Recreational describes activities done for fun and enjoyment during free time, rather than for work or necessity. When you play basketball after school, read a book on the weekend, or go swimming at the lake in summer, those are recreational activities.

A recreational league in sports is one where people play for fun rather than serious competition or money. Your town might have a recreational soccer program where the focus is on learning and enjoying the game, not winning championships. A recreational vehicle (often called an RV) is designed for vacation trips and camping adventures.

The word emphasizes the spirit of an activity. Playing the piano can be recreational if you're doing it for pleasure, or it can be work if you're a professional musician performing for pay. Going for a recreational swim means splashing around and having fun, not training for a swim meet or teaching swimming lessons.

Parks departments often have “recreation centers” or “recreation programs” offering activities like arts and crafts, sports, and games. These places exist specifically to give people enjoyable ways to spend their leisure time.