To get some positivity in the discussion:
I propose that you get somehow the option for having a cellphone or a notebook + city map.
In idle time, Sims could take notes, sketches or doodle in their notebook. Or they could look on their city map to see if they go in the right direction. Obviously it would look most realistic when they do this when they are not on their own plot.
Other idle time ideas, that may vary on age group or interest/ skill your Sim has:
Blowing bubble gum
Blowing soap bubbles
Making string figures
Playing with a Rubrik cube
Playing yo-yo
Daydreaming
Thinking
Humming
Waiting impatiently
Cleaning their glasses when they wear one
Playing/ messing around their hair
Brushing dirt of their clothes
Checking their watch
Checking hands/nails
Nail biting
Maybe some of these suggestions might be in the sims already in the game. But when I get my sims in the act of being idle, they usually check their phone, do push-ups or play their music instrument.
