A sense of listlessness settles into our kids during these long, hot, humid summer days, and “I’m bored” becomes a mantra. It’s a familiar chant heard in households across our state, often repeated dozens of times before 10 a.m. If this is your house, the good news is that you are not alone.
The S.C. Parent Advisory Council members, supported by Children’s Trust of South Carolina, regularly meet and share their collective wisdom on relevant parenting topics. In our conversation, they tackled the epidemic of summer boredom and offered tips for surviving and thriving. These are real parents sharing their real tips.
1. Structure is Your Friend (Even in Summer).
Yes, summer is supposed to be relaxed, but a little structure keeps boredom (and chaos) at bay. Some parents swear by daily routines with built-in time for chores, reading, outside play, and creativity, before electronics appear.
Tip: Post a simple daily schedule somewhere visible. Use pictures or timers for younger kids or visual learners. Set rules like “No tablets before noon” or “You must complete your checklist before screen time.”
2. Let the Kids Help Plan.
Giving kids a say in what they do encourages a sense of ownership and cuts down on complaints. Create a summer bucket list together or hold a weekly family meeting to choose a few fun goals. Whether it’s trying a new recipe, visiting a local splash pad, or starting a creative project, kids are more likely to get excited when they help pick it.
Tip: Write ideas on slips of paper and put them in a jar for your kids to choose their own adventure when the boredom sets in.
3. Use What You’ve Got.
You don’t need to spend a fortune to have fun. Look around your home and community. Many parents talked about using found objects for crafts, turning pantry ingredients into science experiments, or exploring nearby parks, splash pads or libraries.
Tip: SC Parents lists free and reduced-cost events. Bookmark the event calendar and try sites like Kidding Around Greenville or Charleston Moms for additional activities near you.
4. Embrace Tech Tools.
Yes, even AI can help. Parents are using tools like ChatGPT to create activity schedules, grocery lists, chore charts, and even educational games. It’s a time-saver and brain-saver, especially when you are out of new ideas.
Tip: Ask your AI assistant for “a weekly plan for three kids ages 5, 8, and 12 including chores, learning, and fun activities.” You’ll be amazed.
5. Say Hello to Free and Inexpensive Adventures.
Many local libraries offer more than books. They might lend out State Park passes, host summer reading challenges, or offer family programming. Movie theaters may offer $1 movie mornings or other discounted showings, and several South Carolina state parks include beaches or hiking trails for low or no cost.
Tip: Share or split the cost of a State Park Pass with another family. It’s good for everyone in the car and can be used at over 40 locations around South Carolina.
6. Invite Grandparents to Join the Fun.
One family’s 5-year-old made his own “tour” of his grandmothers’ houses for the summer. Whether it’s a week at grandma’s or just a weekend visit, involving extended family can be a great change of scenery (for everyone). Even better, they may already have summer tricks up their sleeve from raising you.
Tip 1: Individuals 65 and older can buy a half-price state park pass.
Tip 2: Turn a walk around the neighborhood, a park, or a nearby trail into a scavenger hunt! Look for things like a red bird, a pinecone, or a heart-shaped rock. Bonus points if you pack a simple picnic.
7. Embrace the Boredom.
Sometimes the best thing you can do is…nothing. Letting kids sit with boredom encourages creativity, self-direction, and even mindfulness. It’s okay if they aren’t being entertained 24/7. In fact, it’s healthy. Slowing down is part of summer, too.
Tip: Use these “nothing to do” moments to teach kids how to “just be”—sit outside, listen to nature, or draw what they see.
8. Make it a Team Effort.
Include yourself in the plan! Parents need fun, rest and time, too. Whether it’s doing activities alongside your kids or carving out your own time while they’re occupied, summer can be a reset for the whole family.
Summer doesn’t need to be packed with fancy plans or costly activities. With a bit of purpose, creativity, and shared effort, you can turn summer boredom into a time of connection, learning, and fun.
As one parent shared, “Just a little bit of structure can lead to lifelong memories.”
For more ideas, read “The South Carolina Family-Friendly Summer Bucket List You Didn’t Know You Needed!”
