10 Entertaining Phone Numbers to Call When Bored
Ever find yourself staring at your phone with nothing to do, just hoping something—anything—will snap you out of boredom? You’re not alone. When scrolling gets old and texting isn’t cutting it, a surprisingly fun option is to dial into something unexpected.
That’s where these phone numbers to call when bored come in. From joke hotlines to quirky recordings, these numbers offer quick bursts of entertainment, weirdness, or just a break from the usual. You never know what you’ll hear—but that’s half the fun. So grab your phone, pick a number, and let curiosity take the wheel.
1. Callin’ Oates – 719-266-2837
What it is: A Hall & Oates emergency song line (yes, seriously).
Why it’s great: This automated hotline lets you call in and listen to a selection of smooth Hall & Oates hits from the ‘70s and ‘80s. You’ll hear a robotic voice say:
“Welcome to Callin’ Oates, your emergency Hall & Oates helpline.”
Then you just press a number to play classics like “Rich Girl”, “Maneater”, or “Private Eyes.” It’s cheesy, nostalgic, and strangely satisfying—like putting a cassette into your phone and time-traveling for three minutes.
2. The Rejection Hotline – 605-475-6968
What it is: A prank line that delivers a funny, fake rejection message.
Why it’s great: Ever give your number to someone you’d rather avoid? Or want to playfully prank a friend? When someone calls this number, they’ll be greeted with:
“Hello. This is not the person you were trying to call. You’ve reached the Rejection Hotline…”
The message goes on to (comically) break the bad news in a brutally honest—but completely hilarious—way. Even if you’re not using it to trick someone, it’s a fun thing to call just to hear the absurdity.
3. Bad Breath Alert Line – 605-475-6959
What it is: A joke hotline that sounds like a public health PSA.
Why it’s great: This hotline sounds like it came straight out of a parody sketch. It warns the caller about the “serious consequences” of having bad breath and offers completely bogus advice. The delivery is so deadpan, it almost feels real—until it doesn’t. It’s ridiculous, random, and perfect if you just want to shake off some boredom with a “what did I just listen to?” moment.
4. It Could Always Suck More – 605-475-6964
What it is: A sarcastic reminder that your day isn’t that bad.
Why it’s great: Bored and cranky? This hotline walks you through absurd, over-the-top scenarios that are (thankfully) not your reality. It might mention being chased by angry geese, or having glitter permanently stuck to your eyebrows. It’s basically a sarcastic pep talk disguised as a fake misery hotline. Somehow, it works.
5. The Scream Line – 1-561-567-8431
What it is: A literal “scream into the void” hotline.
Why it’s great: Ever wanted to scream but didn’t want to scare your neighbors? This hotline exists so you (and thousands of others) can scream into a safe, anonymous space. You can also listen to other people’s screams, which range from rage-filled yells to surprisingly melodic ones. It’s oddly therapeutic—and a little hilarious if you’re not expecting what you’ll hear.
6. Time of Day – 202-762-1401
What it is: A real government-run time service.
Why it’s great: Before phones had clocks, people would call for the time. This old-school hotline from the U.S. Naval Observatory still works, giving you the exact official time down to the second. It’s robotic, weirdly formal, and kind of mesmerizing if you’ve never heard it before. A perfect example of how simple things used to be way more complicated.
7. Kids Joke Line – 563-386-6161
What it is: A hotline full of jokes told by kids, for everyone.
Why it’s great: Each time you call, you’ll hear a different corny, pun-filled joke—read by an enthusiastic kid who’s clearly loving it. These jokes are sweet, wholesome, and delightfully cringey. Think:
“Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was outstanding in his field!”
Great for younger kids, or for anyone needing a light, innocent laugh.
8. Rickroll Hotline – 248-434-5508
What it is: The classic Rick Astley meme… on speed dial.
Why it’s great: You dial the number and—boom—you’re instantly serenaded by “Never Gonna Give You Up.” No warning. No intro. Just full-blown Rickrolling. Whether you’re pranking a friend or just want to laugh at yourself for falling for it again, this hotline never disappoints.
9. Santa’s Hotline (Seasonal) – 951-262-3062
What it is: A voicemail service where you can “call” Santa Claus.
Why it’s great: Although it’s meant for kids to leave holiday wish lists, calling it off-season adds a weird charm. You’ll hear Santa’s friendly voice encouraging you to be good, leave your name, and get ready for Christmas—even if it’s July. It’s a cute, nostalgic break from your day and a hit with kids and playful adults alike.
10. Free Conference Call Test Line – 1-302-202-1110
What it is: A test line for hearing your voice played back.
Why it’s great: Technically designed to test microphone and speaker quality, this line is unintentionally one of the creepiest/funniest things to call when you’re bored. Say something, wait a few seconds, and hear your own voice echo back. It’s weirdly surreal—almost like talking to a future version of yourself. Try singing into it for extra strangeness.
