How to Get Kids Started with a New Hobby

Helping children discover a new hobby is one of the most rewarding things a parent or caregiver can do. A hobby gives kids a safe and joyful way to express themselves, build confidence, reduce screen time, and explore new interests. 

But getting kids started isn’t always straightforward. Many parents wonder: 

• Which hobby is right? 

• How do I keep them interested? 

• How do I choose something age-appropriate? 

This guide breaks down everything you need to know, including practical tips, child-friendly ideas, and easy ways to begin with hobbies available at Hobbyco.

Why Hobbies Matter for Kids

A hobby is far more than just a pastime. It can positively shape a child’s development in several ways.

1. Cognitive and motor skill development

Activities like building model kits, constructing LEGO® sets, or working through jigsaw puzzles help develop spatial reasoning, fine motor skills, and problem-solving abilities.

2. Creativity and self-expression

Arts, crafts, and imaginative play give kids the freedom to explore their personality and tastes.

3. Confidence and resilience

Completing a project, learning a new skill, or mastering a game teaches persistence and gives kids a sense of achievement.

4. Time away from screens

A hands-on hobby encourages focus, mindfulness, and a healthier daily balance.

5. Family bonding

Many hobbies, such as model railways, board games, or building RC vehicles, are perfect for shared experiences that create lasting memories.

Step 1: Understand Your Child’s Interests

The best hobby is one that matches a child’s natural curiosity. If your child loves animals, consider miniature figurines or nature-themed craft kits. If they enjoy building or tinkering, model kits, engineering sets, or robots are ideal.

Think about:

• What they already enjoy: drawing, building, reading, collecting?

• How do they like to play: independently, imaginatively, or socially?

• Their personality: calm and focused, energetic and active, or deeply creative?

Children respond best when they feel included in the decision-making process. Ask questions like “Do you want to make something, collect something, or learn something?” to help narrow down the perfect choice.

Step 2: Start Simple. Choose Age-Appropriate Beginner Kits

Beginner-friendly options include:

• Model kits for beginners – snap-fit or pre-coloured kits, Airfix or Revell Starter Sets, and simple car or plane models.

• LEGO® and building toys – suited for children of all ages, from DUPLO® to advanced Creator sets.

• Arts and craft kits – painting sets, DIY jewellery kits, modelling clay, and craft boxes.

• Science and STEM kits – coding toys, robot-building kits, and simple experiments.

• Board and card games – perfect for family play and social skill-building.

• Jigsaw puzzles – from toddler-friendly wooden puzzles to more complex 3D puzzles for older kids.

Choosing the right difficulty level ensures kids feel motivated rather than frustrated.

Step 3: Create a Dedicated Hobby Space

A special space, no matter how small, helps kids take their hobby seriously. It can be a corner of their bedroom, a desk, a play mat, or even a portable storage box.

Make the space inviting by including:

• A flat, well-lit surface

• Easy storage for pieces, parts, and tools

• Age-safe craft materials

• Display areas for completed models, artwork, or collections

A dedicated hobby area reduces mess and encourages children to return to their project regularly.

Step 4: Set a Routine Without Forcing It

Children thrive with gentle structure, but hobbies should always feel enjoyable rather than mandatory. Instead of strict schedules, introduce “hobby time” a few times a week, short, positive sessions where your child can explore freely.

If they lose interest temporarily, that’s perfectly normal. The goal is exploration, not perfection. Small breaks often reignite enthusiasm.

Step 5: Join In and Encourage Their Progress

Kids are far more likely to stick with a hobby when a parent or carer participates, especially at the beginning. Try working on a puzzle together, building a LEGO® set, racing RC cars as a family, or helping them paint their first model figure.

Encourage your child by:

• Celebrating small achievements

• Displaying their finished models or artwork

• Asking questions about what they’re making

• Praising effort, not just results

Positive reinforcement builds confidence and helps the hobby become a joyful part of everyday life.

Step 6: Gradually Introduce More Complexity

Once your child gains confidence, you can slowly introduce more advanced items, larger model kits, more detailed train sets, multi-step craft projects, or strategic board games.

Kids love feeling like they’ve “levelled up,” and it keeps the hobby exciting. Many collections naturally grow over time, giving children something to look forward to.

FAQs: How to Get Kids Started with a New Hobby

1. What is the best age for a child to start a hobby?

Children can start hobbies from around three years old, as long as the activity matches their developmental stage. Puzzles, arts and crafts, and LEGO® are ideal for younger ages, while older children can enjoy more detailed model kits and STEM activities.

2. How do I choose the right hobby for my child?

Choose a hobby that matches your child’s interests and personality. Pay attention to what they naturally enjoy and select an age-appropriate, beginner-friendly activity.

3. How can I keep my child interested in their new hobby?

Make hobby time fun and pressure-free. Celebrate small achievements, join in when possible, and give them a dedicated space to create. Progressively offering more advanced kits also keeps the experience fresh.

4. What are good beginner hobbies for kids?

LEGO®, snap-fit model kits, basic craft sets, jigsaw puzzles, STEM starter kits, and family board games are excellent beginner hobbies that promote creativity, problem-solving, and coordination.

5. How much supervision do kids need when starting a hobby?

Younger children often need hands-on guidance, especially with small pieces or tools. Older children can be more independent but still benefit from occasional check-ins and encouragement.

6. Are hobbies better than screen time for kids?

Hobbies help develop creativity, focus, and motor skills, benefits that screens often can’t provide. While a healthy balance is ideal, hands-on hobbies offer deeper engagement and long-term learning.

7. What hobbies can families do together?

Board games, model building, puzzles, RC vehicles, diorama-making, and LEGO® builds are perfect for family bonding and shared enjoyment.

8. Where can I buy hobby kits for beginners?

Hobbyco offers Australia’s largest range of beginner-friendly hobby kits, from model sets and craft kits to STEM toys, RC vehicles, and collectables, making it easy to find the perfect starting point for any child.

Hobbyco: Helping Kids Discover Lifelong Passions

Introducing children to a new hobby is one of the simplest but most powerful ways to support their growth. With the right tools, age-appropriate kits, and a positive, low-pressure environment, kids can explore their creativity, build new skills, and gain confidence at every step.

At Hobbyco, we’re proud to bring you the best of the hobby world. With locations conveniently located throughout Metro Sydney, finding the perfect hobby shop near you has never been easier. Experience the excitement of exploring our vast selection of hobbies, expert advice, and exceptional customer service. Discover why Hobbyco is the number one hobby shop in Australia. Customers can buy products online through our platform.