Help! I'm Bored!: Over 300 Children's Activities for Ages 2–12

Steve Pitt is a Toronto-based freelance writer and an award-winning journalist. He has written many young adult and children's books, including Day of the Flying Fox: The True Story of World War II Pilot Charley Fox.

Although the cover claims this book is written for children from 2 to
12, the real target audience is obviously adults, because when kids say
they are bored, it is usually the grown-up who screams for help first.
The 300 activities listed in this guide are based on the author’s dual
career as elementary-school teacher and parent. There are traditional
favorites like marbles, hopscotch, and skipping rope, and new ideas like
parachute games, pop-up books, and water bombs. There is also a chapter
on interactive food that includes recipes for such foods as Yummy
Yoghurt Pops, Sugarless Finger Jelly, and even beef jerky.

The activities are grouped into chapters by related
themes—“Creative Arts,” “Partner Challenge Games,” “Tasty
Treats,” “Outdoor Encounters.” The book’s spiral binding makes
for easy use, especially if the activity is messy and requires more than
one hand.

It should be noted that this book is not designed to serve as an
inanimate babysitter. Most of these activities require either an
adult’s supervision or, at least, an adult to set up the materials.
This is a fine resource for a home caregiver, youth leader, grandparent,
or daycare worker. If only two afternoons of activity come out of the
300 suggestions, this book has more than paid for itself. Highly
recommended.