Remember when you had hobbies? Before kids, you had time for golf, gaming, woodworking, or just sitting in peace for five minutes. Now, you're juggling nappies, school runs, and bedtime battles—so where does your personal time fit in?

The good news? You don't have to give up your hobbies. In fact, integrating them into family life can strengthen your bond with your kids, teach them valuable skills, and keep you sane in the process. This guide will show you how to adapt your passions to include your little ones while still enjoying them yourself.

Why Hobbies Matter for Dads (and Why It's Not Selfish to Have One!)

Hobbies aren't just about fun—they're a lifeline for many dads. When life gets overwhelming, carving out time for personal interests can help you reset and feel more present for your family.

✅ Better Mental Health: Studies show hobbies reduce stress and improve patience—critical for being a present, engaged dad. Engaging in an activity you love can lower cortisol levels and increase dopamine, making you feel more fulfilled and less drained by daily stressors.
✅ A Positive Example: Your kids learn the value of creativity, persistence, and lifelong learning by watching you. If they see you prioritising what you love, they'll understand that self-care is just as important as responsibilities.
✅ Stronger Bonding: Shared hobbies give you something to enjoy together, beyond just parenting tasks. It creates shared memories, fosters teamwork, and encourages curiosity in children.

📌 Pro Tip: If you're feeling guilty about taking time for yourself, remember that showing your kids it's okay to have personal interests teaches them to balance fun and responsibility in their own lives.

🔗 Related: The Dad's Dilemma: Balancing Work and Parenting Without Burning Out

The Best Hobbies for Dads & How to Adapt Them for Kids

The key to making your hobbies kid-friendly is finding ways to modify them without taking the fun away for yourself. Not every hobby will translate easily, but many can be adjusted to work for both you and your little ones. Here's how:

Golf – The Perfect Hobby to Teach Patience

Golf is great for hand-eye coordination, patience, and spending time outdoors. But let's be honest—dragging a toddler onto an 18-hole course is a disaster waiting to happen.

If your kids are eager to try golf, there are plenty of driving ranges and indoor golf simulators where they can get started. I still remember celebrating my 10th birthday at a driving range—it was a great way to have fun while learning the basics!

✅ Kid-Friendly Version: Get a child-sized putter and set up a mini-golf course at home.
✅ Why It Works: Teaches focus, patience, and coordination while keeping dad's swing in shape.

Video Games – Playing Together Without Losing Your Sanity

Gaming can be a fantastic way to bond, but it's easy to fall into the trap of choosing games that are either too difficult for kids or too frustrating for dads.

I'm a sucker for brutally hard games (Cuphead, anyone?), but my kids have usually had enough by the second attempt.

✅ Kid-Friendly Version: Start with co-op, non-competitive games like Minecraft, Mario Kart, or Animal Crossing. Avoid fast-paced shooters or overly complex games when playing with young children.
✅ Why It Works: These games encourage problem-solving and reflex-building while keeping things light and fun. Plus, it's a great way to relax together after a long day.

For a different kind of challenge, try puzzle games like Sudoku (or chess) together. It's a slower, more thoughtful way to bond while strengthening logic skills and teamwork. I've always loved Sudoku and chess and have tried to get my kids into it, but they're not quite as obssessed with it as I was (one day!)

✅ Why It Works: Sudoku, (chess, and similar puzzles) help develop strategic thinking, patience, and cooperation—without the frustration of losing to a boss battle for the tenth time. It's the perfect way to keep gaming fun and stress-free while spending quality time together.

And if you're looking for more brain-teasing fun, try out these What Am I? Riddles for Kids—great for keeping young minds sharp and entertained!

📌 Pro Tip: Set time limits on gaming sessions to keep them enjoyable and avoid turning it into a screen-time battle.

Hiking – A Hobby That Gets Everyone Moving

Introducing kids to nature is one of the best gifts you can give them, but long, strenuous hikes can quickly turn into complaints and tantrums.

✅ Kid-Friendly Version: Choose short, scenic trails and make it a nature scavenger hunt. Bring snacks, take breaks, and let kids lead at times to make them feel engaged.
✅ Why It Works: Encourages outdoor exploration, exercise, and screen-free bonding. Plus, it builds endurance and an appreciation for the great outdoors.

Cooking – A Fun, Tasty Hobby That Teaches Life Skills

Cooking with kids is a great way to introduce them to healthy eating, maths, and patience. Plus, it's an essential life skill they'll need one day.

✅ Kid-Friendly Version: Let them pick recipes, stir ingredients, and create their own mini dishes. If they're older, let them take charge of one meal per week with supervision.
✅ Why It Works: Teaches math, science, creativity, and builds confidence. Plus, it's a great excuse to experiment with fun, kid-friendly meals.

Pro Tip: Turn cooking into a fun challenge—try 'mystery ingredient night' where each family member picks an item to include in a meal.

Gardening – The Slow Hobby That Builds Responsibility

Gardening teaches kids about nature, responsibility, and patience. But digging through your carefully planted vegetable patch isn't always ideal.

✅ Kid-Friendly Version: Give them their own small patch or plant to take care of. Let them start with something simple like sunflowers, strawberries, or cherry tomatoes.
✅ Why It Works: Helps develop patience, responsibility, and respect for nature. Plus, they get to see the results of their efforts over time.

🔗 Related: 51 Fun Activities for Your Teenager That Aren't All Technology Based

How to Find Time for Hobbies as a Busy Dad

Make It Part of the Routine – Even 30 minutes a week is better than nothing. Block out time in your schedule just like you would a meeting or school run.
Ditch the Perfectionism – Hobbies don't have to be serious to be worthwhile. Let go of the idea that you need hours to enjoy them.
Let the Kids Lead Sometimes – If they're excited about a hobby, follow their lead and adapt!
Set a "Dad Time" Example – Your kids will respect hobbies if they see you valuing them too.

FAQs – Quick Answers to Common Questions

Keep Your Hobbies Alive & Share Them with Your Kids

Hobbies aren't just a way to pass time—they're an essential part of who you are. With some small adjustments, you can keep doing what you love while making lasting memories with your kids.

So, what hobby have you neglected since becoming a dad? Find one small way to bring it back this week—even if it's just for 15 minutes!