There is nothing more critical in a father-son relationship than spending time together doing something they can both enjoy.
There are many different hobbies available today that can help strengthen that bond and help create a lifetime of memories.
There are always those basic and over-done hobbies out there for you to try, like walking, gardening, learning to paint.
However, if you want something a little more exciting and a lot less monotonous, here is a list of 11 great hobbies a father and son can do together.
Wood Carving
The art of wood carving has been around for many years. This skill can take a lot of time and patience to master. While you are whittling away, the room your in should be quiet and free from distractions.
There is something special about sitting together in silence, just enjoying each other’s company.
You can start small when first learning to carve wood, like making an arrow out of a stick. After some time, you could learn to love the craft and create giant bears sitting on a tree stump or something just as impressive.
Learning the Guitar
Music has always been a great way to bring people together. It’s like learning a new form of communication, and it can help people connect in a way they could never do before.
Learning how to play the guitar is a beautiful hobby that can genuinely help improve a relationship.
You don’t have to enjoy the same type of music to appreciate the talent it takes to create it. It can be a lot of fun writing your songs together and taking time to get to understand each other.
Boxing
Boxing is one of the oldest forms of martial arts. It has become a popular sport over the years, but it is still great for learning self-defense and getting into shape.
All dads want to teach their sons the importance of protecting themselves, and boxing is a great way to do just that.
Whether you are sparring to compete or just punching a bag at home, boxing is an excellent hobby to consider getting involved in.
Geocaching/Metal detecting
If you haven’t been geocaching yet, you are missing out. Geocaching is like treasure hunting with a guaranteed payout every time.
You can easily download the geocaching apps, and the adventure begins with a guided map to find items hidden by a fellow cache seeker.
You can spend an hour at a time or take the whole day; nothing is more exciting than tracking down hidden prizes. To amplify the fun, bring along a metal detector and a shovel; maybe you will get lucky!
Backpacking/Bushcraft
There is no other bonding moment quite like learning the skills developed through bushcraft and back-packing through nature. Take time away from the T.V. and leave all the devices behind, go out and explore the world.
Locate new hiking locations in your area, or take a mini-vacation to hit up all the best trails in each state.
Educate one another on how you would survive if you ever got stuck out in the wild for a long time. You can learn how to identify all of the plant and tree leaves and animal tracks left in the mud.
Try making a fire the old fashion way. The skill you can develop is priceless, and so are the adventures.
Knife Throwing
Throwing knives takes practice and dedication. It’s not an easy sport to pick up right away, but once you do, it’s a ton of fun.
Knife throwing is also good for trying something new and different and opening yourself up to things you have never done before.
You can challenge yourself or each other, learning different techniques and styles of throwing knives. When you start to improve, you can change up the target or the type of knives you use, making it more challenging.
Restoring Old Cars
Nothing says father-son bonding more than getting greasy under the hood of an old classic car. Restoring old vehicles is a hobby that has been around forever and can bring out many emotions.
It’s time consuming and not always easy, but it can produce a lovely payout in the end.
Even if you don’t intend to sell the finished product, you can always place them in a car show and make a hobby out of that as well. You can make new friends with people who have the same interests as you.
Building a Boxcar
Boxcar racing isn’t what it use to be, but it hasn’t completely faded away. Search for the ideal boxcar together on-line and put the plan into action.
You will be spending time working together as a team to get to the same goal.
Building a boxcar isn’t just about nailing pieces together. Creating the car requires problems solving, creativity, and a touch of personality to make it your own.
The best part is getting to drive it when you are finished. Make two boxcars, and you can race.
Magic
Who doesn’t love a little magic? It’s mysterious and mesmerizing, and it’s also fun to figure out and use to trick your friends and family later on.
If you are looking for a great hobby that is unique and not so common, learning a little magic could make the dinner table a lot more exciting.
Spend time watching the how-to videos and going to shows; make it an event just the two of you attend. Having a secret kept between father and son can be some magic on its own.
Star Gazing
Staring up at the stars can be enjoyable even when you have no idea what you are looking for. Having a star map and a telescope can make the task ten times more fun.
There is so much unknown in outer space; you can spend the rest of your lives discovering new things together.
Keep an eye out for shooting stars or when a meteoroid shower is supposed to take place. You can even spend a night following the North Star just to see where you end up. You can even try to locate the man on the moon.
Leather Crafting
Imagine how much money you could save on birthdays and holidays if you learned how to make different items out of leather: personalized wallets, belts, even keychains. Leather crafting is a great hobby to pick up as it takes time and patents and gives you an excellent opportunity just to sit and talk.
Crafting products out of leather can be fun for anyone. There are many color options and accessories available to turn your piece of leather into a personal work of art.
Conclusion
It doesn’t matter which hobby you choose; in the end, the time spent together, the conversations you have, and the great memories made will be your reward.
The purpose behind the hobby is what truly matters. Make this time about fun and experience, and utilize the bonding moments you can create.
Whether you decide to widdle a hand-made spoon out of wood or chase down an unidentified flying object, a hobby is all it takes to bring a father and son closer together and find some common ground where you may never have thought to look for before.
