"Tons of free time for hobbies, playing video games, reading or whatever." Well I certainly recommend having children, but I would never do so for someone wanting more free time.. But you don´t have to trust me (neither I want to be right, to each it´s own), just take care for a WHOLE weekend (with it´s 2 nights), of the toddlers of some friend or relative(if you are planning for a large family, please try at least taking care of 2 kids at the same time). They will be eternally grateful and you´ll have your little MVP. Then you could decide with some hands-on experience, on the issue of kids and free time.