Getting your children involved in a hobby is a great way to teach them valuable skills, learn something educational and just plain keep them out of trouble. But many hobbies can get expensive. Below are a few great hobbies for kids that won't break the bank.
Rock collecting
This is a great hobby that is also very educational. Rocks are all around us, and free. And you can check used bookstores for a cheap rock identification guide.
Crocheting and Knitting
All you need is some yarn and a crochet hook to start this inexpensive hobby. Patterns can be found online for free, and the things your child makes can be given away as Christmas and birthday presents or sold at local fairs.
Puzzles
Putting together jigsaw puzzles, doing crossword puzzles or Sudoku is a great way to train the mind and keep kids occupied. You can purchase crossword and Sudoku books for less than $3, and most jigsaw puzzles for $20 or less. Once it's finished, slap on some puzzle glue and your child will have her own work of art suitable for framing.
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Bird-watching
Another great educational hobby, bird-watching is also very cheap. Find a cheap new or used bird-watcher's guide (and free guides are available at Birdwatching.com) and a pair of binoculars and your child is all set to go about identifying the birds that live in his own backyard.
Astronomy
Yes, astronomy can be a cheap hobby, if you go about it the right way. Just pick up a star map and guide and a pair of binoculars and you're good to go. You can also find plans online for making your own small refractor telescope out of cardboard.
Painting and Drawing
Paints, brushes, pencils and paper are relatively inexpensive, and are great ways for kids to pass the time, especially if they are younger. Kids love being creative, and drawing and painting helps them express themselves while also developing their fine motor skills.
Photo credit: Shutterstock / De Visu