Nowadays, many kids have no idea what to do with their free time other than watching TV, playing video games, or surfing the internet. While none of these forms of entertainment are necessarily bad, they can waste huge amounts of time that could be used in a productive way. They also allow you to zone out and shut down your brain, which can be very unhealthy if it happens too much. It's about time we thought up some new ideas on how to better spend our leisure time.
First, make sure that it really is free time, and not time that needs to be spent doing schoolwork, chores, work, or taking care of some other responsibility. Once that is done, there are many options of what to do for fun. If it is a nice day, there are dozens of activities to do outdoors. Backyard sports are always fun; you can play a game of soccer, football, Frisbee, volleyball, or whatever else you wish with your siblings or friends. To mix things up, you could try making up your own game! Go on a walk, run, hike, or a bike ride. Go to a park or playground. If your family or friends own a boat or canoe, you could take a trip to a lake. While you’re at it, bring your bathing suits so you can go swimming as well! On a weekend or in summer, you could even take along a picnic and stay for the day!
The summer months are a nice break from school, but they can get long and boring. How about starting a weekly get-together with your friends to help keep you all busy? You could have Craft Day, Board Game Day, Movie Day (or night,) Sports Day, or just have each other over to hang out. Organizing a neighborhood barbeque or Bring Your Own Meat would be a fun and easy way to get to know your neighbors better! Summer free time is also a wonderful opportunity to get involved with a ministry that reaches a need you are passionate about. Giving your time to serve others can be a huge blessing, both to them, and to you, and in summer you don’t have as many other responsibilities to take care of.
And don’t forget about winter fun! Sledding, skiing, and snowboarding are all great ways to stay active and work off some energy during the cold, snowy season when you’re mostly trapped inside. If you live fairly close to a frozen lake, ice skating is another winter activity.
If it is not a good day to be outdoors, there are also many fun indoor activities. If you like to read, a good book is a great place to start. A handwritten letter is always fun to receive, so why not write one to a friend or family member? Free time is also a wonderful time to pursue a hobby that interests you, such as art, woodcarving, photography, or playing a musical instrument.
Don’t stop here--these ideas are just a start! There are so many things to do in your leisure time that don’t involve staring at a screen! Remember that time is a gift, even if it is “free.” Let us remember to value it and use it wisely!
Do you have a creative idea for a free-time activity?
What is one hobby that interests you?
