What’s Actually Getting Kids Off Screens? Reddit Parents Share the Hobbies Their Kids Can’t Get Enough Of
Every generation of parents faces the same challenge: figuring out what activities will spark their kids’ curiosity and hold their attention longer than a TikTok video. These days, with screens dominating so much of childhood, parents are on a constant hunt for hobbies that feel worth the effort—activities that are engaging, creative, and maybe even educational. To cut through the noise, we turned to Reddit, where thousands of parents recently shared the hobbies and activities their kids are genuinely excited about in 2024. Here’s the inside scoop.
1. The Return of Analog Play (Yes, Really!)
Surprise, surprise: Many kids are rediscovering the joy of hands-on, screen-free activities. Reddit user @CraftyDad123 shared that their 8-year-old has become “obsessed” with building intricate marble runs using cardboard, popsicle sticks, and hot glue. “It started as a rainy-day project, but now he plans designs for hours. He even films ‘marble races’ to share with his cousins,” they wrote.
Similarly, classic hobbies like knitting and crocheting are making a comeback, thanks to viral social media trends. @YarnMom mentioned that her tween daughter learned basic stitches from YouTube tutorials and now makes scarves for the family dog. “She’s more patient now, and it’s something we can do together,” she added.
Why it works: Tactile activities like these boost fine motor skills and creativity while providing a tangible sense of accomplishment—something endless scrolling rarely offers.
2. Tech-Infused Creativity
Not all screen time is created equal. Many parents highlighted how their kids are blending technology with hands-on learning. For example, @RoboParent shared that their 12-year-old uses a beginner-friendly coding kit to program miniature robots. “He’s learned basic Python, but to him, it’s just a game where he makes the robot ‘dance’ or solve mazes,” they explained.
Another popular crossover? Digital art tablets. @ArtTeacherMom noted that her teenage son, who used to groan at traditional drawing, now spends hours illustrating digital comics. “Apps like Procreate let him experiment without the pressure of ‘wasting’ paper. Plus, he can animate his characters!”
Why it works: These hybrid activities meet kids where they are (on devices) while encouraging problem-solving and artistic expression.
3. Niche Sports and Outdoor Adventures
Forget soccer and Little League—today’s kids are seeking unconventional ways to stay active. Reddit parents raved about hobbies like:
– Disc golf: @FrisbeeFanatic says their 10-year-old loves the low-pressure, exploratory nature of the sport. “We hike through parks, hunt for ‘hidden’ courses, and it doesn’t feel competitive.”
– Rock climbing: Indoor gyms with colorful climbing walls are a hit with all ages. @ClimbMom shared that her 7-year-old “treats it like a puzzle, figuring out which route to take next.”
– Urban gardening: Teens are growing everything from strawberries to carnivorous plants. @GreenThumbTeen’s mom joked, “Our patio looks like a jungle, but she’s learned about ecosystems and responsibility.”
Why it works: These activities combine physical exercise with exploration, appealing to kids who crave novelty or dislike traditional team sports.
4. Retro Gaming (But Make It Social)
While Fortnite and Roblox still rule, retro gaming is having a moment—with a twist. Parents mentioned their kids hosting “Mario Kart tournaments” on vintage Nintendo consoles or bonding with grandparents over Pac-Man. @OldSchoolGamerDad said, “My kids think the pixelated graphics are hilarious, but they love the simplicity. No in-app purchases, no chaos—just pure fun.”
Board games are also thriving. Strategy games like Catan or cooperative ones like Pandemic have become family staples. “We play every Sunday. It’s the one time nobody’s on their phone,” wrote @BoardGameMom.
Why it works: Retro games foster social interaction and strategic thinking, offering a shared experience that modern online games often lack.
5. DIY Culture and Entrepreneurship
From handmade jewelry to homemade slime, kids are channeling their creativity into mini-businesses. Reddit user @SlimeQueenMom shared that her 9-year-old runs a “slime shop” at school, experimenting with textures and glitter. “She’s learning about supply costs and customer feedback—basically Business 101.”
Others are diving into platforms like Etsy or YouTube to monetize their hobbies. @TeenCEO’s parent mentioned, “My daughter films ‘restoration’ videos—buying old furniture at thrift stores, painting it, and reselling. She’s saving up for a car!”
Why it works: Entrepreneurship teaches responsibility, math skills, and resilience when things don’t go as planned (like a “unicorn slime” batch that turned out… muddy).
The Common Thread? Autonomy and Connection
Across all these hobbies, Reddit parents emphasized one thing: letting kids take the lead. Whether it’s choosing a climbing route or editing a digital comic, kids thrive when they feel ownership over their interests. As @MindfulMom2024 put it, “The second I stopped pushing piano lessons and let my son pick up the ukulele instead, practice stopped being a battle.”
Of course, not every hobby sticks—and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to find a “perfect” activity but to give kids space to explore, create, and occasionally fail. After all, today’s abandoned pottery kit could be tomorrow’s passion for photography.
So, if you’re feeling stuck in the “What should we do this weekend?” loop, take a cue from Reddit parents: Embrace the messy, the analog, the retro, and the downright quirky. Because the best hobbies aren’t just about keeping kids busy—they’re about helping them discover what makes them light up.
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