Therapist-Approved Summer Boredom Busters
Summer break can be a much-needed time to rest, reset, and enjoy a slower pace. But once the novelty of no school wears off, many families find themselves facing a familiar feeling: mid-summer boredom.
If your kid, teen, or young adult is feeling off, low-energy, or irritable lately, you're not alone. The middle of summer often comes with an emotional dip — sometimes called the mid-summer slump — when the excitement fades and the lack of structure starts to impact mood and motivation.
Read on as we walk through a quick mid-summer mental health check-in, then offer therapist-approved boredom busters that are both fun and supportive of emotional regulation, creativity, and connection.
Whether you're a parent looking for screen-free summer activities or a young adult navigating a quiet, lonely season, this guide is here to help.
Mid-Summer Mental Health Check-In
Taking a moment to check in emotionally can make a big difference. Summer often removes the regular structure of school or work, which can affect sleep, social rhythms, and emotional health.
Here are a few simple check-in questions to ask yourself or your child:
How have I been feeling lately — physically and emotionally?
Am I getting enough sleep or too much?
Do I feel connected to friends, family, or my community?
What’s something I’ve enjoyed this summer so far?
What do I feel like I’m missing or craving?
These questions help increase emotional awareness and highlight areas where some support or a small change might be helpful.
Why Boredom in Summer Isn’t Just “Being Lazy”
Summer boredom can lead to emotional dysregulation, especially for children and teens. Without routine or intentional engagement, it’s easy to spiral into too much screen time, disrupted sleep, irritability, and isolation.
But boredom isn’t all bad! It can actually be a signal that we need something: connection, creativity, rest, or movement. The key is offering boredom busters that are meaningful, not just “busywork.”
Therapist-Approved Boredom Busters That Support Mental Health
These boredom busters aren’t just fun, they’re designed by therapists to support regulation, confidence, and mental wellness across all age groups.
1. Create a Mood Playlist
Make playlists for different emotions: sad, calm, energized, etc.
2. Ice Cube Painting for Kids
Freeze colored water and let kids “paint” outside as the ice melts.
3. Solo Summer Adventure
Take a solo walk, visit a park, or grab a coffee — then reflect on it.
4. The “Bored Jar” Game
Fill a jar with simple, screen-free ideas like:
Write a letter to yourself
Try a new snack combo
Make a fort
Draw your mood
5. Mindful Water Play
From sprinklers to sensory bins, water helps calm the nervous system.
6. Summer Journal Prompts
Keep a list or jar of reflective prompts like:
“Today, I feel…”
“What’s been heavy for me lately?”
“One thing I need more of is…”
7. Acts of Kindness Challenge
Challenge yourself or your child to do 3 small kind acts this week.
When Summer Boredom Hides Mental Health Concerns
Sometimes boredom is a cover for deeper emotional challenges like anxiety, depression, or emotional burnout, especially in older teens and young adults.
Common signs to watch for:
Lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Excessive sleep or screen time
Withdrawal from friends or family
Mood swings or irritability
Ongoing low motivation
If these signs sound familiar, it may be time to explore support from a licensed therapist.
How Parents Can Support Kids During the Mid-Summer Slump
Mid-summer is a great time for a reset, not just for your child, but for the whole family. Here’s how to help:
Create gentle structure with flexible routines for sleep, meals, and downtime
Model check-ins by sharing how you are feeling too
Encourage screen-free connection by participating in activities together
Normalize feeling off — remind them it’s okay to feel bored or down sometimes
Kids and teens don't need every day to be full. They just need a balance of rest, connection, and emotional support. Again, think of boredom as an invitation to creativity, self-reflection, and new rhythms!
With the right tools and a little intention, this mid-summer moment can be a turning point, not a breakdown. Let this be your gentle reminder to slow down, check in, and try something new. Whether it's a solo coffee date, painting with ice, or making a playlist that speaks to your mood, your brain, body, and heart will thank you.
Need More Support?
At Point Wellness Co., we specialize in therapy for children, teens, and young adults. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation or learn more about how we support emotional wellness at every age.