Creative Boredom Busters

Publication: Calgary's Child Magazine

Creative Boredom Busters

Looking for fun and entertaining ideas to spend time with your family? Coming up with what to do on family nights can be quite the challenge and outings can get expensive and repetitive. It’s time to use some creative suggestions that make for a more entertaining and meaningful time out (or in.)

SUSHI, ANYONE?

Learning a new skill or cooking a simple dish can make for a lot of fun and laughs with the family. A sushi kit costs about $20 to $25 and includes a rolling mat, chopsticks, serving plates, dipping bowls, rice paddles and a guide with step-by-step instructions. They can be found at book and grocery stores. It’s safe (since there is no flames or oil involved), and delicious – regardless of your rolling skills – and very funny to watch!

Not a fan of sushi? Try tacos, paninis or a souvlaki platter that includes souvlaki, homemade taziki and Greek salad, if you’re really up for a challenge! All these dishes require minimal use of a stove, making them safe and fun!

MOVIE-RAMA!

Instead of going to a theatre and spending money on overpriced snacks and expensive movie tickets, rent a movie and recreate the experience at home. Movie rental stores have deals for when you sign up, you have a huge selection of movies to choose from. You can’t go wrong with movies like Shrek or Patch Adams. To enhance the experience, prepare small servings of everyone’s favorite snacks and turn up the volume. If you have the time, preparing finger food can be an event before the movie! This combination makes for a much more entertaining night because it includes your favorite movie, snack and, of course, pyjamas!

EXPLORE THE CITY!

The City of Calgary offers ample opportunity for quality entertainment including its recreation facilities and libraries. The recreation facilities include wave pools that offer a mosaic of playgrounds and the ocean mixed in with a pool and diving boards! Whether you enjoy a giant slide or splashing around in the waves, your choices are many. The facilities also include a hot tub and steam room, which are the perfect way to relax before heading out.

If swimming is not your thing, then head out to a library on a lazy Saturday afternoon and let the kids explore knowledge. Most libraries have a decorative kids section with cozy seating (and sometimes even fireplaces that the parents love!). Going to a library is a win-win situation as everyone gets to indulge in a topic of their interest and can make for much needed quiet time, although reading with the children is also a fruitful proposition! More information can be found at: calgary.ca and calgarypubliclibrary.com.

Making family time fun and entertaining only takes a few tricks! Team up these activities with others or break them down depending on how much time you have. Remember to have fun, play, and laugh until your belly hurts!