Here Are The 75 Best Things to do at Home That Don't Suck

Inside: Running out of things to do at home when you’re bored? Use this massive list of 75 unique and fun things to do at home that don’t totally suck.

Stuck at home with nothing to do? Here’s a big list of fun things to do at home when you’re bored.

Before we get to the value-packed list of what to do at home when you can’t go out, there’s one caveat:

You won’t find any mindless activities like sitting on Facebook for the day included in this list.

Instead, this is a list of things to do at home that will keep you active, make you productive, and help you take your mind off of the boredom (or claustrophobia, if the thought of not being able to leave your house makes you panic).

The following activities have been split up into 3 categories…

What to do when you’re bored at home alone
Fun things to do at home with kids/for the whole family
Fun activities to do at home for adults/couples

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Things to do When You’re Bored at Home Alone

1. Start Bullet Journalling

We’re all about KonMari around here, and some have said that bullet journalling is like “Konmariing your jumbled thoughts” – aka, organizing your mind.

Bullet journals are designed to help you organize what you’re doing all while keeping your focus on the big goal.

The Bullet Journal is the ultimate to-do list alternative. Did you know that 41% of items on a to-do list are never done? Or that your to-do list is actually stressing you out more than motivating you to do stuff? (Source)

On the other hand, you are 42% more likely to achieve your goals when you write them down… so how do you do this without creating a to-do list?

Two words: Bullet Journal.

A bullet journal is a blank canvas that allows you to keep your goal in mind (or task, chore, etc.), but allows your mind to break that task down and look at the steps needed to take to get from where you are to where you want to be. It doesn’t weigh you down, it gives you a step-by-step action plan.

It’s also a great place to write down when you accomplish something.

(Writing down your wins is the best thing you can do in your day to day life, because when you complete something, your brain gets a dopamine rush – which makes you feel good – and that is the ultimate motivator to get stuff done.)

Since you’re 42% more likely to achieve your goals when you write them down … but 41% of tasks on a to-do list get left undone… what better way than in your own bullet journal?

This one is our recommendation.

2. Redecorate

Choose a room in your house to redecorate and make it exactly how you’ve always wanted it to look… but have never had the time to get around to doing.

You could even take a quick course on interior design while you’re at it.

3. Organize the Garage

The garage so full of stuff that there’s no room to park a car in? Block out a day to organize, rearrange, and get rid of stuff.

By the time you’re done, you’ll not only be incredibly pleased with what you’ve accomplished – you may even be able to park your car in there now.

Download: The Ultimate Home Organization Kit

4. Read

When’s the last time you were able to sit down and actually read more than two paragraphs in your book before your attention was snatched away by a phone call, a to-do, your job, or something else?

Brew a steaming cup of tea, turn on a show for the kids, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket and set off to read your favorite book for at least half an hour – hopefully, distraction-free.

I cried my eyes out reading this book. And then I read it again. (And again…)

5. Exercise

You don’t need to hit the gym to get in shape. You don’t even need to leave your house. Grab your dumbells (or cans of soup) and hit the at-home gym. You can even use one of these workout videos to feel like you’re in a class setting.

6. Learn a New Hobby

Shortly after quitting my job and becoming a stay at home wife, I started something as a fun hobby that has now become my own business.

Not to say that every hobby you start will earn you an income, but small simple hobbies can be a fun way to pass time at home.

7. Sort Documents

If you have an area in your house that is a magnet for loose papers, flyers, and documents – ahem, the kitchen island – take some time to sort through the paper clutter and wean it down to just the important receipts and documents that you need to keep.

8. Finish a Project

If you have a project you started in the past that has been sitting half-done for months, there’s no better time than now to work on finishing it. (Or trashing it and starting all over again.)

9. Play Solitaire

Here’s something easy to do by yourself that really passes the time. Be careful, once you get started it may be hard to stop.

10. Online Yoga Class

Grab your yoga mat and get your yogi on. You’ll be able to find endless free classes readily available online.

11. Catch Up on Laundry

Doing the laundry isn’t nearly as fun as playing solitaire or redecorating your living room, but it’s something that needs to get done eventually. Catch it now before the laundry pile grows too big, or wait and spend an entire day doing the laundry.

12. Have an At-Home Spa Day

Relax. Grab a spa kit and pamper yourself.

13. Start and Complete a Puzzle

Starting a puzzle is great… completing that puzzle? That’s a whole different story.

Use your spare time to start and complete an entire puzzle, as quickly as possible. Don’t have any puzzles on hand?

14. Teach Yourself Something New

For example, how to knit or crotchet. Not only are they fun ways to pass the time, but knowing these skills can also come in incredibly handy, and you only really need two things to get started.

For knitting – knitting needles and some soft yarn.

For crocheting – a crochet hook and some fun yarn. (I grew up knitting but taught myself how to crochet after I got married. Now, I’m hooked. 😉 )

15. Deep Clean The House

With all the germs that come into a house on a regular day, it’s especially important to keep your house clean right now.

Here are 4 tips that will help you quickly deep clean your house.

Download: Room-by-Room Deep Cleaning Checklist

16. Declutter

On the topic of cleaning… decluttering is the perfect thing to do with all these extra hours on your hand. Not sure how to get started or what to get rid of? Grab my free mini-eBook: From Chaos to Calm. It will walk you through everything you need to know about decluttering as well as give you access to some exclusive decluttering resources – for free.

17. Make a List of Fun Words

This one may sound a bit nerdy… but I love doing this when I have too much time on my hands. Search through a thesaurus (you can use a paperback book or a free online tool, like this one) for substitute words that you can use in place of words that you typically use.

For example:

Awesome: alarming, astonishing, magnificent
Different: contrasting, peculiar, distinctive
Heavy: bulky, cumbersome, hefty

Then, after you’ve come up with a list of 10 – 20 different words, try to mesh them into your daily dialogue.

18. Return Phone Calls

19. Make a Gratitude List

Write down 5 things you’re thankful for right now. This will help you remove your mind from the negative that surrounds you and pick out something positive.

20. “I Really Love…”

Make another list, this time of at least 5 things you positively love about your spouse and each of your children. Then, give them the lists.

21. Organize The Kitchen Cupboards

Calm the chaos in the kitchen cupboards and drawers. Use shelf storage for the cupboards and drawer organizers to keep the drawers in order.

22. Make A Budget

The best time to start a budget was yesterday – the second best is today. Use all this extra time on your hands to look at your finances and start following a budget. I recommend following these steps.

23. “I Want To…”

Make a list of the top three projects or tasks you’ve wanted to complete around the house but haven’t done. Now, start the list off by doing number one.

24. Take a Bubble Bath

Might as well take advantage of the slowness and relax in a bubble bath. I love adding this to my baths to help me relax (and sleep better).

25. Turn Off The News

In fact, don’t even turn it on to start with.

26. One Day, No Electronics

Challenge yourself to leave the laptop shut, the TV off, and the phone in a different room all day and see how much fun stuff you can accomplish when distractions aren’t always being thrown in your face.

27. Learn Sign Language

Online, for free.

28. Plant a Garden

Or, at least, start the seedlings in your house. These easily grow indoors.

(If you’re feeling ambitious and want a bigger indoor garden, this is a popular indoor gardening tool.)

29. Disinfect

Disinfect doorknobs and light switches – the two parts of the home that get touched the most and cleaned the least. You can use a homemade disinfectant solution (rubbing alcohol, white vinegar, and tea tree oil) or purchase disinfecting wipes to clean your home.

30. Get Crafty

Happiness is Homemade has some adorable craft ideas.

31. Be Better

What’s one thing you’ve wanted to change about yourself that would help you become a better person? Write it down (because as we learned earlier, you’re 42% more likely to achieve your goals when you write them down), then start taking action towards doing it.

32. Learn How To Do A New Hairstyle

Fun Things to do at Home With Kids & Fun Things to do For The Whole Family

33. Create a Scavenger Hunt For the Kids

Here are 40 scavenger hunt riddles for kids.

34. Play A Board Game

Grab a favorite board game, put the phones away, and enjoy some family time.

35. Read Each Kid’s Favorite Book

Some top picks are…

36. Crafts

Here’s a list of over 40 fun crafts for kids (both indoor and outdoor).

37. Indoor Picnic

Have each child pick and help make their favorite side dish, then pack it all up – complete with paper plates – and have a picnic in the living room.

38. Color-Off

Like a cook-off, but to a whole new level. Have a color-off with your kids. Set a timer, pick your picture, and color as much and well as you can until the times up.

39. Karaoke Night

Gather the family for a karaoke night and dance party.

40. Anti-Electronic

Challenge each member of the family to 24 hours of electronic-free family time.

41. Play 20 Questions

42. Plant Seedlings

Use this time to teach your children the importance of the ability to be self-sufficient and grow your own food. What better way to teach them than to grab this “See Thru Garden View” and have each of your kids plant and tend to their own seedlings.

43. Learn Sign Language

A great family activity that is fun, challenging, and valuable. You can learn online for free or use sign language flashcards to make learning fun.

44. Names in a Hat

Place each family member’s names in a hat and have everyone pull out a name. Then the fun starts. After each family member has a different family member’s name, they have the next 24 hours to do a random act of kindness for the family member whose name they have.

45. Learn a New Language

Use Duolingo to learn a new language.

46. Khan Academy

Continue your child’s education for free with Khan Academy.

47. Toy Washing Station

I’m loving this idea. If your kids are old enough, set up a toy washing station. Fill a container (this size and type is ideal) with warm, soapy water. Have them wash as many of their toys as possible, then give them a second empty bin to place the washed toys into. Not only will this turn into a game, but it will also be cleaning their toys.

48. Obstacles

Create an indoor – or backyard – obstacle course to help your kids burn off some energy.

49. Chore Chart Fun

Get your kids to help out around the house by assigning certain chores to them. But, make it fun by setting a timer and racing to the finish. Whoever gets the most chores done – and does a good job – in a certain amount of time is the winner.

50. Paper Airplane Contest

Don’t know how to make a paper airplane that actually flies? It’s okay, mine never flew, either. Here are some good instructions.

51. Homemade Play Dough

Here’s an easy and fun play dough recipe that takes only a couple of minutes to make and is made with staples you more than likely already have in your pantry.

52. Write A Story

Set a timer for 15 – 20 minutes and challenge each of your kids to write a story. Let their imagination run rampant and have fun reading the stories once they’re done.

53. Baking Day

When’s the last time you really took time to bake with your kids? (And no, I don’t mean you doing all the work while they sit there and watch… or, sit there and watch TV.) Spend a day baking a few family favorites and teaching your kids the basics of baking.

54. Play Hangman

Play the old-fashioned way with a pen and piece of paper, or opt for this type of Hangman.

55. Dye Easter Eggs

…any time of the year!

Who doesn’t love dying Easter eggs? Boil some eggs, use an egg decorating kit and then have an Easter Egg Hunt.

56. At Home Museum

Help your kids build their own dinosaur museum right at home.

Fun Activities to Do at Home For Adults/Couples

57. Workout Together

Not only does working out together get you both in shape, but I gathered some facts straight from Psychology Today about working out together:

You’ll be happier in your relationship/marriage
It will improve the efficiency of your workout
Increase your emotional bond
Help you achieve your fitness goals

58. Start A Hobby To Do Together

Find an at-home hobby to start as a couple. This could be anything from taking painting classes from Bob Ross on YouTube to rollerblading in the basement.

59. Make A Fancy Dinner – Together

And then eat it by candlelight.

60. Play Crib

When my hubby and I play crib together, the hours seem to fly by.

61. Couples Massages

Instead of going out and getting massages together, give your hubby a massage, and then have him return the favor. Put the kids to bed, light some candles, and turn on the romantic music.

62. At-Home Picnic

Make a bunch of different “side dishes” and have a picnic in the basement, on the deck, in the backyard, in the living room, or in the bedroom.

63. Movie-A-Thon

Gather a bunch of different movies or have a TV-Show-A-Thon. (Our personal favorite? Mr. D.)

64. Adult Coloring Books

Grab a set of adult coloring books and set off to spend the afternoon coloring together.

65. Go Over The Finances

This is more on the “less fun” side of things, but it’s still a good thing to do. Take some time to go over your finances and create a budget, if you haven’t already. I recommend following these steps.

66. Make A Dreams List

Like a couple’s bucket list, write down all the places you’d love to explore together as a couple, and why.

67. Watch Your Wedding Video

68. Electronic-Free Home

Turn your house into an electronic-free zone for the next 24 hours and see how much new stuff you can learn about each other.

69. Ask Questions

Take turns asking each other questions to get to know one another on a deeper level – even if you’ve been married 50+ years.

70. Do A Chore For Your Spouse

Choose a chore that your spouse is usually responsible for and do it yourself. Don’t brag about it and don’t expect anything in return. Instead, do it silently and out of love.

71. Fill A Time Capsule

…then bury it to open in 5 – 10 years (or however many you desire).

72. Eat Breakfast in Bed

Make a simple or fancy breakfast and eat it in bed. Don’t worry about making a mess, you can clean it up later. For now, just enjoy something new with the love of your life.

73. Take An Online Class Together

You could do anything from an online yoga class on YouTube to learning sign language together.

74. Go Stargazing

75. Serve Them Better

Ask your spouse what you can do to serve them better and be a greater spouse.

Things to do at Home That Don’t Suck… Conclusion

Being stuck at home doesn’t have to suck. Pick even just three of these 75 different things to do and do it, you may be surprised how getting out of your normal rut and doing something new opens up your eyes and brings on a new level of creativity to your life that you haven’t experienced since you were a child.

Did we miss anything? I’d love to know what you would add to this list of fun things to do at home when you’re bored.

Here Are The 75 Best Things to do at Home That Don’t Suck