How to Find Your Hobbies Again and Finding Fun in Adulthood

Welcome to the first part of a two-part deep dive into something we all want more of but rarely seem to have time for: fun and play. Let’s face it—if you’re anything like me (and probably most other moms), you’re running on a hamster wheel of responsibilities. Between work, kids, and the endless parade of “adulting,” where’s the time for fun, right?

But here’s the thing: fun isn’t just a “nice-to-have”; it’s essential. It’s what keeps us connected to ourselves, gives us energy, and reminds us that life isn’t just about to-do lists and responsibilities.

If you’re worried that I’m about to add yet another item to your already overflowing to-do list, fear not. My goal is to make this feel light, exciting, and doable, not overwhelming.

Now, let’s get into it—how we can start having more fun as adults.

Pause for a Moment—What Do You Like to Do for Fun?

No, seriously. Stop for a second and think about it. What do YOU like to do for fun?

Did your mind just go… totally blank?
Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Most of us adults struggle to name things we truly find fun these days. Why? Because we get so caught up in the grind of work, parenting, and life that fun becomes secondary. Instead of being something we intentionally carve out time for, it gets shoved into the “someday” file.

But here’s the kicker: we NEED fun to feel alive. And if you’re feeling stuck in the adult hamster wheel, this is your nudge to make it a priority.

How Adults Play (Hint: It’s Very Different)

Why is play important for adults? Let’s rewind for a moment and think about how play evolves over time.

When We Were Kids
Young kids, like babies and toddlers, play alone even when they’re sitting near their peers. This is called parallel play. Then, as they grow, they begin playing with others, building connections and finding joy in imaginative games or physical toys.
As We Grow Up
By the time we hit our tween and teen years, play often becomes more social—FaceTiming friends, exploring new hobbies, or jumping into group adventures. (Remember when having fun was as easy as getting on a bike and riding around the block for hours?)
Now, as Adults
…And then adulthood hits. Suddenly, play looks totally different. Most of us are drawn to social activities—hanging out with friends, going to events, hosting celebrations. For some, hobbies like hiking, cooking, or painting might stay part of the equation, but they’re less about toys and more about growth or creating connections.

The problem? Life now is just so full. It feels impossible to wedge in anything that resembles play, let alone actively plan for it.

Here’s Where I Get Real About My Own Struggles

Confession time: I’ve felt the crushing weight of adulthood too. Parenting, work, chores, life admin—all of it can feel like a never-ending list of things to do. And if you’re here thinking, “But Lauren, I don’t have time for fun!”—I hear you. Truly, I do.

Even though it might seem impossible, something clicked for me when I realized that I don’t want to wait until my kids are grown to start enjoying myself again. Why should fun get put on hold?

The Exercise That Changed Everything

What hobbies are best for parents with limited time? How can moms balance fun and responsibilities? Here’s a quick, simple exercise I highly encourage you to try:

Imagine a Life Without Kids
✨ Pause for a second and pretend (just pretend!) you and your partner decided not to have kids. What would you be doing with your time?Would you be traveling more? Picking up a new hobby? Diving into that book collection you never got around to reading? Hosting dinner parties like you dreamed about? Write it all down—let your imagination loose.
Make Your List: How to find your hobbies again
Write down ALL the things you loved (or would’ve loved) to do. Reading, dancing, going to concerts, making art, cooking elaborate meals—there’s no wrong answer here. Don’t hold back.
Reflect on It
Go back to your list and ask yourself:
- What is actually realistic to bring back into your life now—at least in small doses?
- Can you water it down or modify it? For example, if you loved hosting elaborate parties pre-kids, maybe now you host a casual hangout every few months, where you order takeout instead of cooking a five-course meal.

Where Can You Sneak More Fun In?

Here’s what I’ve discovered: not all fun has to be massive, planned-out vacations or expensive outings. It can be as simple as:

Game Nights at Home: Grab a few friends and pull out “Apples to Apples” or “What Do You Meme?” for guaranteed belly laughs.
Mini Date Nights: Try a new recipe with your partner, or sit outside and sip wine once the kids go to bed.
Solo Joy: Take a morning for yourself with a latte and a book at your favorite café.

The trick is breaking your fun into two buckets:

Small, regular things: Things you can enjoy weekly (or even daily!).
Bigger, planned experiences: Vacations, concerts, weekend getaways—whatever feels bucket-list worthy.

Make Fun a Priority (Yes, It Requires Planning)

Here’s the reality: in this phase of life, spontaneity can be rare. That’s why we need to plan for fun. Whether it’s penciling in a monthly dinner with friends or setting a date for a much-needed vacation, putting things on the calendar creates accountability and makes it real.

Pro tip: Save your master fun list somewhere handy—on your phone or in a notebook. Use it as inspiration when you’re planning your week or month. Trust me, this practice makes prioritizing fun SO much easier.

Let Fun Be the Thing That Fills Your Cup

As adults, it’s easy to write off fun as “non-essential.” But honestly? It’s so essential. Fun strengthens our relationships, reduces stress, and helps us enjoy the ride—even in this busy, chaotic season of life.

If you try this exercise—or even just brainstorm a list of what you’d love to dabble in—feel free to DM me on Instagram (@itslaurenmora). I’d love to hear what you come up with and how you’re sneaking more fun into your life!

Thanks for hanging out with me today, and stay tuned for next week when we’ll dive into how to bring more fun and play into your time with your kids.

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Key Takeaways from This Article

Adults need play and fun just as much as kids do—we just have to adapt it to our busy realities.
Identify what you think is fun through a simple exercise, and figure out how to bring smaller, modified doses of it back into your life.
Plan both regular, small moments of joy and those bigger, exciting experiences to fill your cup.
Fun isn’t frivolous—it’s the thing that keeps us energized, connected, and loving life.

Now go have some fun, okay? You’ve earned it. 🎉