In case you missed it, just before last summer hit I created the first 25 Boredom Busters from the Dollar Store. It’s a sundry list of activities for kids to bust up those summer doldrums with your kids. My oldest is 7 years old and my youngest not quite a year, so my mind is a little more in that phase of activity, but I think these lists of boredom busters can help you affordably keep your summer active. I checked out the Dollar Tree (which is my favorite!), so locations and stock may vary. Hopefully this will spark some creative ideas as you wander through the dollar store. 
1. Light Saber Fight with Pool Noodles.
Cut a pool noodle in half (we used a bread knife) and wrap duct tape around it for a light saber. If your kids are going to hit each other with something, a pool noodle is a great option. We made these for two birthday parties this spring for our boys and all children left said parties with no blood. Try this tutorial from Kids Activities Blog!
2. Learn about Solar Power.
The Dollar Tree loves its solar powered waving flowers or the solar powered walkway lights. Great teaching tool for kids!
3. Decorate Flip Flops
Check out these cute ideas from Crazy Little Projects.
4. Make Shot Glass Towers.
5. Play Shot Glass Games.
Like the letter match from Play at Home Mom.
6. Make Your Own Trail Mix.
7. Play with Sound Tubes.
8. Play Catch.
There are several different types of catch you can play either with simple balls, or a set of nets/paddles and a ball.
9. Play a Giant Game of Twister with Placemats.
10. Create an Obstacle Course with Placemats.
Set these up in the yard or in the house at varying distances from each other and have your kids jump from one to the next, avoiding the hot lava in between. (Any game involving hot lava is a hit at my house.) Let your kids create their own courses!
10. Do a Toy & Clothes Purge and Hold a Garage Sale.
Let your kids choose items to get rid of and then help price with dollar store price stickers. Take the leftovers to the local donation area. My kids hate getting rid of things, but do love stickers so would enjoy the pricing part. It’s great for them to learn about organization, purging, and also the importance of donations.
11. Grow a Micro-Terrarium or Create Your Own.
12. Create Funny Photos with a Wall Backdrop.
You can snag these large backdrops and then have your kids act out silly things in front of them. If they are old enough, give them a turn with the camera and you can teach them how to take photos as well.
13. Play with Helium Balloons.
Helium balloons are a steal for $1. Snag a few and play games. Tie the string to something heavy and shoot them with Nerf guns or do an experiment with weight to see what kinds of objects the balloon can lift.
14. Water Play with Measuring Cups & a Funnel.
15. Decorate Cookies or Cupcakes with a Decorating Kit.
16. Make Smoothies.
Did you know that the Dollar Tree sells frozen fruit? It’s a steal and you can let your kids help make smoothies or frozen popsicles with blended fruit and yogurt.
17. Do Sensory Activities with Noodles.
Check out these ideas from Kids Activities Blog.
18. Wash Your Cars.
I love putting my kids to good work, especially if they love it! With a bucket and some sponges or even bath scrubbers, set your kids to work on your car. (Don’t forget the sunscreen!)
19. Observe Nature with Binoculars.
20. Fly a Glider Plane.
21. Grab a Detective Kit and Solve a “Crime.”
Give your kids a dollar store badge and try one of these detective games.
22. Learn to Play the Recorder.
I will categorically say I WON’T be doing this one. I ended up being a dancing princess in the 4th grade play because I could NOT play the recorder well enough to be in the recorder band. But use this site to learn to play the dollar store recorder.
23. Learn Baton Tricks.
24. Put Together a Glow-in-the-Dark Dinosaur Model.
25. Get a Grass Skirt and Teach Yourself to Hula. (Coconut Bra Optional)
I hope these activities for kids get your wheels turning! Don’t get stressed out about keeping your kids from being bored this summer. Simple & affordable is the way to go!
For MORE ideas, see the original 25 Boredom Busters from the Dollar Store!
