Children nowadays grow up around all kinds of technology and parents can leverage this to introduce their kids to fun and interesting hobbies. In fact, hobbies create new learning experiences and give kids a chance to explore their interests and find exciting new ways to have fun. Additionally, hobbies can set the stage for a lifetime of learning.
To introduce your tech-savvy kids to the world of hobbies, use the following five fun ideas.
1. Robotics
Introducing kids to robotics at an early age gives them a chance to develop a lifelong love for engineering. Building and programming robots can make learning fun and teach kids essential life skills such as logical thinking, following instructions and self-confidence.
The Lego Boost product line is just one example of the kind of youth-oriented robotics platforms that you can buy. With these kits, kids build with the Lego bricks that they love and get to learn how to code using their tablet and the Lego Boost app.
2. Minecraft
Kids love video games, so why not combine the joy of gaming with the world of academics? The Minecraft experience teaches important geometric principles and also helps children learn how to read and apply the scientific method.
The creative environment and easy-to-understand rules make Minecraft a perfect tool to teach children about their world and develop their creativity. Inside the Minecraft environment, children will find all types of terrain, giving them the opportunity to explore the desert or navigate the ocean. Moreover, an entire community exists to share ideas.
3. Photography
Nowadays practically everyone has a mobile phone and it’s easier than ever to get started with photography. A love for photography can begin at a young age, giving kids a hobby that can grow with them into adulthood.
Kids can learn how to use photographs to tell stories and convey feelings. One of the best things about digital photography is the instant availability of results. The days of waiting and paying for film development are long gone. Hence, kids can snap photos to their heart’s content without incurring any additional expenses.
4. 3D Printing
In the past, subtractive processes such as milling were needed to convert a block of material into a useable object. Consequently, few people had the necessary machinery and skills to produce goods in their home or small business. With the development of 3D printing, all that changed.
A 3D printer uses special materials such as plastic to create a physical layer. After laying the first layer, the printer adds another layer. As the additive process continues, it forms a 3D object. The affordability of 3D printing makes an exciting hobby accessible to your kids.
Thanks to the maturity of the technology, everybody, including small children, can learn how design and print in 3D. Also, the magic-like way the printer creates usable and interesting objects makes the process as fun as it is educational.
5. Geocaching
Get your kids interested in hiking by turning outdoor treks into a high-tech treasure hunt that lets them put their phones to use in a practical and fun way. Called geocaching, this activity teaches the use of GPS, map, and navigation to find prizes hidden at a particular location.
As kids develop their skills and mature, you can introduce advanced tactics such as puzzles and tracking moving objects. Additionally, they can even create their own “caches” or participate in events organized by others. Before long, kids might decide to embrace hiking as a hobby.
Conclusion
Now is a great time for your tech-savvy kids to try either some or all of the above five fun hobby ideas. When they do, they will learn many practical uses of technology and find exciting hobbies that can lead to a lifetime of passion and learning.