>> We picked up a free swingset / slide playset off of Craigslist last year. It needs a bit of repair and some paint, but is in pretty good shape. <<

Oh, that's cool.

>> We need to clear and flatten an area for it and assemble it, basically. We already have a little sandbox that sees lots of use, and there's a pile of leaves Muppet loves to climb up and throw himself down, haha! <<

:D Leaf piles are so fun.

When I was little, I was forever picking things up to look at and play with outside. Rocks, sticks, walnuts, pine cones. I still do that.

>> I love that hobby list, thank you for sharing! <<

I'm happy I could help.

>> I like the idea of "dating" a hobby. <<

I have found that lots of folks feel daunted by trying to find "the right" hobby or exercise. Well, how can you know unless you try it? So try lots of different things. Don't make a significant investment until you find one that you like. Most have classes, workshops, park programs, gym sampler days, etc. where you can explore things without needing a big commitment.

>> I think my struggle is at step one, I just need to pick something and try it.<<

You could go down a list or roll random numbers with dice. If you're socially motivated, find a friend or relative to try things together; then you can talk about what you liked or not. I've even seen apps that set people up with an exercise or hobby partner, which has potential for big cities where it can be hard to find like-minded folks.