Don’t tell your kids that these are educational hobbies. That’s tantamount to telling them that the delicious snack you just offered is “nutritious!” When was the last time that label did you any favors?

Instead, leave the educational for kids part out and let them discover that they’re having fun (gasp) learning!

• Kids are natural collectors. At least my boys were … don’t ask me what I found in their jeans pockets! (Laundry day was always an adventure.) Nurture their obsession with interesting rocks, feathers, sea shells or what have you, by providing them with a way to organize and display their collections.
• Rocks can be tumbled and polished and turned into unique jewelery or craft items.
• Interesting feathers can be used for fly tying. This intricate hands-on hobby builds hand-eye coordination and provides useful fly fishing lures.
• Sea shells can be used in or on photo frames, incorporated into furnishings, or if the shape is right … they make an interesting home for a hermit crab.
• History becomes real when kids get involved in stamp collecting. Think of all the stories that surround just one of our US postage stamps. Incorporate the stories into the stamp collection. Your child’s teachers will thank you!
• If your child is into baseball, by all means, encourage him or her to collect baseball cards. Here’s an opportunity to learn about the legends AND learn about negotiating and trading.

I’m sure this short list only scratches the surface. What educational and collectible hobbies do your kids enjoy?