15 Hobbies to Keep the Whole Family Happy and Connected

Every parent knows the struggle of bonding with the kids; they’re either too moody or think you’re uncool to hang out with, so getting quality time is quite challenging. But we’ve gathered a couple of fun hobbies that will bring your kids closer and help you stay close no matter how old the kids get. So, take a look at these fun hobbies.

Building LEGO Sets

If there’s one toy that’s always been consistent with kids throughout generations, it’s LEGO. Of course, LEGO for toddlers is a different sport because you’ve got to handle things carefully and ensure they don’t get in any trouble, but building LEGO sets with your kids is an activity that’ll continue until they’re well into their teens. It encourages creativity and helps them think of unique and interactive solutions.

Outdoor Scavenger Hunt

If you’re tired of keeping the kids cooped up in the house, set up outdoor scavenger hunts and spend the rest of the day watching them play. You can even make it more engaging by setting up rewards (chocolates or extra time with the TV and basically anything that’ll get your kids going). It’s a fun activity to help you connect; they’ll see you as the fun parent.

Gardening

It’s never too late to encourage your kids to pick up gardening. We think gardening is a hobby for older people, but it’s a fun and relaxing way to encourage your children to learn more about their environment. Begin by sharing basic to-dos and then help them learn about different types of plants, the right environment, conditions needed to survive, etc. It’s fun, interactive, and unique.

Backyard Camping

If you want to take the kids camping but can’t afford multiple trips to some fancy destination, set up camp right outside your backyard. Backyard camping is a fun way to ensure you and your kids can interact with Mother Nature while still being close enough to home for comfort. You can make smores, share stories, and repeat this every weekend for a fun time.

Storytelling

Speaking of sharing stories, you can never go wrong with storytelling, especially if your kids are still in their terrible twos. Storytelling encourages children and parents to connect in interactive, creative, and unique ways; it also helps younger children enunciate their creativity and expressions. Plus, you could be encouraging a future writer with all that creative storytelling.

DIY Science Experiments

Kids are curious, and their eagerness to butt their noses in every little thing only gets worse with age. A great way to encourage healthy learning and teach responsibility is by conducting fun science experiments; pick up a fun DIY science experiment book and start learning and building together. It’ll also keep your kids interested in science and pave the way for their future.

Biking

Let’s admit it: being cooped up in the house is exhausting, and it’s beginning to take a toll on our health. A great way to tackle it all is going on family biking tours; you can rent bikes and explore the city or simply bike around the neighborhood when you’ve got the time. It’ll help you get in shape, encourage exercise for the kids, and allow you to explore places in a fun, unique way.

Reading

It’s an activity as old as our parents’ time and suitable for kids of all ages. You can encourage reading by introducing books to your children at a young age; work out the booklist for them and introduce new genres and stories once they reach the appropriate age. Even if they grow out of reading, they’ll develop great reading and writing skills and have something to relax when they’re alone.

Birdwatching

Most people wouldn’t see birdwatching as a child-friendly activity, but it’s one of the reasons you should take it up with your kids. Encouraging your children to learn about the marvelous bird species around us will teach them things they won’t pick up from books and promote responsibility for caring for their surroundings. You can even scrapbook the birds you find when birdwatching.

Puzzle Challenges

Puzzle challenges are enjoyable for all ages, making them an exciting hobby to engage with your kids. Be it jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, or games, solving puzzles together will not only help you bond with your kids but will also create beautiful memories while teaching your kids the value of teamwork and patience.

Obstacle Courses

Flip the table and introduce obstacle courses if you’re tired of the kiddos taking out all their energy on you. You can visit a local obstacle-course theme park or create one in your backyard or home. Letting the kids play around the obstacle course will tire them enough to get in bed on time and let you play together, too.

Rock Painting

This is two activities combined in one. You and your kids can pick up pebbles and uniquely shaped stones and turn them into a creative work of art. Start by drawing on the stones, eventually painting them, and working your way up to the point where you’ve got great art pieces made of stone. You can even set up a shelf dedicated to their craft to encourage it.

Cooking Together

Turn the kitchen into a fun and lively space by cooking meals with your family. You can start with something simple like baking cookies or go all out by preparing a full dinner together. It’s a great way to teach your kids basic cooking skills while encouraging teamwork and creativity. The best part? Sitting down to enjoy the delicious food you made as a team is a reward everyone will love.

Fishing Trips

Fishing is a peaceful and enjoyable activity to do with your kids. It’s not just about catching fish—it’s about spending time together, talking, and soaking up the quiet moments by the water. Even if you don’t reel anything in, the experience itself is special. Pack some snacks, bring along chairs, and make it a relaxing day to connect with nature and each other.

Origami

If you’re looking for an affordable activity that helps you connect with your kids and encourage their artsy skills, try origami. Origami requires precision and skill, so it’s a great way to teach younger kids about controlling their movements and becoming precise. It’s also a great activity for hyperactive kids because they’ll feel encouraged to allocate their time to specific tasks.

More For You

Speaking of activities, as winter approaches, it’s a good time to take kids to a resort town such as Banff, Canada, and make unforgettable memories. From making snowmen to skiing, there is plenty to do here for people of all ages.

This article was first published on RB ITALIA Blog.