Summer “Bored” Game Ideas for Kids

Summer time is here and along with the warm weather comes lots more free time for the kiddos! This can be great for family vacations, catching up on housework, and just spending quality time together. It can also lead to boredom if there isn’t something to occupy the kids’ every minute of the day. As a busy mom myself with a never-ending todo list, I see the conundrum. So here I have come up with some Summer “Bored” Game Ideas for Kids to help keep them engaged in number of ways; educationally, physically, mentally, and creatively.

Educational Game Ideas

As a former elementary educator, I always gravitate toward games for kids that provide educational value. Why not learn or practice something while you’re having fun? It’s also a great way to maintain school skills throughout summer break. Check out some ways to learn through play below:

• SORTS! You can take virtually any concept and create a sort to practice categorizing skills. For example, a nature sort can be collecting and piling sticks vs leaves vs rocks, etc. You can do the same with colors, shapes, or the alphabet. For older kids, take a standard or concept like multiples in math and create a flashcard sort for multiples of a number.
• ONLINE GAMES! Let’s face facts, kids love screens! Why not use it to our advantage? I found a great resource for fun, educational games online that has a huge range age-wise. Some of my favorites are Zombie Typing Practice Game for Kids (which I actually use for myself to improve my typing skills) and Alphabats Alliteration Game for Kids working on letter sounds (spooky cute). Check out all the educational games here on plays.org or just search whatever skill your child is working on.

Physically Active Game Ideas

Children need movement. Being physically active actually stimulates the brain (always a plus), builds healthy bodies, and releases endorphins that relieve anxiety/stress. We could all use some of that! Here are some fun ways to help get your kiddos blood pumping:

• SPORTS! Whether it’s playing a little back-and-forth catch with a ball, shootin’ hoops, swimming, skating, or kicking a ball around, fostering some sort of physical sport will keep children occupied for a while. You may want to consider local resources for this, availability, transportation, and team vs individual sport options.
• OBSTACLE COURSE! Having a climbable jungle gym in the backyard can be a lifesaver during the summer, but understandably not possible for every family. A few other options for this activity are to utilize a neighborhood playground or create your own course inside or outside using furniture, cushions, boxes, rope, etc. Make the environment a game, story, or even a competition to get the kids moving and having fun! Don’t forget the safety rules!

Mentally Stimulating Game Ideas

Again with the brain focus? I know. It’s just so important! Personally, I am a fan of activities that get you thinking and they are especially great for older children. When their mind is busy, it’s occupied. They say the brain is a muscle so it needs just as much exercise to stay healthy as the rest of the body. Some quick ideas to get YOU THINKING about your kids’ thinking are listed below:

• PUZZLES! This could be an actual 1,000 piece puzzle that they spend hours or even days putting together or logic puzzles, like a Rubik’s Cube, Sudoku, a book of riddles, or even a game of CLUE. There are lots of cool puzzle activities available at your local retailer to check out for summer fun.
• ONLINE GAMES! Logic puzzles are actually pretty commonly found online now, so if you’re in the market for a free resource that is easily accessible from home or the library, check out all the mentally stimulating games here on plays.org. The one my family currently loves is Colorush: Color Shooting Logic Puzzle Game because it’s like a mental obstacle course where you guide a particle across the screen using different items provided. It increases in difficulty each level and provides directions along the way! Another good one is Colored Water and Pin. I think these would be perfect for elementary to high school aged kiddos (adults too).

Game Ideas to Inspire Creativity

Boredom actually isn’t a bad thing. It helps encourage children to be creative if left alone with it. So let’s dive into some creative play ideas that will use boredom productively below:

• RECYCLED ARTS & CRAFTS! Don’t throw away that egg carton, milk jug, newspaper, or cardboard box just yet! Keep a little stockpile or just raid your recycle bin to collect materials for the kids to create something new. Maybe it’s a robot, a fort, some jewelry, a shoebox diorama, or just an abstract art piece. How fun would it be to set up an art gallery? Very fun! You’ll probably also need to have some coloring tools, glue/tape, etc. Let your kids’ imaginations take over and watch time fly with this one.
• ONLINE GAMES! Of course I found some fun activities online for younger kids to create, too! Splash and Bubbles Sand Art Spectacular is ocean themed and encourages children to decorate a super cute design in the sand with colors, patterns, shells and pearls. Create a Car is another fun game that let’s you pick and choose car parts and other designs to to create your own custom car. Both of the activities give the creativity to the kids. The possibilities are endless, which means more time spent creating and less time bored! Check out all the creating games here on plays.org.

These are just a few game ideas to get your summer break off to the right start and if anything check out plays.org for a HUGE selection of online games for kids that will keep them occupied for some time. H.A.G.S (Have a great summer!)

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