With the Internet being so ubiquitous, it may seem like it’s the only way young people can engage today. However, there are still a wealth of hobbies that yield productive, positive results that don’t rely on smartphones and social media. If your child has complained of boredom, here’s a few ideas to get the whole family inspired.

Art

Creative endeavors with crafts can inspire and motivate a child to be expressive in a positive way. Drawing, sculpting, sewing and writing are just a few ways one can engage in artistic hobbies. Creating a project requires patience and discipline, so art is excellent for teaching children how to focus. Whether it’s making a Halloween costume or sketching insects, the art sphere has limitless potential for young minds.

Exercise

Typically, children and teens aren’t going to be interested in exercising for the sake of it, nor should they. It’s much healthier and productive to encourage young people to engage in activities that offer exercise in the form of play. Skating, hula hooping, swimming, horseback riding and dancing are just a few examples. If your child is used to sedentary activities, try encouraging her to go for walks or hikes with you. It can be a fun, family hobby that doesn’t require the high stress and anxiety that team sports can create.

Collecting

There’s a fine line between being an avid collector and a hoarder. As long as kids are able to collect items that are meaningful without it becoming a disorderly obsession, it shouldn’t matter what they collect. Certain companies, such as Rocky Mountain Coin, know that coins can be a particularly worthwhile item to collect because they can appreciate in value over time. The same can be said of antiques and collectible figurines like action figures PVC models.

Video Games

While it may seem counterintuitive to a productive hobby, the truth is that video games can be highly beneficial to improving brain health in young people. If you’re not familiar with the video game industry, you may assume it is a mindless dredge of shoot-em-ups and flashing lights.

However, the gaming industry is incredibly diverse, and there are many games that feature a depth of storytelling, art direction, and interactivity that encourages problem-solving, critical thinking and creativity. Children can glean knowledge from certain types of games that are word and concept-heavy, and there are many non-violent games that can curb feelings of anxiety and restlessness in children struggling with mental illness and developmental issues, particularly autism.

Ultimately, there are a wealth of hobbies young people can enjoy that will nourish their minds and keep them active. Simply communicate with your child and try to encourage them to engage in something they truly love, even if it seems unconventional.