Making time for hobbies as a parent is tough. Especially when our kids are very young. There’s a lot going on at home, you might also be holding down a full-time job, and caring for other family members. Finding any time for yourself can be hard, never mind practicing a regular hobby.

Hobbies are, however, exceptionally important. They give you time for yourself, to relax and unwind. Hobbies can be a way to stay in touch with friends, get some exercise, and care for your mental health. As your children get older, they can also be a way to spend time together, as you share your interests with your family, and a chance to bond.

If you’ve lost touch with some of your old interests, or you are looking for something new, here’s a look at some hobbies that all dads should try, at least once.

Cycling

Cycling is another excellent hobby for dads who want to combine fitness with leisure. Whether you're exploring local bike paths, tackling mountain trails, or simply cruising around your neighborhood, cycling offers a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise. For those who want to add a personal touch to their rides, working with a custom bike builder can elevate the experience. Customizing your bike allows you to tailor every aspect to your preferences, from the frame size and components to the color scheme, making every ride uniquely yours.

Fishing

If there’s one hobby that we associate with dads, it’s probably fishing. You might imagine an old man sitting by the riverside, never really catching anything. But there are other options.

Yes, fishing can be very relaxing, and it’s certainly not just about the catch; it can also be fantastically exciting, and good fun.

For excitement, and great exercise, as well as relaxation, pier fishing in particular, can be ideal. You’ll need the right rod and equipment, but once you’ve got it, pier fishing can be the perfect hobby for dads.

Golf

Another stereotype here, certainly. But, that doesn’t mean that golf isn’t a fantastic hobby that’s perfect for busy dads looking to get some exercise and take some time for themselves.

Golf can be enjoyed alone, or with friends, you can join a club and enjoy social events, and it’s really good exercise.

Billiards

Another fun option is to take up billiards. This can be a fun game that you can play with your friends or family members. Look for the best billiards table that you can afford, at sites like Rec Room Pick (https://recroompick.com/best-pool-tables/) taking into account factors such as how often you will use it, its versatility and the costs of maintaining it.
If you’re not sure how to get started, you can learn from posts like https://quedos.com.au/tips-to-play-billiards-like-a-pro/. Once you’ve picked up how to play it, you have a new way to spend your Friday nights.

Blogging

If you’ve never spent much time on blogs, or don’t know anyone that does it, you might picture mummy blogs, or beauty blogs, with people on Instagram telling you what to buy.

But, dad blogs, hobby blogs run by men, and other blogs with a male focus are growing in popularity all of the time. Blogging is an excellent way to make new connections, learn new skills, and find your voice.

Remote Control

The world of remote control has changed massively. As kids, we had small cars that were attached to a wire and could just about travel the length of our lounges. And we loved them! Being in control of a vehicle, building courses and ramps, getting more adventurous with our RC cars was great.

Nowadays, we’re not held back by a wire. You can fly remote-controlled drones, even making films and taking nature pics with them. You can join RC car or boat groups, enter races, build your own and enjoy RC rallies and events. It’s a great way to meet new people, make new friends, enjoy a great new hobby and push yourself creatively.

With changes in technology, the things that we can control, and how far they can travel are only going to get more and more exciting in the coming years, so this is a great time to have a go!

Running

Running is a fantastic way to stay fit, and to get some time for yourself. Running works your core and legs while building cardiovascular health. It can reduce your risks of a variety of health problems and is typically easy to fit into your busy life, as you can do it straight out of your front door. If you’ve never run before, the couch to 5k program is an excellent place to start.

Hobbies are different for everyone. You might not hit something that you love on your first try. But don’t be scared to experiment and try new things.