What to Do When You're Bored at Night: 20 Fun Things to Do

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Whether you can't sleep or you've just got time on your hands, being bored at night stinks! Fortunately, there are lots of things you can do to enjoy the evening without breaking the bank or relying on screens. We've put together a great list of activities you can do on your own or with friends. So what are you waiting for? Check out these fun ideas and have a blast tonight.

1

Enjoy the night sky.

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  1. You don't have to have a fancy telescope or binoculars—just spread out a blanket and see what you can see. If it's only the moon, that's fine, too!
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2

Practice self-care.

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  1. If you're too tense to sleep, it can be hard to unwind. Soak in a soothing bath to help your muscles relax. [2] Then, do a facial , a manicure, or a pedicure—take your pick!
    • As you pamper yourself, try to relax your mind. Practice mindful breathing or meditation.
    • Put aside distractions and read one of your favorite books. Or, do a calming activity like brewing a pot of tea.
3

Find a game for one.

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  1. We've all been there—lying in bed with every thought keeping you awake. Instead of fighting it, get up and do a jigsaw puzzle . If cards are more your thing, play a game of solitaire . [3]
    • Crossword puzzles or sudoku are also great games to play at night!
    • If you don't have cards or puzzles handy, check out online games you can play alone. Just about every computer has basic games that you can play to kill some time.
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4

Get crafty.

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  1. If you love to craft things, pick up your crochet or knitting needles. Maybe you like to sew, scrapbook, or press flowers. The evening is a great time to work on crafts since you can do it alone or with a few friends. [4]
    • For instance, if you're having friends spend the night and you need activities to do, get the supplies for making your own candles or soap, or watch a video on how to do calligraphy and then try your hand at it.
    • If you've got art skills, draw, paint, or sketch something.
    Jean Railla, DIY Expert

    With a stash of basic craft supplies, an open mind, and a dash of inspiration, anyone can unlock their inner crafter to make quirky home decor, gifts, accessories, and more. Embracing your creativity doesn't require talent — just a willingness to play, experiment fearlessly, and see where the night takes you.

Quiz

wikiHow Quiz: What Should I Do?

Not sure how to cure a case of boredom? Being bored can drain your energy and bring down your mood, which is why we’re here to help you out—and hopefully make your day a little more interesting. We’ve prepared a handy quiz to help you narrow down that list of activities and find a fun pastime that you’ll truly enjoy!
1 of 14

Who do you spend the most time with?

5

Spend time with your pet.

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  1. Chilling with your pet can help you relax, and your pet will love all the attention. If it's safe, take your dog for a nighttime walk. You could also spend time teaching your pet new tricks or giving them a much-needed bath —don't forget to reward them with treats! [5]
    • Sometimes, pets just want your attention! If your pet's in a playful mood, play along—get out their toys and have fun. If they're calmer, just sit close to them and unwind as you cuddle them.
    • If you don't have a furry pet but you love animals, check out zoo or wildlife cameras that are online. You can see what the animals are up to in real-time.
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6

Exercise.

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  1. If it's safe in your area, go for a jog or head to the gym for a workout. If you can't leave your home, that's totally fine! Try yoga or pilates, follow along with an online workout, or just turn on some music and dance like no one's watching. [6]
    • For something a little more playful, try jumping rope or playing a game of Twister.
7

Explore your love of music.

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  1. Soothing, gentle music can help you relax and unwind after a long day. Create your own or put on a laid-back playlist to help pass the time. If you're not sure what you're in the mood to listen to, text a friend and ask for some suggestions, or make a random playlist with all the music you've got.
    • If you're not into music, put on a podcast instead. You're sure to find one on a subject or story that interests you. [7]
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8

Act like a kid again.

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  1. When was the last time you built a fort out of cushions ? [8] Whether you're 13 or 31, let loose and do something totally fun. Make yourself a candy or dessert pizza, whip up hot chocolate with tons of marshmallows, or play dress-up for instance.
    • You could also reread the books you loved as a kid or play a goofy game like the floor is lava.
9

Decorate your clothes.

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  1. You've probably got a small pile of clothes that need a little TLC. Mend any pieces that have snags, holes, or unfashionable rips. Then, update some of your clothes' looks. For a fun project, add rhinestones to a jacket or dye an old sweatshirt . [9]
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10

Do a home decorating project.

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  1. Maybe you've been meaning to hang pictures or paint a piece of furniture in your room—now's a good time to do it! Hang shelves, change light fixtures, or swap out soft furnishings like cushions or blankets. [10]
    • Pick flowers and arrange a bouquet for your room, hang photos and create a photo wall, or hang a few strands of twinkle lights.
11

Clean or organize your home.

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  1. It may not be the most fun way to spend an evening, but you'll feel better and enjoy your space if it looks clean and tidy. As you clean , get rid of things you no longer need or find storage solutions for stuff that you may have scattered around. [11]
    • For instance, sort your shoes into a shoe cubby, organize all the books on your bookshelves, or clean out all the products under your bathroom sink.
    • If your wardrobe is bursting, go through your clothes, too. Set aside anything you no longer wear or fit into. Have a box nearby for clothes that you want to donate or sell.
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12

Make money.

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  1. Work on a budget or come up with things to sell. Bonus points if you already sorted through your belongings and found lots of stuff to get rid of! List clothes, books, and anything you don't want to keep on an online auction or marketplace. This is a simple way to make money. [12]
13

Learn about nature.

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  1. Now's a great time to read up on your favorite animals—find out where they live, what they eat, and how they grow. If you're more into weather, read about climate change and write down a list of actions you can take to help the environment. [13]
    • If you've got the supplies, research plants you can start growing inside or re-pot plants you've got around your home.
    • Step outside with a flashlight and see what insects are drawn to the light. Can you name them all?
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14

Write.

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  1. If you enjoy writing, craft a sonnet , play, or short story. If you're not sure where to begin, just get out paper and start writing down ideas. You can write down any thoughts that pop into your head or journal about how the day went . [14]
    • Sometimes, it can be tricky to start writing, but remind yourself that this is just for you! Don't pressure yourself into trying to write something that's perfect—just enjoy the process.
15

Make plans for the future.

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  1. If you can't turn off your brain, grab a piece of paper and write down what's on your mind. Jot down life goals , challenges for yourself, or volunteer activities you want to do for instance. You don't have to write in complete sentences—it's totally fine to just write down anything that pops in your head.
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16

Learn something new.

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  1. Start a hobby that you've always wanted to do! [16] You could watch online videos to learn a new skill like baking or gardening. Research your family tree or download a language learning program.
17

Connect with someone.

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  1. Don't forget to consider whether they're sleeping before you call. If it's too late, you can always write an email or handwritten letter. Either way, reaching out to someone is a great way to deal with boredom. You can catch up, find out what they've been up to, and encourage them. [17]
    • If you're not sure what to say when you call, start with something like, "Hey, I know it's been ages, but you've been on my mind. How are you doing?"
    • Has someone done something nice for you lately? Now's a great time to write them a thoughtful thank you note.
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18

Think of ways to help others.

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  1. When you're bored, it's easy to focus on yourself. Take a break and think of how you can help people in your community or issues you care about it. Find a local group that needs help distributing food or a school that needs tutors. Learn about ways to raise awareness for an issue that matters to you like climate change or endangered animals. [18]
    • If you're not sure how you can help, visit the websites of charity organizations and read up on ways to get involved.
19

Ask friends over.

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  1. You don't have to be alone if you're bored at night. Ask some friends to come over and do a project together—you could bake brownies, cook dinner, or just hang out and watch a movie.
    • Ask your friends what they might like to do. They may want to come over and talk about books or video games for instance.
    • Play a classic game like truth or dare. If you'd rather play something a little more low-key, get out cards or board games. [19]
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20

Head out if you don’t want to stay home.

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  1. You have so many options for things to do at night. Check out what movies are playing or hit a concert. See if a friend wants to grab dinner or dessert. [20]
    • See if any bowling alleys offer a nighttime lunar bowl or head to the arcade.


Join the Discussion...

What are some fun things to do by yourself?
wikiHow Editorial Team
There are loads of fun and meaningful things you can do by yourself at home or outside the house, whether it's a special occasion (like your birthday) or just a regular day:
  • Spend an afternoon in the library to discover cool new books, take a class, or attend a reading
  • Go to the gym or take a fitness class
  • Volunteer for a cause you find meaningful
  • See a movie at the theater
  • Go thrifting or browse an antique shop
  • Explore an art, history, or science museum
  • Go strolling in the park or hike in the woods
  • Listen to an audiobook or podcast
  • Do a puzzle
  • Garden
Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP
Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor
Finding something that you enjoy doing alone that brings you happiness can make a world of difference between a lonely night at home or a relaxing time rejuvenating your inner self! Try some diverse activities to see what you like most; this could be a hobby, self-care, lazy activities, reaching out to a friend, or getting out of the house. Create a list of the things that you enjoy doing and rate them on a scale of 1 to 10. Then, incorporate the things that make you feel good (rated an 8-10 on your scale) into your alone time. Think critically while making your list. Sometimes, the things we THINK we like are truly not what makes us feel good. Sitting on the couch for five hours, binge-watching Netflix with wine in hand, may not actually read high on your scale of feel-good activities, or maybe it does! Try new things and see if you can add to your toolbox of feel-good activities. Some ideas off the top of my head are mindfulness, meditation, getting a workout in, preparing healthy food, socializing remotely with loved ones, cleaning or organizing your space. Try to truly enjoy the time you have.
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  • Question
    What can I do to stay entertained at night if I need to be quiet?
    ALEXANDRA CONSTANTIN
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    You can read a book, do yoga, or engage in arts and crafts. These activities can help you stay entertained without disturbing anyone. If possible, you might also consider visiting a 24-hour restaurant or shop.
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about boredom, check out our in-depth interview with Desiree Panlilio .

      References

      1. ↑ Desiree Panlilio. Teen Life Coach. Expert Interview
      2. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/reasons-to-take-a-bath
      3. ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/cognitive-development-activities/
      4. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happiness-in-world/201004/trying-new-things
      5. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/teach-your-puppy-these-5-basic-commands/
      6. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/how-to-start-exercising-and-stick-to-it.htm
      7. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/music-is-number-in-space/202307/learning-to-play-a-musical-instrument-in-adulthood
      8. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/benefits-of-play-for-adults.htm
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zFv7rs0jsQ
      1. ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/bedroom-environment
      2. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-do-life/202008/cleaning-out-your-home
      3. ↑ https://hbr.org/2021/06/5-easy-ways-to-take-control-of-your-personal-finances
      4. ↑ https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature
      5. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/ready-set-journal-64-journaling-prompts-for-self-discovery
      6. ↑ Nicolette Tura, MA. Empowerment Coach. Expert Interview
      7. ↑ Desiree Panlilio. Teen Life Coach. Expert Interview
      8. ↑ Taylor Rochestie. Professional Basketball Player. Expert Interview
      9. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits.htm
      10. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brain-waves/201803/how-do-you-make-or-maintain-friends-put-in-the-time
      11. ↑ https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/F_I/Fun-activities-to-help-improve-your-mood

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