FOUR HOBBIES TO CONSIDER IF YOU HAVE SOME FREE TIME

When most people think about hobbies, the first things that come to mind are usually sports or activities that take place outdoors. While those can be great pastimes, they're not the only options available to you. If you're looking for something new to try, or if you just have some free time and don't know what to do with it, consider these four hobbies: collecting, learning a language, fixing old cars, and gardening. 

Collecting 

There are many different things that you can collect, from stamps to coins to antiques. It's an excellent hobby for people who like to find bargains and who enjoy learning about new things. Plus, it can be quite lucrative if you find the right items. 

If you're thinking about starting a collection, do some research first to find out what kinds of things are valuable and what isn't. You don't want to waste your time and money on something that isn't going to be worth anything in the end. There are also many online communities devoted to collectors where you can learn more about the hobby and meet other like-minded people. 

Learning a Language 

With the rise of the internet, it's easier than ever to learn a new language. There are many different resources available, from online courses to apps to native speakers who are willing to help you practice.

Learning a new language can be difficult, but it's also very rewarding. It can open up new opportunities for travel and work, and it's a great way to connect with people from other cultures. If you're feeling stuck in a rut, learning a new language can give you a whole new perspective on life. 

Fixing Old Cars 

This hobby is great for people who are mechanically inclined and who enjoy working with their hands. It can be a lot of work, but it's also very satisfying to see an old car that you've restored to its former glory. 

There are many different ways to get started with this hobby, from taking classes at a local community college to joining a car club. Of course, you'll need to invest some time and money into Ford car parts and other things, but if you're patient, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. Old cars can be found for relatively low prices, so you don't have to spend a lot of money to get started. Just make sure that you do your research before you buy anything so that you know what you're getting yourself into. 

Gardening 

Gardening is an excellent hobby for people who enjoy being outdoors and who like to see things grow. It can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be, and it's a great way to get some exercise. 

If you're thinking about starting a garden, the first thing you need to do is decide what kind of plants you want to grow. Next, do some research on which ones are best for your climate and soil type. Once you've decided, get started by planting some seeds or buying some young plants. Gardening can be a lot of work, but it's also very gratifying to see your efforts pay off. 

These are just four of the many different hobbies that you can consider if you have some free time. Of course, there's no wrong way to spend your leisure time, so find something that you enjoy and stick with it. Who knows, you might just find a new passion that you never knew you had.

THREE AFFORDABLE WAYS TO BE A COOL DAD

Spring is here and before you know it so will be Summer weather. That means long days with energetic kids to entertain. Warm weather opens up all kinds of cool, fun, affordable (and educational) ways to utilize the "Great Outdoors" for making kids really happy. Here are three ideas that have kids learning life skills while also having a good time which will allow you to be a cool dad without breaking the bank to do it.

Take them geocaching 

Geocaching is basically a cross between orienteering and treasure-hunting. Essentially, you use GPS to guide you to caches of “treasure”. You can choose a geocaching route just for fun. Most of the time, however, there’s an element of exploration. That could mean finding out more about the local area or learning more about a topic (or both). 

The popularity of geocaching means that no matter where you live, you can probably find established geocaching routes somewhere nearby. If not, or if you want more, or if you just fancy something different, it’s easy to make your own. You can then integrate them with whatever your kids have been learning at school (or not, it’s up to you). Click here to start a search for a geocaching trail near you.

If you really want to push your kids, you could take away their phones and make them use just old-school paper maps and compasses. That could really help to develop their ability to navigate. 

Go fishing 

Fishing is one of the classic summer family activities. It’s also full of fun science and problem-solving strategy. For example, you could challenge your kids to tell you why you chose that particular spot for fishing. That could cover both safety and the types of fish you’re likely to find there (so ecology). 

You could also teach them the science (and history) behind the equipment they’re using. For example, one popular setup for bass is the Texas rig. Today, all bass fishers know it. When it was invented, however, it was a stroke of genius. You can push them by having kids compare different types of equipment for example the Texas rig versus the Carolina rig. 

 Grow your own food and cook it 

Even if you’re in a tiny apartment, you can still give your kids some kind of gardening experience. For example, you could have them grow herbs in a pot and sprouts on a window ledge. That’s a really cool way to teach them about the differences between growing in soil and hydroponics. 

Then when you take your kids grocery shopping, make it a fun experience for them and you. Go when you have time to take things slowly and explain to your kids not just what you’re doing but why. For example, why are you choosing some items of fruit and vegetables but not others? Why are you buying some items fresh and others dried, canned and frozen? 

Finish off the lesson in the kitchen by helping your kids to learn the science behind cooking. This is a whole lot of fun. It can also set them up for a lifetime of healthy eating and shrewd budgeting. Also, it’ll teach them how to help you out in the kitchen sometimes!

kidsGARDENING Dream Big Contest

kidsGARDENING, a non-profit organization that promotes children and teens learning about and engaging in gardening, is hosting a contest throughout April to get people into the spring spirit and ready for the outdoor planting season.  April is Kids Garden Month and they are hosting their DREAM BIG contest to promote gardens with today's youth as a place for creative expression, community engagement, and as a tool for empowering kids to realize their dreams. They are asking kids under 18 years old to describe a dream garden through artwork, pictures, song or words.

kidsGARDENING will be selecting weekly winners to receive a prize pack courtesy of GARDNERS SUPPLY COMPANY during the month. Prize packs will include a Tubtrug, mason bee house, pollinator journal, seed starting kit, kids garden tools, push gardens, paper pot press, lots of seeds and more!  Plus two grand prize winners will be selected from all entries to win a $250 gift card to help them make their dream gardens become a reality.

There are three ways to enter:

1. Submitting an entry on social media using the hashtag #KidsGardenMonth
2. Email to info@kidsgardening.org
3. Send via snail mail to

KidsGardening

132 Intervale Road

Burlington, VT  05401

So get those entries in! Share photos, videos, songs, drawings, essays or poems that communicate what would be a child's dream garden.  Children are also encourages to mention who would visit their dream garden and what they would grow there.  If a child isn't verbal or doesn't write yet, adults are allowed to assist them with putting their entry together. 

Submitting an entry grants kidsGARDENING permission to utilize it for promotional purposes in the future.  Must be a United States resident to be eligible for prizes.  The contest is open from April 1 - 30, 2018.

For more details and information about this contest, please visit kidsgardening.org