103 Hobbies for ALL Dads (New, Single, Divorced, Retired)

Hobbies are a wonderful way of doing something creative, fun, and relaxing while leaving you feeling fulfilled at the end of the day. My list of 103 hobbies for dads will have you exploring a range of life experiences beyond your office or daily family life. 

As a father of a three-year-old princess, I use this long list myself when I want to take up a new hobby. Feel free to cherry-pick the best for you.

Hobbies That All Kinds of Dads Can Practise (With or Without Sons, Daughters, Wife)

By engaging in a hobby you enjoy doing with your wife or children, you’re encouraging bonding and cultivating stronger relationships. As a new dad, you might feel left out or there might be many reasons why you might want to pick up a new hobby. Here’s the ultimate list. 

1. Hiking

Hiking is a wonderful outdoor hobby that can be done with the whole family. When it comes to building father or dad relationships, hiking wins hands down for creating fun dads!

2. Fishing

Take your son (and daughter) fishing on weekends and expand into fly or deep sea fishing, adding more skills to the hobby while spending time in nature. 

3. Watch Movies

Turn your basement into a home theater and watch movies that appeal to the whole family. Don’t forget the popcorn!

4. Dancing

Join a local dance club with your wife and turn dancing into a fun hobby for the two of you. Learn the tango, waltz the waltz, or jazz it up with rock n’ roll. 

5. Camping

Introduce your kids to the great outdoors and take up camping as a hobby. This is a wonderful way to spend time with your family away from the stressors of everyday life. 

6. Snowboarding

Snowboarding is a great winter sport to do with both sons and daughters. Keep it recreational or enter into competitions to add a bit of a challenge. 

7. Chess

Teach your kids focus, strategy skills, and improve memory by adopting chess as a hobby. 

8. Paintball

Paintball is a great team sport that can be played with your older children. They’ll love the thrill of outsmarting opponents while avoiding being eliminated at the same time. 

9. Electronic Model Building

Boys love playing with electronic models and turning it into a hobby is a great activity for fathers and sons. 

10. Rocketry

Teach yourself and your son about the science of rockets by taking up rocketry. Experiment with fuels and motors while launching rockets of all sizes and shapes. 

11. Model Trains

Still have the model train set from your childhood? Bring it out and turn it into a hobby you and your children can do together on weekends and holidays. 

12. Archery

Archery is a hobby that’s fun while developing your mental abilities. It can also be a sport shared with the whole family. 

13. Go Kart Racing

A fun hobby for both the kids and you, go-kart racing also develops coordination skills, boosts concentration, and teaches healthy competition. 

14. Play a Sport

Playing sports with your children is a great way to bond with them. Take up tennis or basketball as a hobby while teaching your child a new sport.

Hobbies for New Dads

Parenting can be time-consuming and tiring for new dads. These hobbies can be done in between caring for a new baby. 

15. Barbecuing

Barbecuing on the weekends is a hobby that can be expanded into smoking meat while experimenting with a range of exciting recipes. 

16. Leather Craft

Working with leather is a peaceful and creative hobby that can be done in between diaper changes or bottle feeding. 

17. Stock Market Trading

Develop investment skills by trading on the stock market as a hobby. You can buy and sell securities or you can “gamble” with derivatives. 🙂

18. Cycling

It’s important to get out and move when adjusting to a new baby in the home. Cycling or mountain biking is a great hobby while being outdoors for a couple of hours on the weekend. 

19. Reading

Taking up reading as a hobby not only relaxes you but also opens you up to a world of fantasy and knowledge while feeding or soothing your baby. 

20. Meditation

Taking up meditation as a daily hobby is a good way to calm down while becoming mindful. It’s cost-effective and there’s no time limit – it can be practiced for five minutes or one hour. 

21. Painting

Painting is a hobby that can be done in between caring for a new baby. Discover various mediums such as watercolor, oils, or acrylic and enjoy bringing out your creativity. 

22. Paddling

Paddling is another great outdoor hobby that can get you out of the house when you need a break from baby duties! 

23. Learn a Foreign Language

Learning a foreign language is a good hobby for new dads which can be done in the evenings, weekends, or even while rocking your baby to sleep in the middle of the night!

24. Gardening

There are many health benefits to gardening. And, you can let your baby watch you while you do some weeding or plant seedlings. 

25. Cooking

Take up cooking and discover new cuisines while your wife settles your baby down for the evening. 

26. Video Games

When you’re not on diaper or feeding duties, you can play video games as a hobby. It’s great for brain flexibility and problem-solving.

27. Play the Piano

Learn how to play the piano by signing up for online lessons. This is a fulfilling hobby that can be done any time of the day or night. 

28. Sightseeing

You cut the umbilical cord and now taking your baby sightseeing with you is another way to grow the bond between the two of you. 

Hobbies for Single Dads

Single dads raising children on their own may find they have very little time on their hands for hobbies. However, don’t use lack of time as an excuse not to do something you enjoy. 

29. Tattooing

Becoming a tattoo artist is a hobby you can do at home while earning some extra bucks at the same time. It’s also a wonderful way to meet new people while using your creative skills.

30. Restoring Vintage Cars

Restoring vintage cars is another hobby that can be done at home while keeping an eye on the kids. 

31. Yoga

Yoga can be learned at home and routines can be done every day at home and even include the kids. 

32. Stone Carving

Stone carving is another hobby that can be done at home, in the evenings and on the weekends. Enjoy creating interesting 3-dimensional shapes out of stone. 

33. Growing Orchids

If you love working with plants, start growing orchids. All you need is a greenhouse where these plants can thrive under your attention and care.

34. Make Electronic Music

Another hobby that can be done at home while the kids are around is electronic music production. 

35. Team Sports

Being a single dad can be lonely work so joining a local sports club and playing team sports is a healthy hobby to adopt. 

36. Cheesemaking

Cheesemaking is a great skill to develop and can be done in your home. You could turn it into a side hustle to increase your monthly income.

37. Woodwork

Woodworking is another hobby that has numerous benefits too! It improves fine motor skills and gives you a whole-body workout.

38. Digital Design and Coding

If you enjoy working on your computer, take up digital design and coding. 

39. Card Games

A great social hobby, card games can be played with your buddies at home while the kids are playing, doing their homework, or watching TV.

40. Genealogy

Turn studying your family line into a hobby by taking up genealogy. All you need is access to the Internet and membership to genealogy online sites.

41. Bonsai Art

Bonsai art involves growing trees and shrubs in shallow pots while manipulating their shapes. This hobby was first taken up as part of Japanese culture and is now popular worldwide. 

42. Off-Roading

Here’s a hobby that’ll get you and the kids out of the house and into the wilds for some off-road adventures!

Hobbies for Divorced Dads

Being a divorced dad requires developing a number of skills including co-parenting. Read my list of quotes to inspire you to be a better co-parent. These hobbies below will also help you build great relationships with your kids who don’t need to worry about dad hating me issue.

43. Magic

Become a magician! This fun hobby can be learned through watching YouTube or reading books. 

44. Whittling

Carving shapes out of wood is a peaceful part-time while using your creativity. You can develop various techniques and make gifts for your kids whenever they come to visit.

45. Model Crafting

Model crafting is a hobby you can do with your children when they’re spending time with you, especially with boys.  

46. Keep an Aquarium

Keeping an aquarium is a peaceful hobby that’ll enthrall your children whenever it’s your time to have them. 

47. Brew Craft Beer

Making homebrew beer is a perfect hobby for divorced dads looking for something to do when the kids are with mom. 

48. Skiing

Skiing is an active hobby that can be done with or without the kids. You can also book ski holidays when the children are with you and introduce them to a new sport.

49. Knife Making

Learning how to make your own knives is a wonderful hobby if you’re a hands-on kind of guy. It could also lead you into another hobby known as blacksmithing. 

50. Astronomy

Study the stars and introduce your children to the fascinating world of the universe. 

51. Blogging

Blogging is a great hobby if you enjoy writing about a particular interest or passion. You can do it in your free time and even turn it into a money-making project. 

52. Terrarium Making

Why not make a miniature garden by creating a micro-environment in a container that can be kept indoors? 

53. Play the Guitar

Learn how to play the guitar and entertain your kids when they come to visit!

54. Making Cuckoo Clocks

If you love the intricacies of working with cuckoo clocks, this is a fascinating hobby. 

55. Write a Book on Co-Parenting

Help other divorced fathers navigate co-parenting and write a book based on your personal experiences. 

Hobbies for Retired Dads

When the children leave home, you’re left facing the empty nest syndrome! Developing new hobbies will help you cope with the sadness of your kids leaving home and keep you busy.

56. Thrifting

If you enjoy getting bargains, visit flea markets or explore garage sales in the area. Thrifting is a hobby that gets you out of home, meeting other people, and getting a good deal!

57. Rock Climbing

If you’re an active retired dad, take up a new sport such as rock climbing. 

58. Traveling 

Retirement has many benefits including the freedom to travel. So, pack up the van, get on the road and start exploring.

59. Play Darts

Join other retired dads at the local pub and start playing darts. 

60. Sailing

If you’re living on the coast or next to a lake, take up sailing. Show off your mastery on the yacht the next time your kids visit.

61. Birdwatching

Birdwatching is the perfect hobby for retired dads who love nature. Discover new birds by visiting parks in your local area. 

62. Photography

With the kids out of the home, you’re likely to have more money to take up a hobby such as photography. 

63. Wine Tasting

If you’re a wine connoisseur, then sign up to your local vino club. Here you’ll meet like-minded people and new wines as you discover the pleasures of wine tasting as a hobby.

64. Mentoring and Coaching

Why not offer your services as a mentor and coach to youngsters who would benefit from your knowledge and skills as a father? 

65. Landscaping

If you love gardening, take up a new hobby and help other people landscape their own gardens. There are many short courses available online to help you develop your skill as a landscaper. 

66. Collect Rocks 

If geology fascinates you, start collecting rocks. Also known as amateur geology, your rock collection can also be made up of fossils and minerals. 

67. Billiards

Billiards is a pleasurable hobby that involves competition and interacting with other players who enjoy the game. 

68. Volunteer

Volunteering is a rewarding hobby. You can help out at an orphanage, be a puppy raiser, or work at a meal kitchen. 

69. Golfing

Playing golf gets you outdoors, keeps you fit, and meeting new people. 

Hobbies for Bored Dads

If you get bored easily, you need to find a hobby that keeps you stimulated. Take up a hobby for those days when you’re on babysitting duty or your wife and kids are out for the day.

70. Bodybuilding

Install a home gym for all your bodybuilding needs so you can still look out for the kids.

71. Renovating Motorbikes

Renovating old motorbikes at home is a great way to pass the time while on babysitting duty.

72. Interior Design

If you love playing around with home decor, take up interior design as a hobby. 

73. Fashion Design

Fashion design is another skill you can develop as a part-time hobby while being a dad. Study a course online and develop your own fashion brand.

74. Boxing

Being active is a great way to keep boredom at bay so why not take up boxing as a hobby? 

75. Martial Arts

Martial arts is also a great hobby for bored dads who need to keep moving. Find a local class and build your stamina while developing mind and body strength.

76. Watchmaking

Repairing watches may be a dying art but it’ll keep you busy enough once you get some customers. 

77. Cigar Making

Another fascinating hobby is cigar making and it’ll keep you rolling tobacco late into the night if you’re not careful! 

78. Surfing

Surfing is an exciting hobby if you live by the ocean. Head out in the early mornings when your wife is happy to look after the kids and ride the wave. 

79. Crossword Puzzles

Solving crossword puzzles will keep boredom away even when you’re stuck at home with the baby sleeping. 

80. Diving and Snorkeling

If time allows it and you’re living by the beach, take up diving or snorkeling as a hobby. The ocean underworld will stop any boredom in its tracks!

81. Metalworking

Another great hands-on hobby is metalworking and you’ll be kept busy for hours once you get started on a project. 

82. Horse Riding

Horse riding is a hobby you can do together with your older kids. 

83. Origami

Origami is a creative hobby that costs next to nothing to do. All you need is some paper and YouTube videos showing you how to do it. 

Watch this video giving instructions on how to make a crane.

84. Bowling

Bowling isn’t only for seniors so if you get easily bored, take this sport up as a hobby. 

85. Lego Building

Get down on the floor with the kids and start lego building. You can also start collecting Lego as a hobby.

86. Skateboarding

Take up skateboarding with or without your kids and never worry about boredom again!

Hobbies for Stay-at-Home Dads

Are stay-at-home dads losers? While this debate rages on, let’s look at some hobbies fathers can adopt while staying at home to care for the kids. 

87. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a great hobby for making some extra money while staying at home with the kids..

88. Growing Vegetables

Growing your own vegetables is a healthy hobby to adopt while saving money at the same time.

89. Online Life Coaching

Life coaching is a rewarding vocation and one that has taken off online. 

90. Website Building

Building websites for entrepreneurs is a creative and lucrative hobby that can be done while at home. There are many website builders you can use to get you started.

91. Beekeeping

If you live out in the country on a large property, take up beekeeping and start supplying honey at the local farmers’ market. 

92. Herbal Tinctures

Grow your own herbs and make herbal tinctures that can be used at home. You could also give them away to friends and family. 

93. Play the Drums

Learning to play the drums is an enjoyable hobby and something that can be learned from watching online instructions.

94. Become an Influencer

Becoming an influencer on social media is a hobby that could turn into something lucrative at the same time. 

95. Podcasts

Why not start a podcast about being a stay-at-home dad? This will be a fun hobby that could end up with many fathers following listening every day. 

96. Knitting

Knitting and crocheting shouldn’t be ignored as a fulfilling pastime. Make scarves, beanies, and jerseys your family will love!

97. Coloring Books

Coloring books will keep you entertained for hours. This is a creative hobby that can also be done with the children.

98. Lock Picking

Okay, this hobby is really about developing a skill that will come in handy when you lock yourself out of the house!

99. Create a YouTube Channel

Similar to podcasts, create a YouTube channel for other stay-at-home fathers to watch. 

100. Virtual Tours

Turn virtuality into a hobby and start exploring museums, other countries, and even homes by taking virtual tours.

101. Make Kombucha

Not only is this a healthy hobby, but you can also start selling your kombucha to your friends and family.

102. Build a Robot

Building a robot is an engineering hands-on hobby that’ll satisfy the engineer inside of you!

103. Pottery

Another creative hobby that’ll keep you entertained while the kids are playing or doing their homework. 

Conclusion

There’s a hobby for every kind of dad so get started today and have fun while learning something new! This way your fatherhood won’t be so challenging.