Katrina

Written by Katrina

Modified & Updated: 30 Dec 2023

Sherman Smith

Reviewed by Sherman Smith

different types of hobbies

Throughout the years, people have discovered and developed so many types of hobbies. Technology, especially, has opened new ways for people to spend their free time. It might be difficult to keep track of all of them, but this list of hobbies is sure to give you a great start!

What is a hobby?

The definition of a hobby is simple and easy enough to understand. A hobby is a type of pastime. It is a recurring activity that you do in your free time for pleasure.

What can qualify as a hobby?

Because of this wide definition, a lot of things can qualify as a hobby. For instance, two widely different activities like candle making and hiking can be both considered hobbies.

For some, they only consider an activity to be a hobby if they do it purely out of pleasure. However, nowadays, people have found a way to profit from their hobbies as well. For instance, those who make candles will sell their creations for a price, and those who enjoy hiking will organize tours.

Whether or not you want to profit from the activity is entirely up to you. As long as it remains an activity that you enjoy doing in your free time, you can still call it your hobby.

What are the different types of hobbies?

There are many ways to categorize hobbies. You’ll often see lists of hobbies for women and lists of hobbies for men. There are also types of hobbies based on the type of activity, like active hobbies, wellness hobbies, and creative hobbies.

However, hobbies will often overlap, so it is hard to truly categorize them into specific groups. For instance, active hobbies like dancing can also fall under creative hobbies, especially when it includes making choreography.

What are the benefits of having a hobby?

You might be thinking to yourself, “Why should I look for a hobby in the first place?” Aside from the obvious answer that hobbies are fun, there are a lot of other benefits too!

Yoga and Meditation
Image from Flickr

First, hobbies are great stress relievers. They offer a way for you to destress from whatever duties and responsibilities you have. In a way, a hobby is a form of self-care because you’re doing something you enjoy.

Second, hobbies can also create opportunities for more socialization. A group of people with similar interests will often form a community together. For instance, people who enjoy reading as a hobby will often form or join a book club. A community will fulfill your social needs and open all kinds of opportunities.

Hobbies can also train and improve your skills and abilities. One of the great things about having a hobby is how it can hone a certain skill without feeling burdensome. For instance, composing music can improve your creativity and memory. It can also improve technical skills, such as how to play instruments.

You can also monetize your hobbies to earn a little side cash. As mentioned before, some people sell their creations for profit. This is a great way to earn extra money without giving up too much of your free time.

Furthermore, you can have more than one hobby. Most hobbies are low maintenance. Since you are only doing them for fun, you aren’t required to do them all the time. If there are days you don’t feel like knitting like you usually do, then you can go ahead and do your other hobbies instead. You can always go back and forth between your hobbies.

Last, there are plenty of types to choose from. You can surely find a hobby that will suit your lifestyle and interests. However, since there are so many that you can try out, it might be difficult to know where to start. Luckily, this list of hobbies has got you covered!

Table of Contents

Astrology

First on this list of hobbies is astrology. Astrology is a pseudoscience that focuses on the positions and movements of the sun, moon, stars, and planets. Horoscopes, zodiac, and divination all fall under astrology.

Astrology is a fun way to learn more about the world around you. It can help you see things from a different perspective. While some people doubt astrology, it is certainly one of the most common interests of many these days.

Astronomy

There are plenty more fun hobbies that involve celestial bodies. One example is astronomy. Astronomy is the study of the sun, moon, stars, and planets. Since it isn’t a pseudoscience like astrology, astronomy deals with the scientific side of the physical universe.

Those whose hobby is astronomy will often go stargazing. They also like to observe the phases of the moon. Astronomy is a hobby that is both fun and educational.

Arts and Crafts

For those who want to exercise their creativity, there are plenty of arts and crafts hobbies to try out. In fact, there is often a separate list of arts and crafts hobbies because of how many types there are.

Arts and crafts refer to creative processes that call for design and handicraft. Some popular examples include painting, scrapbooking, and origami. Candle making is also a hobby that falls under this category.

For arts and crafts, some traditional ways can help you learn about a specific country’s culture as well. Making Japanese or Chinese lanterns is one example.

Baking

List of Hobbies: Baking
Image from Pixabay

One of the most popular choices in this list of hobbies is baking. Baking is cooking food, usually pastries, in an oven. This hobby is great for people who like to stay at home and experiment in the kitchen during their days off. There are also plenty of recipes online that you can easily access.

People who enjoy this hobby will often give their baked goods to their friends. Baking cakes, brownies, and the different types of bread are all fun ways to spend your free time. This hobby will also improve your patience, focus, and creativity.

Billiards

If you’re looking for some cool hobbies on this list, then why not try out billiards? Billiard sports, or cue sports, refers to any type of game played on a billiard or pool table with a cue and billiard balls. There are different billiard games out there, so you don’t have to worry about getting bored playing the same game over and over again.

Since a typical game of billiards requires more than one player, you can also play this with your friends. It is a great hobby that offers socializing as well.

Birdwatching

You might be looking for something a little less active in this list of hobbies. If that’s the case, then birdwatching is definitely an option. Birdwatching, or birding, involves going outside and watching birds.

You can observe birds using your naked eye or with the help of some equipment. Some examples of equipment you can use include binoculars or telescopes. Some also use cameras and recorders to listen for bird sounds.

There are a lot of communities for birdwatching. Some of them organize trips to look for birds outside of your own city or town.

Blogging

Next on this list of hobbies is blogging. Blogging is much like an online diary or journal. It is a hobby where you recount and share your experiences and thoughts. There are different platforms where you can post your blogs. These include Tumblr, Blogger, and WordPress. Social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter, are also some places where people opt to post their blogs.

Vlogging is a type of blogging where you create a blog entry in the form of a video. Nowadays, a lot of people post their vlogs on YouTube. They are called vloggers.

Board/Tabletop Games

List of Hobbies: Playing Board Games
Image from Pixabay

A list of hobbies would not be complete without board or tabletop games. Board or tabletop games refer to types of games that require a board or playing surface. These are usually indoor hobbies. However, since most board games are easy to transport, you can also play them outside.

Some examples include jigsaw puzzles, chess, and card games. There are board games that you can play on your own, but there are also some that you can play with friends. Scrabble, snakes and ladders, and Monopoly are some popular board games you can play with other people.

Bowling

Sports are great and fun hobbies to pick up. One popular example is bowling. Bowling is a target sport wherein a player rolls a bowling ball down a lane to knock down pins. The goal is to land a strike, which refers to knocking down all the pins with a single roll.

To play bowling, you will have to go to a bowling alley or gaming center. This is because bowling requires a bowling lane and proper equipment, such as the bowling ball and pins. There are also specific shoes for bowling.

If you’re only just starting, you don’t have to worry about buying all of these. Most, if not all of them, you can rent at a bowling alley.

Calligraphy

For artsy people, calligraphy is an excellent hobby to try. Calligraphy is a way of writing using an artistic style. For example, wedding invitations often use calligraphy to give off a fancy and formal vibe.

Calligraphers use a special type of pen that helps them to create brush strokes for each letter. Some like to use the traditional pen and parchment paper for their works. However, there are also modern versions of calligraphy that are less strict and more versatile. For instance, there are calligraphy pens with different brush sizes you can purchase as is.

Creative hobbies like calligraphy can hone your artistic skills and improve your spatial awareness.

Camping

Next on this list of hobbies is camping. Camping is one of the most popular outdoor hobbies ever. It involves staying outside overnight, usually in a tent or a camp car. The point of camping is usually to take a break from your usual life, which is why people often go camping in the woods or parks.

Camping is a great hobby for kids as much as it is for adults. A lot of organizations, such as boy and girl scouts, will often hold camping activities for kids. Together, they learn how to set up a tent, make a fire, and do other outdoor activities.

Clothes Making

Some people might think that clothes making can only be a livelihood. However, this isn’t true. In fact, clothes making is a popular choice in this list of hobbies. As the name suggests, clothes making is all about making your own clothes. Whether this is from new fabric or old clothes is entirely up to you.

If you have no prior experience, then you don’t have to worry. A lot of people make tutorials for making all kinds of clothes, and there are free patterns online too. All you need are the basic materials, such as a sewing kit, fabric, and scissors.

Collecting

Collection of Badges
Image from Flickr

If you’re looking for something that doesn’t require a crafty hand on this list of hobbies, then consider collecting. Collecting is a hobby where you collect certain items or products. The joy of collecting comes from completing a certain lineup or finding rare items for cheap prices.

For a long time now, collecting has always been a popular hobby. However, new trends have paved the way for new collectibles. For instance, a lot of people now collect K-Pop albums and photo cards. This is similar to the baseball or basketball cards that sports fans have been collecting for years. Some people also collect coins, while others collect cars.

Cooking

Among the other activities on this list of hobbies, cooking might be the most popular. Cooking is something people do almost every day. However, there are some that cook not just because they have to but because they want to.

For many, cooking is their go-to whenever they want to destress in their free time. The great thing about cooking is that there are many recipes you can try. You can choose a dish that appeals to your tastes, and you can make some for your friends too. You can also choose meals that fit your budget and lifestyle.

Cycling

There are plenty of choices on this list of hobbies that can also improve your health. One example is cycling. Cycling, or biking, refers to using bicycles to go from one place to another. Some people go cycling as a means of transportation, but many also do it for recreation.

Those who go cycling regularly are called cyclists or bikers. Cyclists often bike for a long distance with a group of people. However, some like to go biking on their own. It is entirely up to preference if you would like to make cycling a social activity or not.

Dancing

If you’re an active person with a lot of energy, then dancing is a great hobby to try out. Dancing means moving your body rhythmically to music. There are different genres of dancing, so you can find one or more that suits your taste. For instance, some people like hip-hop, while others enjoy classical ballet or contemporary dancing.

There are many classes that you can attend to learn to dance, but you can also simply learn to dance at home. There are a lot of online tutorials that teach the basics of dancing. Of course, you can also just play some music on Spotify and go freestyle. The most important thing about dancing, much like all the other activities in this list of hobbies, is that you’re having fun!

Embroidery

List of Hobbies: Embroidery
Image from Pixabay

If you’re an artsy person, embroidery is another great hobby to pick up. Embroidery refers to embroidering or decorating cloth using a thread and needle. This hobby requires a sharp eye and careful hands. Not everybody will be good at embroidery on their first try, but it is a very rewarding hobby.

It is one way to personalize your own fabrics, and it can also be a way to express yourself creatively. This can also improve your own eye when it comes to paying attention to small details.

Exercising

Another entry in this list of hobbies for active people is exercising. Exercising refers to a wide range of physical activities that help improve your health. In other words, exercising is a form of fitness.

There are different ways to exercise. This includes running, jogging, and walking. It can also refer to more strenuous workouts like bodybuilding and resistance training.

Contrary to popular belief, exercising doesn’t have to be done at the gym. You can also exercise at home or in your local park. You can exercise wherever and whenever you feel comfortable. This is one of the reasons why this is a great hobby to try out.

Filmmaking

Some people won’t expect to see this as part of a list of hobbies, but many people consider filmmaking as a hobby. Filmmaking refers to producing or creating films. It might seem daunting, but filmmaking doesn’t have to be complicated. As it’s an expression of art, you can do whatever you want with it.

For instance, taking a video of your surroundings and making a montage out of them also counts as filmmaking. With how advanced technology is nowadays, you can simply use your phone to both capture and edit videos.

Fishing

Another outdoor activity on this list of hobbies is fishing. Fishing is the act of catching fish with a fishing rod, net, or spear. Of course, those aren’t the only equipment you’ll need for fishing. Often, you’ll need all kinds of bait, lures, and traps. You’ll also need to bring your own chair because you’ll likely be waiting a long time for fish to bite.

Fishing is a great hobby if you’re patient and like the outdoors, especially lakes and rivers. It is a great way to get in touch with nature too as you’ll be spending a lot of time just taking in your surroundings.

Flower Arranging

If you have your own garden, you might also want to consider flower arranging. Flower arranging, or floristry, refers to arranging and artistically decorating flowers. This is also called floral design.

Flower arrangements can come in different forms. Aside from bouquets, flower crowns are also popular projects for this hobby. Some other examples include corsages and floral wreaths.

You can keep your projects to decorate your house, or you can give them to your friends and family as gifts.

Gaming

Of course, you can’t forget about gaming when making a list of hobbies. Gaming refers to playing video games on a console, such as a computer, phone, or iPad. Others like Xbox, Nintendo, and PlayStation also have their own gaming consoles.

Video gaming is a popular hobby. There are so many games out there that cater to different age groups and personal tastes. Plenty of video games also improve and test your skills. This often includes your decision-making, quick thinking, and problem-solving.

Gardening

There are many entries on this list of hobbies that can count as both indoor and outdoor hobbies. This includes gardening. Gardening can refer to tending to plants outdoors in your backyard or indoors with houseplants.

For many, gardening is a great way to destress. They like to take care of plants as it gives them a sense of responsibility and fulfillment. If you think it might be too much, you can always get plants that are low maintenance. Some examples include succulents and pothos plants.

Graphic Design

Graphic design refers to using technology to combine text and photos artistically. Some may say that graphic design shouldn’t be on a list of hobbies for beginners, but you don’t have to be an expert in Photoshop to do graphic design.

There are a lot of different apps you can use now. For example, Canva is beginner-friendly and also has a lot of templates. Some people also use Microsoft Powerpoint to make designs. As a hobby, graphic design is purely for fun. You have creative freedom over your works, and you can also post them on your own platforms.

Hiking

List of Hobbies: Hiking
Image from Flickr

Hiking is an outdoor hobby that might seem difficult at first. However, there are actually many trails available for beginners. You don’t have to hike extreme trails like Mt. Everest. Instead, you can go hiking in smaller mountains. For instance, the Lassen Peak Trail Hike in California is a great start for those who just want to try.

You will need to prepare a lot of things beforehand, though. For hiking, you will need to wear the proper clothes. Hiking shoes will definitely make your trek much easier. If you don’t have any, you can also go for comfortable trainers that cushion your feet well and aren’t too slippery on terrain.

Carrying a backpack with basic survival necessities like packed food, water, and a first aid kit is also something you should prepare.

Homebrewing

Home-brewing refers to the act of making a brew of alcohol or beer at home. In a way, you can view it as personalizing your own drinks by brewing them to your specific taste.

Nowadays, you can purchase homebrewing kits online. A beer homebrewing kit will usually include a fermenter, brewing kettle, and beer ingredients. These make it easier for those who are only just starting this hobby. There are also homebrewing classes and online tutorials that you can take if you are interested.

Journaling

If you’re looking for something low maintenance on this list of hobbies, then why not try journaling? As the name suggests, journaling refers to writing in a journal or diary. It differs from blogging as it involves actually writing on a page instead of typing on a computer or phone.

Journaling comes with a lot of benefits. For one thing, it is a great way to express yourself. It can also be a private hobby, so you can easily keep your thoughts to yourself. You also don’t need a lot of materials. An old notebook and a pen will do.

If you want to be more creative, you can also make a bullet journal. Bullet journals, or BuJo, are very popular nowadays. They are the same as most journals, except it involves drawing and designing your entries with colorful markers and stickers.

Knitting

There is no shortage of creative activities in this list of hobbies. Another example is knitting. Knitting refers to using needles to loop thread or yarn together to make a sweater, hat, or knitted garment.

Some people might think knitting is something only grandmas do. However, that is not true. Plenty of teenagers and young adults take up knitting. It is a great hobby that helps you keep your hands busy while making something for yourself. Aside from this, knitting is said to be meditative. It can calm down your mind and help you destress.

Martial Arts

Martial Arts
Image from Wikimedia Commons

Martial arts refers to contact sports that deal with self-defense, attacking, or both. Most martial arts originated from Japanese, such as karate, aikido, and judo. Different types of martial arts focus on certain styles. For instance, boxing only involves punches. Kickboxing, on the other hand, allows punches and kicks.

There are many benefits to having martial arts as a hobby. Aside from improving your physical health, martial arts instill discipline. Martial arts is more than just learning combat moves and tactics. It is also about strengthening one’s mind.

Music Composition and Production

Art doesn’t just come in paintings or tangible pieces. It can also come in the form of music. That’s why making music is also another entry on this list of hobbies. Music composition involves using instruments, vocals, or both to create melodious sounds.

With how advanced technology is today, you don’t need professional equipment to make music. There are plenty of apps on phones and computers that people use to compose music. You can also do things manually by using your guitar or piano and recording yourself.

This hobby is a great way to express yourself. You can also share your music online or with a community. For example, joining a band or choir is a way to turn this into a social hobby.

Nail Art

Next on this list of hobbies is nail art. Nail art is the artistic manner of painting and decorating your nails. This is not to be confused with manicures or pedicures. Manicures and pedicures are procedures that groom your nails by trimming, shaping, and polishing them. Nail art usually happens after these treatments.

Nail art is a creative way to show people your personality. You can choose what color of nail polish you want to use. You can also choose what patterns and embellishments to add. A lot of people will go with a theme that reflects their other hobbies and interests. For instance, some will go with anime or movie nail art.

Photography

For many, photography is their livelihood. However, many also do this as a hobby. Photography refers to the art of taking, editing, and processing pictures. This can be done digitally or traditionally. It all depends on the camera you use. Some cameras are digital, while others use photographic film.

Nowadays, people also use their phones. For example, iPhone photography is a popular trend where people use their iPhones to capture stylistic photos.

While editing isn’t always necessary, you can certainly do so. You can add filters, overlay images, and crop or rotate photos however you wish.

Pilates

List of Hobbies: PilatesImage from Pixabay

You might be going through this list of hobbies looking for low-impact physical activity. One answer to that is pilates. Pilates is a type of exercise where you focus on strengthening your body, especially your core.

You can opt to do pilates indoors or outdoors. For indoors, all you need is a yoga mat. For outdoors, you can enroll in classes at your local gym. There are special apparatuses that can help you take it to the next level.

Pilates will improve your core strength and flexibility. Aside from this, it can also improve your balance. If you work an office job that requires you to sit down all day, then having pilates as a hobby can help balance that out. Plus, scientists reveal that pilates can help with lower back pain!

Pottery

Pottery might be messy, but it’s certainly a fun hobby! In simple terms, pottery refers to the art of molding and shaping clay into hard products like pots or cups. You can use clay or ceramic materials for this. There are many things you can make. However, starting with a simple vase or bowl is best for beginners.

If you don’t know where to start, a pottery class can guide you through it. A pottery class or workshop is also a great way to meet new people. You are likely to find those who are interested in arts as well. Of course, you can also buy your own potter’s wheel.

Reading

For many, reading is a great escape from the real world. Books often open a door to new worlds and lives that are far different from reality. This makes reading a popular choice on this list of hobbies.

Of course, fictional books aren’t the only things you can read. You can also read memoirs, encyclopedias, and even scientific research. All that matters is that you are having fun while reading. Some people also like to read plays, screenplays, and lyrics.

Reading is a great way to destress, but it also sharpens your mind. It can enhance your imagination and improve your general knowledge of the world. Aside from these, reading in a specific language can also improve your knowledge and comprehension of that language.

Sports

To go through every sport out there on this list of hobbies might be too much. This is because there are so many sports out there. The good thing about that is you are likely to find one that suits you.

There are different types of sports. For instance, there are contact and non-contact sports. There are also teams you can join that compete in amateur and professional leagues. Of course, you can join teams that don’t compete either. Some examples include a soccer camp and a basketball organization.

Less common sports like horse racing or show jumping are also some hobbies you can consider.

Traveling

List of Hobbies: Traveling
Image from Pixabay

For those who love the outdoors, traveling is a hobby you can try out. Travelling can help you get away from your busy life. You can travel to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower as many people dream of. However, you don’t have to travel to such big tourist spots.

Travelling can be expensive, especially if you travel out of the country. You can simply travel within your own country or even just a few cities away. There are also ways to find cheap accommodations and tours. Joining a group or befriending other travelers can lead to them sharing their tips and tricks with you. Making new friends, of course, is another benefit to that.

Watching Films

Watching films is a favorite pastime for many. It is a hobby that is easy enough to do because there are always new movies to see. You can just go to your local movie theater and buy a ticket. Of course, you can also catch your favorite films at home. Streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney Plus make it easier than ever to watch films.

One benefit to watching films as a hobby is learning about the world. Much like reading, you can enter different worlds through film. You can learn about another country’s culture. For instance, watching a Korean film will help you learn about the history and everyday lives of Koreans.

Writing

If watching films isn’t for you, then maybe writing is. Writing is a great hobby for those whose imaginations often run wild. You can turn all of your thoughts into prose, poetry, or both. There are different mediums that you can try out. Writing a screenplay is one example.

There are no strict rules to writing, especially as a hobby. Still, there are writing workshops you can attend. These workshops are a great way to meet new people who also have the same interests as you. You can even exchange your works and peer review them.

Yoga

Last but not least on this list of hobbies is yoga. Contrary to popular belief, yoga differs from pilates. They both focus on flexibility, balance, and core strength. However, yoga is a discipline from Ancient India. Yoga focuses on meditation and controlling the mind. It draws concepts from Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.

You can find a lot of videos on Youtube that provide step-by-step explanations of various yoga stances. There are also plenty of yoga instructor apps on Google Play Store as well.

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