135+ Fun Hobby Ideas and Activities for Beginners

Hobbies are a great way to spice up your life. They can open up a world filled with opportunities and possibilities.

If you want a life filled with passion and meaning, then hobbies could be your ticket.

What is a hobby?

A hobby is simply any pleasurable activity that you do in your free time. There are thousands of hobbies that you can get into (see my list of 1,000+ hobbies).

However, in this article I will focus on 135+ fun hobby ideas and activities that are ideal for beginners. These hobbies are easy to pick up, affordable, and can provide hours of endless fun. Most of them can also be done by both adults and kids.

Why do you need a hobby?

Some people see hobbies as a waste of time which is quite unfortunate because hobbies have many benefits that can transform every aspect of your life.

This hobbies list covers a variety of hobbies that will help you to:

• Pass time and have fun. Spending time doing something you enjoy can drive away boredom and do wonders for your overall outlook on life.
• Advance your career. Many hobbies on this list are in high demand among employers and you can add them to your resume to help you get a lucrative high-paying career (See also the best hobbies for a resume).
• Make money doing what you love. Given that we spend most of our time at work, if you can find a way to make money in a way you enjoy, then you will have a happy life.
• Be fit and healthy into your old age. Hobbies are a fun way of incorporating healthy habits that will make you strong and keep diseases at bay.

When choosing a hobby, I would suggest that you make a list of areas in your life that you would like to improve (such as finances, health, business, career, and relationships). Then choose a stack of hobbies that will help you to reap maximum benefits in these areas.

With that said, let us jump into the list of hobbies.

1. Reading

Reading is the best hobby to pick up if you want to get smart fast. Books are cheap and there is a book for almost anything you want to learn.

And if you can’t afford a book, you can get one for free in your local library. These days, e-readers have made it convenient to read. You can carry a whole library in your pocket.

Also, if you have no time to read, you can listen to audiobooks as you work out or do your chores (check Audible for best-selling and free audiobooks). There is simply no excuse for not reading.

2. Blogging

Roughly 10% of Americans are bloggers. That may seem surprising, but blogging has so many benefits. If done well, blogging can transform your business, finances, career, and mental health in a big way.

To get started with blogging, you only need to get a decent web hosting provider (I suggest ChemiCloud), a WordPress theme, and some plugins. Check out my quick-start guide to starting a blog that will take you step by step through the entire process of starting a blog.

You may also like: How top bloggers make seven figures from blogging.

3. Coding

Coding is a highly lucrative hobby. With coding skills, you can position yourself for high-paying careers like data science, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, software development, and DevOps.

To get started with coding, you can choose a language like Python which is easy to learn and is used in fields such as AI, cloud computing, and data science.

4. Birdwatching

There are over 10,800 bird species in the world. You can have lots of fun trying to see all of them. Birding is a great way to travel to new places, meet interesting people, and get fit from all the walking you will do.

With birding, you can also incorporate other interests like photography, filming, bird sound recording, and citizen science. To get started, all you need is a good pair of entry-level binoculars and a field guide that covers the birds in your area.

5. Ice Cream Making

You don’t have to spend money buying ice cream when you can easily make your own. And you can make it exactly how you want it with healthy ingredients.

If you are new to ice cream making, the best way to do it is to get yourself an ice cream maker like the Ninja Creami. It can make all kinds of ice creams including Gelato, Sorbets, and frozen yogurts. You can also make milkshakes and smoothies.

See how easy it is to make ice cream and other tasty frozen treats in the video below (5 minutes).

6. DIY

Do It Yourself (DIY) hobbies are great if you want to avoid being overcharged for simple tasks that you can learn to do. You can also make a decent amount of money on the side.

DIY may seem intimidating but it is a lot of fun once you learn a few skills. For ideas on useful DIY skills that you should learn (as well as plenty of DIY project ideas), see my article on the best DIY hobbies.

7. Learning New Languages

Learning a new language can help you to make friends in different countries. It is also an excellent hobby to pick up if you enjoy traveling because you can readily immerse yourself into the culture of the area you are going to.

You can start by learning the languages that are widely spoken in most countries (such as English, French, Spanish, and Arabic). Use a language platform like Babbel which is great for learning languages quickly and affordably.

8. Painting

If you enjoy working with color, then painting may be the perfect hobby for you. There are many painting styles you can try such as oil, spray, watercolor, and acrylic painting.

Painting is often considered as one of the pre-eminent forms of art. Famous painters like Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent Van Gogh, and Michelangelo have given us masterpieces that still mesmerize us today.

9. Drones

Drones are a lot of fun but you can also make a decent income from learning how to fly drones. Some of the cool things you can do with drones include aerial photography, filming, mapping, and wildlife monitoring.

To get started, get yourself a reliable drone that is also fun to fly (such as the DJI Mini 3). Depending on where you are, you may also need a license to pilot your drone.

10. Car Repair and Detailing

If you love cars, learning how to do car repair and detailing can save you a lot of money. Also, by keeping your car in mint condition, you will extend its lifespan and resale value.

To get started with this hobby, you can learn how to do simple servicing tasks like changing oil, spark plugs, and air filters. You can then progress to more complicated projects like car restoration.

11. Playing Music Instruments

Learning how to play a musical instrument helps you to build discipline and mastery. It is also a great way to meet new people if you join a band or choir.

To get started, choose a musical instrument that you like (such as a guitar, piano, or flute) and then get someone to teach you (or take an online course). Mastering an instrument can take years but you can learn how to play simple tunes within weeks.

12. Drawing

Drawing is a great way to exercise your creativity. And you only need a pencil and paper to get started. Some of the drawing styles you can explore include sketching, doodling, digital drawing, realistic drawing, manga, and photo-realistic drawings.

What you can do with drawing is only limited by your imagination. For drawing inspiration, check out this video (10 minutes) of an artist that makes mind-bending 3D chalk illusions on pavements.

13. Robotics

Robotics has come a long way and today, robots like Atlas can do amazing things like dancing and parkour. If you want to be at the cutting edge of technology, robotics is certainly a hobby to pick up.

To get started with robotics, you need to learn the basics of electronics as well as some coding. You can also get yourself a robotic kit and start experimenting.

14. Playing Sports

Playing sports will help you to get strong and keep fit. Sports also help you to build life skills such as teamwork, perseverance, and dealing with failure.

There are a myriad of sports that you can play and different sports have different pros and cons. Try and remember which sports you enjoyed in school and start there.

15. Graphic Design

With graphic design skills, you can create t-shirts, printables, and print-on-demand products that you can sell on Etsyor your blog.

The easiest way to get started with graphic design is to use online tools like Visme. These tend to be easier to use and have lots of templates to get you going. You can create eye-catching logos, t-shirt designs, presentations, graphs, and infographics without breaking the bank.

You can then progress to using more complicated design software like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Inkscape.

16. DJing

If you enjoy music and parties, then DJing could be a great hobby for you. With DJing skills, you will be a hit at your friends’ parties and you can host epic raves at your place.

To get started with DJing, you can install any popular DJing software on your computer (such as Pioneer Rekordbox) and start practicing. Later you can invest in professional turntables and other equipment.

17. Dancing

Dancing is a fun way to keep healthy and fit. Also, if you are dating, this is a must-have skill. There are many types of dances that you can learn including ballroom, hip-hop, and ballet.

If you want to lose weight or keep fit, you can try Zumba. If you are dating, Salsa or Kizomba can help you score some brownie points.

18. Cooking

Learning how to cook restaurant-quality meals at home can save you a lot of money and the food will be much healthier.

Cooking is highly creative and there are plenty of styles you can experiment with such as Indian, French, Chinese, Dutch Oven, and Instant Pot cooking.

You can learn almost any type of cooking from YouTube. Some of my favorite channels include Joshua Weissman, Sam the Cooking Guy, and Souped Up Recipes.

19. Rocketry

The success of SpaceX and its cutting-edge rockets such as the Falcon9 and Starship have ignited a renewed interest in rockets.

Rockets are a great way to have fun and get good at STEM subjects like Maths and Physics. You can start by building model rockets from kits and then progress to more challenging stuff.

If you want to get inspired, check out this video (7 minutes) of a guy that successfully made a model rocket that lands like a Falcon 9.

20. Baking

Baking is a useful skill to learn if you have a sweet tooth. You can use your baking skills to make bread, pies, pizza, cookies, cakes, and other pastries.

YouTube is a great place to learn about baking and there are plenty of recipes that you can try. Some of my favorite YouTube baking channels include Sally’s Baking Recipes and Jaconde’s Baking.

21. Stargazing

There are approximately 200 billion trillion stars and countless planets that revolve around them. The universe is an incredibly vast place, and there is a lot to explore.

To get started with star gazing, you will need to get yourself a telescope and a star chart. With these, you can explore common constellations and planets. If you are into photography, you can also try astrophotography.

22. Walking

Walking is a low-impact exercise that can help you to lose weight and keep many diseases at bay.

Experts recommend getting 10,000 steps. You can use your phone, smartwatch, or fitness tracker to track your steps. If you prefer to walk indoors, you get an affordable treadmill and hit your daily steps goal as you watch TV.

This is a hobby that you can do alone or with others. If you have a dog, you can explore the outdoors with your dog. Or you can use your walking session to listen to audiobooks (check audible for best-selling books).

23. Beekeeping

Honey is one of nature’s superfoods, but many of the store-bought honey brands may not have as many health benefits as natural honey.

However, you can keep bees to produce your own honey. Bees are also great pollinators and if you are into gardening, bees can help you to increase your yields.

24. Camping

Camping is a great way to experience nature alone or with friends and family. Getting away from the hustle and bustle of daily life can give you time to recharge and reflect on what’s important in your life.

Some forms of camping you can explore include solo camping, glamping, car camping, backpacking, and hammocking. To get started, get yourself a sturdy tent and a warm sleeping bag, and you are good to go.

25. Nature Identification

If you enjoy nature, a nature identification hobby will be a good fit for you. Some popular nature identification hobbies you can get into include bird, butterfly, plant, reptile, and mammal identification.

If you get good at this hobby, you can become a nature guide, conservationist, or scientist. To get started, get yourself an identification guide of your choice and go out into nature.

26. Photography

Photography is a great creative hobby to pick up, especially if you want to earn some extra income on the side.

There are several types of photography you can get into such as travel, wedding, baby, wildlife, urban, food, and portrait photography.

If you have a phone with a camera, you can use it to get started with photography. Alternatively, you can get a decent versatile camera that is suitable for all kinds of photography.

To get inspired, see this video (5 minutes) showing how this guy uses macro-photography to take amazing photos and videos of moths in flight.

27. Mixology

Mixology is the art of mixing drinks. If you partake in alcoholic drinks, why not learn how to make the best cocktails? You can exercise your creativity by inventing new drinks or preparing old ones in a new way.

You can also earn a side income as a bartender (and the tips are great if you are good at it). You can also start a blog such as Drinking Hobby and make money (see how to start a blog).

28. Web Design

You can make good money designing websites for businesses, bloggers, churches, and professionals. Or you can start niche sites and sell them for a profit.

These days, WordPress themes and plugins simplify the process of starting a website. You can also use design tools like Figma to design websites and Visme to create great-looking images for your sites.

29. Home Decoration (Interior Decor)

Home decoration has become a popular hobby and there are many popular home decoration shows on TV. With this hobby, you can create a beautiful home that reflects your style.

To get started, you can watch popular TV shows, follow creators on Instagram, or watch YouTube videos to discover your style. Once you have a style, you can take a course that will give you a solid foundation in interior décor.

30. Topiary

Topiary is the art of shaping trees and shrubs. If you are into landscaping or you want to have an awesome-looking backyard, this is a hobby you can explore.

Topiary is a great way to make a side income while exercising your creativity. It is a fairly easy skill to learn, so get those shears and start clipping.

31. Animation

If you are into tech, animation is definitely a hobby you should consider. Animators make an average of $60,000 yearly in the US.

With animation skills, you can create content for ads, businesses, Youtubers, and marketers. You can get started in animation by mastering popular animation software such as After Effects and Blender.

32. YouTube

Roughly 75% of children between the ages of 6 and 17 want to become YouTubers. Popular YouTubers like Mr.Beast make over 50 million dollars every year and many other creators make a full-time living on YouTube.

Starting YouTube is easy. If you have a phone with a decent camera, you just need to hit the record button. Consistently creating content is the best way to achieve success on YouTube.

33. Gardening

For many people, a garden is a place of solace- a place where you lose yourself to find yourself. If spending hours pottering around your garden seems like fun, then this is the hobby for you.

The start with gardening, you first have to find a gardening plot. This can be in your backyard or at a community plot. You then have to decide what to plant (flowers, herbs, vegetables, or fruits) and go for it. Soon you will be enjoying healthy and tasty fruits and vegetables.

34. Puppetry

If you enjoy performing, you can become a puppeteer and entertain people on stage or at events. If you are crafty, you can make puppets for others.

The types of puppetry you can explore include shadow, string, hand, and finger puppets. Puppetry can be simple but also complex and highly creative. See this video (9 minutes) of a guy that makes amazing hand puppets that move like real creatures.

35. Ventriloquism

Ventriloquism (or ventriloquy) is a type of performance where someone creates an illusion that their voice is coming from somewhere else (usually a dummy).

This is a great hobby to pick up especially if you enjoy entertaining kids. You can perform at birthday parties, school events, and kids’ events at churches.

Famous ventriloquists such as Jeff Dunham and Terry Fator have become famous and wealthy from their ventriloquy comedy shows.

36. Pottery

Pottery is as old as civilization. Pottery fragments as old as 20,000 years have been found in China. Making pottery requires a lot of skill and creativity. It can also be a highly meditative activity that can put you into a state of flow.

To get started, you will need a potter’s wheel, good-quality clay, and a kiln. You may also need to take a basic course in pottery.

37. Playing Card and Board Games

Card and board games are great for those days when you can’t go out because the weather is bad. They are also great for hanging out with your friends, family, or significant other.

Some popular games you can learn include Monopoly, scrabble, blackjack, poker, checkers, and Jenga. Start with games that are already popular with people around you.

38. Archery

Archery is a great hobby to pick up if you want to improve your focus and concentration. It is also great for general fitness and improving your posture.

The best way to get started with archery is to visit your local archery range and practice for a while. Once you are sure that archery is for you, you can invest in an archery kit.

39. Wine and Beer Making

Making your own alcohol is a great way to cut alcohol costs while exercising your creativity.

You can start making your own alcohol very cheaply. All you need is some buckets, bottles, caps/corks, a hygrometer, a thermometer, and some pipes.

YouTube is a great place for learning how to make wine or beer at home. One of my favorite channels, especially for fruit wines is Cuoredicioccolato.

40. Soap Making

Many industrial soaps are made with chemicals that are too strong or pollute the environment. If you have sensitive skin that tends to react to store-bought soaps, then try soap making.

You can learn to make your own soap from natural ingredients that smell nice and are great for your skin. YouTube is a great place to learn about soap making.

41. Calligraphy and Lettering

Calligraphy and lettering are great ways to learn the basics of design. For example, Steve Jobs credits a calligraphy course he took in college for his interest in design. His dedication to design has led to the popularity of Apple products.

You can use your calligraphy skills to create eye-popping birthday, wedding, and graduation party invitations.

42. Needle felting

Needle felting is the art of making sculptures by punching wool using special needles. You can make dolls, animals, or figurines.

To get started with needle felting, you will need a barbed needle and wool. You will also need a good beginner’s course.

You can make highly realistic art using needle felting. To see what is possible, check out this video (6 minutes) by Wakuneco, an artist who makes hyper-realistic cats using needle felting.

43. Collecting

A collecting hobby can be a lot of fun especially if you are obsessed about a particular topic. There are various things you can collect including stamps, coins, sneakers, art, antiques, and toys.

When choosing a collecting hobby, it is best to choose items that will appreciate over time. Watches, artwork, and antiques are especially lucrative. You however need to guard yourself against cluttering and hoarding.

44. Pets

Roughly 66% of American households own a pet, with a majority of them owning dogs.

Pets have many benefits, for example, they can help to alleviate anxiety, stress, and loneliness. They can also help you to exercise and socialize more.

Various pet hobbies like dog training, cat sitting, horse grooming, and pet rehab can be lucrative. You can get started with pets by getting a pet or by volunteering at a pet shelter.

45. Yoga

Yoga is an ancient practice that uses various poses and breathwork to promote good health. It has a rich history, having been practiced for over 5,000 years in places like India.

Yoga can help you to become stronger, more flexible, and calmer. There are various types of yoga you can try including Ashtanga, Bikram, Hatha, and Vinyasa yoga. Check YouTube for beginner poses.

46. Meditation

If you find it difficult to deal with negative emotions and intrusive thoughts, then practicing meditation could do wonders for you.

In meditation, you use various physical and mental techniques to clear your thoughts and focus your mind. There are plenty of meditation apps that you can use to guide you, such as Headspace or Calm.

Some forms of meditation you can try include guided, mindfulness, vipassana, and transcendental meditation.

47. Journaling

You can use journaling to record your day, keep track of your goals, or store ideas that you may easily forget. Journaling can also be highly therapeutic because it is a proven way of processing difficult emotions.

Writings that began as journals, such as The Diary of Anne Frank or Meditations (by Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius) have become bestsellers.

To get started, you simply need a pen and a book. You can also create a personal blog or develop a Zettelkasten system.

48. Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to meet people and improve your skills while making an impact on people’s lives. It is also a great hobby to include in your resume (see best hobbies for a resume).

You can volunteer at a seniors’ home, animal shelter, soup kitchen, or homeless shelter. If you have a valuable skill, you can also dedicate part of your time to doing pro bono work.

49. Sculpting

Sculpting is the creation of three-dimensional works of art (see Types of Art). If you get into sculpting, you will be following in the footsteps of geniuses like Michelangelo and Donatello.

The great thing about sculpting is that you can work with a variety of materials like marble, clay, wax, ice, and metal. You can also explore different styles like relief, carving, casting, and modeling.

For inspiration, check out this video (9 minutes) of a guy who uses sculpting skills to make creatures for Hollywood movies.

50. Parkour

Parkour is a sport that combines elements of running, climbing, jumping, vaulting, and martial arts. It is physically demanding and requires great skill to pull off. It is also a lot of fun to watch.

With parkour skills, you can become a stuntman in movies or perform in adverts and music videos. There are plenty of parkour tutorial videos you can watch on YouTube.

51. Acrobatics

Acrobatics is a form of performing art that involves flips, spits, and dance routines. Acrobatics is great for building strength, flexibility, and endurance. You can also make a bit of money by joining a circus or by performing at events or on the streets.

There are several types of acrobatics skills or styles you can learn including trapeze, trampoline, AcroYoga, Acrodance, and aerobatics.

52. Running

If you want to lose weight or become fit, you can try running. Running helps build endurance and strengthen bones and muscles. It also has many cardiovascular benefits that can keep many diseases at bay.

To start running, get yourself a good pair of running shoes and choose the type of running that you are most comfortable with (e.g. jogging, sprinting, or long-distance).

53. Bodybuilding

Bodybuilding is a highly popular sport that has been popularized by the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger, a seven-time Mr.Olympia champion, and arguably one of the greatest bodybuilders.

Bodybuilding is great for building strength, self-discipline, and self-esteem. You can get started with bodybuilding by getting a good trainer who will guide you on how to lift weights and follow a good diet.

54. Slacklining

Slacklining is a sport that involves walking or balancing on a suspended strip of webbing. It is a great way to build balance, coordination, focus, and core strength.

Slacklining kits are inexpensive and can be easily set up in your backyard. It is also a great (and easier) alternative to conventional tightrope walking. Compared to a tightrope, a slackline has a bit of sag and is often placed close to the ground.

55. Scuba Diving

About 70% of the world is covered by water and there is a whole world underwater that is waiting to be discovered. Scuba diving is a great way to do this.

With scuba diving skills, you can travel around the world exploring coral reefs and other marine worlds. You can also use scuba diving in careers like marine biology, rescue diving, and underwater photography.

56. Snorkeling

Snorkeling is a cost-effective way to explore the marine world. Unlike scuba diving, you don’t need expensive equipment or certification. However, you can only explore relatively shallow areas.

To get started with snorkeling, all you need is a mask, a snorkel, and fins. These are inexpensive and can be easily purchased online.

57. Fitness

A fitness hobby can help you to lose weight and build strength and endurance. In addition to these benefits, you will look good, live longer, and have a much better dating life.

Some of the activities you can do if you take up fitness include strength training, cross-fit, jumping rope, and martial arts.

To get started with fitness, it is important to choose something you enjoy. You are likely to incorporate a fitness regime into your life if you enjoy it.

For fitness inspiration, check out the amazing things this woman can do with a jump rope (10 minute video).

58. Go-karting

Go-karting involves driving or racing Go-karts (these are small four-wheeled vehicles). If you enjoy competition, this can be a fun and adrenaline-filled hobby to start.

There are plenty of places that offer both indoor and outdoor racing tracks, and you can rent a kart and the required accessories. If you regularly do go-karting, you can consider buying your own kart.

59. Horse Riding

If you love animals, you may love horse riding. Horse riding can help you build core strength while providing a good workout. It is also a great way to explore the outdoors and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Although keeping a horse can be expensive, there are plenty of places you can go and ride horses for a day.

60. Ice Skating

This is a hobby you can pick up if you live in a place that experiences winter or if you have an ice-skating rink near you.

Ice skating helps to build balance and coordination, but also provides a great workout. Also, if you are interested in sports like Ice hockey, then this is a skill you might want to learn while you are still young.

61. Swimming

Swimming is an important skill to learn because you can save yourself or someone you love from drowning. Swimming is also a low-impact exercise that can burn a lot of calories.

Swimming complements many other hobbies like snorkeling, watersports, scuba diving, and underwater photography. You can get started in swimming by learning the four basic swimming strokes (front, back, freestyle, and butterfly).

62. Travel

Traveling is one of the most popular hobbies. Americans spend about 2% of their household budget on travel. Traveling is a great way to see new places, meet people, and experience new cultures.

Although traveling can be expensive, you can also make some money by starting a travel blog or a YouTube channel. You can also scour for deals on sites like booking.com and trip advisor.

63. Martial Arts

Martial arts is a general term that refers to fighting skills or sports. Martial arts are great for self-defense but they are also useful for building strength, endurance, and self-discipline.

Some popular forms of martial arts you can try include Boxing, MMA, Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Judo, BJJ, and wrestling. In many places, you are likely to find a gym or a facility that offers a form of martial art.

64. Psychology

You can use a psychology hobby in a variety of careers including teaching, marketing, sales, and personal development. If you enjoy learning how the human mind works, then this hobby is for you.

The best way to get started with Psychology if you are not a professional is to read books by popular authors like Daniel Kahneman, Dan Ariely, Carol Dweck, and Robert Cialdini. You can then progress to more academic literature.

65. Upcycling

Upcycling involves repairing or modifying old items to increase their value. These items would normally have been thrown away. You can upcycle all kinds of items including clothes, furniture, household items, and office equipment.

Upcycling is a good hobby because it helps keep items out of dumpsites. You also get to exercise your creativity and make some money on the site by flipping items online.

66. Cricut

If you enjoy arts and crafts, Cricut is a hobby you might enjoy. A Cricut (pronounced as cricket) is a digital cutting machine that can cut all kinds of material including paper, vinyl, fabrics, and leather. It is quite affordable considering what it can do.

With a Cricut machine, you can make stickers, cards, t-shirts, posters, and wall art. You can give them out as gifts or sell them on Etsy (or your blog) and make some extra money.

Check out this video (11 minutes) for a quick introduction to what you can do with a Cricut machine.

67. Movies

Movies are a great hobby to get into especially if you are a movie buff. IMDB have over 640,000 movie titles in their database, meaning that a lifetime is not enough to watch all the movies that have been made.

Besides watching movies, you can collect movies, become a movie historian, create a movie blog, or do movie re-enactments.

68. Prepping

When people think of prepping, they imagine doomsday prepping but prepping is more than this. At its core, prepping is about preparing for emergencies such as natural disasters, medical emergencies, and security incidents.

Prepping involves stockpiling important items, learning survival skills, and being as self-sufficient as possible. This hobby can help you to learn valuable life skills that you can apply in other areas of your life.

69. Podcasting

Podcasting is the new radio. Over 400 million people (or 22% of internet users) listen to podcasts regularly. The success of podcasts like the Joe Rogan Experience has led to an explosion in podcasts.

Podcasts are great because you can listen to them as you do other tasks like driving, exercising, or doing house chores. You can find podcasts on YouTube, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts.

You can also start your own podcast around topics that you are passionate about.

70. Aquariums

Aquariums can be a great way to add character to your home or office. Also, watching fish swim can be a great way to relax and unwind after a stressful day.

There are different types of aquariums that you can get including freshwater, saltwater, and coldwater aquariums. The aquariums also come in different tank sizes and differ in terms of complexity.

71. Digital Illustration

If you enjoy drawing or painting, you should consider digital illustration. You can do it on a dedicated digital device such as Wacom, or you can do it on any tablet that comes with a pen (such as an Apple or Samsung tablet).

The great thing about digital drawing or painting is that you can easily carry your work with you. You can also save a lot of money that you would have spent on buying art supplies.

72. Shopping

Shopping can be an enjoyable hobby if you do it responsibly. However, if you go overboard, it can turn into an expensive addiction.

To get the most out of shopping, learn some shopping skills such as thrift shopping or how to spot deals. These skills can save you a significant amount of money.

You can also explore how to do flipping so that you don’t stockpile stuff you no longer need.

73. Magic and Illusions

Magic is a great way to entertain and enthrall your friends and family. It takes a great deal of skill to pull seemingly impossible feats like David Blaine or David Copperfield, but you can start with simple tricks.

There are plenty of YouTube channels that reveal how to do some of these simple magic tricks. You can start by learning simple card and coin tricks before progressing to more difficult skills.

74. Attending Events

Attending events is a great way to meet new people or bond with family and friends. Some of the events you can attend include concerts, plays, fairs, and carnivals.

To get started you can subscribe to websites, magazines, or social pages that promote local events in your area.

75. Origami

Origami is the ancient Japanese art of paper folding. This is a cheap hobby to get into-all you need is paper. However, you can have a lot of fun learning how to create intricate designs.

To get started with Origami, learn the basic folds and bases. You can learn this from any basic origami book or YouTube.

Origami techniques can also be used in science. Check out the video below (4 minutes) to see how NASA scientists use origami in space.

76. Coffee Making

If you enjoy drinking coffee, then it is worth learning how to make a good cup. You can start by learning how to make popular types of coffee like espresso, cappuccino, and macchiato. You can easily make this if you have a good coffee machine.

You can also explore how to roast your own beans, make latte art, or experiment with different brewing techniques.

77. 3D Printing

You can use 3D printing to make custom pieces that are difficult to buy. While many 3D printers print using plastic, you can also print using metal powder, resins, and ceramics.

3D printer prices have come down considerably and you can get a decent printer for around $300. You can combine a 3D printing hobby with hobbies like RC, Raspberry Pi, Robotics, and Rocketry.

78. Clay Modeling

Clay modeling is a great way to explore your creativity especially if you enjoy working with your hands. For kids, modeling helps improve fine motor skills as well as spatial visualization.

There are different types of clays you can use for modeling including ceramic, plasticine, polymer, and paper clays. These are cheap and readily available.

79. Becoming Social Media Influencer

The average internet user spends about 2-3 hours on social media every day. Although social media is great for entertainment, it can also be a distraction and a waste of time.

However, you can make productive use of social media by becoming an influencer. By learning how to do social media marketing, you can earn a good side income and help market causes and products that you love.

80. Public Speaking

Public speaking is an important skill to have, especially if you aspire to be a leader at work or in business. This is not a skill that comes readily to many people, so learning how to do it well can give you a significant advantage.

You can learn how to speak in public by joining a local Toastmasters club or by engaging in activities like drama or stand-up comedy.

81. Data Analysis

Data has become the new oil and learning how to find, organize, analyze, and make predictions from data is an incredibly valuable skill.

If you have good data skills, you can get into lucrative careers like data science, data architecture, data warehousing, and data analysis. To get started with data analysis, learn a programming language like Python or R. Also, be familiar with data visualization tools like Power Bi or Tableau.

82. Chess

Chess is a strategy game that can do wonders for your analytical and strategic-thinking skills. It is also a game that can help you to bond with your friends and family without spending too much money.

If you want to get smart while having fun, this is the hobby to pick. Getting started is easy- buy a chessboard or download a chess app on your phone. You can learn beginner moves on YouTube.

83. Video Games

Video games can provide endless hours of fun while building quick reflexes, memory, and problem-solving. Although video games can become addictive, if done well, you can reap all the benefits while avoiding the negative effects.

You can also explore educative games to help you learn difficult concepts, or make boring subjects fun.

84. Body Art

You can use your body as a canvas for your artistic expression. Many traditional cultures have used body art for cultural or religious expression, and this hobby can be a way of preserving these traditions.

The types of body art you can explore include tattooing, nail art, body piercing, scarification, and body painting.

For body art inspiration, check out this video (10 minutes) of a woman who makes hyperrealistic nail art portraits.

85. Food Art

If you enjoy food but also want to express yourself creatively, consider food art. Types of food art you can try include plating, latte art, cake decoration, fruit art, and ketchup art.

Food art can give you an edge if you are starting a food business or are looking for employment as a chef, barista, bartender, or baker.

86. Teaching

Teaching is a great way to make an impact on people’s lives. Even if you don’t teach formally in a school, you can teach by starting a teaching blog or a YouTube channel. Or you can teach online through Zoom.

Think of something you are good at or would like to learn, for example, drawing, carpentry, or graphic design. Start by creating beginner-level content on your chosen platform. As you get better, you can create courses on a platform like Payhip.

87. Tai Chi

Tai Chi is an ancient form of Chinese martial art that can be used to increase strength, balance, and flexibility. It is also great for mental health because of its meditative aspects.

Tai Chi is gentle and low impact making it ideal for keeping in shape even in your old age. YouTube has plenty of beginner Tai Chi moves that you can start with.

88. Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils to improve health and mood. These essential oils can be inhaled or applied on the skin as part of a massage or bath routine.

Some of the common essential oils used include citronella, eucalyptus, jasmine, and lavender. To do aromatherapy well, you may need to invest in a good beginner course but there are some free resources on YouTube you can check out.

89. Massage

If you suffer from frequent muscle tension and stress (or you know people who do), learning how to properly do massage can help you out greatly.

There are many styles of massage including deep tissue, shiatsu, and sports massage. Pick a style of massage that meets your needs. If you get good at massage, you can work in physiotherapy, sports, and recreation industries.

90. Airsoft

Airsoft is a sport that simulates gun combat where players shoot pellets using replica guns. Airsoft is a great way to get your adrenaline up while bonding with your buddies and getting some exercise.

To get started, you can get yourself an airsoft gun and some pellets and find somewhere safe to practice. Check the regulations in your country for the do’s and don’ts. Also, ensure that you take the proper safety precautions.

91. Herping

Herping involves searching for reptiles and amphibians out in the wild. It is the herpetology equivalent of birding. Herping is a great way to learn about and appreciate nature (especially for kids).

Collecting is discouraged when herping, but you can have a lot of fun taking photos and recording calls. Although herping is still not as popular as birding, there are still plenty of opportunities for tourism and citizen science.

92. Fishing

Fishing is a good hobby to try if you enjoy the outdoors. It gives you an opportunity to enjoy fresh air, water, sunlight, and the company of good friends.

There are several types of fishing you can get into including sport, fly, ice, and spearfishing. If you are adventurous, you can try noodling.

93. Bonsai

Bonsai is a Japanese form of art that involves growing miniature trees in containers. Bonsai can be a unique way to decorate your home and express your creativity.

Many types of trees or shrubs that have a woody stem can be used to create bonsai, however, trees like Juniper, Pine, and Cedar are especially ideal for beginners.

94. Juggling

Juggling isn’t just for clowns. If you want to improve your concentration and hand-eye coordination, try juggling. Juggling can also be a great party trick if you want to impress your friends and family.

YouTube is a great resource for learning how to juggle. To be a successful juggler, you will need a lot of patience and perseverance.

95. Learning

Learning how to learn is a superpower. When you take up learning as a hobby, you can translate the techniques you gain from learning one skill and apply them to learning another.

The biggest benefit of learning is that it expands your brain and this makes it easier to learn subsequent or more complex skills. Make a list of everything you want to learn in order of priority (eg. drawing, karate, coding, etc). Then learn each skill one by one.

96. Metalwork

Metalwork skills can be useful if you enjoy interior décor or landscaping. You can make sculptures, patio furniture, or pergolas for your home and garden.

Metal can be challenging to work with compared to materials like wood or clay, but you can create some truly unique pieces. You will need to learn blacksmithing techniques such as smelting, forging, welding, and finishing.

97. Biking

If you own a bike, there are several types of biking you can do including mountain, fat-tire, electric, BMX, and cyclocross biking.

Bikes are affordable and many places have biking trails that you can take advantage of. If you enjoy the outdoors, you can take your bike when you go camping or RVing so that you can explore different trails wherever you are.

98. Jewelry Making

Jewelry making has a rich history and involves making ornamental pieces for personal adornment. You can make jewelry out of beads, precious stones/metals, resin, plastic, and glass.

The cost of getting started will depend on the kind of materials you want to use. You may also need to spend some time learning jewelry techniques such as gilding, setting, knotting, polishing, and soldiering.

99. Climbing

Climbing is a great way to build upper-body and grip strength. And if you fear heights, climbing can help you to face and overcome your fear.

To get started, you need to choose the type of climbing you want to do. The most popular options are rock climbing and indoor climbing. Indoor climbing might be better for beginners because many places offer indoor climbing spaces and you can cheaply rent gear.

100. Hiking

Hiking will help you to keep fit as you explore nature. With hiking, you get all the health benefits of walking and it is more enjoyable. Also, you can easily combine hiking with other hobbies like birding or outdoor photography.

Hiking is one of the easiest hobbies to get into. All you need is a pair of sturdy shoes. You can start with short hikes to build up your stamina before attempting longer hikes.

101. Orienteering

Orienteering is an outdoor activity that involves using a map and a compass to find your way to specific points. This is a great hobby for getting fit, bonding with loved ones, and improving your navigational skills.

To get started, find out if there is an orienteering club near you. If you can’t find one, you could start one with your friends and family.

102. Glass Art

Working with glass can be challenging yet rewarding. You can make beautiful artifacts such as glasses, vases, window panes, and jewelry. You can sell these and make an income on the side or you can give them to your loved ones as gifts.

To get started with glass art, you will need to learn skills such as glass blowing, etching, staining, knitting, and printing.

103. Pilates

Pilates is a form of exercise that was developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s. Like Yoga, pilates can help help you to build strength, flexibility, and balance.

YouTube has plenty of pilates workouts that you can do for free. Craft a routine that suits you and stick to it.

104. Homesteading

If you wish to get away from the rat race and live a more simple life, homesteading is the hobby for you. It is characterized by a self-sufficient lifestyle that involves producing your own food and energy as well as making what you need for survival.

Some of the homesteading skills you need to learn include agriculture, food preservation, carpentry, and animal husbandry.

105. Mentalism

Mentalism is a form of performance where you can appear to have superhuman abilities such as telepathy, clairvoyance, and mind-reading.

Mentalists like Alexander or Uri Geller have become famous and very wealthy by honing this ability.

This hobby, if done well, can be enthralling. However, it can take years of practice to perform some of the tricks successfully.

106. Kayaking

Kayaking is a great hobby to pick up if you enjoy the outdoors. It is a hobby you can do alone or as a couple and it comes with numerous health benefits. For example, it will help you to build your upper-body strength and improve your general fitness.

Types of kayaking activities you can try include recreational, competitive, sea, and surf kayaking. Many resorts offer kayaking as part of their activities so you can try it without buying your own equipment.

107. Off-road Driving (Off-roading)

If you enjoy driving, off-roading can be a great way to test your driving skills. Off-roading involves driving on muddy or rocky roads using a 4-by-4 vehicle or an ATV.

Off-roading can be fun and adrenaline-filled especially if you engage in off-roading activities like dune bashing, rock crawling, or desert racing.

108. Beadwork (Beading)

Beading has been used for centuries to create beautiful jewelry and other decorative objects. Some of the beading techniques you can explore include stringing, bead weaving, bead embroidering, and bead macrame.

Beading is a great way to get into crafts because it is easy to learn and there is a huge market for beaded products. You can sell necklaces, earrings, wall hangings, or shoes on Etsy or using a platform like Payhip.

109. Skateboarding

Skateboarding is an extremely popular hobby that involves doing tricks using a skateboard. The skateboarding market is estimated to be worth $4.8 billion annually and this has enabled popular skateboarders like Tony Hawk to create lucrative businesses around skateboarding.

If you get good at skateboarding, you can impress your friends with amazing tricks. You could even represent your country at the Olympics (yes, it is an Olympic sport).

110. Creative Writing

Creative writing is writing that involves using your imagination to create stories (fictional and non-fictional). In creative writing, you can choose to write novels, short stories, biographies, poetry, or screenplays.

Writing well is a useful skill to have and practicing creative writing will do wonders for your writing. It will also help you to build your creativity and ability to tap ideas.

111. Videography

Videography involves all aspects of producing a video including recording videos, editing, and post-production. These days, many people prefer to consume video content and this has created a lot of opportunities for videographers.

As a videographer, you can create YouTube videos, music videos, documentaries, and commercials. You only need a decent phone to get started with videography. You can then invest in proper equipment once your skills improve.

112. Pool (Billiards)

Pool is a great hobby to learn if you enjoy socializing. Many pubs have a pool table, so you can have a little friendly competition as you enjoy your drinks.

Getting good at pool will require some practice. Try learning some pool tricks that you can use to impress your buddies.

113. Recreational Vehicle (RV) Travel

RV travel is a great way to travel especially if you want to cut down on your travel costs. You can even opt to live full-time in your RV as part of a minimalist lifestyle.

Buying an RV can be expensive and some models can cost as much as a house. To get started, rent an RV to see if it is something that you might enjoy.

114. Marksmanship

Marksmanship is a hobby that involves learning how to shoot a firearm accurately. This is a great hobby to pick up if you are into self-defense, prepping, hunting, or homesteading. It is also great if you want to get into the armed forces or offer security services.

To get started, check if there is a local shooting range that will help you to learn the basics of shooting. Note that in many countries, you will require a license to purchase a firearm.

115. Carving

Carving is the creation of sculptures or objects by scraping or removing materials using a tool like a chisel or a chainsaw. There are several types of carving you can get into including wood, ice, soap, fruit, bone, and stone carving.

This is a good hobby if you want to build your creativity. It is also a hobby that can complement other hobbies like interior décor, homesteading, landscaping, and DIY.

116. Adult Coloring

Although adult coloring reached its peak popularity in 2015 and 2016, it is still a very popular hobby. The popularity of adult coloring is partly driven by studies that show that coloring exercises can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

There are various types of coloring books you can explore including animal, floral, mandala, zentangle, and zendoodle coloring. To get started, you can get yourself an adult coloring kit consisting of a coloring book and marker pens.

117. Scrapbooking

A scrapbooking hobby will help you to remember the important moments in your life. This is a hobby you can do alone or as a family. Scrapbooking is a great way to get into crafting but it can also be quite therapeutic.

To get started, you can buy a scrapbook online or make your own. Choose a size based on your needs. You can then use this book to stick photos, notes, mementos or to make journal entries.

118. Personal Finance

Learning how to manage your finances is a skill that can completely transform your life. Given that a lot of problems in life are brought about by not having enough money, it is important to learn how to make and take care of money.

A personal finance hobby will help you to learn important skills like bookkeeping, budgeting, saving, investing, insurance, and debt management. To start, begin by doing simple tasks like keeping track of your expenses.

119. Woodworking

Woodworking is an easy hobby to get into mainly because wood is not a complicated material to work with. You can explore various woodworking techniques such as carpentry, wood burning, wood turning, and wood carving.

A woodworking hobby will also complement other hobbies like crafting, interior décor, landscaping, DIY, and building.

120. Genealogy

Genealogy is the study of families and family histories. Genealogy will help you to discover and preserve your family history. It can also complement hobbies like scrapbooking, biographical writing, and documentary making.

If you are curious about your family lineage, give genealogy a try. You can trace your family history through historical records or by interviewing older relatives.

121. Table Tennis (Ping Pong)

Table tennis is a great hobby to get into if you want to have lots of fun but don’t have a lot of space. A table tennis table can fit into your garage or you can place it on your dining table.

This is a great hobby for family bonding and you can also get a good workout indoors. To get started, you can look for a cheap, foldable table tennis kit that you can easily set up in your house.

122. Singing

If you love music, you should consider taking up singing as a hobby. Singing is great for relieving stress, but it can also help you to learn how to project and control your voice. This is especially great if you regularly speak in public.

Singing will also complement hobbies like playing musical instruments, songwriting, and performing. To get started with singing, you can take voice lessons or you can join a local choir. Alternatively, you can form a band with your friends.

123. Radio Controlled (RC) Vehicles

An RC hobby involves making or driving remote-controlled vehicles such as cars, planes, boats, trucks, and buggies. It is great for having fun with friends but you can also build some serious skills.

If you are crafty or love electronics, you can make your own RC vehicles. If you enjoy competition, you can race RC vehicles.

124. Building Models

This is a huge hobby that can take you in different directions. For example, you can make model cars, buildings, planes, ships, and rockets. Besides being a lot of fun, building models can help you to acquire engineering skills, dexterity, and problem-solving skills.

Many companies sell model kits and this can be a great way to get started. Later, you can build your own models from scratch.

125. Bowling

Bowling is a great hobby for socializing, but you can also get a decent workout. It is a fun activity that the whole family can do together on an outing.

Many recreational places offer bowling, so check out your local area for bowling alleys. The costs are quite low because you can rent most of what you need. However, if you get into competitive bowling, the costs can add up.

126. Leatherwork

Learning how to work with leather can be a lucrative skill because you can make a variety of products including shoes, bags, clothes, hats, car interiors, and furniture.

Leatherwork can complement hobbies like homesteading, upholstery, upcycling, fashion design, and interior décor. To get started, identify an item you would like to make and then look for a tutorial online.

127. Acting

If you enjoy performing, acting can be a great way to exercise your creativity. You can work on commercials, movies, tv shows, stage, and live shows.

Acting can help you to interact with people from all walks of life. You may also get to do a fair bit of traveling. If you are lucky, you may even get to act in a hit movie or work in Hollywood.

128. 3D Modeling

3D Modeling involves creating three-dimensional designs and replicas using software. You can use 3D modeling in architecture, interior design, animation, and game development.

You will need to learn how to use 3D modeling software like Autodesk Revit, Maya, Unreal Engine, Blender, and Zbrush.

129. Terrariums

A terrarium is a miniature garden that is grown inside a glass container. It is like an aquarium for plants. Terrariums can make great ornamental pieces especially if you love nature.

YouTube is a great place to learn about terrariums and there are plenty of channels like The Urban Nemophilist that are dedicated to terrariums.

130. Fashion Design

Fashion design refers to the creation of clothing and associated accessories. As a fashion designer, you can decide to specialize in haute couture or ready-to-wear clothing.

This can be a rewarding hobby if you love to look good or make people look good. To get started, you will need to learn how to do basic tailoring as well as work with sketches, colors, and fabrics.

131. Music Production

Music production involves the entire process of creating music including songwriting, recording, mixing, and distribution. With skills from this hobby, you can create your own music or help others to create music.

If you have a laptop, you can get started by learning how to use Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software like Garage Band or Ableton Live

132. Flower Arranging

A flower arranging hobby will help you to develop eye-catching floral displays. You can decorate your home or you can use your skills in events such as weddings, valentines, or birthday parties.

A flower arranging hobby can complement other hobbies like flower gardening, interior décor, event photography, and event planning.

133. Macrame

In Macrame, you use knotting techniques to make decorative items like wall hangings, jewelry, bags, bracelets, and bags. Although macrame looks complicated, it is fairly easy to learn and it is a great hobby if you want to explore your creativity.

To get started, you will need to learn the basic macrame knots such as half knots, hitches, sinnets, and gathering knots. You can quickly learn the basics of macrame on YouTube.

134. Crocheting

Crocheting is the making of items using yarn and a crochet hook. Crocheting is often used to make scarves, beanies, dolls, and throw blankets.

Crocheting is great for busting stress because you tend to enter a meditative flow state. You can also sell what you make and get some extra income on the side.

135. Knitting

Knitting involves making woven items using yarn and two knitting needles. You can use your knitting skills to make beanies, scarves, coasters, pillow covers, and sweaters.

Like crocheting, knitting is also meditative and relaxing. Knitting is easy to get into because supplies are cheap and there are plenty of patterns online that you can use for your projects.

136. Sewing

Sewing is a potentially lucrative hobby to start. You can make all kinds of things and it is not difficult to learn. Sewing can be used to complement other hobbies like fashion design, dressmaking, quilting, and upcycling.

You can start by learning the basic stitches, how to use a sewing machine, and how to cut fabric using patterns.

137. Food Preservation

Food preservation is a great hobby to pick up if you want to save money, care for the environment, or adopt a self-sufficient lifestyle. Food preservation techniques you can try include canning, freeze drying, pasteurization, and smoking.

This hobby can complement other hobbies like homesteading, prepping, gardening, hunting, and camping. There are plenty of resources on YouTube that can help you to get started.

Wrapping Up

Hopefully, you have identified a couple of hobbies that you can try out.

If you are still struggling to find a hobby, check out my article on why you have no hobbies for ideas on barriers that could be holding you back.

Also, don’t put pressure on yourself to find a hobby. Keep exploring and trying different things and eventually, your perfect hobby will appear.

Further Reading

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