In a world of constant connection to screens, I wonder if we’re losing our ability to be creative, establish solid relationships, and be content no matter what situation we’re in. Screens are helpful, but when we turn to them as an escape mechanism to numb our worries and boredom. Many kids don’t know how to be bored because, as parents, we hand them devices to keep them entertained. Instead, we should create environments for them where we provide them with various ways to explore their interests and be curious learners. Let’s discover new hobbies for the family that don’t need screens.
Teach the Kids How to Bake
Yummy treats don’t always have to come from the store. Baking is a delicious life skill to teach kids all year round. Start with basic recipes such as chocolate chip cookies, brownies, and Rice Krispies treats. Then you can move to advanced desserts as they get older, such as cakes and pies.
Once the kids hone their skills, you can host your own version of “Chopped”. Give each of the kids a bag of baking ingredients, and they’ll need to create a fun dessert with the ingredients. You, your spouse, and another family member will serve as the judges. The number one winner gets to choose the meal for the next night.
Do a Family Podcast
In the 2010s, family vlogs were popular on YouTube. If you’re looking for a more meaningful hobby to do together, why not start a regular family podcast centered around a specific topic? If your Christian faith is a significant part of your life, consider starting a Bible study podcast where you explore life’s issues using Scripture and share the gospel with your listeners. Then use free recording software and upload episodes to platforms such as Soundcloud or Stitcher.
Have a Field Day in the Backyard
Field days aren’t just for school. You can start a new hobby with field day activities in your backyard. The first idea is to have an obstacle course with challenging tasks. You can have a tire run where you place old tires around the yard and have everyone jump in the tires. The obstacle course can also include walking across balance beams, crawling through a tunnel, and carrying semi-heavy objects across the yard to different stations.
Take A Dance or Cooking Class
We’ve become more isolated these days because of the excessive use of technology. We were created to have meaningful relationships and to connect with each other through various activities and shared interests. One good hobby is a dance or cooking class. During your classes, exchange phone numbers with the other students and meet up with them regularly.
Start a Herb Garden
If you’re changing your lifestyle for health reasons, start a herb garden. Fresh herbs add flavor and nutrition to your meals, and gardening also has mental health benefits. Gardening boosts your mood, and it helps you connect with nature. My grandmother had a vegetable and flower garden for years, and she was the most relaxed while gardening. Some good herbs to grow are:
- Basil
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Dill
- Rosemary
- Parsley
- Mint
Old School/New School Dance Party
Grab your phone, your favorite music app, and a wireless speaker to host a weekly old school/new school dance party. Play the tunes you listened to as a child, and show your kids how to do the dances. After 30 minutes, your kids will play their current favorite songs and show you how to do the current dance trends. This is a fun way to bond as a family.
Do a Family History Scrapbook
Don’t wait until your older relatives pass away to learn about their lives. You can create new memories with them now by making a family history scrapbook. Collect old pictures from different relatives and use a voice recorder to record important parts of your family’s history. Make sure you get their names and roles in the family for more clarity. Include old letters, handwritten recipes, and any wedding and funeral programs you find. You’re creating a physical asset for your kids and future grandkids that will be valuable for years to come.
Learn Old-School Hobbies
Old-school hobbies promote slow living, vital life skills, and stress relief. One idea is to play board games such as Monopoly, Scrabble, Candy Land, Checkers, and playing cards. These games teach analytical skills, sportsmanship, and strategy. If you can sew, teach your kids some basic sewing skills. Another fun idea is to learn how to make soaps and candles. Watch YouTube videos and read articles on how to get started. Start with easier projects, then move to more complex ones.
Practice a Foreign Language
When I was in high school, one of my favorite subjects was Spanish. I decided to teach myself the language while in college. I did this by purchasing a Spanish-English dictionary and practicing my verb conjugations daily. I had this big blue binder where I conjugated Spanish verbs and learned how to write the masculine and feminine versions of Spanish nouns and adjectives. Nowadays, it’s much easier to practice a foreign language thanks to YouTube, online courses, and even blogs.
Start a Vinyl Record Collection
I remember the visits to my godmother’s house as a child, and her son kept a huge vinyl record collection. He played records for me, and it was fun! I listened to Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Midnight Star, 80s hip-hop, and sometimes blues music. In my teens, I discovered Brazilian and old-school Latin music, and I’ve loved it ever since. Years later, I worked at a college radio station, and this sparked my interest in building a vinyl record collection. If you love music, you can purchase an affordable vinyl record player and some inexpensive records from local record stores, thrift stores, estate sales, and garage sales.
Imagine trading the glow of a screen for the warmth of shared laughter around a board game, the satisfying scent of freshly baked bread, or the simple joy of creating something beautiful with your own hands. From the steady rhythm of knitting to the strategic thinking of chess, or the invigorating fresh air of an outdoor exploration, these activities help us slow down, engage our senses, and truly be present.