What Do Inmates Do in Their Free Time: Beyond Card Games and TV

It's often misconceived that the life of an inmate is filled with only minimum subsistence activities. However, many prisoners engage in a variety of hobbies and interests that go beyond typical activities such as fighting, playing cards, or watching TV. In this article, we explore the diverse array of activities inmates often partake in, shedding light on the reality of prison life and the ways inmates process their free time constructively.

Knitting: A Surprising Popular Hobby in Federal Prisons

One activity that stands out in federal prisons is knitting. This may seem unusual, but it has become a significant part of prison life for those who take the time to learn. After completing a knitting class, inmates can purchase plastic knitting needles and yarn from the commissary. This allows them to engage in a productive and calming activity that can even be a source of income for some inmates. Knitting is just one example of how inmates find meaningful ways to occupy their free time.

Popular Activities in Prisons

In addition to knitting, various other activities are popular among inmates. Watching TV, card games, and reading are common pastimes. For those who enjoy structured play, card games are often the top choice, followed closely by watching TV in the dayroom. Weightlifting and calisthenics in the rec room are also popular among inmates who stay physically active. Besides these conventional activities, some inmates engage in creative pursuits like drawing, artwork, or composing letters to the court using typewriters available in certain inmate blocks.

Challenging Activities and Their Consequences

While most inmates opt for activities that are less disruptive, there are instances where they might get into fights due to boredom or other reasons. However, as a general rule, such activities are not encouraged and are often seen as a last resort. Other activities that require creativity and resourcefulness, such as gaming with handmade dice or engaging in literary pursuits, show the innovative ways inmates find to keep themselves occupied and engaged. Inmates often gather for games and play reverently, using everything from custom dice to books, which they either order or have sent by friends or family.

Inmate Initiated Activities

For individuals with a particular interest, there are unique activities they can initiate. In my case, I was a big fan of Dungeons and Dragons (DD), and running game sessions for others became a significant part of my routine. We would gather in any available space, playing games either with homemade dice or real dice that we kept hidden. Books for the games were either ordered or brought in by friends and family. The popular demand for these sessions led to waiting lists, highlighting the hunger for escape through such activities. Even in a restrictive environment, the pursuit of knowledge and entertainment remains a driving force for inmates.

Conclusion

The life of an inmate is full of diverse activities that help them pass the time. From knitting to gaming, inmates find meaningful ways to engage in their hobbies and interests. While popular activities like watching TV and card playing are widespread, there are also less conventional activities that reflect the creativity and resourcefulness of those within the prison walls. Inmates can turn their free time into a mostly positive experience through a variety of activities, ultimately coming out with new skills and knowledge if they want to.