Looking for fun things to do while in a cast? From audiobooks and game nights to creative projects and visits with friends, these ten ideas can help you beat boredom while following your care team’s instructions.
Of course, knowing you need to slow down doesn’t make sitting still any more fun. Whether you’re wearing an arm cast or a leg cast, here are ten ways to give yourself something to look forward to.
Before you start: Follow your care team’s restrictions on movement and weight-bearing. Keep your cast dry, and choose activities that don’t require using your injured limb against medical advice. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ cast-care guide explains the basics.
1. Give Movie Night a Theme
Turn “watching something” into an occasion. Pick a favorite actor, revisit childhood classics, or let each person choose a comedy. Friends can join from their own couches and compare favorite scenes afterward.
Set up your remote, phone, and snacks within easy reach before pressing play.
Rough cast surfaces catching on your blanket? Sleeperz! soft arm cast covers and Sleeperz! soft leg cast covers are options to explore for lounging and bedtime. Follow your care team’s instructions about covering your cast.
Settle in for movie night with a soft Sleeperz! arm cast cover, designed to help protect against cast scratches and snags. AI-generated model and scene; product design based on a real CastCoverz! photo.
2. Find Your Next Favorite Audiobook or Podcast
An audiobook is especially handy when an arm or wrist cast makes holding a book awkward. Try a mystery, a funny memoir, or a story you’ve always meant to read.
Podcasts can keep you company, too. Choose an interview, a history series, or a topic you know absolutely nothing about. Your local library may offer digital borrowing options.
3. Bring Game Night to Your Favorite Chair
Invite a few people over for trivia, word games, or a round of “Would You Rather?”
Wearing an arm cast? Pick a game where you can answer aloud, or team up with someone who can handle cards and pieces.
Wearing a leg cast? Ask someone to arrange the game around your seated setup, with room to position your leg as instructed.
4. Try a Creative Project You Can Pause
Make a digital photo collage, dictate a short story, or design a birthday invitation. If your restrictions allow it, drawing or coloring can be another way to pass an afternoon.
Choose something that fits your current abilities. A project you can enjoy for fifteen minutes and return to tomorrow is plenty.
For children, let them choose the theme while an adult handles any tricky setup.
5. Learn Something Just for Fun
You don’t need to master a new skill during recovery. Following your curiosity is enough.
Take a virtual museum tour, learn a few phrases in another language, or watch a short lesson about astronomy, photography, or movie special effects.
If an arm cast limits hands-on hobbies, look for activities you can enjoy by listening or watching.
6. Schedule a Little Company
“Let me know if you need anything” can be hard to answer. Try making a specific invitation instead: “Would you come over for lunch on Thursday?”
A short visit, video coffee date, or regular phone call gives you something to anticipate. Let friends know what would help, whether that’s bringing food, setting up a game, or keeping the visit brief.
7. Plan a Short Outing, If Your Care Team Approves
Want to get out of the house? A quiet café, movie theater, or library event might work, depending on your restrictions.
Before leaving, check parking, step-free access, seating, and restrooms. Arrange transportation or help if needed, and give yourself permission to head home early.
An outing doesn’t have to fill the afternoon to feel worthwhile.
8. Make a Playlist With Your Friends
Ask everyone to send a song that makes them smile. Build a playlist from their suggestions, then challenge them to guess who chose each track.
You could also create a relaxing evening mix, revisit the music you loved growing up, or listen to an entire album without doing anything else.
Sometimes the simplest plans are the best ones.
9. Give Your Cast a Look That Feels Like You
A little company can brighten your day. Enjoy coffee and conversation while showing your style in a red-and-white polka-dot Legz! cast cover. AI-generated models and scene; product design based on a real CastCoverz! photo.
Your cast may be part of your outfit for a while. A favorite color or playful print can make it feel a little more personal.
Armz! arm cast covers and Legz! leg cast covers combine style with everyday function: they help keep casts clean and protect clothing and furniture from snags and scratches.
Choose a print together, coordinate it with an outfit, or pick a subtle solid. Check each product’s sizing instructions before ordering.
Important: Legz! covers are for non-weight-bearing use and must not be walked on. Everyday fabric covers do not provide waterproof protection.
10. Make Two Lists: “Now” and “Later”
On your “now” list, add small pleasures you can enjoy within your restrictions: a new audiobook, a visit from a friend, or a favorite takeout meal.
On your “later” list, collect things you’d like to do once your care team clears you.
There’s no deadline and no pressure to be productive. These are possibilities to look forward to, one day at a time.
Common Questions About Keeping Busy in a Cast
What can you do for fun with a broken arm?
Try activities that don’t depend on your injured arm, such as audiobooks, podcasts, spoken trivia, movies, and conversations with friends. Follow your care team’s instructions about using your hand, wrist, and arm.
How do you stay entertained with a leg cast?
Bring activities to a comfortable seated setup: games, virtual tours, photo projects, and video calls are good starting points. Keep your leg positioned as instructed, and get medical clearance before planning outings.
Can you decorate a cast without painting it?
A removable fabric cast cover is one way to change its appearance without applying paint or glue directly to it. Ask your care team when covering your cast is appropriate, then choose a cover designed for your cast type and intended use.
Thinking about a beach outing? Before you go, read our tips for keeping sand out of your cast or walking boot, and check with your care team about whether the trip fits your activity restrictions.
Find a Cast Cover for Your Everyday Routine
From movie nights to visits with friends, the right cover can add personality while helping protect the things your cast rubs against.
Explore Armz! arm cast covers or Legz! leg cast covers to find your style. Looking for a softer option for downtime? Browse Sleeperz! for arms or Sleeperz! for legs.
Not sure which to choose? Call 1-800-227-8268 for help selecting a CastCoverz! product and size.
What helped you beat boredom while wearing a cast? Share your favorite family-friendly idea in the comments!
In case you aren’t able to purchase orthopedic accessories from CastCoverz!, such as cast covers and crutch covers, we have some fabulous ideas on how to decorate your cast or crutches all on your own or with a little help from friends! We suggest having a cast or crutch decorating party. Have your friends over, gather decorating ideas, and have some fun with it!
CastCoverz! is the leading manufacturer, e-tailer, and innovator of essential orthopedic soft-good accessories, such as walking boot, brace, splint, and cast covers, along with designer colored crutches, CrutchWear crutch pads/crutch covers, and waterproof and comfort products.
