I might put myself in time‑out.
Summer is magical… until it’s 10:07 AM on Day One and someone dramatically collapses onto the couch claiming they’re bored. Again. Even though they have toys, crafts, snacks, a backyard, a bike, water toys, and a pet they could be bothering.
Enter: the DIY Summer Boredom Jar — your new best friend, your secret weapon, your “go pick something from the jar” moment of peace.
This simple little jar turns boredom into independence, creativity, and maybe even a few minutes of quiet for you. Maybe.
Why Every Mom Needs a Boredom Jar
Kids thrive with structure… even in summer, when structure is basically a suggestion.
A boredom jar:
- Cuts down on whining
- Encourages creativity
- Gives kids choices
- Keeps summer fun without you being the cruise director
- Helps kids learn to entertain themselves (a life skill we ALL want them to have)
Plus, it’s cute, easy, and takes less than 10 minutes to make.
What You Need
Nothing fancy — you probably already have everything:
- A jar, cup, bucket, or leftover candle container
- Popsicle sticks or paper strips
- Markers
- Optional: ribbon, stickers, or washi tape to make it cute
If you’re feeling extra, let the kids decorate it. If you’re not, slap a label on it and call it a day.
How to Make Your Summer Boredom Jar
This is the easiest DIY you’ll do all season.
- Write activities on popsicle sticks or paper strips
- Mix a variety — quick tasks, creative ideas, outdoor fun, quiet time options
- Fold or color‑code if you want categories
- Fill the jar
- Place it somewhere visible (ours lives on the kitchen counter like a tiny beacon of hope)
Now when boredom strikes, the rule is simple: Pick a stick. Do the thing. No negotiations.
40 + Summer Boredom Busters to Add to Your Jar
A mix of fun, creative, silly, and mom‑approved ideas.
🌼 Quick & Easy
- Draw with sidewalk chalk
- Build a blanket fort
- Make a card for someone
- Play with bubbles
- Do a puzzle
- Read for 10 minutes
- Make a paper airplane and test it
🍋 Creative Fun
- Paint rocks
- Make friendship bracelets
- Create a comic strip
- Build something with recyclables
- Make a nature collage
- Write a silly story
- Create your own board game
🌊 Outdoor Adventures
- Water balloon toss
- Go on a nature scavenger hunt
- Ride your bike
- Wash the car
- Make a backyard obstacle course
- Cloud watching
- Collect leaves or shells
🏖️ Quiet Time Activities
- Listen to an audiobook
- Color a page
- Organize your bookshelf
- Build with Legos
- Do a word search
- Try a new drawing tutorial
- Write in a summer journal
🍉 Helpful “Mom Wins” Tasks
- Water the plants
- Wipe down the table
- Match socks
- Sweep the porch
- Restock the snack basket
- Help prep lunch
- Clean out the art drawer
🌈 Just for Fun
- Make a silly TikTok dance
- Freeze toys in ice and rescue them
- Create a treasure hunt
- Make popsicles
- Play a board game
- Have a mini fashion show
- Build a tower taller than you
How We Use It in Our House
When the boredom monster appears, I simply say: “Grab the jar.”
No arguing. No “but I don’t want to.” They pick a stick, and off they go.
Some days they do one activity. Some days they do five. Some days they pick “wash the car” and I feel like I’ve won the parenting lottery.
Want the Printable Version?
I’ve put together two options to make this boredom jar super easy for busy moms: a pre-filled list of boredom busters ready to print and cut out, and a blank version so you can jot down your own ideas that fit your family. I also designed a cute label you can attach right to your jar to pull the whole thing together.
With coffee in one hand and a jar that might just save my sanity in the other,
💛Bethany
If you’re looking for more ways to keep summer running smoothly, check out my Summer Chore Chart for Kids — a free printable that helps build simple routines.