Unique Hobbies for Homeschoolers- 14 Super Ideas
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Are you ready to explore unique hobbies for homeschoolers? I have found that so many homeschooling kids are interested in activities and hobbies that traditional school kids just don’t do. Have you discovered this yet?
If you are new to homeschooling, you might be seeing some of these benefits:
- Your kids are excited about learning!
- You are an intact family unit most of the day, instead of being splintered in many directions.
- You own your day, instead of a system dictating your time.
You might also be feeling some of these challenges of homeschooling:
- You are together ALL DAY.
- You (mom) feel responsible for EVERYTHING!
- It is hard to meet everyone’s needs, ALL THE TIME.
In my experience, homeschool kids have more time to follow their interests in a way that many school kids do not experience.
Mamas, you must take advantage of this. This is your way to combat the challanges of homeschooling, being together all the time and filling each of your children’s “buckets.”
Charlotte Mason, a great English educator of the 1800s said, “The best education is self-education.”
If your kid finds something that he enjoys and takes that self-education into his own hands, you have done something amazing for your child. You have taught him to be interested in the world, which many people have forgotten how to do.
It does not matter if you enjoy your kids’ hobbies. Actually, in a homeschooling family, it is better when everyone has their own interests.
All you need to do is be open to introducing your kids to hobbies.
Here is a list of unique hobbies that my homeschooled kids have enjoyed over the years.
Unique Hobbies for Homeschoolers
Lego Hobbies
Legos– Legos fill hours of time. Kids learn patience, physics and creativity. My kids could never keep the legos from kits built and we would wind up with lots of spare parts and no instructions. I like the basic bins like this one to foster more creativity!
Lego Robotics– My sons’ received this Lego robotics guy for Christmas this year and it was a fun challenge!
Lego Stem Kits are so cool and they come with all the pieces. This one would be perfect if you were teaching elementary physics.
Arts and Craft Hobbies
Have your kids tried paper quilling? It is not hard and creates beautiful artwork with little strips of paper. My son got really into this craft one year.
Polymer clay is used for to make long lasting clay creations like Christmas ornaments, earrings, and toy figurines. My family did this is a homeschool co-op class and the kids loved it!
Leatherworking is a craft that might appeal to boys. You can burn designs into pieces of leather to make intricate pattens and designs. My older sons have enjoyed making gifts with this kit.
Wood burning is another craft that boys love. Burn logos or designs onto cutting boards, wooden spoons, homemade swords, and more!
Sewing: My daughter and I worked through this Sewing School book when she was in first grade. It is mostly hand sewing and we both learned a lot. We made pillows and bags and stuffed animals and more! Hand sewing is definitely am important skill that is becoming rare in our modern world!
Teach Kids to Sew: 8 Modern Tips to Get Creative
Resin Crafting- This is going to be a Christmas present for one of my kids. Make beautiful pieces of art, jewelry, vase and more. You can even combine this with woodworking to make it even more interesting.
Outdoor Hobbies
Metal detecting is like modern day treasure hunting! Try a lightweight detector and make vacations, park dates and even your own backyard more interesting! If you are interested in getting your kids started in metal detecting, check out my article, Metal Detecting for Kids: Going on a Treasure Hunt.
Recurve Bow and Arrow– My kids really like Archery, but they did not like the kits for kids. They all have recurve bows, which are fun for target shooting but could be used for hunting small game too.
For extensive archery recommendations: How to Make a Homemade Bow and Arrows: A Tutorial and The Thrill of the Bullseye: Why Boys Love Archery
Survival skills– Surviving in the wilderness, emergency situations, outdoor cooking and foraging, hunting……..these books by Bear Grylls will get your children outside! This is such an interesting and expansive hobby. I hope your kids try some survival skills.
Airsoft Guns- Our homeschool group has regular Airsoft wars using guns like these. Picture 70-100 young men doing mock battles in camouflage. They LOVE it. This hobby requires your kid to learn responsibility and control.
To learn more about playing Airsoft:
Airsoft Gear for Beginners: What Parents Need to Know
Should I Let My Kids Play Airsoft Guns?
12 Rules for Playing Airsoft with Good Sportsmanship
Woodworking from pallets– My 14 year old son is really into this right now. He has made garden boxes, shelves, tables, chairs and more. It is a cool and inexpensive hobby.
Teach Woodworking to Kids: 10 Easy Steps to Get Started
Getting Your Homeschoolers Started in a New Hobby
1. Each year, ask your kids what they want to learn about and what they want to learn to do.
2. Check out resources to help them achieve these goals. (If they don’t have goals, go ahead and pick something for them – you know your kid!)
3. Give them time to work on these things during the year. Ask them about the hobbies and let them teach you. Be supportive, but don’t help too much. This needs to be THEIR thing.
4. Don’t require mastery.
5. Do require your children to use their time, treasure and talents well.
6. Model the same steps for yourself. “Self-education is the best education!”
Here is a fun guide to helping you pick new hobbies this year: Hobbies for Homeschoolers: New Year Resolutions
Have Fun!
I would love to hear about other unique hobbies for homeschoolers. Please comment below and we can inspire each other to learn about new interests!
Stacie
