Activites for Families

13218307

Superscript

Helping Your Kids Find A Hobby They Will Love

If you are concerned about your child's screen-time, finding a new hobby and developing new interests is a vital step in reclaiming your family time with them.   

Finding a hobby that you both like is suggested by most professionals. It only makes sense to offer a substitute or replacement in exchange for wanting them to reduce the time they spend online or on their phones. Technology seems to be their go to activity for when they are bored.

Therefore if you reduce boredom you will reduce the need for screen-time. 

A 6-Step Guide to Helping Your Kids Find a Hobby They Love

Try something new

One of the best ways to foster your kids’ happiness is by helping them find a hobby they love. But how do you get your kids started? Well, the key is to encourage them to try something new. Experimentation is critical, whether playing an instrument, learning a new sport, or trying their hand at painting. You can help your kids discover their passions and cultivate the skills they need to pursue them by giving them the space and support to explore their interests. So don’t be afraid to get creative and encourage your kids to try something new. You never know what they might love.

Make time for hobbies.

The key to encouraging your kids to find a hobby they love is to prioritize their pursuits and carve out dedicated time to indulge in them, whether it’s just a few minutes every day or a more extended block of time a few times a week. For instance, if your child loves cooking, try setting aside an afternoon to make a special meal together. This will allow them to learn something new and have fun. Or, if they love playing guitar, set up a practice session a few nights each week. With your support, your kids can discover the joy of discovering and pursuing their passions and to develop lifelong skills and interests.
Encourage them to stick with it.

Encourage your kids to try new things and praise their efforts, even if they don’t hit the mark initially. It’s important to show genuine interest in what they are doing and avoid pushing them towards activities you think they should like. Remember, finding a hobby is a journey, not a destination, so be prepared to try a few different things before your child finds the perfect fit. With your support and encouragement, they will find a passion they can enjoy forever.

A 6-Step Guide to Helping Your Kids Find a Hobby They Love

A hobby can give kids structure and provide an outlet for their creativity, thus aiding in their upbringing. By employing these tips from the guide to helping your kids find a hobby they love, you can be confident that your child will end up with a healthy and enjoyable pastime. Taking these steps now can set your children up to experience the joy of finding a beloved hobby and continually reap its rewards throughout life.

Recreation- Outdoor play

Sports & Water Sports

Restore your spirits and increase energy with an outdoor activity, like cycling, hiking, running, wall climbing, racquetball, swimming and more. Instruction, lessons and group trips further encourage you to test your limits and try something new.

We are committed to empowering kids to lead healthy, active lifestyles. From gaining confidence to fostering positive relationships, sports are about building lifelong, healthy habits from the inside out.

Incredible Outdoor Recreation-Huge List of Options

Parent Guide to Finger Lakes Recreation

Outdoor Recreation

Lists of Outdoor Play Ideas for the Whole family

Planning Family Time & Adventures

Incredible Outdoor Sports/Recreation

Hobbies & Special Interest

Finding a happy place

Natural Lifestyle

Family Resources for Outdoor play

Family Walks And Photography

Family Camping

Camping Activities for Kids-

Camp-Out Project-

Getting Ready for Summer

Reclaiming Your Family Time

Managing Big Kids ScreenTime

Managing Early Learners ScreenTime

Managing Tweens and Teens Screentime

Discovering Your Child's Interests

Unstructured Play and Playdates

Camp Love- DIY Summer Camp Resources

Parent Resources & Tips

Screen Addictionin Adults

Playtime for 4 years & beyond

How to Build a Backyard Play Space

Benefits of Morning Sun and Fresh Air

Montessori Style Nature Experiences

Nature Based Learning Guide

Family Backyard Greentime

Greentime with Little Ones

Nature STEAM

100 Ways to Explore Nature

Tinkering in the garden

Family Resources for Outdoor Play

Incredible Family Playspace and Activities

Discovering Outdoor Sensory Delight

Finding a happy place

Parent Guide to Finger Lakes Recreation

Lists of Outdoor Play Ideas for the Whole family

Easy Backyard Nature Activities

Family Fun in a Community Park or playground

Discovering Joy Outdoors

Backyard Wonderland

Backyard Wonderland and Beyond Activities

Nature Activities

Spying on Animals in the Great Outdoors

Family Walks And Photography

Family Camping

Camping Activities for Kids-

Camp-Out Project-

Exploring the Beach and Shorelines

Outdoor Play in the USA

Nature Play that Rocks -Home Page

Health Benefits of Nature Play

Nature play by Age

This may contain: sea shells are arranged on a wooden stand

Resources for Playing Outside

Seasonal Experiences

Indoor Recreation

Indoor recreation includes physical activities like yoga, dancing, swimming, and indoor sports such as badminton or table tennis;

 

mental and creative activities like board games, puzzles, reading, and arts and crafts;

 

and relaxing pursuits such as meditation, cooking, or indoor gardening

.

 

The best indoor activities are often social, but many can also be enjoyed alone.

 

Physical Indoor Recreation

  • Sports: Play badminton, table tennis, basketball, or volleyball. 

  • Fitness: Practice yoga, pilates, dance, or circuit training. 

  • Specialized Activities: Try indoor rock climbing or swimming in an indoor pool. 

  • Movement Games: Organize a dance party or create an indoor obstacle course. 

Mental & Creative Indoor Recreation 

  • Games & Puzzles: Enjoy board games, card games, and puzzles like Sudoku or crosswords.

  • Hobbies: Pursue creative activities like painting, drawing, knitting, or playing a musical instrument.

  • Learning & Writing: Take online courses, learn to code, or write a blog or journal.

Relaxing & Social Indoor Recreation 

  • Mindfulness: Practice meditation and breathing exercises to improve focus and reduce stress.

  • Home Activities: Cook or bake new recipes, start an indoor garden, or declutter your home.

  • Social Engagement: Join a book club, participate in virtual reality games, or spend time with loved ones.

How to Choose an Indoor Activity

  • Consider your interests:Select an activity that you genuinely enjoy and find engaging. 

  • Assess your fitness level:Choose high-impact sports or low-impact activities based on your physical condition. 

  • Think about your mood:Opt for energetic activities like dancing or quiet pursuits like reading, depending on whether you want to relax or be active. 

  • Involve others:Many indoor activities, such as board games or cooking, can be fun social experiences to share with friends and family. 

Button 1

Nature Exploration Experiences

Fresh air and sunshine improve physical health by increasing Vitamin D production for stronger bones and a healthy immune system, and by encouraging physical activity that lowers heart rate and blood pressure

They also boost mental well-being by improving mood through increased serotonin, reducing anxiety, enhancing concentration, and regulating sleep patterns. Spending time outdoors can also improve creativity, promote social connections, and even help with faster physical recovery from illness or injury. Physical Health Benefits

  • Vitamin D Production:Sunlight exposure enables your body to make Vitamin D, which is crucial for bone health, immune function, and absorbing essential minerals. 

  • Increased Physical Activity:Being outdoors naturally promotes more movement, such as walking, biking, or gardening, leading to better physical health and a reduced risk of chronic diseases. 

  • Immune System Support:The Vitamin D from sunlight helps your immune system function properly, and exposure to natural environments may boost the effectiveness of immune cells. 

  • Faster Recovery:Natural light can speed up the recovery process for surgical patients, reducing pain and stress. 

  • Better Sleep:Exposure to natural light helps regulate your body's internal clock, or circadian rhythms, leading to more consistent and restful sleep patterns. 

Mental & Emotional Benefits

  • Improved Mood:.Sunshine boosts serotonin, a "feel-good" neurotransmitter that enhances mood, reduces feelings of anxiety and anger, and helps maintain a positive outlook. 

  • Reduced Stress:.Natural settings and sunlight can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, promoting feelings of calm and relaxation. 

  • Enhanced Concentration:.Spending time in natural environments, especially green spaces, can improve focus and attention. 

  • Increased Creativity:.The engaging yet gentle stimulation of nature can help clear your mind and foster new thought patterns, boosting creative problem-solving abilities. 

  • Boosted Self-Esteem:.Even short periods of outdoor activity can improve self-esteem and give you a greater sense of vitality. 

Social & Cognitive Benefits

  • Increased Social Connection:Being outdoors provides more opportunities to connect with your community, friends, and family, which is vital for mental health. 

  • Improved Cognitive Function:Time spent in nature can enhance various cognitive functions, such as memory and the ability to process information. 

  • Children's Development:Early and regular exposure to nature helps children develop better focus, self-discipline, and social skills. 


E
xploring Nature

Beach Activities for kids-How Stuff Works

Shore and Beach Games-How Stuff Works

Exploring the Beach and Shorelines

River and Creek Experiences

Lake Playdates And Family FUN!

Pond Playdates or Family Activities

Urban Nature Play in the City

Nature Play on the Prairie

Adventures in the Desert

Nature in the City

Things to do in local parks

Splashing in the Sea or Ocean

Wonderful Water Sensory Science

Wild Water and Wetland Explorations

Land Lovers

Fun in the Forest

Tinkering In the trees

Nature Play in the Forest

Easy Backyard Nature Activities

Backyard Wonderland

Backyard and Park Nature Play

Nature Activities for Todays Youth

Incredible Parents' Play

Simple Outdoor Adventures

Collecting Nature for Art and Loose Parts Play

This may contain: sea shells are arranged on a wooden stand

Nature Collections & How to Use Them

Discovering Forest Collectables

Playing with Shells and Seaweed 

Rock Activities

Flower Activities

Animals and Wildlife

Spying on Animals in the Great Outdoors

Connecting with Wildlife

Bird Activities

Catch and Release of Wild Animals

Backyard Garden & Wildlife Projects

Unplanned Wildlife Encounters

General Nature Play

Easy Nature Play Activities

Cool Things to do during Summer

Seasonal Nature Play

Loose Parts Play

Babies and Tots Exploring Our World

Developing nature playspaces

Health Benefits of being in Nature

Nature in the first six months

Nature Calm -

Family Time in Nature

Parenting-Tips for a healthy happy family

Family Resources for Outdoor play

Incredibly Easy Nature Program

Planning Family Time & Adventures

Incredible Outdoor Sports/Recreation

Hobbies & Special Interest

Finding a happy place

Parent Guide to Finger Lakes Recreation

Family Walks & Photography

My YMCA Curriculum Featured on How Stuff Works: 

This may contain: sea shells are arranged on a wooden stand
  • Nature Crafts

  • Tree Crafts for Kids

  • Tree Activities for Kids

  • Plant Activities for Kids

  • Nature Craft Projects for Kids

  • Easy Outdoor Activities for Kids

  • Easy Outdoor Science Experiments For Kids

  • Nature Experiments for Kids

  • Tree Leaves Identification Quiz

  • How to Make Bird Feeders

  • Wood Crafts

  • The World

  • Camping Activities for Kids

  • Camp-Out Project

  • Nature Projects for Kids

  • Nature Weaving Crafts for Kids

  • Nature Garden Activities for Kids

  • Plant Activities for Kids

  • Easy Nature Activities for Kids

  • Lake Activities for Kids

  • What's the Difference Between a Lake and a Pond?

  • Lake and River Activities

  • Fish Activities

  • Snake Activities for Kids

  • Bird-Watching Projects for Kids

  • Best Reptile Pets

  • How to Make Beaded Bracelets for Kids

  • Beach Activities for kids

  • Shore and Beach Games

  • Nature Projects for Kids

  • Fossil Activities for Kids

  • Easy Outdoor Science Activities For Kids 

  • Lake Activities for Kids

  • Easy Outdoor Science Activities For Kids

  • 10 Family Bonding Activities

  • 10 Earth Day Activities to Celebrate Our Planet 

  • Pebble Games and Activities for Kids

  • Rock and Mineral Activities for Kids - HowStuffWorks

  • Camping Activities for Kids - HowStuffWorks

  • Creek Discovery Project

  • Night Sky Project

  • Star Gazing Project

  • Animal Activities

Button 1

STEAM- Science & Art

Nature Science & STEAM For The Curious Kids

Doing science with kids fosters curiosity, boosts critical thinking and problem-solving skills, builds academic achievement and a love for learning, enhances social skills like collaboration, and promotes environmental awareness. Hands-on activities make learning tangible and fun, helping children understand cause-and-effect relationships, developing fine and gross motor skills, and improving their ability to make sense of the world around them.

The benefit of science in the early years is that children get the opportunity to chase curiosity and flex their investigative muscles (Franklin, D 2021). Encourage children to engage with the things around them: what they see, hear, taste, touch, and smell, and support them in asking questions and seeking answers. Play can support the development of scientific skills, by answering questions children have, or simply encouraging their natural curiosity.

Nature STEAM

Collecting Nature For Art & Loose Parts Play

This may contain: sea shells are arranged on a wooden stand

Making art with kids fosters creativity, problem-solving, and fine motor skills, while also boosting self-esteem, emotional well-being, and academic performance. It strengthens family bonds by promoting communication and provides a screen-free activity that can be a shared, relaxing, and affordable way to spend quality time together.

  • Strengthens Family Relationships:.Making art together creates shared experiences, facilitates communication, and offers a unique way for families to connect without distractions. 

  • Teaches Social Skills:.Cooperative art projects can help children learn to share supplies, take turns, and work together effectively with others. 

Practical & Educational Benefits

  • Provides a Screen-Free Activity: Art offers a valuable and engaging break from screens, which is crucial for mental health and development. 

  • Offers an Affordable Activity:Art projects can be very affordable, often using materials found around the house, making it an accessible way to spend time together. 

Art-For Creative Kids

This may contain: sea shells are arranged on a wooden stand

 Incredible Art Spaces and Activities

 Art with supplies you can find at home

Button 1
Superscript

Block title

This is a block description. To edit, click and type the text or replace it with your own content. Use this space to convert site visitors into customers with a promotion

Service 1

Add more detail about this feature, such as benefits, appearance, components

Button 1

Service 2

Add more detail about this feature, such as benefits, appearance, components

Button 1

Service 3

Add more detail about this feature, such as benefits, appearance, components

Button 1