61 Fulfilling Hobbies for Moms to Make Life Fun and Find Purpose

Check out my list of hobbies for moms that will inspire you to make time for yourself and try something new!

As moms, we have to juggle multiple roles and responsibilities, which makes it easy to neglect our own needs and interests. Carving out time for hobbies isn’t just a luxury—it is essential for our well-being.

As a mom with ADHD, I have tried my fair share of hobbies. I tend to dabble in a hobby and then forget about it or get bored with it quickly. That doesn’t mean I am a failure. It simply means that it is time to try something new because maybe that particular hobby was not meant for me.

I made the mistake of trying to force myself to “stick to” crotchet even though I wasn’t enjoying it. Please don’t do this to yourself! Let go and move on to the next idea. It is so rewarding when you finally find the right hobbies that make you feel good!

So if you are like me, don’t beat yourself up for “giving up” on hobbies.

Change your mindset. Don’t view it as GIVING UP. It is a valuable learning experience of what you like- AND what you DON’T like.

TL;DR- Too Long; Didn’t Read- Hobbies for Moms

• Hobbies are essential for your well-being and provide a much-needed break from the demands of motherhood while providing a sense of identity.
• You could try artistic and creative hobbies like drawing, painting, jewelry making, calligraphy, and pottery- just to name just a few.
• Outdoor and Active Hobbies are a great way to incorporate physical and mental well-being with something you enjoy. A few ideas include gardening, yoga, weightlifting, group fitness classes, hiking, or kayaking.
• Some productive and rewarding hobbies include volunteering, writing, journaling, DIY home improvement projects, survival skills, learning a new language, blogging, or starting a business.
• Try some relaxing hobbies like meditation, reading, listening to music, or watching a new show.
• Making time for hobbies isn’t always easy- especially as a mom- but it pays off in so many ways!

How Hobbies Benefit You

Hobbies aren’t just about having fun- it’s also about nurturing ourselves. Hobbies provide us with a much-needed break from the demands of motherhood, allowing us to recharge. Whether it’s painting, gardening, or playing an instrument, hobbies offer a valuable outlet for creativity and self-expression.

Research has shown that hobbies can have a profound impact on our mental health and overall well-being. Hobbies provide us with a sense of purpose and accomplishment, which boosts our self-esteem and confidence. When we immerse ourselves in activities we enjoy, we can cultivate a greater sense of fulfillment, joy, and peace in our lives.

By making hobbies a priority, we also model healthy habits for our children and show them the importance of pursuing their passions and making time for self-care.

Where Can I Learn About My New Hobby?

YouTube– You can’t go wrong with YouTube videos! Just search for the skill you would like to learn and see what pops up! There is probably already a tutorial for it to help get you started. There are so many great creators out there making high-quality content if you “sort through the weeds”. Plus you are supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs when you like and subscribe to their content!

Skillshare– I have used Skillshare in the past to learn things spanning from crochet skills to how to use digital productivity tools. We also use it in our homeschool. For a reasonable yearly subscription fee, you can access your classes anywhere- on your tablet, laptop, OR phone.

Masterclass– Masterclass is another great online learning platform where users pay a subscription fee for unlimited access to all of their classes that are offered by subject matter experts.

Instructables– The Instructables website has endless project ideas with step-by-step tutorials. We have used this website on many occasions in our homeschool, but I also use it all the time for myself.

Outschool– This is a great one for kids! We use Outschool for homeschooling and unschooling all the time. It is an online platform for kids that makes learning fun through group Zoom calls.

Books– Do a quick Google search for the best books available on the subject of your new hobby. Don’t forget to check your local library first to save yourself some money. Reading lots of homeschooling books was one of the ways I learned everything I could about it before we got started!

Local Classes– You would be surprised to see how many options are probably available near you! Colleges often offer classes to the public, or maybe the local nature center or the parks and recreation department has more information. Places like the YMCA and local recreation centers usually offer various classes as well. Now with social media, it is easier than ever to find local instructors of all kinds to learn any type of hobby!

Ultimate List of Hobbies for Moms

Now it’s time to get down to business. Get inspiration for starting a new hobby from the ideas below:

Artistic and Creative Hobbies for Moms

1. Drawing

Let your creativity shine and express yourself through drawing or sketching. There are plenty of follow-along tutorials on YouTube and Skillshare.

2. Painting

There is something very therapeutic about running a paintbrush across a canvas. Try out different classes with different types of paint- oil, acrylic, etc. You could do online classes or in-person classes. Many studios even offer a night of wine and group painting classes- perfect for a night out.

3. Adult Coloring Books

This is my go-to activity when I am stressed out. Adult coloring books force me to put all of my concentration on what I am doing, so I don’t have the time or mental capacity to worry about anything else. My daughter and I also like to color while we listen to audiobooks together for homeschool.

4. Calligraphy

I dabble in calligraphy a bit when I write in my bullet journal. It is very relaxing!

5. Making Greeting Cards

A practical hobby that allows you to create beautiful and unique cards for every occasion. The free version of Canva is easy to use for this and has great templates to get you started.

6. Making Jewelry

This is a great way to make custom gifts or design pieces to match your unique style. A jewelry-making business would be a really fun side hustle too I think!

7. Flower Pressing

A beautiful way to enjoy nature and make one-of-a-kind creations. It could be incorporated into jewelry making for truly unique pieces.

8. Photography

This would be a great hobby to keep a record of all of the beautiful memories throughout the years. Our family travels often. As a homeschool project, we have started printing out pictures from our trips and making scrapbooks of them.

9. Scrapbooking

Organize and show your cherished memories to family and friends when they visit.

10. Painting Ceramics

Many local art centers or small businesses offer ceramic products that you can purchase and then paint in the studio. Later, the studio will heat your work in the kiln and you can return at a later date to pick it up. I have done this with the kids a few times with our homeschool group and it was really fun!

11. Furniture Restoration

Go out and visit yard sales, thrift stores, and antique dealers- or check sites like Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace for deals on furniture. I am obsessed with antiques and I love to buy second-hand, so I have fixed up my fair share of things like tables and dressers. You can create one-of-a-kind pieces to add to your home this way.

12. Home Brewing

You can explore brewing beverages like kombucha or beer. Create your signature beverage that you can share with your family and friends.

13. Baking/Cake Decorating

A fun and delicious hobby. Get a new cookbook and find some new favorite recipes.

14. Pottery

See if any local studios offer classes or use of their pottery wheel. Or you could splurge and buy your own so you can teach yourself at home.

15. Making Mosaics

The kids and I made mosaic stepping stones for the garden using pre-made kits I found at the thrift store. I can see how we could easily make more on our own, and we probably will in the future. 

16. Crotchet and/or Knitting

I got into Amigurumi for a while, and it was really fun! Handmade items make wonderful Christmas gifts for friends and family! For more holiday fun, download my FREE Christmas Bucket List Bundle!

17. Sewing

Sew by hand or use a machine. Make your own clothing, custom curtains, quilts, or any other sewing projects you might find.

18. Graphic Design

This could be learning something like website design, social media marketing, or personal branding services. Freelancing with skills like these on Upwork or Fiverr would be a great way to add some passive income to your life.

Outdoor and Active Hobbies for Moms

19. Gardening

Gardening is one of my favorite hobbies. You can try vegetable gardening, growing flowers, indoor gardening, bonsai gardens, succulents, etc. I never stop learning when it comes to gardening. If you want to involve the children, there are numerous gardening books, YouTube channels, websites, and other resources to get you started.

20. Practice Yoga

The benefits of Yoga are numerous, priceless, and proven. I became a yoga instructor by taking a 200-hour course. It was a life-changing experience. Having this certification opens doors for me if I ever want to pivot my career or make some extra income on the side. Plus, I know so much about yoga now and can confidently practice on my own.

21. Group Fitness Classes

Working out is much easier when you are surrounded by people who are doing it too. Who knows- maybe you will make a new friend while you are at it! I suffer from chronic depression, but I try to make sure that when I am feeling down, I still try my best to get out of the house at least a few times a week to be around other people. Group fitness classes are a great way to do that, but going to the gym alone is fine too!

22. Weightlifting

This is a hobby that pays off in the long term. Not only will you lose weight, gain strength, and feel better- you will stay healthy for your family as you age. I got into weightlifting after my second child and haven’t looked back. Falling in love with weightlifting has been one of the best things to happen to me for more reasons than one.

23. Running

Running is a great hobby that you can do almost anywhere. It can also be a great way to make friends and take part in organized runs for good causes.

24. Dancing

You can take dancing classes, take a Zumba class, or just dance on your own at home. Just do what feels good!

25. Rock Climbing

This would be a great way to work on upper body strength in a fun way- and would be great for the kids too.

26. Archery

You can buy or make a target for your backyard- or see if any local establishments have an indoor or outdoor range. 

27. Metal Detecting

I grew up not too far from the coast. I remember seeing people walk along the beach with their metal detectors and I sometimes wonder how many surprises or treasures they found.  Might be a fun (and sometimes lucrative) hobby.

28. Hiking

Nothing refreshes me more than getting outside. Hiking by yourself can be an invaluable exercise in mindfulness. The great thing is, the family can get involved too! Our family has so many great memories of our travels and hikes.

29. Kayaking/Paddle Boarding

A hobby that can be enjoyed alone or with the family.

30. Pickleball

Hop on the Pickleball craze and give it a try!

31. Bicycling

Alone or with the family, this is a great hobby to make lasting memories while staying active and improving your health. Fun AND rewarding.

32. Rollerblading

Who doesn’t love rollerblading? I grew up in the 90s and it feels like rollerblades were second feet for the kids in my neighborhood. Now that I have kids and bought one of them rollerblades for the first time, I realized how much I loved roaming the neighborhood as a kid on my rollerblades.

33. Geocaching

This one is fun. Geocaching is a collaborative way to go on a scavenger hunt in real life. Boxes are hidden out in the forest or around town with various surprises, treasures, and/or notes in them. Participants download an app that uses GPS technology to tell them exactly where the boxes are. When you find the box, you can open it and see what is inside, and then place any new items in the box for the next geocaching person to find. 

Productive and Rewarding Hobbies for Moms

34. Volunteering

This could be a very rewarding hobby that can also serve others. You could do something like volunteer at a local animal shelter. Just don’t be like me and want to bring all of the animals home with you!

35. Journaling

This could be a physical journal, digital journal, gratitude journal, or bullet journal. No matter which option you choose, journaling will help your mental health and help keep anxiety in check. I use a journal for affirmations so I can continually nurture a growth mindset.

Make sure to visit my Freebie Library to download free writing prompts and other printables. Or you can try monthly planning with monthly journal prompts.

36. Writing

Whether it’s creative writing, fan fiction, poems, or blogging- writing can be an excellent creative outlet.

37. Book Clubs

This can be a great way to meet other people who have similar interests and tastes as you.

38. DIY Home Improvement Projects

This could be a fun way to get some things done around the house. Include the kids to make it a fun learning experience!

39. Puzzles

Puzzles are a great way to slow down your mind and be in the present moment. My daughter and I enjoy doing puzzles together. I like to turn on some relaxing music in the background.

40. Genealogy Research

It is so interesting to learn about your relatives and family history. You can order a DNA kit and/or do research on open-source sites for public data.

41. Budgeting and Investing

Make budgeting feel less like a chore and more like a hobby. See how your family can cut corners here or there and save up for something you want, like a vacation or other big purchase.

42. Build A Recipe Book

Try new recipes! When you find a recipe that you love, add it to your recipe book or binder and build a custom recipe book with all of your favorite, irresistible recipes in it. Giving copies to friends and family would make a great gift that is both practical AND delicious.

43. Build a Master/Emergency Family Binder

Get organized once and for all in your home by building a master binder. You can use Canva to make printables like weekly schedules, chore charts, grocery lists, emergency numbers, and more. Rest assured knowing all of your important information is in one secure place.

44. Learn Homemaking Skills

Why not learn some practical homemaking skills? Since becoming a stay-at-home mom, I’ve had a lot of fun learning various basic skills like baking bread, sewing, and vegetable gardening.

45. Candle Making

Make beautiful candles for yourself or family and friends. Candle-making could also be a lucrative side business. This class on Skillshare would be a good place to start learning all about it!

46. Soap Making

What a fun hobby that could easily turn into a small business!

47. Canning

This is a perfect hobby to go along with something like vegetable gardening.

48. Learn Survival Skills

Practical AND fun! The whole family could benefit from learning some basic survival skills.

49. Learn to Play a Musical Instrument

Ever thought about learning the piano? Maybe the violin, the flute, the guitar, or the drums? Why not start now? There are so many options for online courses and lessons- it is easy to get started today. My 9-year-old daughter used the Simply Piano app to learn the basics of the keyboard. She had so much fun that her 7-year-old brother decided to use it too.

50. Learn Another Language

When we moved to Germany, I was able to learn German quickly enough to become conversational within just a few months. I primarily used the paid versions of Babble and Busuu apps. There are so many other great options out there to learn a language, and many of them are free.

51. Blogging/Start an Online Business

I wanted to start a blog for a long time but always got overwhelmed by the thought of it. As the years went by, there were more resources available to help me teach myself how to build a website and start an online business. It’s been a great outlet for me as a stay-at-home mom that gives me direction AND provides extra income. You can download my free Start Blogging Checklist printable to get you started!

52. Start an New Social Media Account to Talk about a Topic You Love

Start a new Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube. Facebook, or TikTok account to talk about a topic you love. This can easily turn into a business and bring in a profit for you if you gain enough followers. You could start a faceless account if you do not want to show your face.

53. Open an Etsy Shop

If you are into crafting, you could start an Etsy shop. You could make jewelry, stickers, crotchet creations, or maybe pottery. You could also look into starting a print on demand business and create custom items like t shirts, hoodies, mugs, candles, tote bags, and more!

Relaxing Hobbies for Moms

54. Meditation

Meditation and mindfulness have been life-changing for me. I have read a lot of books, and many of them discuss Buddhist principles. My favorite free resources for meditation are YouTube and the Insight Timer app. Headspace and Calm are great options also. 

55. Reading

Escape the real world for a little while through books! Maybe read mythology stories from around the world, travel through time, follow an outer space sci-fi adventure, or lose yourself in a good old-fashioned mystery. The possibilities are endless! Audiobooks are also a great option. I sometimes listen to audiobooks while cleaning or going for a walk.

56. Video Games

Video games aren’t only for kids. Try new types of games out and see if you can find one you enjoy. Not everyone likes the same types of games. Maybe find a multi-player game the whole family can enjoy together.

57. Thrift Stores

I’ll admit it, I am a thrift store junkie. I love getting a good deal, but I also shop second-hand for environmental and ethical purposes.

58. Chess

It has long since been known that chess improves memory, exercises the brain, improves concentration, and can even raise your IQ. Plus I watched the Queen’s Gambit on Netflix and have been m interested in learning about special moves or techniques that can be used in the game. If you have kids interested in chess, check out the FREE daily lesson plan by At Home Middle School using the Chess Kid website.

59. Listening to Music

I love just laying back with headphones on and listening to my favorite music. I also wear my headphones so i can listen to music while doing chores around the house, getting ready for the day, or when I’m out in the garden working.

60. Watch a New Movie or Show

Escaping reality for a while and immersing yourself in a story. can do wonders for your mental health when you are stressed out. So sit down guilt-free and know that watching your favorite type of show is a perfectly fine hobby too!

61. Crossword puzzles or Word Searches

Pick up a book of crossword puzzles or word searches. It can be relaxing to concentrate on completing the puzzle or search while you relax on the couch, on the porch, or just about anywhere.

Making Time for Hobbies

Being a mom can be overwhelming. It can be difficult to balance motherhood and self-care. Making time for hobbies IS self-care. You have to do what brings you joy. You can avoid parental burnout by regularly nurturing yourself and proactively managing burnout symptoms.

I have gone through long periods where I forget to make time for myself and my interests. During these times I find myself more irritable and tired. When I started viewing “me time” differently, I stopped feeling bad for doing things like binge-watching a new show. It helps me put my to-do list to the side for a little while and let go of the stress of obligations. Plus, it makes me feel better. The tricky part is getting back to work afterward.

I use various productivity tools to help me stay organized and on top of self-care. These tools help me prioritize tasks and make sure I am balancing my time properly.

Some hobbies would be really fun to include the children with. It could be gardening, hiking, drawing, or anything really! Consider turning some of these ideas into a family hobby to create years of fond memories together.

Set realistic goals for yourself and don’t get discouraged if you “give up” on a hobby. Even if you try a hobby and figure out that it isn’t for you, THAT is a valuable learning experience. You have learned what you DON’T like. That eliminates that hobby from your list, and you can then simply move on to the next hobby that you would like to try.

Don’t try too many new hobbies at once. It can be overwhelming. My advice is to start with one. Learn everything you can about it and become a subject matter expert. A deep dive is more productive and rewarding than dabbling in several different hobbies superficially.

Do You Want To Make a Profit From Your Hobby?

Almost any hobby can be turned into a profitable side hustle. Consider ways that your hobby could be turned into a business providing goods OR services. Imagine how rewarding it would be to make a side income from your interests and passions. Just think- it could eventually turn into a full-time income! You never know.

Final Thoughts on Hobbies for Moms 

Now that you have read through this list of hobbies for moms, go out there and get started! Remember- just because you “give up” on a hobby doesn’t mean you are a failure. It just means it is time to try something new until you find the hobby that leaves you feeling fulfilled.

Do you have any other hobby ideas for moms? What hobbies have you tried? Leave a comment below and I’ll be sure to add it to the list!