The Benefits of Boredom: How Doing ‘Nothing’ Helps Kids Grow

Close-up of two swings on a Funky Monkey Bars frame, one bright yellow toddler swing and one pink swing, hanging over bark chip ground.

‘Mu-um, I’m boooored.’

If you’ve heard that once, you’ve probably heard it a hundred times. And let’s be honest, it usually sparks the urge to suggest something, anything, to keep them busy.

But what if being bored wasn’t something to fix? What if it was actually doing your kids some good?

Turns out, there are real benefits of boredom. It gives kids space to think, get creative and learn how to make their own fun. And when you’ve got the right play gear in the backyard, that ‘nothing to do’ moment can quickly turn into something pretty great.

Young child smiling while climbing on a Funky Monkey Bars cargo net, surrounded by trees in a backyard setting.

Why Boredom isn’t a Bad Thing

These days, kids are used to constant entertainment. From screens to scheduled activities, there’s not much unstructured time in their day.

But here’s the thing. That gap, the bit where they say ‘What should I do now?', is where all the good stuff starts. It’s the spark for creativity, problem-solving and independence.

Giving kids the chance to get bored (in a safe, supportive way) can help them build life skills and a bit of grit along the way.

Three children playing on a large Funky Monkey Bars climbing frame, using monkey bars, swings and rope elements outdoors.

The Benefits of Boredom (yes, really!)

Here’s how a little boredom can actually help your child grow:

1. It sparks creativity

When there’s nothing planned, kids start making up their own games. A monkey bar frame becomes a jungle, a spaceship or a concert stage, whatever their imagination dreams up.

The more open-ended the play gear, the more possibilities they see. That’s why we love how a Funky Monkey Bars set invites pretend play, challenges and stories, all in one.

2. It encourages problem-solving

No activity handed to them? Great. Now they get to figure out what to do next and how to do it.

Whether it’s making a backyard obstacle course or working out how to swing from the trapeze without falling, they’re learning to think things through and try again if it doesn’t work.

That little struggle builds resilience in a way screens just can’t.

3. It helps them get comfortable with quiet time

Let’s face it, kids (and adults) aren’t used to slowing down. But being OK with calm, unstructured moments is a great skill.

Letting them swing, hang, climb or just lie on the bird’s nest net while they daydream teaches them to enjoy stillness and gives their minds a chance to rest.

4. It supports independence

When they’re bored, they have to rely on themselves to fix it. That means making choices, leading play and trusting their own ideas.

With a modular play frame, the options are endless. They don’t need a new toy every week, just a space they can shape however they like.

5. It cuts back screen time

Bored kids often default to tech. But when the backyard looks fun and full of adventure, that screen starts to lose its shine.

One of the best benefits of boredom is that it encourages real, active play, especially when they’ve got the right gear to jump into.

Girl balancing barefoot on a Funky Monkey Bars ladder section while other children play in the background on the frame.

Not All Boredom is Equal

Of course, there’s a difference between the good kind of boredom and the kind that just leads to moaning and pacing.

The goal isn’t to leave them totally to their own devices. It’s to give them an environment where they can come up with their own fun. Think open-ended play options, no strict rules and a bit of freedom.

Set the scene, then let them take the lead.

Girl smiling and leaning over the edge of a Funky Monkey Bars ninja net platform, with blue sky in the background.

Simple Ways to Turn Boredom into Play

Here’s how to give your kids the kind of boredom that leads to big ideas:

  • Keep the space open. Don’t fill every moment or direct every activity.

  • Use play gear that grows with them. Like a Funky Monkey Bars frame that can become anything they imagine.

  • Add variety over time. Swings, nets, ladders, roman rings or a flying fox can refresh the play without needing a whole new setup.

  • Step back and watch. Give them a few minutes before jumping in. Kids often follow that ‘I’m bored’ moment with a burst of creativity.

Child lying back and smiling on a circular web swing in a grassy backyard, enjoying relaxed outdoor play.

From ‘I’m Bored’ to Backyard Brilliance

It might feel counterintuitive, but boredom isn’t something to avoid. It’s a pause. A chance for your kids to dig into their imagination and discover what they’re capable of.

So next time your little one says they’re bored, that’s your cue to point to the backyard and say, ‘Go see what you can come up with.’ And if you're ready to give them a space that sparks imagination and adventure, Funky Monkey Bars delivers.

Our Aussie-made, modular play frames and accessories get kids moving, thinking and creating, all while they’re making memories that last a lifetime

 

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