Sometimes staying in is just what you need, a break to recharge or enjoy a cozy day at home. Whether it’s rainy or you want some solo time, here are 50 fun things to do without leaving the house.
From creative projects and self-care to fun ways to connect with friends virtually, these ideas are perfect for turning any stay-in day into something special.
Here are 50 fun things to do when staying in without ever leaving your house. These ideas are perfect for anyone wanting to stay busy, creative, or relaxed while enjoying some quality time alone.
Creative Ways to Express Yourself
- Find wildflowers in your front yard and press them using a book.
- Sort your bookshelf by color or size, or try facing your books backward for a fresh look.
- Order or print a coloring book and try every page with a different medium like watercolor, acrylics, colored pencils, or digital painting.
- Practice a TikTok or Instagram dance challenge.
- Watch DIY videos and learn a new skill: whether it’s cooking, coding, weaving, or something else.
- Experiment with new hairstyles like hair crowns, headbands, or even hot lather shaves.
- Enjoy self-care with facemasks, baths, scrubs, candles, and more.
- Take a walk to clear your mind and get a fresh perspective.
- Teach your dog a new trick to keep them mentally stimulated.
- Cuddle with your cat and enjoy some relaxing, quality time together.
- Change any dead lightbulbs and battery-powered string lights to brighten up your space.
- Spruce up your space with mood lighting by placing LED strips under furniture or behind pictures for dramatic effect.
- Fix broken makeup by mixing cracked compact powder with alcohol and letting it dry. Try revitalizing dry mascara with olive oil.
- Clean your makeup brushes and sponges, and toss out old or cracked lipsticks.
- Plant an herb garden or propagate existing plants in an egg crate before potting them.
- Paint garden rocks to use as plant markers.
- Get fancy and take new profile photos with customized outfits and backdrops for your social media.
- Paint a mural on a wall, a room, a picture, or even paint yourself.
- Create funny memes and share them online.
- Learn a new language and pick up useful phrases for travel.
- Watch the top ten greatest movies of all time instead of scrolling endlessly.
- Read a book: whether digital or physical and explore new genres.
- Listen to the first vinyl you ever bought all the way through for nostalgia.
- Make a music video, spoof, or parody just for fun.
- Create a song using music production apps like Garage Band, Ableton Live, Pro Tools, or Logic Pro.
- Time yourself doing a puzzle and try to beat your best time.
- Practice drawing the tattoo you want to get, making it unique and personal.
Level Up Your Home, Habits & Headspace
- Rearrange every room in your home, decluttering as you go.
- Go through those clothes that no longer fit or suit you.
- Look through your photo albums and send old photos to friends and family to brighten their day.
- Make your will after organizing important personal belongings.
- Focus on financial freedom: budget smartly, finish your taxes, max out your 401k, and consider asking for a raise.
- Video chat with friends and play online games together, stay socially connected from anywhere.
- Meditate or stretch for 10 minutes daily using apps to help guide you.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
- Get a day planner and schedule your week hour by hour to stay productive and focused.
- Build the best work-from-home fort ever. If you have kids, start a #fortchallenge.
- Try out viral internet challenges for a little fun.
- Take virtual tours of museums and aquariums worldwide. Dress up like you’re really going!
Simple Acts of Self-Care and Kindness
- Workout using free apps or Instagram Live sessions.
- Explore new flavors by trying different teas, coffees, or craft sodas and discover your favorites.
- Try a guided journaling session: Use prompts to reflect, release stress, or set intentions. It’s a mindful way to reconnect with yourself when staying in.
- Bake and decorate a cake from scratch.
- Plan your meals for the week to stay organized and healthy.
- Write thoughtful letters or send care packages to friends, family, or someone who could use a little extra support.
- Get outside for some fresh air in your yard or neighborhood when you can.
- Go for a drive to change scenery while staying relaxed.
- “Travel” to a new place by making a playlist, cooking traditional meals, and watching documentaries.
- When all else fails, take a nap, sometimes rest is the best cure for boredom.
Wrap-Up: Keep It Cozy, Creative, and You
You can always tailor your plans based on your own goals and interests when figuring out what to do when you’re bored at home alone.
Try creating a flexible schedule, get dressed for the day (what you wear can actually impact your mood), mix in creative time, physical activity, and some screen-free moments. Plan your meals, make time for friends and family even if it’s virtual, and keep learning new things to stay engaged.
Some of these ideas might seem simple, but when you’re staying in, it’s all about making the most of your space and time. Whether you’re unwinding, creating, or just having fun, a cozy day at home can be exactly what you need.
Need more ideas for what to do when bored? Check out our other blogs for fresh inspiration:
