16 Engaging & Fun Activities to Conquer Quarantine Boredom for the Whole Family

Discover exciting ways to spend your time indoors or out, whether you’re solo or with loved ones!

It feels surreal to be writing a post about ‘fun activities for quarantine,’ yet here we are, navigating unprecedented times together. If you’re like many of us practicing social distancing, you’re probably familiar with the feeling of days blurring into one long stretch, and a creeping sense of restlessness starting to set in. As we look for ways to inject some much-needed variety into what has become our “new normal,” I’ve put together a comprehensive list of engaging activities designed to beat boredom and bring a little joy back into your home. Whether you’re looking for solo pursuits or family-friendly fun, this guide offers diverse options to make your quarantine experience more enjoyable and productive.

So, let’s dive into these fantastic ideas to transform your time at home!

1. Embrace Your Inner Baker: The Art of Bread Making

There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking fresh bread from scratch. The aroma filling your home, the tactile process of kneading dough, and the delicious reward at the end make it a truly therapeutic activity. It’s a wonderful way to slow down, engage your senses, and create something wholesome for yourself and your family. Plus, with a variety of recipes, you can explore different flavors and textures, turning each baking session into a delightful culinary adventure. From crusty loaves to sweet treats, here are some fantastic bread recipes to get you started:

Homemade Focaccia: A savory flatbread perfect for dipping or sandwiches.
Whole Wheat Honey Oatmeal Bread: A wholesome and hearty loaf, great for everyday use.
2-Ingredient Naan Flatbread: Incredibly easy and quick, ideal for pairing with curries or dips.
One Hour Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls: Fluffy and flavorful rolls ready in no time, perfect for dinner.
Jalapeño Cheddar Bread: A spicy and cheesy delight for those who love a kick.
Cheddar Bay Biscuits: Recreate the popular restaurant favorite at home.
Cinnamon Swirl Bread: A sweet treat that also makes amazing French toast the next day.
Garlic Irish Cheddar Chive Soda Bread: A rustic and flavorful loaf that’s surprisingly easy.
Brown Butter Maple Pecan Banana Bread: A comforting classic elevated with rich flavors.
Southern Buttermilk Biscuits: Light, flaky, and perfect for breakfast or with savory dishes.

2. Dive into a Cinematic Escape: Start a Movie Marathon

There’s no better way to escape reality for a few hours than with a captivating movie marathon. Gather your snacks, get cozy, and embark on an epic journey through your favorite film series or discover a new one. Marathons offer a wonderful opportunity to revisit beloved characters and stories, or immerse yourselves in intricate plotlines over several films. It’s a fantastic bonding activity for families or a delightful solo retreat. Here are some iconic series to consider for your next cinematic adventure:

Harry Potter (disc set): Magic, adventure, and coming-of-age – perfect for all ages.
Star Wars (disc set, also on Disney+): A galaxy far, far away awaits with this legendary saga.
The Marvel Movies (Disney+): Join your favorite superheroes in an expansive and interconnected universe.
Mission Impossible (disc set, or stream on Amazon Prime/YouTube): High-stakes espionage and thrilling action.
Toy Story (Disney+): Heartwarming tales of friendship and adventure for the young and young at heart.
James Bond (disc set): Suave spies, thrilling gadgets, and global adventures.
Lord of the Rings Trilogy (disc set, select movies on Netflix): An epic fantasy journey through Middle-earth.

TIP: Want to watch with friends remotely? Netflix Party (now Teleparty) allows you to synchronize your movie watching with friends and even includes a group chat feature, making it a social event even from a distance!

3. Refresh Your Space: Organize an Area of Your House

Quarantine provides the perfect opportunity to tackle those organizational projects you’ve been putting off. Decluttering and organizing not only improves your living space but can also significantly boost your mood and mental clarity. You can dedicate as much or as little time as you wish – a quick hour a day can make a difference, or you can commit an entire day to transform a larger area. The sense of accomplishment after organizing is incredibly rewarding. Consider these areas for a refresh:

Reorganize the kitchen pantry: Create a functional and visually appealing space for your groceries and cooking essentials.
Assemble furniture: Finally put together that flat-pack furniture you bought ages ago. It’s a perfect quarantine task!
Organize your spices: Elevate your kitchen by ordering matching jars and custom minimalist labels for a cohesive look.
Reorganize your linen closet: Fold, stack, and tidy up your towels and bedding for easy access.
Wash and donate clothes: Go through your wardrobe, wash any items you no longer wear, and prepare them for donation. This not only declutters but also helps others.

4. Lose Yourself in a Story: Sink Your Teeth into a Thriller/Mystery Book

Reading is a fantastic way to escape, learn, and relax. A good thriller or mystery novel can completely engross you, providing a mental break from daily worries and stimulating your mind with suspenseful plots and intriguing characters. It’s the perfect solo activity to unwind and indulge your imagination. Here’s a personal list of captivating books that will keep you on the edge of your seat, many of which I’m currently enjoying or plan to:

Night Film by Marisha Pessl: A dark, atmospheric thriller that blurs the lines between reality and fiction. (currently reading)
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides: A gripping psychological thriller with a shocking twist.
The Other Mrs. by Mary Kubica: A suspenseful story of secrets, lies, and a woman’s dark past.
The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson: A clever and intricate tale of murder and deception.
One of Us Is Lying by Karen McManus: A high-school murder mystery with twists and turns.
The Broken Girls by Simone St. James: A haunting mystery set in a creepy old boarding school.
The Other People by C.J Tudor: A chilling and atmospheric novel of loss, grief, and a desperate search for answers.
Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson: A bookseller becomes entangled in a real-life murder mystery mirroring his favorite fictional crimes.
Kill Creek by Scott Thomas: A truly terrifying haunted house story perfect for horror fans.
Good Girls Lie by J.T. Ellison: A dark academia thriller with secrets, betrayals, and murder.

5. Cultivate New Skills: Start a Hobby, It’s the Perfect Time

Quarantine offers an unparalleled opportunity to dedicate time to personal growth and exploration. Starting a new hobby can provide a sense of purpose, reduce stress, and ignite your creativity. Whether you’ve always wanted to learn a musical instrument or express yourself through writing, now is the ideal moment to dive in. These activities can be incredibly rewarding, offering a productive and enjoyable way to spend your time. Consider these diverse options:

Learn to play an instrument: Dust off that old guitar or try an online piano tutorial.
Pick up a paintbrush: Explore your artistic side with watercolors, acrylics, or sketching.
Read a self-help book: Focus on an area of personal development that interests you, from finance to mindfulness.
Paper Mache a decorative bowl: Get crafty with materials you likely already have around the house.
Write a book, a poem, or a short story: Unleash your imagination and put your thoughts on paper.
Start working out at home: Stay active and boost your mood with apps like Fitbod, 7-Minutes, or 6 Pack in 30 days (as suggested by Anees).
Listen to a podcast: Explore topics that fascinate you, from true crime to historical discussions.

6. Indulge in Self-Care: Treat Yourself

Taking care of yourself, both mentally and physically, is more important than ever during periods of heightened stress. Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate; even small acts of pampering can make a big difference in your well-being. Dedicate some time to rejuvenate and unwind, turning your home into a personal spa. These simple treatments can help you feel refreshed and relaxed:

Try a face mask: This particular mask boasts almost 30,000 reviews and is a great addition to any self-care routine.
Try an at-home microdermabrasion system: Give your skin a professional-level treatment for a radiant glow.
Give yourself a pedicure or manicure: Use this comprehensive set for salon-quality results. And here’s my current favorite color for spring, perfect for a fresh look.
Start a consistent skincare routine: Habits take about 20 days to form, so this is the perfect time to commit to a regimen that will benefit your skin long-term.

7. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth: Make Dessert

Baking dessert is a joyful activity that brings warmth and deliciousness into your home. Whether you’re craving gooey cookies, rich cheesecakes, or comforting cobblers, there’s a recipe for every sweet tooth. It’s an excellent way to relieve stress, get creative in the kitchen, and share delightful treats with your family. Plus, the process itself is often as enjoyable as eating the finished product!

Extra Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies: A classic favorite, perfected for maximum chewiness.
Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars: The best of two desserts in one irresistible bite.
One Bowl Lemon Olive Oil Poundcake: Light, zesty, and incredibly moist with minimal cleanup.
One Hour Cinnamon Rolls: Indulge in warm, gooey cinnamon rolls, ready in just an hour.
Key Lime Pie Bars: A refreshing and tangy dessert, perfect for a taste of the tropics.
Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Coffee Cake: A comforting and classic treat, ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
New York-Style Cheesecake (Instant Pot): Achieve creamy, perfect cheesecake with the ease of an Instant Pot.
Texas Blueberry Cobbler: A delightful fruit dessert, easily adaptable with canned peaches if blueberries aren’t available.
Pan-banging Fudge Brownies: Get those crinkly tops and intense fudge flavor with this viral method.
The Most Addicting Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars: A sweet, cinnamon-sugar treat that’s impossible to resist.

8. Get Hooked: Binge Watch These Highly Rated Shows

Sometimes, all you need is to get lost in a captivating story for hours on end. Binge-watching your favorite shows or discovering new ones is a classic quarantine activity that offers pure entertainment and escapism. From heartwarming reality competitions to thrilling dramas, there’s a show for every mood and preference. Grab your snacks and prepare for an immersive viewing experience with these popular picks:

The Great British Baking Show (Netflix): Wholesome competition and delicious bakes from the UK.
Stranger Things (Netflix): Sci-fi horror with a nostalgic 80s vibe and a compelling mystery.
The Morning Show (Disney+): A high-stakes drama offering a look behind the scenes of morning television.
Dexter (Netflix): A dark and compelling psychological thriller about a serial killer who only targets other killers.
The Mandalorian (Disney+): A Star Wars Western set in a galaxy far, far away, following a lone bounty hunter.
FRIENDS (disc set): The iconic sitcom about six friends navigating life in New York City.
Game of Thrones (HBO now): An epic fantasy drama filled with political intrigue, dragons, and intense battles.
The Office (Netflix): A mockumentary-style comedy about the everyday lives of office employees.
YOU (Netflix): A chilling psychological thriller about a dangerously obsessive man.

9. Gather Around: Play a Game with Family or Friends

Board games and card games are fantastic for fostering connection, stimulating your mind, and generating laughter. They offer a refreshing break from screens and provide opportunities for friendly competition and strategic thinking. Whether you’re with family at home or connecting virtually with friends, playing games is a timeless way to create lasting memories. Here are some highly-rated options for various age groups and player counts:

Bananagrams (5,776 reviews): A fast-paced word game for 1-8 players, ages 7 to adult. Think Scrabble without the board.
Sequence Game (6,579 Reviews): A strategy game where you try to get five chips in a row for 2-12 players, ages 7 to adult.
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza (2,802 reviews): A hilariously simple and quick-reflex card game for 2+ players, ages 8 to adult.
Azul (2,359 reviews): A beautifully designed tile-placement strategy game for 2-4 players, ages 8 to adult.
Codenames (7,129 reviews): A social word game of deduction for 2-8 players, ages 14 to adult, perfect for parties.
5 Second Rule (4,483 reviews): A quick-thinking party game where you have to name three things in 5 seconds for 3+ players, ages 10 to adult.
Monopoly Deal (6,466 reviews): A fast-paced card game version of Monopoly for 2-5 players, ages 8 to adult.

10. Culinary Collaboration: Cook Dinner with the Family

Transform dinner time into a collaborative and enjoyable experience by cooking as a family. Involving everyone in meal preparation can be a fantastic way to teach new skills, bond over shared tasks, and create delicious, home-cooked meals together. From chopping vegetables to stirring sauces, every member can contribute, making the process more fun and the final dish more satisfying. Explore these delightful recipes perfect for a family cooking session:

Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo (or Etouffee): A soulful, flavorful taste of New Orleans.
The best Beef Tips with Gravy: Comfort food at its finest, tender beef in a rich sauce.
Detroit-Style Pizza with Homemade Pizza Sauce: Craft your own thick, crispy-edged, cheesy pizza.
Chicken Tetrazzini: A creamy, comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for a family meal.
Cheesy Chipotle Chicken Taquitos (or flautas): Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, a fun meal for all.
French Onion Chicken Meatballs: A delightful twist on a classic, or try the chicken piccata kind, Mongolian beef kind, or the cheesesteak kind.
One Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce: An easy, elegant, and flavorful dish for busy weeknights.
Instant Pot Chicken Carnitas: Tender and crispy pork that’s perfect for tacos or bowls, made easy in the Instant Pot.
30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff: A quick and hearty classic that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Balsamic Tomato Baked Chicken: Simple yet flavorful, a healthy and delicious option.
Roasted Garlic White Chicken Lasagna Soup: All the flavors of lasagna in a comforting soup form.

11. Unwind and Create: Buy an Adult Coloring Book

Adult coloring books have soared in popularity for a good reason: they offer a relaxing and meditative escape from the stresses of daily life. The act of coloring helps to focus the mind, reduce anxiety, and express creativity without the pressure of drawing from scratch. It’s a wonderful solo activity that allows you to unwind and produce beautiful artwork. Pair it with some soothing music for ultimate relaxation. Here are some highly recommended coloring books and essentials:

Lost Ocean by Johanna Basford: From the creator of Secret Garden and Enchanted Forest, this book features intricate underwater scenes that can keep you mesmerized for hours.
Married Life: A coloring book with a snarky sense of humor, featuring relatable phrases and fun patterns. If you relate more to Mom Life, she has a book for that too!
Plant Lady by Sarah Simon: A delightful floral-themed coloring book filled with fresh blooms, plants, and bouquets. The removable pages allow you to frame your finished artwork.
Harry Potter Coloring Book: For fans of the wizarding world, this book offers enchanting scenes and characters to bring to life with color. (I’m almost halfway through mine!)
Here’s a set of 100 color pencils: Ensure you always have the perfect shade with this extensive collection of high-quality pencils.

12. Reconnect with Nature: Go Outside (Safely)

Even during quarantine, it’s crucial for your physical and mental health to get fresh air and sunshine. There are plenty of outdoor activities you can enjoy while maintaining a safe distance from others. Being in nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and provide a much-needed change of scenery. Always remember to check local guidelines and practice social distancing to ensure everyone’s safety. Consider these invigorating outdoor options:

Go for a jog or a walk: Explore your neighborhood or a nearby park, enjoying the sights and sounds of your surroundings.
Practice meditation: Find a quiet spot outdoors and try a guided meditation. This is excellent for reducing anxiety and improving focus, and it’s completely free.
Learn a new sport: Try a sport that can be played with limited players, like badminton. It’s fun for 2-4 players and perfect for your backyard. Here’s a reasonably priced set for beginners.
Ride a bike: Enjoy the freedom and exercise of cycling. I even have this one in my Amazon cart right now!
Grab a yoga mat and head to the backyard: Practice yoga outdoors for an invigorating experience, or stay indoors and follow along with YouTube Yoga for guided sessions.

13. Preserve Culinary Heritage: Master a Family Recipe

There’s immense value in keeping family culinary traditions alive. Quarantine provides a unique opportunity to connect with your heritage by learning and mastering a beloved family recipe. This isn’t just about cooking; it’s about preserving memories, celebrating culture, and perhaps even adding your own touch to a dish passed down through generations. The satisfaction of recreating a dish that holds sentimental value is truly special.

Find a cherished recipe: Ask a family member for their secret recipe for a dish you adore. Gather the ingredients and try to replicate it at home.
Challenge yourself: For an extra layer of accomplishment, try to recreate the recipe from scratch without direct instructions, using your senses and culinary intuition. You might even discover a way to make it even better!

14. Dance It Out: Find and Master a TikTok Dance

For a dose of lighthearted fun and physical activity, why not dive into the world of TikTok dances? These short, catchy routines are designed to be learned quickly and shared easily. It’s a fantastic way to get moving, laugh, and even connect with friends and family, regardless of your dancing ability. No pressure to be perfect – the goal is to have fun and enjoy the process!

Do it solo or with family: Challenge yourself to learn a popular dance by yourself, or turn it into a hilarious family activity.
Share the fun: Record your dance and send it to friends or other family members. Challenge them to learn it too! Even if you’re both terrible, it provides a wonderful opportunity for shared laughter and connection during these isolated times.

15. Enhance Your Home: Start a DIY Project Around the House

Quarantine is the perfect time to tackle those home improvement projects you’ve been dreaming about. From small decorative touches to more significant upgrades, DIY projects offer a sense of accomplishment, boost creativity, and can significantly enhance your living space. There’s something incredibly satisfying about transforming an area with your own hands, and you might discover a hidden talent in the process.

Create custom artwork: As simple as putting pen to paper or painting a canvas to adorn your walls. You could also knit a blanket or finally turn those old college tees into a memory quilt.
Paint a room or furniture: A fresh coat of paint can dramatically change the feel of a space. I’m personally planning to paint our bathroom vanity, add a wallpaper focal feature, swap out the builder-grade mirror, and change the light fixture!
Rearrange and refresh decor: Without spending a dime, you can change the entire vibe of a room by simply rearranging existing furniture or decor items. You could also order one or two new pieces to create a fresh focal point.
Swap out an old light fixture: You’ll be amazed at how much life a new light fixture can breathe into a room, instantly upgrading its aesthetic.
For advanced DIYers: Take on projects like adding woodwork, crown molding, creating a feature wall, or installing faux-brick paneling. These elements can profoundly change the look and feel of a room, adding character and value (also on my list!).

16. The Ever-Present Task: Catch Up on Laundry!

Alright, I kid, but seriously, how is it that there is always laundry to do? While perhaps not as glamorous as baking bread or starting a new hobby, tackling that overflowing laundry basket can bring a surprising sense of order and accomplishment. Plus, it frees up time for the more enjoyable activities on this list later! Think of it as a necessary reset, making your environment more comfortable and ready for relaxation or creativity.

We hope this expanded list of fun activities for quarantine inspires you to make the most of your time at home. Whether you’re seeking comfort, creativity, or connection, there’s something here for everyone. Don’t let the days blend into one; instead, embrace the opportunity to try new things, revisit old favorites, and create lasting memories. If you have any other brilliant ideas, book recommendations, or are currently binge-watching a show that mamma (and everyone else) needs to know about, please share your recommendations in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you. 🙂