Birds - Board games - Geocaching

Early in our marriage I wanted to start hobbies that were two things: 1. Inexpensive, 2. Easy for the whole family to enjoy.

Hobbies keep me going, even if they only last a few months or less. These three hobbies have endured 10+ years, so I thought I would share.

Birds All you need is the outdoors for this one, binoculars and a field guide help but are not necessary. This hobby for me involves identifying what bird I am looking at and if it is one I have never seen, then adding it to my "Life List." Also just watching what they are doing and why. These can be super common birds you see in your yard everyday, (robins, starlings, doves, etc.), or the ones that only show up during migrating season.

What is great about this hobby is we have enjoyed it EVERYWHERE we go. For example, visiting family in Las Vegas last year we had a few hours to spare, so we went birding and found a Roadrunner, (technically a Greater roadrunner). This was exciting for me as I had never seen one, but the kids were even more excited, and its not even a very bright or colorful bird.

This hobby has led to other hobbies such as photography and even somewhat influenced my current career choice. The photo above I took on a walk during a lunch break spring of last year. OK, I think I have talked your ears off about birding.

Board Games Growing up, like any other kid, I played a lot of board games. All the usual suspects: Monopoly, Life, Stratego, Chess (my dad loves Chess), Chinese Checkers, you get it. It wasn't until about 6 months into being married that I discovered hobby board games, also known as designer board games, (usually the designer's name is on the front of the box.) These include such titles as Ticket to Ride and Settlers of Catan, now known only as Catan, but this just scratches the surface as there are over 600 hobby games that are releases every year.

Long story short, I love board games and my kids are always asking to play, "Dad's board games." My wife enjoys them too, but to a much, much lesser degree. Once again this is a hobby that can be done pretty much everywhere.

This has also led to me going to a board game convention (SaltCon), in Layton, Utah for the past 5 years, which I convinced Nathan and Maryelena to join me this year, although I didn't get a photo, next year. :)

Geocaching

This one started with me downloading an app and finding a tiny geocache at Salt Lake Community College between classes, or during...

I think most people already know about this pastime, but basically it is a scavenger hunt where you find stuff that people have hidden around the world. So far we have found geocaches in 9 U.S. states and 3 Canadian provinces. It is always a fun outdoor activity especially when we are on vacation or hiking.

Well that about wraps it up, like I said, these three hobbies are only a taste of the long list of hobbies I have, including recently Ham Radio. Coming back to my initial requirements, these are cheap and fun for all ages, well maybe not until one is at least 6 months old. I have shared these with my local scout troop, coworkers, family, and complete strangers that are curious about what on earth we are doing or playing.