"As a kid, hobbies were simple. We could spend whole days cooking up pretend feasts in our play kitchens or choreographing elaborate dance routines to perform in front of our parents later. Doing things just for fun was the whole point, not something we struggled to fit into our calendars. But now, as adults, carving out time for the things we love can feel a bit more complicated. Between busy work calendars, texts I haven’t responded to, and forgetting to cancel my Fabletics subscription, the days of pretending to be a glamorous super chef/pop star feel a little hard to reach these days. But the good news? That nostalgic urge to create and play is still within reach.
Turns out, those LEGO cities and Play-Doh creations you built as a kid might say more about you and your current interests than you think. Reconnecting with similar hobbies can be a great way to tap into that version of you that existed before the deadlines and to-do lists. Whether it’s revisiting an old instrument or playing dress-up, there are so many fun ways to bring back that effortless “playtime” feeling we loved. And at the end of the day, hobbies should still be about enjoying the fun of it and less about being good at it.
So, if you are in search of some new hobbies to try, what you loved to do as a kid can offer the perfect inspiration. Read on to discover your next hobby, inspired by your favorite childhood activity.
If you lived in sandboxes, try gardening
If your favorite pastime as a kid was playing in the sandbox, gardening is essentially the grown-up version of that. Just think: It offers all the fun of getting your hands dirty with an even better payoff at the end. It’s a great way to revisit that satisfying feeling of creating something from nothing—this time leaving you with a bounty of homegrown vegetables, fresh herbs, or blooming flowers to enjoy. One thing that hasn’t changed since your days as a sandcastle architect? Getting a little dirt under your nails can be so satisfying.
If you wanted to be a pop star, take a dance class
If your ideal Saturday evening involved forcing your parents to watch your best rendition of a Hannah Montana concert performance, odds are there is a little pop star diva in you—and I bet she is still there. Explore those old pop star moves by trying out an adult dance class! Whether hip-hop is your jam, you want to learn salsa, or you just really love balletcore, there are so many kinds of dance options you can try to make that double pop star life a reality. Plus, it’s a great way to build community and connect with new people!
If your art projects covered your parents’ fridge, try adult coloring books
Great news for anyone whose prized childhood possession was a jumbo pack of crayons: Coloring can be just as fun for adults as it is for kids. Adult coloring books are a great creativity booster and a fun way to channel your fridge-worthy artist persona. Don’t stress about coloring inside the lines—just grab some crayons or colored pencils and let the colors flow. Whether you crack one open after work hours, on lunch breaks, or during your morning routine, adult coloring books are an easy escape when you need a creative break.
If you were a piano kid, learn an instrument
As the kid who spent many of their adolescent years trying to get out of piano practice, music was more of a disciplinary chore than a fun hobby. But hear me out: Learning an instrument as an adult can be much more enjoyable than when you played as a kid, simply because there is more freedom in it. And with an infinite pool of YouTube tutorials and TikTok how-tos, picking up a new musical skill has never been easier to try. So, pull those old keys out of storage, snag a gently used guitar on Facebook Marketplace, or rent an instrument from your local music store! Who knows, that young music prodigy might still be in there.
If you played outdoors nonstop, try nature photography
If you were constantly running around outside as a kid, odds are you weren’t just outside. You were charting mythical lands, playing mermaids out by the lake, or pretending fireflies were fairies to catch. Now, as an adult, your imagination might not run quite as wildly, but you can still tap into that genuine curiosity and magic. Maybe it’s the way a lake glistens or how a tree casts its shadow. Whatever sparks your creativity, photography is the perfect, adult-modified hobby to reconnect with the magic of nature.
If you were a sports star, try a fitness club
Were you the kid constantly getting shuttled around in your mom’s van to endless sports practices? You likely retired your old jersey a while ago, but don’t worry, there are still plenty of fun ways to relive your moments as a superstar athlete. Break a sweat and channel that competitive energy by rejoining a sports club! Whether you want to join a soccer league, volleyball team, running club, or pickleball group, there are so many ways to get moving again. Or if clubs aren’t so much your game, grab some friends and finally try that Pilates class that has yet to leave the group chat.
If you were a LEGO master builder, try DIY home projects
If you loved playing with LEGOs as a kid, it could be time to put those building skills to work again—this time with just a few more grown-up tools. Instead of stacking colored blocks and building fictional cities, bring your builder skills to your Pinterest board and take on a new home project! Think: new shelves for the kitchen, a bold new paint color for the bedroom, or maybe revamping that thrifted dresser just for fun. Turns out, stacking those plastic bricks was teaching you important skills in planning out and assembling a project. And if something doesn’t quite fit along the way, you already know how to approach things one piece at a time.
If you loved pretend tea parties, become the host of the friend group
Hosting tea parties was about more than just sipping tea with all your favorite dolls—it was about creating a vibe. From strategically placed seating arrangements to matching teacups and saucers, this childhood hobby might be your origin story for crafting themed dinner parties, brunches, or fun nights in with friends. And of course, if you have learned anything from your Barbie and American Girl Doll gatherings, it’s that it’s all in the details. Bring out your inner hostess, and call your friends over for good times with a fun playlist, tasty snacks, and a lively theme. Simple touches can go a long way in making your guests feel special (but you already knew that).
If you made friendship bracelets for all your friends, try DIYing your own jewelry
If making bracelets for your friends was your love language as a kid, I have good news: making jewelry is still just as fun. You can throw it all the way back by crafting bracelets out of embroidery floss or colorful letter beads, or elevate this childhood hobby by making your own charm necklaces, dangly earrings, and beaded bracelets. Either way, it’s a fun activity for a girls’ night or solo evening at home. You could even start selling your creations on Etsy once you’ve got the hang of it.
If you loved playing dress-up, experiment with your style
Something about dressing up as my favorite Disney princess made me feel so unstoppable as a kid. And let’s be real: If those Disney kitten heels came in adult sizes now, they would be a tempting purchase. But unlike those chic little heels, dress-up isn’t just for kids. If you’re someone who still loves getting dressed up in your favorite stylish outfit for coffee runs or nights with friends, it could be time to lean into that fashionable persona more intentionally. Experiment with your style and create different outfits with pieces from your closet or thrifted finds. Then (if you dare), take those looks to social media to share your style with others. But, if going social isn’t your thing, no worries—playing dress-up is still fun even if it’s just for yourself!
Madigan Will, Assistant Editor
As an Assistant Editor for The Everygirl, Madigan writes and edits content for every topic under the digital media sun. As the oldest of four siblings, she enjoys utilizing her big sister persona to connect and inspire readers—helping them discover new ways to maximize their everyday.
Feature graphic images credited to: Lacie Porta | Dupe, Tara Silic | Dupe, Mayar Johary | Dupe, Adobe Stock, Budgeron Bach | Pexels, Cori Burns | Dupe, Sarah Barna | Dupe, Harriet Davie | Dupe