Introduction. Starting from the subject of research focused on the quality of students' free time, the goal of the research is: To examine to what extent and in what way students of pedagogical faculties practice physical activities in their free time. The following scientific research tasks were determined: a) to examine the positioning of physical and sports activities in students' free time. time in a range of other activities; b) determine the frequency and nature of physical activities in students' free time; c) examine how students perceive predictors and distractors of their own physical activity in free time; d) determine whether independent variables (year of study, study program, age, playing sports) affect the final results of the research. Methodology and methods. The first part of the paper addresses the question of young people's leisure time through theoretical analysis, both within the framework of educational institutions and in other fields of life and work. Leisure activities are diverse and differ in content, forms, and manifestations. The second part of the paper presents the methodological concept of the research. The sample consists of 210 students (first and fourth year of undergraduate studies) from pedagogical faculties in Užice and Vranje (Serbia). The research is of a transversal nature and aims to examine and analyze physical activities in free time using descriptive methods, survey techniques, and relevant statistical analysis (χ², X̄). Results of the study and their discussion. The research results showed that students have the same preferences for leisure activities, ranking them in the same order (socializing with friends and social media, listening to music, outings, and walks). A statistically significant difference was observed in the preference for activities among students who actively engage in sports compared to others. It was found that these students position sports activities highly, while gambling and social media are placed at the bottom of the list. The obtained results indicate the need for greater awareness of the role and importance of engaging in physical activities in students' free time for the balanced development of their personality, with environmental factors playing a significant predictive role (peers, family, educational institutions, etc.). There is a particular responsibility on pedagogical faculties as they indirectly influence the formation of a positive attitude towards physical activities in the leisure time of young children by shaping the personality of teachers and caregivers.