Stuck at Home? Try These 21 Fun Challenges to Keep the Boredom at Bay!
December 17, 2023
While it can be nice to have some downtime at home, it’s easy to quickly become bored and restless without anything to do. Fortunately, there are plenty of fun and creative challenges you can try at home to help keep the boredom at bay. From learning a new recipe to completing a puzzle, these activities will help you stay entertained and engaged while staying safe indoors.
In this post, I’ll share 21 fun challenges to try at home, each with varying levels of difficulty and time commitment. So, whether you’re looking to challenge yourself or just want something to pass the time, we’ve got you covered!
1. Why challenges are a great way to stay entertained at home
Challenges are a great way to stay entertained at home because they provide a fun way to break up the monotony of everyday life and can help to keep your mind active and engaged. They can also be a great way to bond with family and friends, whether you’re all in the same house or connecting virtually.
Challenges offer a sense of accomplishment and can even help to boost your self-confidence. Whether you’re trying to learn a new skill, complete a physical challenge, or conquer a fear, setting and achieving goals through challenges can help you feel more motivated and productive.
In addition, challenges can be a great opportunity to learn new things and explore new interests. They can help you discover hidden talents and passions that you may not have even known you had.
Overall, challenges are a great way to stay entertained and engaged while at home. With so many different types of challenges to choose from, there is something for everyone, regardless of age or interests. So why not give it a try and see what fun and exciting challenges you can come up with?
2. The benefits of taking on challenges
Taking on challenges can be an excellent way to break up the monotony of daily life and provide a renewed sense of purpose and motivation. Challenges can be a fun way to push yourself out of your comfort zone and try new things that you may not have considered before.
There are many benefits to taking on challenges, including improved mental and physical health, increased self-confidence, and a sense of accomplishment. When we challenge ourselves, we are forced to confront our fears and limitations, which can help us to grow and develop as individuals.
Challenges can also be a great way to connect with others, whether it be through a shared experience or by joining a community of people who are all working towards a common goal. This can provide a sense of belonging and support that can be especially important during times of isolation or uncertainty.
Ultimately, taking on challenges can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience that can help to break up the boredom and monotony of daily life. So why not give it a try and see where it takes you?
3. The rules for setting and completing challenges
When setting and completing challenges, it’s important to establish clear rules to avoid confusion or misunderstanding. First, determine the goal of the challenge and what needs to be done to achieve it. For example, if the challenge is to read 10 books in a month, the rules should specify the timeframe, the number of books to be read, and whether audiobooks count.
Next, ensure that the rules are fair and achievable. Challenges that are too difficult or unrealistic may discourage participants from even trying, while challenges that are too easy may not provide enough motivation for completion. It’s important to strike a balance.
It’s also a good idea to establish consequences for failure or rewards for success. This can help motivate participants to take the challenge seriously and put in effort to complete it. For example, if the challenge is to run 5 kilometers every day for a week, the consequence for failure could be donating a set amount of money to a charity, while the reward for success could be treating oneself to a massage or favorite meal.
Finally, make sure to communicate the rules clearly to all participants and provide regular updates on progress. Challenges can be a great way to stay motivated and pass the time, but clear rules and communication are key to ensuring a successful and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
4. Indoor challenges to try alone
Staying indoors could sometimes lead to boredom, but this is when you can get creative and explore new indoor challenges. There are a lot of fun challenges you can try alone, without needing any other participants. Here are some suggestions:
1. Learn a new dance routine: This is a perfect opportunity to learn a new dance routine that you always wanted to try. You can find tutorials on YouTube or even enroll in an online dance class.
2. Try a new recipe: Cooking is a great way to pass the time and challenge yourself. Browse your favorite recipe websites or cookbooks and try a new recipe that you’ve never tried before.
3. Learn a new language: There are plenty of language-learning apps and resources available online. Pick a language you’ve always wanted to learn and start today!
4. Create an art project: Whether it’s painting, drawing, or crafting, creating an art project is a great way to challenge yourself and express your creativity.
5. Solve a puzzle: Puzzles come in all shapes and sizes, from jigsaw puzzles to crosswords. Pick a puzzle that interests you and get to work solving it.
Remember, the key to indoor challenges is to find something that interests you and challenges you mentally or creatively. So, pick something new and exciting, and give it a go!
5. Indoor challenges to try with family or roommates
Spending time at home with family or roommates can sometimes lead to boredom, but it doesn’t have to be that way. You can try out some fun indoor challenges that everyone can enjoy together. Here are some of our favorite challenges that will help you keep the boredom at bay:
1. Board Game Bonanza: Bust out some classic board games, or try something new.
2. Bake-Off: Have a friendly competition to see who can make the tastiest dessert.
3. Movie Marathon: Pick a theme or genre and watch a series of movies together.
4. Karaoke Night: Sing your heart out with a karaoke machine or app.
5. Puzzle Party: Work on a puzzle together as a team.
6. DIY Projects: Get creative and make something together.
7. Video Game Tournament: Compete against each other in your favorite video games.
8. Virtual Travel: Take a virtual tour of a museum or landmark.
9. Scavenger Hunt: Create a scavenger hunt with clues and prizes.
10. Talent Show: Show off your hidden talents with a fun talent show.
11. Storytelling Night: Tell stories and share memories with each other.
12. Lego Building Contest: Build your best creation and have a contest to see who wins.
13. Science Experiments: Conduct simple science experiments with household items.
14. Fashion Show: Create outfits and have a fashion show to showcase your designs.
15. Art Contest: Draw or paint your best artwork, and have a contest to see whose is the best.
16. Treasure Hunt: Hide treasures around the house and discover them together.
17. Book Club: Read a book together and discuss it as a group.
18. Indoor Sports: Play indoor sports like basketball, volleyball, or table tennis.
19. Board Game Olympics: Create an Olympic-style tournament with your favorite board games.
20. Indoor Camping: Set up a tent and enjoy an indoor camping experience.
21. Talent Exchange: Teach each other your unique talents and skills.
These challenges are great ways to spend quality time with family or roommates while staying indoors. Try them out and see which ones become your new favorites!
6. Outdoor challenges to try alone
Being stuck at home doesn’t always mean you have to stay indoors. If you have a yard or a local park nearby, there are a lot of outdoor challenges that you can try alone to keep yourself entertained.
One great idea is to go for a nature walk and try to identify as many plants and animals as you can. Take pictures of the ones you don’t know and research them when you get home. This can be a great way to learn about the local environment and appreciate nature.
Another outdoor challenge you can try is to set up an obstacle course. You can use items you have at home such as cones, hula hoops, and jump ropes to create a fun and challenging course. Time yourself and see if you can beat your time each time you complete it.
If you have a bike, you can also try setting up a bike course with ramps, jumps, and other obstacles. This can be a great way to improve your skills and get some exercise at the same time.
Finally, you can try doing a nature scavenger hunt. Make a list of items that you can find in nature such as a certain type of flower, a feather, or a rock of a particular color. Then go out and see how many of the items you can find.
These outdoor challenges can be a great way to get some fresh air and exercise while also keeping yourself entertained.
7. Outdoor challenges to try with family or roommates
Being stuck at home for prolonged periods of time can be challenging and can easily lead to boredom. But why not take the opportunity to bond with your family or roommates while enjoying the outdoors? There are plenty of outdoor challenges you can try that are not only fun, but also help you stay active and improve your mental wellbeing.
One great challenge to try is a scavenger hunt. Make a list of items to find around your neighborhood or local park and divide into teams. The first team to find all the items on the list wins. Another fun challenge is to set up an obstacle course in your backyard. Use household items such as chairs, brooms, and hula hoops to create a course and time each other to see who can complete it the fastest.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try geocaching. This treasure hunting game involves using GPS coordinates to find hidden containers called “caches” that are placed all around the world. You can easily download a geocaching app on your smartphone and start exploring your local area. Another great challenge to try is planting a vegetable garden or herb garden together. You can learn about gardening and enjoy fresh produce at the same time.
Overall, there are plenty of outdoor challenges you can try with your family or roommates to keep the boredom at bay while also enjoying the benefits of fresh air and physical activity.
8. Creative challenges to try at home
Being stuck at home can be challenging, but it is also an opportunity to tap into your creative side and try out a few challenges that you may have never thought of before. Here are some creative challenges to try at home:
1. Painting challenge: Take out your paintbrushes and create a masterpiece or try a new painting technique.
2. Photography challenge: Explore your surroundings, capture some beautiful moments and experiment with different angles and lighting.
3. Writing challenge: Write a short story, poem, or even start a novel.
4. Cooking challenge: Try cooking a new cuisine or create a recipe that you have always wanted to try.
5. DIY challenge: Upcycle old items and create something new or try to fix something that you thought was beyond repair.
6. Drawing challenge: Draw a portrait of someone you admire or try your hand at abstract art.
7. Fitness challenge: Challenge yourself to do a certain number of push-ups, sit-ups, or squats each day.
8. Learn a new skill challenge: Try learning a new skill like knitting, sewing, or coding.
9. Music challenge: Learn to play a new musical instrument or compose a song.
10. Plant challenge: Start a garden or try growing a new plant from a cutting.
11. Meditation challenge: Practice meditation and mindfulness for a set amount of time each day.
12. Film challenge: Create a short film or try your hand at stop-motion animation.
13. Puzzle challenge: Challenge yourself to complete a difficult puzzle or create your own.
14. Language challenge: Learn a new language or practice speaking a language you already know.
15. Fashion challenge: Create an outfit using only items in your closet or upcycle old clothes to create something new.
16. Travel challenge: Plan a virtual trip to a place you have always wanted to visit or explore your local community.
17. Clean-up challenge: Declutter and organize a specific area of your home each day.
18. Home decor challenge: Redecorate a room in your home or create a DIY home decor item.
19. Board game challenge: Challenge yourself to win a game you have never won before.
20. Science challenge: Conduct a science experiment or try building a simple machine.
21. Reading challenge: Challenge yourself to read a certain number of books within a specific time frame or read a book outside of your usual genre.
Trying out these creative challenges can help you keep boredom at bay and discover new talents and interests. Give them a try and see what you can create!
9. Educational challenges to try at home
If you’re looking for something productive and mentally stimulating to do while stuck at home, there are plenty of educational challenges you can try. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Learn a new language: There are plenty of language-learning apps and websites available that can help you learn a new language at your own pace.
2. Master a new skill: Have you always wanted to learn how to code, play an instrument, or do woodworking? Now is the perfect time to start.
3. Read a book in a new genre: If you typically stick to one or two genres of books, challenge yourself to read something new. You might discover a new favorite author or genre.
4. Take an online course: There are plenty of online courses available on a variety of topics. Whether you’re interested in history, art, science, or anything in between, you’re sure to find a course that interests you.
5. Memorize a poem or speech: Challenge yourself to memorize a favorite poem or famous speech. Not only will it be a mental workout, but you’ll have a new party trick to impress your friends and family.
These educational challenges will not only keep you entertained but also help you learn something new and grow as an individual.
10. Physical challenges to try at home or outdoors
Staying active during the pandemic can be challenging, but it’s important to keep moving and stay healthy. There are many physical challenges that you can try at home or outdoors to keep yourself fit and entertained.
One challenge that you can try is doing a daily workout routine. There are many fitness apps and online workout programs available that you can follow to keep yourself motivated and on track. You can also use items around your home, such as chairs or water bottles, to create your own workout routine.
Another challenge that you can try is setting a step goal for yourself each day. This can be as simple as taking a walk around your neighborhood or going for a hike in a nearby park. You can also try doing a daily yoga or stretching routine to improve your flexibility and reduce stress.
If you have a backyard or outdoor space, you can try setting up a mini obstacle course and time yourself as you complete it. This is a great way to challenge yourself physically and mentally while having fun at the same time.
Remember, staying active doesn’t have to be boring or expensive. With a little creativity and motivation, you can find many physical challenges that you can do at home or outdoors to keep yourself entertained and healthy during these challenging times.
11. Travel challenges to try from home
Just because you’re stuck at home doesn’t mean you can’t travel the world from your living room! Here are some travel challenges you can try from home:
1. Plan your dream vacation: Research your dream destination, create an itinerary, and budget accordingly.
2. Cook a cuisine from a different country: Pick a country you’ve always wanted to visit and cook a traditional dish from that region.
3. Learn a new language: Use resources like apps, books, and online courses to learn a new language.
4. Take a virtual tour: Many museums and tourist attractions offer virtual tours you can take from home.
5. Watch travel documentaries: There are many great travel documentaries available on streaming platforms that can transport you to different parts of the world.
6. Create a photo book: Compile photos from your past travels and create a photo book to look back on your adventures.
7. Play travel-themed games: There are many board games and video games that have a travel theme, such as Ticket to Ride and Assassin’s Creed.
8. Read travel memoirs: Reading travel memoirs can transport you to different parts of the world and inspire you to plan your own adventures.
9. Learn about different cultures: Use online resources to learn about different cultures and traditions from around the world.
10. Take a virtual hike: Many national parks offer virtual hikes that allow you to explore the great outdoors from your own home.
11. Try a new type of cuisine: Visit a local restaurant that serves a type of cuisine you’ve never tried before.
12. Food challenges to try at home
Are you a foodie looking for a fun way to pass the time at home? Look no further than food challenges! These challenges are not only entertaining but also allow you to get creative in the kitchen. Here are a few food challenges to try at home:
1. Create a dish using only three ingredients you have on hand.
2. Try a “Chopped” style challenge where you have to use a mystery ingredient in your dish.
3. Attempt to recreate a restaurant dish at home.
4. Cook a meal using only a microwave.
5. Make your own version of a viral food trend (think Dalgona coffee or whipped feta).
6. Host a virtual cook-off with friends or family and judge each other’s dishes.
7. Attempt to make a dish from a different culture or cuisine you’ve never tried before.
8. Cook a meal using only ingredients grown or produced in your local area.
9. Create a dish using ingredients that are all one color.
10. Make a meal that is entirely vegetarian or vegan.
These food challenges are a great way to improve your culinary skills and have fun in the kitchen. Who knows, you might even discover your new favorite recipe!
13. Art challenges to try at home
Art is the perfect way to express yourself and let your creativity run wild. You don’t have to be a professional artist to enjoy these art challenges, all you need is some basic art supplies and a willingness to try something new.
One of the most popular art challenges is the Inktober challenge. This challenge takes place every October and encourages artists to create a new ink drawing every day for the entire month. It’s a great way to improve your drawing skills and to experiment with different styles and techniques.
Another fun art challenge is to create a painting using only three colors. This challenge forces you to be creative with the limited color palette and to focus on things like composition and contrast.
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try your hand at sculpting? You can use clay or even play-doh to create your masterpiece. Or, if you’re feeling really creative, try making your own art supplies. You can make your own paint, paper, or even brushes!
No matter what type of art challenge you choose, the most important thing is to have fun and let your creativity flow. Who knows, you might even discover a new passion!
14. Music challenges to try at home
Music can be a great way to break up the monotony of being stuck at home. Here are a few music challenges you can try at home:
1. Learn a new instrument – whether it’s a guitar, ukulele, or keyboard, there are plenty of online tutorials to help you get started.
2. Write a song – use your free time to get creative and write a song. You can record it on your phone or computer and share it with your friends and family.
3. Challenge yourself to a music marathon – pick a genre or artist and see how many songs you can listen to in a day.
4. Karaoke challenge – set up a karaoke machine or use a karaoke app and challenge your friends and family to a sing-off.
5. Create a playlist – make a playlist for a specific mood or activity, like working out or studying.
6. Music trivia night – host a virtual music trivia night with your friends and family.
7. Learn a dance routine – pick a popular song and learn the dance routine from the music video.
No matter what music challenge you choose, it’s a great way to keep yourself entertained and break up the boredom of being stuck at home.
15. Technology challenges to try at home
Technology challenges are a great way to keep yourself entertained and learn something new while you’re stuck at home. Here are a few fun ideas to get you started:
1. Build your own website: There are plenty of free website builders out there, so why not try making your own website? You could create a blog, a portfolio, or even an online store.
2. Learn to code: There are tons of free coding resources online, so why not use this time to learn a new skill? You could start with a language like HTML or CSS, or try something more complex like Python or JavaScript.
3. Create a digital art masterpiece: If you’re artistic, why not try your hand at creating a digital masterpiece? You could use software like Photoshop or Procreate to create anything from a digital painting to a graphic design.
4. Make a short film: With just a smartphone and some editing software, you can create a short film. Try coming up with a story, filming it, and editing it together into a finished product.
5. Build a gaming PC: If you’re a gamer, why not try building your own gaming PC? It’s a bit more complex than building a regular computer, but it can be a fun and rewarding challenge.
No matter what technology challenge you decide to take on, make sure to have fun and learn something new along the way!
16. Nature challenges to try at home or outdoors
Nature challenges are a great way to get active and enjoy the great outdoors, whether you’re stuck at home or have the opportunity to venture out. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Bird-watching: Set up a bird feeder outside your window and see how many different types of birds you can spot.
2. Nature scavenger hunt: Create a list of items to find on a walk or in your backyard, such as a feather, a pinecone, or a butterfly.
3. Nature photography challenge: Take photos of the natural world around you and see who can capture the most stunning shot.
4. Leaf rubbing: Collect different types of leaves and use crayons or pencils to make a rubbing of the texture and pattern.
5. Nature art: Use items found in nature to create art, such as a pinecone birdhouse or a leaf collage.
6. Tree identification: Learn to identify different types of trees in your area and keep a log of what you find.
7. Garden challenge: Grow your own vegetables or herbs, and see who can grow the biggest or best-tasting produce.
8. Nature writing: Keep a journal of your experiences in nature, or write a short story inspired by the natural world around you.
Nature challenges can be fun and rewarding, and they also promote a greater appreciation for the world around us. So, get outside and start exploring!
17. Kindness challenges to try at home or outdoors
In times of crisis, small acts of kindness can go a long way. It’s easy to get consumed in your own world, but by practicing kindness, not only will you make someone else’s day brighter, but you’ll also boost your own mood. Here are some kindness challenges that you can try at home or outdoors:
1. Donate to a local food bank or charity organization
2. Write a letter of appreciation to someone who has made a positive impact on your life
3. Compliment a stranger
4. Offer to help a neighbor with their groceries or household chores
5. Pay for someone’s coffee or meal in line behind you
6. Leave a kind note or small gift for someone to find
7. Participate in a community cleanup or volunteer at a local shelter
8. Call a friend or family member just to check in and listen to them
9. Offer to walk a neighbor’s dog or pet-sit for them
10. Leave a positive review for a small business you love
By doing these simple acts of kindness, you’ll not only brighten someone else’s day, but you’ll also feel good about yourself. Kindness is contagious, so spread it around and watch it grow!
18. Social media challenges to try
If you’re looking for a fun way to stay connected with friends and family during these times of social distancing, social media challenges can be a great way to do just that. From dance challenges to cooking challenges, there’s something for everyone.
One popular challenge that has been making the rounds on social media is the “Flip the Switch” challenge. This involves two people standing in front of a mirror, where one person is usually dressed in more feminine attire and the other in more masculine attire. They then switch places and outfits to the tune of the song “Nonstop” by Drake.
Another popular challenge is the “Don’t Rush” challenge, which involves a group of people passing around a makeup brush or other item while changing outfits in time with the music. This challenge is not only fun but also shows off some pretty impressive editing skills.
If you’re looking for a food-related challenge, try the “Whipped Coffee” challenge, where you whisk together instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until it becomes frothy. You then pour this mixture over a glass of milk and ice for a delicious and aesthetically pleasing coffee drink.
These challenges are a fun way to stay connected with loved ones and add some excitement to your day while stuck at home.
19. Challenges for personal growth and development
Being stuck at home can be a great opportunity to focus on personal growth and development. With a little creativity, you can challenge yourself to learn new skills or push yourself out of your comfort zone. Here are a few ideas:
1. Learn a new language – there are plenty of apps and online courses that can help you get started.
2. Take an online course or workshop to develop a new skill or hobby.
3. Read a book on a topic you know nothing about.
4. Write a short story or poem.
5. Start a journal to reflect on your thoughts and experiences.
6. Practice a new form of meditation or mindfulness.
7. Take up a new hobby, such as painting, knitting, or playing an instrument.
8. Try a new type of exercise or fitness routine.
9. Start a new habit, such as waking up earlier or taking a daily walk.
10. Practice cooking a new type of cuisine or a challenging recipe.
Remember, the key to personal growth and development is to challenge yourself and step out of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to try something new and take risks. With a little effort and determination, you can come out of this experience with new skills and a stronger sense of self.