100 Things To Do When You’re Bored

by | Mar 9, 2020 | Creativity, Lists | 18 comments

I honestly can’t imagine someone being chronically bored in this day and age… there’s just so much to do! I know that sometimes boredom it just hits us. So in an effort to prevent boredom as much as possible, today I’m sharing a list of 100 things to do when you’re bored.




  1. Test out display mattresses
  2. Decorate a bus stop shelter
  3. Alphabetize your book, movie, or record collection
  4. Buy yourself some new office supplies
  5. Build a time capsule to open in five years
  6. Call a friend and talk for no less than one hour
  7. Start painting or drawing – it’s beneficial for your health!
  8. Make a fortune teller out of paper
  9. Write a list of things that you’ve done in the past year
  10. Play a drinking game while watching a Disney movie
  11. Plan a road trip and map out places to stop along the way
  12. Research the life of a strange celebrity, like Lisa Frank
  13. Stretch your muscles for thirty minutes
  14. Make an online dating profile
  15. Hold a meeting at an office supply store
  16. Drive around until you have seen fifteen dogs on walks
  17. Read a story book out loud to your pet
  18. Cover one of your walls in decorative washi tape
  19. Have a contest to see who can get the most things at Walmart for $5
  20. Hold a bubble gun while you bike around a neighborhood
  21. Make a s’more (and then some more…)
  22. Run through a sprinkler
  23. Make a list of everyone you’ve ever kissed
  24. Play with bleach on photos for interesting effects
  25. Read Katie Sokoler’s blog archives
  26. Conduct eye exams on strangers
  27. Figure out how many goats you’d be worth
  28. Take a nap facing the “wrong” way on your bed
  29. Videotape an epic montage
  30. Live tweet a very old movie as you watch it on DVD
  31. Write three minutes worth of stand-up comedy material
  32. Count how many rings a tree stump has
  33. Play True American
  34. Buy a homeless person a meal
  35. Memorize all the cheers from the first Bring It On movie
  36. Make an objective pros and cons list of having children
  37. Read all the Terms Of Service
  38. Schedule a cake testing, even if you’re not getting married
  39. Sneak in somewhere as part of another group
  40. Learn how to juggle
  41. Watch a movie with subtitles
  42. Learn how to tendu in all five ballet positions
  43. Make up a secret handshake
  44. Pretend you’re Beyoncé for six straight hours
  45. Recreate a famous movie scene
  46. Read twenty entries on Urban Dictionary
  47. Write your own epitaph
  48. Find a bidet and use it
  49. Sign up for an improv comedy class
  50. Play sleepover games like Light As A Feather or Truth Or Dare
  51. Put a crazy color highlight in your hair
  52. Go to the highest floor of the tallest building in your city
  53. Try to name all fifty US states (bonus points for capitals)
  54. Eat a jar of baby food
  55. Find out everything that’s open 24 hours within a ten mile radius
  56. Organize your fridge or pantry by color
  57. Take an extremely strange selfie
  58. Make your own sushi
  59. Try horsemaning with a friend
  60. Dance with strangers in public places
  61. Style your hair like Pippi Longstocking
  62. Make jewelry out of office supplies
  63. Do one of those stupid YouTube challenges
  64. Donate all of your old electronics and cartridges
  65. Research the history of another country in depth
  66. Get a picture of yourself blown up into a cardboard photo cutout
  67. Listen to all The Lonely Island songs in a row
  68. Figure out how to explain the plot of Donnie Darko to someone who has never seen it
  69. Jump in a fountain
  70. Learn how to play the guitar
  71. Get a pedicure
  72. Celebrate whatever strange holiday today is
  73. Get a caricature done of yourself
  74. Dance on top of bubble wrap
  75. Make a zine
  76. Fill up a disposable camera
  77. Come up with your life story in six words
  78. Visit a garden
  79. Make a blackout poem
  80. Start a Wreck This Journal
  81. Go to a museum, but just for the gift shop
  82. Find out how many grapes you can hold in your mouth at once
  83. Write fan fiction
  84. Offer your help to someone who is overwhelmed
  85. Release a balloon into the sky
  86. Make a playlist of songs you only listened to in high school
  87. Wear a name tag that says something other than your name
  88. Send an envelope full of confetti to your best friend
  89. Plan an elaborate scavenger hunt based on correctly answering riddles
  90. Clean the thing in your house that you really hate cleaning
  91. Have a photoshoot where you finally make overalls sexy
  92. Make a friendship award for someone you love
  93. See how many shirts you can wear at the same time
  94. Get a slinky to go all the way down the stairs without stopping
  95. Wear camouflage from head to toe and ask people if they can see you
  96. Spend a day at the ocean fishing
  97. Sing your heart out in the shower to “Total Eclipse Of The Heart”
  98. Figure out how to fold a fitted bed sheet
  99. Hang out at IKEA
  100. Make a list of 100 things to do when you’re bored

Want an extra list of 100 things to do when you’re bored, for 200 total?! Download your free list below:

200 Things To Do When You’re Bored




In Columbia, Maryland, there’s a former grocery store that has been transformed into a department store for mythical creatures, time travelers, and intergalactic tourists.

It’s called DoodleHATCH.

You can groom a unicorn, visit an intergalactic space station, climb onto a giant’s bed, meet guinea pigs, explore an artist’s studio, and discover approximately a million other things that somebody actually sat down and made.

It’s a nonprofit interactive art museum, a community project, an educational resource, and one of my favorite places I’ve ever discovered.

And it could be demolished as part of a proposed redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center.

But there’s still an opportunity to help.

You don’t need to donate money. You don’t need to live in Maryland. And you don’t need to know anything about zoning laws.

You can start by writing an email.

🚨 Here's what's happening

Developer Columbia Concepts has proposed redeveloping the Long Reach Village Center in Columbia, Maryland.

The proposal would replace existing buildings with new housing, recreational facilities, and other development.

Unfortunately, that puts a whole collection of existing community resources at risk of being demolished, including:

  • DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum
  • Maryland Fashion Institute
  • A makerspace used for community education
  • Local restaurants, shops, and service businesses
  • Early childhood education and community programs
  • A 140-foot-long mural created by approximately 100 community members

This isn’t just about losing a fabulous museum. It’s about losing an entire collection of places that people have built, supported, and relied on.

And there’s another possibility!

🌈 Meet The REALM

Lee Andersen, the founder of DoodleHATCH, and her nonprofit ManneqART want to preserve the existing community resources and transform the village center into an arts and culture destination called The REALM.

Imagine a place where artists have studios, children have room to explore, students can learn creative skills, people can attend performances, and local businesses continue serving their neighbors.

There are plans for a performing arts space, more opportunities for artists, and a Witches Kitchen that might serve you a horrible-disgusting breakfast.

Which, personally, I think sounds promising.

The people behind DoodleHATCH are gathering support to oppose the developer’s zoning proposal and advocate for The REALM.

And they’d love your help.

💌 How to help in about two minutes

If you live in Howard County, Maryland

If you’re 18 or older, DoodleHATCH is asking eligible county residents to visit the museum and sign their petition in person.

📍DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum

8775 Cloudleap Court, Unit 101
Columbia, MD 21045

⏱️ Museum hours: Friday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM.

And while you’re there, I highly recommend exploring the museum. Bring someone who needs a reminder that being an adult doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying ridiculous things.

If you don't live in Howard County

You can still help!

DoodleHATCH is collecting emails from people who oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and support preserving the existing arts and community resources through The REALM.

Send your email to: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com

Suggested subject: Support The REALM | Oppose Columbia Concepts Zoning Proposal ZB 1132M

You can write your own message or use one of the templates below.

You don’t need to write an essay. A short, genuine message explaining what you support and why is enough to participate in this email campaign.

✍️ What should your email say?

To make your position clear, include these three things:

1. Say what you’re opposing.

State that you oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center, case ZB 1132M.

2. Say what you’re supporting.

Express your support for preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, existing community resources, and the proposed arts and culture center called The REALM.

3. Explain why you care.

This is the part that makes your email yours.

Maybe you’ve visited DoodleHATCH. Maybe you’re a parent who wants more creative places for children. Maybe you’re an artist, an educator, or someone who thinks it’s important to protect the few spaces where people can explore and make things without needing to buy something.

Maybe you live across the country and just learned that there’s a department store for mythical creatures in Maryland, and you think the world would be a little less interesting without it.

That’s a perfectly good reason to care.

Automatically Build Your Email!

💌 Email templates you can copy

Option 1: Short, simple, and effective

Subject: Support The REALM | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts zoning amendment and redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M).

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the existing community services and small businesses, as well as the proposal to create The REALM arts and culture center.

Creative and educational spaces like these provide valuable opportunities for families, artists, students, and the wider community. I believe they deserve to be protected.

Please include my email with the messages of support being collected for DoodleHATCH and The REALM.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 2: For artists, creatives, and fellow merriment makers

Subject: Please Protect DoodleHATCH and Support The REALM

Hello,

I’m writing in opposition to Columbia Concepts’ proposed redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and in support of The REALM.

I believe communities need places where creativity, imagination, and play are actively encouraged.

DoodleHATCH is an extraordinary example of what can happen when artists and community members are given room to create something that doesn’t fit into an ordinary commercial space.

Places like this are rare. They encourage people of all ages to experiment, learn, explore, and connect with one another.

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, the existing community resources, and the vision for The REALM.

Thank you for collecting these messages and advocating for the creative community.

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 3: For people who've visited DoodleHATCH

Subject: Please Save DoodleHATCH | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and my support for The REALM.

I’ve personally visited DoodleHATCH, and I want to share why I believe it’s worth preserving.

[Write two or three sentences about your experience. What did you see? Who did you bring? What surprised you? What made you want to return?]

DoodleHATCH is more than a collection of exhibits. It’s a place where creativity is something people can actively participate in, and I believe losing it would be a tremendous loss to the community.

I support preserving the museum, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the other existing community resources through the proposed arts and culture center, The REALM.

Please include my email with the messages of support you’re collecting.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

A few tips before you hit send

Automatically Build Your Email!

DO:

  • Use your real name.

  • Include your city and state so organizers can understand where support is coming from.

  • Clearly identify the redevelopment proposal you’re opposing.

  • Specifically mention your support for The REALM.

  • Add a personal sentence or two if you can.

  • Be respectful, even if you’re frustrated.

  • Share this page with other people who might want to help.

DON’T:

  • Pretend to be a Howard County resident if you’re not.

  • Claim to have visited DoodleHATCH if you haven’t.

  • Make up experiences or information.

  • Send threatening, insulting, or harassing messages.

  • Assume your email is the same thing as signing the official petition.

  • Worry about making your message sound impressive. Clear and genuine is better than elaborate.

💌 The Save DoodleHATCH Email Machine

A few clicks, a little personality, and an email that helps support DoodleHATCH and The REALM. No account or signup required.

What's your connection to DoodleHATCH?
Why does protecting places like this matter to you?
✨ Your email preview
To: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com
Subject: 


✉️ Open in My Email App




Your information stays in your browser until you choose to copy or open the message. The email does not send automatically. Emails support DoodleHATCH's advocacy campaign; they are not the same as official petition signatures or zoning testimony. Please review the message before sending.
 





			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
🐹 Wait. What exactly is DoodleHATCH?

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
I’m so glad you asked.


DoodleHATCH is an interactive art museum in Columbia, Maryland, created by artist, designer, and professional generator of wildly ambitious ideas, Lee Andersen.


The museum is designed as a pretend department store for mythological creatures, time travelers, and galactic tourists.


There are dozens of installations, and unlike most museums, you’re encouraged to touch things, explore, and participate.


There’s also an artist’s studio full of fabric and handmade garments, workshops, special events, birthday parties, free books, and opportunities for local artists to share their work.


The museum welcomes families and children, but adults are absolutely allowed to enjoy themselves, too.


And the woman behind it has spent decades bringing creativity into the community through fashion, festivals, education, and public art.


I discovered DoodleHATCH in 2020 and loved it so much that I started volunteering.


I’ve been back multiple times, and there are still things I haven’t seen.


That’s part of what makes it special. You can keep discovering things because people keep creating them.

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
You don't have to live near DoodleHATCH to care about it.

			

				
				
				
				
				
There are Merriment Makers everywhere.


People turning empty buildings into art spaces. People organizing parades. People teaching kids how to sew, paint, dance, or build things. People putting enormous amounts of time into projects that make their communities more interesting.


Sometimes they’re running nonprofits. Sometimes they’re working out of their garages. Sometimes they’re making something weird in a strip mall that you might drive past a hundred times without realizing what’s inside.


I hope you’ll help protect DoodleHATCH.


And I hope you’ll look around your own community, too. Visit the strange little museum. Go to the local art show. Find the person who makes giant puppets or organizes an absurd annual festival. Spend your money at the independent shop with the handmade things.


There are people everywhere creating reasons for us to be curious about being alive.


I’d like them to be able to keep doing that.

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
Help save DoodleHATCH. Help protect The REALM. Help keep the world interesting.

			

				
				
				
				
				
💌 Email: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com


🌈 Visit: DoodleHATCH.com


🦄 Share: Uncustomary.org/Doodle