How to Not Get Bored when the Power Goes Out

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: December 4, 2022

When the power goes out, it is easy to get bored. Many people rely on their computers and other electronics for entertainment. When these items no longer work, many people find themselves at a loss of what to do. Fortunately, there are many ways to entertain oneself without electronics, such as crafting, reading, writing, playing games, or exercising.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Playing Games and Make-Believe

1
Play some card games. Not all card games require two or more people to play. Some card games can be played solo, such as Solitaire. If you don't like playing games with cards, then you can build a tower out of them instead. Listed below are some popular card games.
- Bridge
- Go Fish
- Poker
- Solitaire
- War
2
Play some board games. If you have some friends or family members with you, take out your favorite board game and play a few rounds. Listed below are some popular board games people of all ages can enjoy:
- Battleship
- Checkers or Chinese Checkers
- Chess
- Monopoly
- Risk
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3
Play other types of games. If you don't have a deck of cards at home, or even a board game, don't fret; there are still ways you can entertain yourself. One popular game is a story-telling game, where each person contributes one line to a story. Keep taking turns with your friends and/or family members until the story is complete. Listed below are other types of games you might enjoy:
- 20 questions
- Charades (if it's dark, play it with shadow puppets instead)
- I-spy
- Old-school games, like dominos, jacks, pick-up sticks, and tumbling towers/Jenga
4
Play some games in the dark with flashlights or glowsticks. It can be difficult to enjoy card games and board games if the power is out and your candles don't give enough light. Just because it is dark does not mean that you can't have fun, however. There are lots of games that you can play with the addition of flashlights or glowsticks. Listed below are just a few:
- If you have glowsticks and glowstick necklaces, start up a game of ring toss.
- If you have enough flashlights and players, play flashlight tag.
- Play Charades using a flashlight and shadow puppets.
- Put on a puppet show using shadow puppets.
5
Set up a tent, light the fireplace, and go "camping." If you don't have a tent, build a pillow fort instead using blankets, pillows, tables, and chairs. You can also make campfire foods in the fireplace, such as s'mores.^{[1]
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- Pretend that you are camping. Tell some ghost stories, and sing campfire songs.
- Play some card games or board games inside your tent or fort.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Entertaining Yourself with Books, Crafts, Media, and Writing

1
Read a book. You can read the book quietly to yourself, or you can read it aloud to your friends and family. If you have small children, have them work on an art project related to the story when you are done reading. For example:
- If you just read The Very Hungry Caterpillar, you can have the kids made a "next" page in the story by gluing pieces of colored paper onto printer paper.
- If you read The Rainbow Fish, have the kids cut a fish out of purple or blue paper, and then decorate it using glitter glue.
- If it's dark, don't fret. Light a candle, and get cozy with a blanket and your favorite book.
2
Do some writing.^{[2]
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Research source} Much like reading, writing can help pass time. If it's dark, light a candle or two. Get out a sheet of paper and a pen or pencil, and try one of the following:
- Write a letter to a relative.
- Write a list. The list can be on anything, from shopping lists to foods that are blue.
- Play word-games like Hangman or Mad Libs.
- If you don't like to write, draw a picture instead.
3
Watch movies on a portable DVD player. If it is fully charged, you should be able to watch at least 3 hours of movies. To save battery power, try to keep the screen as dim as possible, and close any apps that you are not using.
4
Listen to or play some music.^{[3]
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Research source} If you have a portable music player, you can pass the time by listening to your favorite songs. If you know how to play an instrument, you can practice a song that you have been learning, or you can teach yourself a new one.
- If you are feeling restless, try singing or dancing along to your favorite songs.
5
Get crafty. This is a great way to pass time. Not only will you let your creativity soar, but you'll also have something beautiful to show off by the time the power gets back. Even if you are not a crafter, you might want to consider this. You might find a new hobby for yourself or discover a hidden talent. Listed below are some simple craft ideas to get you started:^{[4]
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- Do some drawing or coloring. If you own some paints and a canvas, you can also try painting instead.
- Make some crafty items, such as yarn dolls or duct tape wallets.
- Try knitting, crochet, or embroidery. A simple scarf or potholder will usually take 2 to 3 hours.
- Make something out of clay or play-doh.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Getting Active or Social

1
Exercise. If it is still light outside, use your power outage as an excuse to go outside and get active. Your mind will focus more on moving and breathing, and less being bored. If it is dark outside, you can still do some simple exercises inside, such as stretches or yoga. ^{[5]
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Research source} Listed below are some ideas to get you started:
- Bike ride
- Jogging
- Jumping jacks
- Stretches or yoga
- Walk around the block
- If you live in a good neighborhood and the weather is nice, send the kids outside to play.^{[6]
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2
Visit your friends, family, or neighbors. Having no power at home is a great opportunity to get out of the house and do other things. If the people you are visiting don't have power either, be sure to bring along some candles, games, and snacks. You can have a fun game night while you wait for the power to come back.^{[7]
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3
Catch up on some cleaning or housework. Is there anything in your house that needs painting or repairs? Does your bathroom need thorough scrub? So long as there is enough daylight, there is plenty you can do in your house. By the time your power is back, you might even have a sparkling-clean bathroom and a freshly-painted bedroom.
4
Go on a road trip. If the weather is decent, you can always pack your car, and go on a road trip. You don't have to go far. You can even go to the park or the library. If there is a big city or national park close to you, you can drive there and spend the day exploring. By the time you come home, the power might already be back.
5
Take a nap. When all else fails, you can always take a nap. You may end up having a great, exciting dream.^{[8]
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Research source} More importantly, you will wake up feeling refreshed and energized. You may have more motivation to do things you'd usually find boring (such as cleaning), or you may get some ideas for new projects (such repainting your cabinets or working on a painting).

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Being Prepared for Future Power Outages

1
Have some source of light ready. This includes things like flashlights, electrical lanterns, batteries, candles, lighters, and matches. When choosing candles, try to get a pillar candle. They will be less likely to get knocked over, and will last much longer than stick candles.
- Batteries expire. Check your stash every year and throw out any that have leaked or expired.
- Candles made from liquid paraffin are smokeless and odorless. They are great for indoors.^{[9]
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- Get some of those solar-powered garden lights. Charge them during the day, then use them at night. You can hold them, or prop them up in jars.
- Glow sticks don't offer much light (at least not enough to read by) but they can be fun to play with.
2
Keep your electronics charged at all times. This way, when the power goes out, you can still use your electronic readers, music players, and movie players. You might even want to get one of those portable chargers for your electronics. This way, when your electronic runs out of battery power, you can plug it into the portable charger, and enjoy it for a little bit longer.
3
Have some arts and crafts items on hand.^{[10]
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Research source} Try to keep everything in one box. This way, you will have everything on hand during the next black out. If you have small children, consider making this a "special blackout box." Young children seem to find anything that comes out of a "special" box more exciting to play with. Listed below are some crafty items you might want to consider having:
- Sketch books, coloring books, activity books, or notebooks
- Pens, pencils, coloring pencils, crayons, or markers
- Scrapbooks and scrap-booking supplies
- Glitter and glue
- Glow-in-the-dark paints
- Colorful yarn, knitting needles/crochet hooks
4
Have some special toys that the kid only gets to use during blackouts. This will make the toy feel like new each time the kid plays with it. Some examples of special toys include:
- A special light-up toy that the kid can draw on or play with
- A packet of glow-sticks is a safe bet for just about any child
- Glow-in-the-dark paint and glitter will make even nighttime crafting fun
- Arts and crafts kits

Community Q&A

Question

What if no electronic gadgets are functional and I don't have any games to play?

Community Answer

Use candles for light and read a book, sing songs, write a letter, clean your room or tell stories with your friends and family.
Question

What should you do when you're home alone and there is a chance of a power outage?

Community Answer

have a flashlight in all cases and backup batteries. Try using a tablet or phone, put it full volume and dance to your favorite song!
Question

What if I can't go outside and my electronics are dead?

Community Answer

Take a nap or find a flashlight and use it to read a book. Talk with your family and recount some funny stories.

Warnings

Leave your refrigerator and freezer doors closed. That way the food inside won't spoil.

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Unplug electrical items that contain personal data, such as computers and laptops. When the power comes back on, they might get damaged.^{[12]
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