Between a job and having a newborn, there isn’t a whole lot of time left in the day. At the same time, only working at a job and helping out with a new baby can get pretty monotonous. Granted, having a newborn is time-consuming but it gets to a point sometimes when a Dad just wants to do more than work and help care for a baby. This list of 17 fun hobbies for new Dads has been carefully put together so that you can stay closer to home and that your new hobby doesn’t take up too much of your time.
1. Cooking
Cooking is a hobby that your whole family will enjoy. Everyone loves food, so you will most likely receive full support for this hobby for a new Dad. Plus, you will be able to create a variety of dishes.
2. Woodworking
If you have the room for this hands-on hobby, you can widdle away and make some amazing creations. You can even make some keepsakes for your newborn for their bedroom or for when they get older.
3. Survivalism
Your partner, family and friends may not be a fan of this hobby, especially being a new Dad but if you are an adrenaline junkie and you are up for a challenge, you can challenge yourself by getting lost in the woods, throwing knives at targets and even practice archery. Of course you will want to do these in controlled and safe environments. After all, you will want to be around to see your kid grow up.
4. Graphic novels
You have many options with this hobby. The world of graphic novels is pretty big. Finding something that interests you will allow you to stay close to home but also to break up your day between work and your newborn. And who knows, you may even want to write or animate your own one day
5. Treasure hunting
Depending on where you live, you can always take a metal detector to a beach or park to see what you can find.
6. Historical reenacting
This hobby may take a little more time and effort than you have when you are a new Dad but if you have a passion for acting or role play then this is for you. Pioneers and civil war reacting are popular choices.
7. Scuba diving
Again depending on where you live, scuba diving might be feasible. If it is an option, then getting gout at least one time a week could give you the much needed mental break that you could use. Especially with the demands of a newborn.
8. Movie making/Video Production
There is no better time to take up movie making as a hobby than when you have a newborn baby. You can make your baby the star of the movie. Using your phone would be a great start, But even further than that, you can download editing programs and edit the footage that you take and make them into small productions. These can even be great keepsakes for when your child gets older.
9. Rock climbing
Rock climbing can be done outdoors of course or at an indoor facility. If you are feeling adventurous, and there are ways that you can rock climb outside, ensure that you use the appropriate safety precautions. Rock climbing indoors offers a great challenge too, for a variety of skill sets. From novice to expert.
10. Astronomy
Looking up into the sky at the stars, moon and planets doesn’t necessarily require you to go too far from home. You can buy yourself an affordable telescope or a set of binoculars and stargaze while your new baby is sleeping.
11. Model rocketry
Another hobby that you can start that will help keep you close to home is model rocketry. You can by reading more about this hobby first, then you can progress to constructing rockets with safety in mind of course.
12. Baseball (watching/playing)
Even if you didn’t have an interest in baseball when you were younger, you can still take the time to watch or play it as a hobby. No matter your skill level, you can make this a fun hobby that you can even do with your baby.
13. Community theater
Do you have a passion for theater? If so, then a hobby that will allow you to spend some much needed time out of the house is community theater. This relatively low-risk-for-injury hobby will help you expand your creative capabilities beyond just working your job and helping with your baby.
14. Lego
Lego is definitely a hobby that you can have some fun with, either by yourself or with your little one. Most people associate Lego with only kids building massive structures but there are a lot of people that take Lego very seriously and enjoy it as a hobby.
15. Puzzles
Much like Lego, a lot of people equate making puzzles as a way for kids to stay busy. But puzzles come in all shapes and sizes. And some puzzles out there are pretty intense. Ranging from a couple pieces to tens of thousands of pieces. If you feel that you have the patience for puzzles, then this would be a great fit for you.
16. Sewing
Let’s face it, newborns are hard on the wallet. If you start a hobby that can help your household budget then it’s a great choice. From minor repairs to your newborn’s clothes to making an outfit. Possibilities are endless with this hobby for new Dads.
17. Thrifting
Another great hobby that can help you save money is thrifting. Baby clothes and baby items can get expensive. And although you may not think of thrifting as a hobby, there are people worldwide that thrift shop as a hobby. Try not to overspend or you will defeat the purpose of thrifting as a way to save money.
Takeaway
While it’s important to be there for your newborn baby and your partner, it’s equally important to be there for yourself too. It can be so easy to fall into the trap of just working and just taking care of your baby with little time to yourself. Because between changing diapers to potty training, there are going to be days when you will want to clear your head and regroup. This list of fun hobbies for new dads included hobbies that you do by yourself and hobbies that you can do with your newborn.
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