This report presents findings from a short term research project conducted by Parenting Across Scotland over the Summer of 2025, exploring what parents and carers feel help and hinder children and young people’s participation in hobbies.
This report presents findings from a short term research project conducted by Parenting Across Scotland over the Summer of 2025, exploring what parents and carers feel help and hinder children and young people’s participation in hobbies. The data – collected from an online survey and focus groups – consists of the views of 577 parents and carers from 30 of the 32 local authorities across Scotland.
The findings highlighted multiple, interlinked barriers affecting children and young people’s access to hobbies. Financial cost was the most significant barrier, with class fees and hidden costs making participation unaffordable for many families. Parents and carers also faced constraints, including juggling work, family structures, childcare, and safety concerns. Local availability and settings further restricted access within communities due to the closure of facilities and long waiting lists. A lack of local provision and choice found many travelling to access hobbies, but public transport was not deemed as reliable with irregular or long travel
times to their chosen hobby, especially in rural and island communities.
Inclusion emerged as an important issue, particularly for children and young people with additional support needs, who often face inaccessible environments and a lack of appropriate provision. Competitive and traditionally gendered hobbies also discouraged participation.
Provider challenges around funding, staffing, volunteer reliance, training costs, and access to affordable venues created issues with local provision.