30 Cultured Activities to Teach Evie

Class never goes out of style

May 08, 2026

Random Observation/Comment #932: You don’t just inherit the culture. You curate it to build up your character.

//Look at that cool rubix stack

Why this list?

I remember when we were designing our team of solutions architects by using the “T” model. The top of the T is for broad proficiency while the vertical part is to go deep into a particular industry or architectural pattern. I think teaching Evie with the exposure of culture is a similar process and I hope she chooses mastery in some of these areas.

Writing this list, I was thinking about what a “cultured”, “sophisticated”, and “classy” person actually knows about. Some of this will definitely get into the first class problems where the hobbies can thrive.

I think there’s also a line I need to draw where I’m not forcing a reliving of my childhood through my daughter.

Taste in movies - There’s an appreciation to directing and nuances to story telling that I would love her to also see with a creative eye. I’d love to watch the director’s cut of Lord of the Rings with the family. Wes Anderson movie watch party?
Taste in Sci Fi books - Let’s get some Terry Pratchett and Ender’s Game into the mix.
Taste in music - Old school hip hop might seep through. I know there’s going to be an appreciation of some Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel. I really want her to like some of the metal I grew up with, but probably without the self loathing.
Taste in good TV series - I mean, we need to watch some Breaking Bad and Ted Lasso, right?
Taste in anime - This is a nerdy niche. Let’s just start with Miyazaki films across Studio Ghibli and evolve from there.
Appreciation of quality speakers - There’s a beauty in the crisp sounds of concerts and finely tuned speakers. We were at a friend’s house who got a spot ATMOS certified and it was just incredible.
A love of live shows - There’s nothing that can replace a good live concert. The chills from the mass love and memories associated with songs is something to behold. I don’t think I’d go as far as to go to a Phish show and festivals with Evie, but I don’t want to rule it out.
Making music and art - I think the art of expressing yourself creativity is a cultured activity. I’d like to see a fine tuning of voices, strings, brass, percussion, etc. I think I just want to expose her to the option of expressing herself through music. For artwork, the creation with your hands in a physical space is relaxing. It’s just the ability to focus and try to build a large project that builds resilience.
Appreciating the Fandom of a sport and a general understanding of sports - I don’t think I’m a passionate fan (except for the NY Rangers from 2008 to 2020), but I do know how games are played and I can play a random pick-up game at an above average level.
Comics, graphic novels, and Manga - I spent a ton of time down the rabbit hole of reading these awesome stories. I think her favorite thing to do is read a graphic novel.
Building models and Legos - We’ve done some Gundam models and these Book Nook builds. I’d love to see some bigger Lego sets. Who remembers Ice World?
Popular board and card games - Yes for Chess and Connect4, but also Yes for some Big 2, Mah Jong, Liar’s Poker, and Hold’em.
Taste in alcohol - I would actually prefer her not drink, but when this eventually happens, I’d rather her to appreciate a good scotch and not drink crap alcohol.
Taste in cuisines from around the world - There’s so much crazy sophisticated tastes out there to try and be open-minded to in taste and textures. I think this one might be a stretch, but at least she eats the food I make now.
Ability to cook something delicious - At least 5 things that you can make to show your love to others. She did say she can make a grilled cheese now.
Physical activity that brings joy or peace - This is a good escape from the digital world. Running, rock climbing, yoga, Pilates, bike riding, roller skating, etc all count towards being present.
Telling a story - Everyone tells a story in their own way. It’s probably going to be an important skill to communicate in an engaging way.
Telling a joke - I love a punny Dad joke. It’s a skill to put yourself out there for a laugh. It might be dangerous to derive joy from other people’s approval and laughter.
Speaking another Language - I don’t think it’s just the skill of a brain splitting into different thought patterns. It’s the ability to connect with people in a more natural way into their culture. All language has its own beauty of expression.
Ability to rough it - The way I’m camping/glamping doesn’t really count. I think it’s important to be able to see problems and overcome them with creative solutions. It’s about planning ahead and being resourceful. It’s about being okay with levels of uncomfortable situations.
Travel for culture - The way others live and how they express themselves with differences in manners is eye opening. Observe and assimilate to a different environment. Be a chameleon and treat another culture with respect.
Travel for resilience - I’ve been to places where we had to live in less than desirable locations. Fleas happen. Hostels can be scary. People steal your things. It’s a test of street smarts.
Interacting with skepticism and caution - I don’t know if this is a cultural skill, but it is one I’d love my daughter to learn. The world is dangerous. People have different motives. Trust is earned. There are scams everywhere in real life (and digitally).
Respecting all Traditions - It’s not just Christian holidays for all. We all come from different backgrounds in a melting pot of different celebrations of life. Festivus for the rest of us.
Learning etiquette and manners - Culture is how you make others feel seen. I think we caught a glimpse of this trying to follow the unwritten rules while visiting Japan.
Understanding fashion and form - Know the history behind why things look the way they do.
Museum appreciation - Wander without rushing. Let art hit you when it’s ready. I personally love a wander in a foreign land (even though most of the museum relics might be stolen).
Tea and conversation - The ritual of slowing down, listening, and connecting IRL.
Being curious - The act of inquiring is the right life skill to lean into. I feel like the world will be split into (1) people distracted by media with jealousy of success and (2) those who are inspired by content build things and connect with the community.
Giving back - The highest culture is kindness. Volunteer, share, and uplift others with mentorship and connection.