10 Endlessly Entertaining Things to Do When You're Bored

Step outside your regular routine with these super doable and ultra-fun activities you'll love.

Updated July 13, 2023

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We've all had that bored feeling when we have a little free time and nothing to do, but you can banish the blahs with a few well-chosen activities. There are so many creative and cool things to do when you're bored; it's all about getting inspired to get off the couch and have a little fun.

Have the Best Conversation Ever With a Friend

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Having one of those less exciting hang-outs with your bestie? No worries. Having a great conversation is actually one of the best things to do when you're bored with a friend, and it's not that hard to make it happen.

Think about the things you've always wanted to know about each other, break out a list of Would You Rather questions for some hilarious fun, or get started with a list of curious questions to take your friendship to a deeper level.

Make a Time Capsule

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Do you remember time capsules from your school days? At the time maybe you rolled your eyes thinking, "I'll always love velociraptors, finger painting, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!" But turns out, roughly nine million things have changed since your days as a fourth grader, haven't they? Imagine how much more will change in another 20 years? So ridiculously much.

All you need is a shoebox or a container you won't miss until the very distant future. Decorate it to represent the things you like - for example, bourbon bottle labels, hedgehog stickers, or an obnoxious amount of hot pink. Then fill it up with pictures, a document detailing your daily routine, a list of things you're obsessed with, a letter to your future self, and a couple of tchotchkes.

Build a Blanket Fort

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Yeah, we know building a fort is a little kid thing, but it can also be the ultimate grown-up thing to do when you're bored at home. It's all about the details. Break out the fairy lights, the furry pillows, and the fanciest snacks and drinks you have on hand. Set the whole thing up in front of the TV for a movie marathon or just grab your favorite book and kick back.

Redecorate Your Space by Shopping Other Rooms

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Sometimes being bored is about being stuck in a rut, and you can change things up with a little redecorating. Whether we're talking about your bedroom, dorm room, or whole house, you can shop other spaces and rooms to give your place a whole new look.

Browse other places in your home or swap with a friend to get new decorating items like throw pillows, blankets, vases, pictures, or anything else that adds personality.

Quick Tip

Look around for something you really love in your room or another space and then build your whole decorating scheme around that. For instance, if you love that old painting your grandma gave you, look around for pillows and accessories that match the colors in it. It's a whole new look based on something old and well-loved.

Plan a Hilarious (But Harmless) Prank

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Got a little too much time on your hands? This is a great opportunity to prank a friend a or family member. There are so many harmless and funny pranks to try, from sticking googly eyes on all the food in the fridge to filling a friend's bedroom or car with balloons.

One of our favorite ideas is printing out pictures of your favorite character actor (Christopher Lloyd, anyone?) and replacing all the photos with pictures of them. Don't say anything. Just wait until someone notices.

Make Yourself a Treat When You're Bored

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We're not saying a tasty treat is the answer to everything, but it can be just the thing to turn a boring day into a fun one, whether you're with friends or on your own. Look through your kitchen or head to the store to grab ingredients for a new snack recipe, the ultimate ice cream sundae, or your favorite comfort food.

Quick Tip

Your treat doesn't have to be food-based. Sometimes, boredom just means you need a little extra self care time, so think about giving yourself a manicure, listening to your favorite song in the dark, or doing anything else that will help you feel refreshed.

Plan an Adventure When You're Bored Online

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One of the best things to do when you're bored online is plan your next adventure. Whether you're thinking close to home or across the globe, there are so many details to consider. How will you get there? Where will you stay? What are all the possible things you could do in this place?

No worries if you can't travel anytime soon. This is all about the dream and the details. Consider this an in-depth look at something on your bucket list.

Create a Cozy Atmosphere When You're Bored at Night

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There are lots of fun things to do when you're bored at night, from watching your favorite movie to calling a friend you haven't talked to in a while. Boredom might be a need for cozy comfort, though. Make a few small changes in your atmosphere to see if you feel better. Light lots of candles or twinkle lights, put on some nice music, and turn out the lights. You might just need a little reset.

Assemble a Care Package for Someone You Love

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Being bored can be kind of useful, especially if you use it to inspire you to show your love to someone. Whether you have a friend going through a breakup or a grandparent who needs a little extra love, you can make a care package or gift that will keep you entertained and the people in your life feeling cherished.

Shop your house or head out to the nearest store to assemble a few things that will brighten someone's day and banish your boredom at the same time.

Check Your Horoscope and Take an Action

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One of the most entertaining things to do when bored online is to check your monthly horoscope. What do the stars have in mind for you this month? Then think about one thing you can do right now to take advantage of your good fortune or make your month a little better.

That might be calling that person you have a crush on, finishing your resume for a new job, or just pampering yourself a little more with a massage or manicure. Taking an action lets you take control of your destiny and keeps you entertained at the same time.

Try Shaking Up Your Routine When You're Bored

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Whether you're looking for things to do when bored with kids, activities to keep you occupied with friends, or just stuff to do alone at night, it's all about getting outside of your normal routine. Pick something you wouldn't do every day and do that. You'll find that just a change of scenery or a new experience can get rid of any lingering boredom.

10 Endlessly Entertaining Things to Do When You're Bored