Summertime Boredom Hacks: How to Make Chores Fun

Let’s face it – summer is awesome, but it can also bring the I’m boooored chorus on repeat. Good news: there's a sneaky way to beat boredom and tackle your to-do list. It’s time to turn chores into games, challenges, and mini missions your kids will actually want to do.

Here are our favorite ways to make chores fun (really!):

Set a timer for three of your kids’ favorite songs and challenge them to clean as much as they can before the music stops.

Try it with: tidying bedrooms, unloading the dishwasher, or collecting dirty laundry.

Bonus points for a dance break between tasks!

Turn daily chores into secret spy assignments. Write out “missions” like “Operation: Wipe Down Table” or “Mission: Sock Match-Up” and tuck them in envelopes or plastic eggs.

Try it with: anything from dusting to pet feeding.

They won't even realize they’re doing work – they’ll be too busy saving the world.

Create a simple reward system where completed chores earn “points” or play money. Set up a mini “store” where they can trade their points for screen time, popsicles, or a trip to the pool.

Try it with: bigger chores like vacuuming, helping with yard work, or folding laundry.

Pro tip: Let them help pick the rewards – they’ll be extra motivated.

Give each kid a wet sponge and challenge them to “tag” dirty spots on the patio, playhouse, or windows.

Try it with: outdoor clean-up days or car washes.

They’ll be soaked. Things will be clean. Everyone wins.

Make a bingo board of chores and let kids race to get 5 in a row.

Try it with: everyday tasks like making beds, feeding pets, and wiping counters.

Want to take it up a notch? Offer a small prize for blackout mode!

Challenge kids to find 5 toys, 3 books, and 2 things they’ve outgrown to donate.

Try it with: closet clean-outs or room refreshes.

It's fun and teaches the importance of giving back.

Assign a color (or two) and have kids race to put away anything in the house that matches.

Try it with: clutter cleanup or toy wrangling.

You’d be amazed how fast socks get matched when they’re part of a color hunt!

Planning a neighborhood clean-up, yard work day, or toy swap? Use SignUp to get the whole crew involved. Create a quick SignUp for task slots, supply drop-offs, or snack contributions. It’s teamwork that makes the dream work!

With a little creativity, chores go from “ugh” to “OK, that was kind of awesome.” So the next time you hear “I’m bored,” hand over a secret mission or turn on the music – you’ll have happy kids and a cleaner house in no time. 🫧💪

About the Author

   

Tara McAdams

Digital Marketing Manager, Content Strategist & Creator

Tara leads content strategy at SignUp and creates a variety of resources on a wide range of topics – including lifestyle trends, parent tips, prep for holidays, volunteer management, and event planning. More about Tara →