According to the new oxford dictionary of english recreation means activity done for enjoyment when one is not working, while a hobby means an activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure. The differnce between recreation and a hobby, therefore, is that a hobby needs more regular and continuous time than recreation, whereas recreation refers to the time used for activies people do to be refreshed, amused or fun.
Recreation is an important part of people's lives. It gives people relaxation and refreshment. Sport, hobbies, or activities, such as listening to the music, museum visit and so on, are considered recreational too. In other words, recreation can be any activity that people do to relax and refresh themselves.