Bored Games Club

Bored Games

Quick, screen-free games you can play anywhere when kids say “I’m bored.”

So what are these boredom busting screen free games for kids?


Games that don’t need equipment, prep, printing, batteries or long explanations. Just people, a bit of space, and a willingness to be slightly silly. Bored Games are designed for those in-between moments, before dinner, between lessons, at a party, or when attention is drifting and energy needs redirecting.
3 ways to bust boredom

Why Bored Games Work

Bored Games work because they meet kids exactly where they are: short attention spans, lots of energy, a need to move, laugh and connect. Instead of fighting boredom, they use it.

Most Bored Games: get kids moving, sharpen listening and focus, encourage quick thinking, involve everyone (no waiting turns), end before anyone gets fed up. They’re especially useful when kids are bored at home, bored in the classroom, or stuck in that restless “what do we do now?” zone.

Examples of Bored Games you can play anywhere

Here are some of the most popular Bored Games from Bored Games Club. All of them are free, fast to learn, and easy to adapt for different ages and group sizes.
Zip Zap Boing
Zip Zap Boing is a high-energy circle game where players pass an invisible “bar” using three moves: Zip, Zap and Boing. Its brilliant for:
  • classrooms
  • drama groups
  • parties
  • scouts, guides and clubs
It builds focus, listening and reaction speed, usually with a lot of laughter.
Play Zip Zap Boing
One Word Story game
One Word Story is a simple group storytelling game where players take turns adding one word at a time to build a shared story. It’s brilliant for:
  • classrooms
  • literacy and creative writing sessions
  • drama groups
  • family games and clubs
It builds listening, imagination and turn-taking, and often goes delightfully off the rails.

Play One Word Story
What's in my Smelly Sock (the sock game)
What's in my smelly sock is a silly guessing game where players use their sense of touch (and a bit of bravery) to identify mystery items hidden inside a sock. It’s brilliant for:
  • family games
  • classrooms
  • parties
  • scouts, guides and clubs
It builds sensory awareness, curiosity and confidence, with lots of giggles and a few dramatic reactions.

Play what's in my smelly sock?
Each game is designed to be...
  • Quick to start
    No setup. No printing (unless you want to). No “wait, what are the rules again?”
    You can start playing in under a minute, usually before boredom has time to complain.
  • Easy to explain
    Most games can be explained in one breath (or one enthusiastic sentence).
    If you can say it, you can play it.
  • Flexible for different ages
    Works for younger kids, older kids, and even adults who pretend they’re “just supervising.”
    Slow it down, speed it up, or add twists, the game grows with the group.
  • Playable almost anywhere

    Living rooms, classrooms, halls, playgrounds, camps, parties.
    If you’ve got people and a bit of space, you’re good to go.

More Bored Games to try

You’ll find lots more games like this in our Play the Games collection:
Explore all Bored Games

Bored Games vs Board Games

Bored Games aren’t board games. Board games are great, but they usually need setup, rules, pieces, time to learn how to play.

Bored Games are different.
They’re made for moments of boredom, not long sit-down play.
You can start them in seconds and stop just as easily. If someone asks “Can we play something now?” a Bored Game is the answer.

Where can you play Bored Games?

You can play Bored Games almost anywhere...

  • At home

    Ideal for living rooms, kitchens and those “what shall we do now?” moments. Easy games that turn everyday spaces into instant play zones.

  • In the classroom

    Great for warm-ups, brain breaks and end-of-lesson energy resets. No equipment, clear rules, and just enough chaos to keep focus sharp.

  • At parties

    Some games are designed for bigger spaces and bigger movements. These games thrive where there’s room to move, shout and react.

  • At clubs and camps

    Works with mixed ages, changing group sizes and limited prep time. Easy to adapt, repeat and remix across multiple sessions.

  • In between moments

    Brilliant for filling awkward gaps when you're waiting for something else to start, without taking over the day. Short, energetic games that start quickly and stop just as easily.
Quick questions about Bored Games
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