We are just wrapping up a long weekend – Thanksgiving, actually! After two days of driving, visiting, eating, and recovering from eating, today is a chill out and catch up day. But the inevitable “I’m bored!” comes down the stairs and the stress begins!

Long weekends can be a challenge, for kids anyways. All the shuffling to and from family events, schmoozing with Aunts and Uncles, and being on their best behavior.

Kids are being steadily engaged for the better part of the weekend – then boredom sets in when the dust settles. They want to do something! It’s easy to suggest a get together with a friend but that’s not always an option.

So, what to do to keep the kiddos busy that’s not a play date?

“I’m Bored” – Put them to work.

Housekeeping has been neglected in my house over the past few weeks, so I had a bit of cleaning catch up to do. My girl usually wants to help out, so I put her to work!

• Laundry. Sorting, loading the washer, transferring to the dryer, and folding are all tasks that kids can assist with. The folding aspect makes me cringe a bit! That’s my control-freak coming out in me!
• Dusting & Windexing. Give them a swiffer duster or microfiber cloth and they can go to town wiping and spit-shining the furniture, windows, and baseboards. Older children can perhaps be trusted to use cleaning products. Let’s go for environmentally friendly products, shall we?!
• Floors. We actually bought our daughter a little broom and dust pan when she was smaller! They “play” cleaning but they’re actually helping in a small way! Older children can certainly handle a broom or vacuum!
• Yard work: There’s nothing better about autumn than raking the fallen leaves and leaping into the pile! Kids really love this, so there’s no reason why they can help with the work before reaping the rewards.

Related Post: Our Favourite Trail Walk

“I’m Bored” – Get outside.

If the weather allows, get outside and enjoy the day together as a family. There’s so much you can do in the great outdoors in the fall!

• Hit the trails. Hiking trails in the fall are the most beautiful sight. Get some fresh air, pack some hot chocolate and snacks, and put some steps on the fitbit. Don’t forget your camera!
• Visit a farm. With countless pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and corn mazes in the area, the possibilities are endless. Introduce your child to country life with a hay ride, pedal tractors, and cute farm animals.
• Go for a drive. Hop in the car together and take a fall tour. Find some winding side roads and enjoy Mother Nature’s colourful show. Snap a few family pics along the way!
• Go fishing. Fall is the time of year to catch a running salmon or trout or a pike that’s fattening up before winter hits. Just be sure to dress for the occasion!

“I’m Bored” – Stay in.

Autumn weather can be quite damp and dreary. When the weather outside is frightful – stay in!

• Movie time. Get in your pj’s, grab some snacks, and hit up Netflix for some at-home family entertainment.
• Bake. Children are naturally creative. Create something sweet in the kitchen! It may get messy, but it’s worth it!
• Decorate for Fall & Halloween. Visit a local thrift store or dollar store and get your home decked out for fall. Make some autumn crafts and display them around the house. Work on the kids Halloween costumes too!
• Go bowling. If it’s dreary outside, but you don’t want to be stuck at home, venture out and go bowling for an afternoon.

Getting the “I’m bored” out of a child doesn’t have to be an all day event. Even a couple of hours will help fill the void. Devoting time each and every day to creating memories as a family will instill a lifetime of happy reflection.