The Joy of Family Hobbies: How to Bond Through Shared Activities
Most of us have hobbies that we enjoy from time to time. Things like cooking, reading, playing sports, or doing crafts. These personal hobbies help us unwind and recharge, but they’re usually solitary activities. And when we get caught up in doing things on our own, it can sometimes create a bit of distance in our family relationships if we don’t make intentional time to connect.
That’s where family hobbies come in.
What Are Family Hobbies?
Family hobbies are shared interests or activities that every member of your family can enjoy together. They might be as simple as playing board games or as adventurous as planning camping trips. The key is finding something that brings everyone together and encourages connection, laughter, and teamwork.
In our family, that hobby has always been gaming. When my kids were small, they would sit beside me and watch me play old-school retro games. Eventually, they joined in—and we’ve had so much fun playing multiplayer games together through the years. Even now, with one of my daughters living on her own, we still hop on a few online games together to stay connected.
How Do You Choose a Family Hobby?
Finding the right family hobby can take a little trial and error. Every family is different—what one group finds fun, another might find frustrating or boring. But don’t let that discourage you. Try different things and see what clicks.
Start by making a list of everyone’s interests. Then look for overlapping themes or activities that can bring those interests together. It could be something creative, something active, something quiet and reflective—or something silly and loud!
Most importantly, make it a point to schedule time for it. That intentional effort can make all the difference in turning a one-time activity into a beloved family tradition.
To help you get started, here are five fun family hobby ideas you can try:
1. Cooking Together
Everyone has to eat, so why not turn it into something special? Cooking as a family is a great way to teach your kids important life skills while also creating memories in the kitchen.
You don’t have to cook every meal together. You could plan one dinner each week where the whole family helps—from picking the recipe to shopping, prepping, and cooking. Or maybe you make Saturday morning brunch a weekly family event.
To keep things interesting, consider buying a family-friendly cookbook and trying to cook your way through it as a challenge. Let each family member take turns picking the recipe, and enjoy the process—even when it gets a little messy!
2. Start a Family Book Club
If you’re a family that enjoys reading, a book club can be a great bonding experience. This one may be more suited for families with older kids or teens who can read independently, but you could always modify it by reading aloud together.
Pick a book to read each month, then set aside a time to talk about it. You might be surprised how many great conversations are sparked by the characters and themes in a good story.
You can keep it casual with text message updates or make it a weekly event where you read and discuss together. Either way, it’s a hobby that encourages communication and deep thinking—and it can continue well into adulthood.
3. Playing Games Together 
Gaming isn’t just about video games although those can be a lot of fun. Family game nights can also include board games, card games, trivia, or party games.
In our home, board games were mostly saved for special occasions like holidays or birthdays, but they were always a hit. We had our fair share of laughter and a few competitive moments too! If competitiveness tends to be a problem in your house, try picking cooperative games where everyone works together toward a common goal.
And if your kids are into video games, that can be a wonderful way to connect too. Find family-friendly titles you can all enjoy together and carve out time to play just for fun.
4. Camping As A Family
For those who love the outdoors or want to try it camping is a hobby that offers both adventure and quality time. Without the usual distractions of screens and busy schedules, camping creates space for deep conversations, creativity, and good old-fashioned fun.
You don’t have to be an expert outdoorsman to make it work. Even one camping trip per year can become a cherished tradition. And if sleeping in a tent isn’t your thing, consider renting a cabin or RV for a more comfortable experience.
The memories made around the campfire, on hiking trails, or during late-night storytelling are the kind that last a lifetime.
5. Volunteering As A Family
Giving back together can be one of the most rewarding hobbies your family takes on. Whether you volunteer at a food pantry, participate in a charity walk, or sponsor a child through a giving program, doing something for others creates a shared sense of purpose.
One of our favorite family traditions has been participating in the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. Each year, we pick out gifts for a child in need, and my girls have always looked forward to it.
You could also try fostering animals, collecting donations, or helping a neighbor in need. Volunteering doesn’t have to be complicated—it just needs a little heart.
Final Thoughts
Creating family hobbies may take effort, but the rewards are immeasurable. These shared experiences help build trust, laughter, connection, and lasting memories. And when your kids grow up and begin their own lives, those traditions and moments you built together will stay with them.
So no matter what hobby you choose, make the time to be together. Because those simple moments often end up being the most meaningful ones.
Thanks for reading! And if you’re looking for more ideas, check out my post on fun fall activities for families—perfect for when the weather turns crisp and cozy.
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