Fun Things to Do on Your Computer When You’re Bored
Let’s face it— we’ve all found ourselves staring at our computer screens, mindlessly clicking around, wondering what on earth we should do to pass the time. Luckily, your computer is more than just a work machine. Whether you’re feeling a bit stir-crazy or just want to break up your routine, there are endless ways to have fun at your fingertips.
This blog post covers creative, entertaining, and even educational things you can do right from your browser or desktop. So next time you’re bored, try one (or several) of the ideas below!
1. Explore the World With Virtual Tours
If traveling is not an option right now, don’t worry; the digital world has you covered! Many world-famous destinations offer virtual tours that allow you to enjoy them with just a click.
- Museums: Check out exhibitions from the Louvre in Paris, The British Museum in London, or the Smithsonian in the U.S.
- Natural Wonders: Explore places like Yosemite National Park or the Grand Canyon through interactive virtual experiences.
- Historical Sites: Walk through the Colosseum in Rome or tour the Great Wall of China from the comfort of your chair.
2. Learn Something New Online
Boredom is the perfect opportunity to enrich your brain. The internet is packed with free or affordable learning resources on almost any topic you can imagine.
- Language Learning Platforms: Duolingo, Babbel, or Rosetta Stone can make learning a new language fun and game-like.
- Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Khan Academy cover everything from photography to programming.
- Skill Builders: Pick up digital drawing with Procreate tutorials, learn guitar basics, or master Excel through YouTube videos.
3. Play Games—Solo or With Friends
Gaming is a fantastic (and often addictive) way to escape boredom. You don’t need a high-end setup, either—many fun games are accessible online for free.
- Browser Games: Check out websites like Pogo, Miniclip, or Armor Games for hundreds of free-to-play games.
- Multiplayer Games: Join your friends in games like Fortnite, Minecraft, or Among Us to turn a boring evening into a blast.
- Coding-Based Games: Love puzzles? Try CodeCombat or Scratch to learn programming while gaming.
4. Watch Entertaining Videos or Stream Shows
Almost everyone knows about popular video-streaming platforms, but few explore all they have to offer.
- YouTube Deep Dives: Get lost in everything from true crime documentaries to DIY crafts to ASMR videos.
- Twitch: Watch live gamers, artists, or musicians and even interact with their communities in real time.
- Educational Channels: CrashCourse, TED-Ed, and SciShow provide binge-worthy knowledge that doesn’t feel like homework.
5. Start a Creative Project
When you’re feeling stuck or unmotivated, channeling your energy into a creative project can be both productive and uplifting.
- Photo Editing: Try free tools like Canva or Adobe Express to design social media graphics, collages, or just play around with editing styles.
- Writing: Begin that blog, short story, or journal you’ve always wanted to write. Tools like Grammarly or Hemingway can help polish your text.
- Digital Art: Create original designs using platforms like Sketchpad or Autodesk Sketchbook.
6. Organize Your Digital Life
This might not sound “fun” at first, but you’d be surprised how satisfying it feels to clean up your digital space—and how much you’ll thank yourself later.
- Photo Management: Delete duplicates, make albums, or finally organize your cloud storage.
- Unsubscribe from Spam Emails: Use tools like Unroll.Me to declutter your inbox in minutes.
- Desktop Detox: Clean up that jungle of files and folders—it’s oddly therapeutic!
7. Customize Your Computer Setup
Make your computer truly yours! Tweaking your settings and visuals can inject a new sense of novelty into everyday use.
- Change Wallpapers and Themes: Personalize your desktop with new aesthetic wallpapers or icon packs.
- Install a New Browser Extension: Try fun add-ons like Momentum for productivity or Earth View for gorgeous satellite photos every time you open a new tab.
- Set Fun Notifications: Make your sound effects quirky or use a virtual assistant to announce the hour.
8. Dive Into Podcasts and Audiobooks
If you’re in the mood to relax while keeping your mind engaged, podcasts and audiobooks provide the perfect background entertainment.
- Spotify and Apple Podcasts: Discover new topics from history and finance to pop culture and comedy.
- Audible: Enjoy the latest best-sellers or revisit classic literature while you lounge.
- Listen While You Work: Combine productivity with entertainment by playing episodes while cleaning or organizing files.
9. Try Fun Web Experiments
There are tons of wacky and wonderful websites out there that serve no purpose other than pure enjoyment.
- Zoomquilt: An endlessly zooming artwork that’s both mesmerizing and relaxing.
- The Useless Web: A random site generator that takes you to some truly strange but funny corners of the internet.
- Radio Garden: Explore radio stations from around the globe in real time.
10. Connect With Others Online
Socializing—even digitally—can boost your mood, especially when you’re feeling isolated or bored. Your computer is a gateway to reconnect with loved ones or meet new friends.
- Video Chat: Host a virtual hangout or game night using Zoom, Google Meet, or Discord.
- Online Communities: Dive into forums like Reddit, Quora, or Discord servers that match your interests.
- Pen Pals 2.0: Join platforms like Slowly or InterPals to make international friends and learn about new cultures.
Final Thoughts
Your computer doesn’t just exist for emails and spreadsheets. It’s a treasure trove of fun, creativity, and exploration—all waiting for you to tap into it. So the next time you find yourself at home with nothing to do, remember these fun things to do on your computer when you’re bored and turn your boredom into an opportunity for joy, learning, or connection.
Turn your idle screen time into something inspiring—fun isn’t just a scroll away; it’s right at your fingertips!
