How to keep him occupied

I need some serious suggestions on how to keep my step-son occupied. He is 9 and doesn't like anything other than video games, computer and his camera. He is reluctant to try anything new. He appeased us by playing a board game tonight, but made it clear he was "bored".
He doesn't like sports, he is socially inept and is very very very hyper.

Here is what we have tried with him:
Ride his scooter
Make a gingerbread halloween house
board games
play the wii together (exercise and games at the same time)
go for walks.
I know there have to be more things out there....I just can't figure out what.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Is he bored with school work? That was a HUGE problem for me when I was younger. My dad used to teach me more advanced topics, so I would want to learn them because it was a "challenge." For example, we would compete against each other doing timed tests like all the multiplication tables...100 problems in 5 minutes. I can make one up for you if you'd like.

Does he like to read? I think when I was that age I read the whole "Goosebumps" series of books. You could also try maybe doing some "Stories with a Hole" which you would read him a story, but there's a part missing out of it, which he would have to figure out. You can ask questions but they have to be Yes/No questions only.

I give you kudos for actually caring enough, that you want to help your son. Most people don't even try (somehow it was ok to have ADD, but when my Bipolar kicked in my parents didn't even want to acknowledge it).

If I think of more ways I'll let you know. Good Luck!

Thank you SOOOO much for the ideas! He gets bored with just about everything that doesn't have to do with computers, video games or his camera. LOL
He got sent home yesterday for the second time in 3 days and so he didn't have any of his electronics. He ended up playing with his moonsand and cutting out figures from his holographic papers. He was so bored that I was about to give in and let him use his electronics, but then I knew that would be a really bad idea.
He isn't a big reader, but he loves to do his homework done so he can play. The problem is that you can't really read his writing. He is super smart and when he reads to us he does it well.
I really like the idea of reading part of the story and have him fill in the rest. I have never done that before!
He likes math so doing them together the way you said is a great idea.
Thanks again!

What about introducing him to the kitchen? I got my ADHD son very interested in making pancakes and teaching him how to make his own eggs etc. As long as everything was supervised, he loved it!

I have ADHD and I have a similar problem. Besides video games and the computer I am in a bowling league, I paint with acrylics, I take swimming lessons and I take drum lessons. See about signing him up for a bowling league, swim team, drums or another instrument, or an art class. I personally suggest that for a 9 year old hyperactive boy he probably would find the most interest in a cartooning or painting or sculpting superheros type art class. If you don't have a pet already consider getting a dog for him to run around at the park with. If another family member's allergies are a problem maybe he could volunteer at a pet store walking the dogs (I know someone who does this) or you could try animal therapy. Another thing you might try is martial arts. I want to try martial arts but I am going to have to wait until I finally get around to applying for and receiving disability money. Also, depending on what video games he's into, there are fictional books written involving various video games so maybe you could use those as an incentive to get him to read! (hopefully) also there's always comic books. I myself am a marvel comics fan. Oh and I've always wanted a trampoline so maybe a trampoline or a backyard climbing apparatus would be something he'd enjoy. You could try a hands-on museum (alot of science museums are hands-on) the only downside is he may have to wait his turn while the other children interact with the exhibits but he is going to eventually have to learn to do that anyway. You could try signing him up for gymnastics...that was fun while it lasted. I hope this helps.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!
Those are some excellent ideas. I know he tried gymnastics once, but he didn't like it. I am going to have to see about getting him some comics. I think he might like that.

i'm glad to have helped. if you want anymore ideas all you have to do is ask. i dont want to overwhelm you with too many if your happy with the amount you have now because i could literally write a book.....and then i wonder how i manage to get bored all the time. its strange, i know but somehow thats how it goes

Sure, hit me up with as many ideas as you've got!
Thanks for the help and ideas!

It sounds to me like you really might want to try getting him more arts & crafts things to do. When you took away his electronics, it sounds like that's what he gravitated towards, assuming moon sand is something artistic. *Just looked it up,* and I actually think playing with moon sand isn't a bad thing at all. It strongly encourages creativity. I would suggest trying pottery classes, or see if he likes lego sets or other construction toys. Yes, some of it constitutes play, but there is also a certain level of intellectual stimulation involved with figuring out what to build and how to build it.

If getting him active is an issue, then I agree with sneschalmers that a bowling league might be a good idea. It's a good sport for kids who don't necessarily like other sports (I did like other sports, but bowling was always my favorite).

As far as getting him socially active, all it takes is finding the right extra-curricular activity. "Socially inept" children, as you call them, tend to be more socially inclined towards other kids with similar interests. I think if he found a pottery class he liked with some other kids who liked pottery too, he'd do great. Also, video games are increasingly social these days. You should see if there are any local gaming stores that might have weekly video game tournaments, and that could provide another form of social interaction for him.

Hope this helped!

~Dish