20 Things to do When Bored in the Summer
Are you looking for some things to do when bored in the summer? Then you’ve stumbled upon the right page. Or, if you were casually browsing through the site and this article caught your eye, you’re in for a treat also.
I’ve compiled a list of fun things to do to help cure your boredom, especially during the summer. Instead of scrolling all day, these ideas will help you actively do something fun and interesting while stimulating your mind, body, and/or creativity. So without further ado, from starting a new hobby to hanging out with friends, here are some fun things to do when you are bored this summer.
Things to do When Bored in the Summer
1. Recreate a Childhood Favorite Activity
Recreate a childhood favorite activity. This could be anything from drawing on the sidewalk with colorful chalk, going roller skating, blowing bubbles, visiting an arcade, or even something as simple as coloring.
2. Watch Movies and TV Shows
When it comes to finding a cure for boredom, especially during the summer, one of my favorite things to do, is create a summer movie watch list. That way, whenever I’m in the mood to watch a movie or just want something passive to do, I can look through the list and already have a few options to choose from. Instead of endlessly scrolling and trying to find something to watch in the moment.
Another fun thing to do is start watching a TV show. You can rewatch your favorite series, start a brand new show, or even revisit a childhood favorite. Recently, I started rewatching the Disney Channel show K.C. Undercover, and it’s honestly hilarious. Even though I’ve already seen the episodes so many times before, it still feels fresh and entertaining to watch again.
3. Play Trivia Games
Another fun thing to do during the summer, when you’re bored, is to play trivia with your friends. Call up your friends or start a video chat, then look up trivia questions online and take turns asking each other questions to see who knows the most answers.
For me and my friend group, we love playing movie themed trivia and celebrity trivia. We also enjoy games inspired by shows like Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader? along with random fun fact trivia questions.
CHECK OUT: 150 Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader Questions
4. Create Digital Mood Boards
Create digital mood boards filled with your favorite things. This could be anything like saving pictures of outfit ideas, bedroom and decor inspiration, or even aesthetic summer photos that match the vibe you want for the season.
5. Read a Book
Another thing that you can do when you’re bored this summer, is read a book. You can visit your local library and check out a physical book to keep on hand. You can also buy books or read digital ebooks for even more convenience.
My local library partners with online reading platforms like Hoopla and Libby, which give you access to a huge catalog of free books that you can check out online and read directly on your devices.
One of my favorite things about these resources is that they’re completely free. Definitely check to see if your public library partners with these platforms because it can make reading so much easier, cheaper, and more convenient this summer.
CHECK OUT: How To Cultivate A Love For Reading In A Brain Rotting Era
6. Paint Canvases
Grab a blank canvas, a couple of paint brushes, water, and paint, and start painting. You can either freestyle your artwork or follow a painting tutorial.
When it comes to painting tutorials, there are so many videos online. I’m a sucker for Bob Ross videos because not only do the paintings turn out so detailed and complex, but his voice is also soooo soothing. And as someone who doesn’t really know how to paint or draw, following a tutorial really does help and makes the process way more fun and less intimidating.
Also, when it comes to getting materials, you can find everything for cheap at places like Walmart, Dollar Tree, and Five Below. Making this another awesome budget friendly summer activity.
7. Cook or Bake
Another one of my favorite activities, not just in the summer but anytime during the year, is to cook or bake.
Whether you prefer one over the other, we can all agree that cooking and baking is a great activity that comes with a pretty sweet and delicious reward. So whether you’re baking cupcakes or cooking a summer pasta recipe you found online, just have fun in the kitchen.
Things to do in the Summer
8. Go on a Walk
Whether it’s in your neighborhood or at the park, go on a walk.
CHECK OUT: 110 Ideas For Summer Bucket List 2026
9. Write a Book
Grab a pencil and paper or open your computer and start typing, to let your creative juices flow as you write a story or even a full book.
This is a great activity, even if you are not a writer, because it helps your imagination run freely and lets you come up with interesting scenarios while jotting them down.
The best part is that you don’t have to finish this in one sitting. You can start, take a break, and come back to continue building your beautifully crafted story over time. If you’re not sure where to start, you can look up story prompts online or ask yourself guiding questions like whether you want to write a romance, thriller, or drama filled story.
10. Clean and Organize Your Space
As I got older, I quickly realized that there is always something that needs to be cleaned and that cleaning is non-stop. So, if you’re bored and looking for something to do, take a look around your space, and see if it needs tidying up.
If so, this is a great opportunity to clean, declutter, and organize, or even rearrange your furniture to give your space a fresh new feel.
11. Learn a Dance
Look up some dance tutorials online and try learning a new dance.
You could focus on a specific style or a particular dance move, or even go super niche and learn the choreography from a music video.
CHECK OUT: 18 Super Productive Things To Do At Home (When You’re Bored!)
12. Pretend You’re an Influencer for the Day
Is it just me, or when I’m doing something and I imagine I’m an influencer being recorded, the activity instantly becomes more fun?
Like when I’m cleaning or cooking, I’ll introduce myself like, “Hey guys, welcome back to my channel,” and start talking and acting like I’m a content creator. If you feel the same way, I would recommend pretending you are an influencer for the day and record a video.
You could vlog your day in the life, record the activity you’re doing, or do a talking video where you speak to the camera. At the end, you can edit the video, and honestly, you don’t even have to post it anywhere. It’s just a fun way to enjoy the moment and have fun.
13. Host a Get Together With Friends
Tap into your hostess era and host a get together with your friends. This could be anything from a game night to a themed party.
When it comes to summer party ideas, there are so many creative options to choose from. Some of my favorites include a pool party (since summer is all about pool time), a potluck party, and a paint and sip party.
And speaking of party themes, if you want more creative summer party ideas and themes, check out the article linked below.
CHECK OUT: Turn Up The Heat With These Summer Party Ideas And Themes
14. Go on an Outing With Friends
From grabbing ice cream to going shopping, going to the beach, or even taking a trip, plan an outing with your friends.
Fun Things to do When Bored During the Summer
15. Create a Summer Bucket List
One of the main reasons I love creating bucket lists is because they’re great boredom busters. You already have a pre planned list of things you want to do or activities that interest you, so when you’re bored, you can simply pick something from the list and do it.
So create a summer bucket list of things you want to do for the summer. You can even take it a step further and organize your list into different categories, like free things to do, things you can do at home, or things to do with friends. This way, you will always have a list of activity ideas throughout the summer.
CHECK OUT: 61 Fantastic Ideas For Your Summer Bucket List
16. Work on a Puzzle
From 100 pieces to 1,000 or even 2,000 piece puzzles, grab a puzzle and work on it when you are bored.
One of my biggest tips for doing puzzles is to set it up on a table or in an area where you don’t have to clean it up every time you walk away.
You can just leave it there so that when you are ready to continue, it’s already set up and waiting for you in the same spot, and you can easily pick up right where you left off.
17. Go to the Gym
If you have a gym membership, especially if you aren’t using it, consider this your sign to go to the gym. From doing cardio on the treadmill to using weighted machines and strength training, enjoy the process and exercising and moving your body.
18. Call a Friend
Call up a friend, your group chat, or a family member and spend some time talking and catching up with one another.
CHECK OUT: 60 Things To Do In The Summer With Friends
19. Play Online Games
One of my favorite things to do, especially when I want to have a “lazy” type of day, is play online games.
I could spend hours playing games like Candy Crush, Subway Surfers, and Sudoku. So if you have a day where you’re not really doing anything, play an online game for fun.
Just be a little cautious because these games can sometimes become a bit addicting. So it can help to set digital timers and limits for yourself while playing.
20. Watch YouTube Videos
Watch YouTube videos about something you want to learn. This could be anything from watching cooking videos to videos about finance, credit, budgeting, car maintenance, or even hair tutorials.
