Loading
Preparing your generator page
We are loading content and tools so everything is ready to use.
We are loading content and tools so everything is ready to use.
Find a new hobby from 161 ideas, from pottery and pickleball to stargazing and sourdough. Filter by budget, indoor or outdoor, solo or social, and energy level, or take the quick quiz for your top 3 matches. Every hobby comes with a simple first step.
Also try the Random Sport Generator, Random Book Generator, and Random Career Generator.
Last updated: October 2, 2026 · Published: 2026-04-07 · Updated: 2026-10-02
For anyone who's bored, starting fresh, or looking for something new to do alone, with friends, or with family. Browse all Randomizer tools.
Bored? Pick a category, budget, or energy level, or leave everything on Any, and discover a new hobby from 161 ideas, each with a first step.
A random hobby generator suggests new hobbies to try, so you can stop wondering what to do with your free time and start doing something.
Muxgen's generator has 161 hobbies in 11 categories: art & creative, crafts & diy, music & performing, outdoors & nature, sports & fitness, games & puzzles, food & drink, learning & tech, collecting, community, and mind & wellness. Each one lists a rough starting cost, whether it's indoor or outdoor, solo or social, and how active it is, plus a simple first step you can take this week.
Not sure what you'd like? The Find my hobby quiz asks 6 quick questions and recommends your top 3 matches, with the reasons they fit. Everything runs in your browser, with no sign-up.
Three steps to your next hobby.
Random hobbies suggests 1 to 15 ideas at a time. The Find my hobby quiz asks 6 quick questions and gives you your top 3 matches.
Filter by category, budget, indoor or outdoor, solo or social, and energy level, or only show kid-friendly hobbies and ones that can earn money.
Every hobby comes with a simple, cheap first step. Try one this week and see how it feels.
Browse random ideas, or answer a few questions for personalized matches.
1 to 15 different hobbies per click. Hobbies from your last batch go to the back of the line.
11 categories: art & creative, crafts & diy, music & performing, outdoors & nature, sports & fitness, games & puzzles, food & drink, learning & tech, collecting, community, and mind & wellness.
Low cost (90 hobbies, free or under about $50 to start), up to medium, or any budget.
Indoor or outdoor. Hobbies you can do in either setting (17) appear under both.
Things you can do alone (127) or with other people (87).
Relaxing (111), moderate, or active (19).
Limit to 67 kid-friendly hobbies, or 46 that can bring in some income.
Copy one hobby, just the names, or every hobby with its first step. Swap replaces a single idea.
Your top 3 matches, with the reasons each one fits and a first step to try.
Five ideas for each of the most common reasons people look for a new hobby.
Calm, solo hobbies that recharge you.
Hobbies with a built-in community.
Slow, mindful hobbies that help many people relax.
Fun enough that it doesn't feel like a workout.
No garden or spare room needed.
Free or almost free to start.
Skills people pay for.
Hobbies to share and learn together.
Fun for all ages.
Hands-on, analog hobbies.
Hobbies that keep you learning.
Rewarding hobbies with flexible pacing.
Every category in the generator, with examples.
| Category | Hobbies | What it covers | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art & creative | 19 | Drawing, painting, photography, writing, and making content. | Drawing, Calligraphy, Clay sculpting, and Video making |
| Crafts & DIY | 25 | Making useful and beautiful things with your hands. | Knitting, Candle making, Leathercraft, and Blacksmithing |
| Music & performing | 16 | Playing, singing, acting, and making people laugh. | Learning guitar, Drumming, Karaoke, and Juggling |
| Outdoors & nature | 18 | Getting outside and closer to nature, plus plants and animals at home. | Hiking, Geocaching, Nature journaling, and Horse riding |
| Sports & fitness | 27 | Sports and movement for fitness, fun, and friendly competition. | Running, Tennis, Skateboarding, and Volleyball |
| Games & puzzles | 12 | Strategy, logic, and party games that keep your brain busy. | Chess, Crossword puzzles, Video games, and Mahjong |
| Food & drink | 10 | Cooking, baking, brewing, and tasting. | Baking, Cake decorating, Fermenting, and Pasta making |
| Learning & tech | 15 | Languages, science, tech, and building new skills. | Learning a language, Public speaking, 3D printing, and Citizen science |
| Collecting | 7 | Hunting for, organizing, and trading things you love. | Coin collecting, Vinyl records, Rock and mineral collecting, and Thrifting |
| Community | 6 | Hobbies built around helping others and meeting people. | Volunteering, Language exchange, Community gardening, and Tutoring and mentoring |
| Mind & wellness | 6 | Calming, reflective hobbies that reduce stress. | Meditation, Bullet journaling, Adult coloring, and Tai chi |
Hobbies that cost free or under about $50 to start. Hover a hobby to see what it is.
Hobbies some people turn into a side income by selling what they make, teaching, or offering a service.
Drawing
Art & creative · $
Sketching with pencil and paper, from quick doodles to realistic portraits.
First step: Draw one object in your home every day for a week, using a cheap sketchbook and a pencil.
Watercolor painting
Art & creative · $
Painting with transparent, water-based paints for soft, glowing color.
First step: Buy a small student paint set and practice color swatches and simple skies before painting scenes.
Acrylic painting
Art & creative · $$
Bold, fast-drying paint that works on canvas, wood, and almost anything else.
First step: Start with red, yellow, blue, and white, and copy a simple landscape from a beginner tutorial.
Oil painting
Art & creative · $$$
The rich, slow-drying medium of the old masters.
First step: Take a beginner class, or get a starter kit with odorless solvent and a few small canvas panels.
Digital illustration
Art & creative · $$$
Drawing and painting on a tablet or computer with apps like Procreate or Krita.
First step: Try the free app Krita on a computer, or use a tablet you already own, before buying new gear.
Calligraphy
Art & creative · $
The art of beautiful handwriting with a broad-edge or pointed pen.
First step: Get a beginner calligraphy pen and practice the basic strokes before writing whole letters.
Hand lettering
Art & creative · $
Drawing decorative letters with brush pens for cards, journals, and signs.
First step: Practice thin upstrokes and thick downstrokes with a single brush pen.
Photography
Art & creative · $$
Capturing the world through a lens, from landscapes to street portraits.
First step: Use your phone camera and shoot one theme a week, like shadows, reflections, or the color red.
Graphic design
Art & creative · $
Combining type, color, and images into posters, logos, and layouts.
First step: Redesign the poster for your favorite movie using a free tool like Canva or Figma.
Animation
Art & creative · $$
Bringing drawings or objects to life, frame by frame.
First step: Make a two-second flipbook, or a short stop-motion clip with a free phone app.
Pottery
Art & creative · $$$
Shaping clay by hand or on a wheel, then glazing and firing it in a kiln.
First step: Book a beginner wheel-throwing class at a local pottery studio.
Creative writing
Art & creative · $
Writing short stories, novels, and poetry.
First step: Write a 500-word story from a random prompt, without stopping to edit.
Blogging
Art & creative · $
Writing online about a topic you love and building an audience.
First step: Start a free blog and publish one post about something you know well.
Podcasting
Art & creative · $$
Recording audio shows about anything from true crime to gardening.
First step: Record a 10-minute episode on your phone about a topic you could talk about for hours.
Video making
Art & creative · $$
Filming and editing videos to share online.
First step: Film and edit a 60-second video on your phone with a free editing app.
Knitting
Crafts & DIY · $
Turning yarn into scarves, hats, and sweaters with two needles.
First step: Learn the knit stitch from a video and make a simple scarf in chunky yarn.
Crochet
Crafts & DIY · $
Making blankets, toys, and clothes from yarn with a single hook.
First step: Learn the chain and single crochet stitches, then make a coaster or a granny square.
Embroidery
Crafts & DIY · $
Decorating fabric with colorful stitched designs.
First step: Get a hoop, embroidery floss, and a printed beginner pattern, and learn three basic stitches.
Sewing
Crafts & DIY · $$
Making and mending clothes, bags, and home items by hand or machine.
First step: Hand-sew a simple tote bag, or learn to sew on a button and fix a hem.
Woodworking
Crafts & DIY · $$$
Building furniture, boxes, and shelves from wood.
First step: Build a simple box or shelf with hand tools, or join a community woodshop.
Candle making
Crafts & DIY · $
Pouring scented candles from wax, wicks, and fragrance oils.
First step: Melt soy wax, add a wick and a few drops of fragrance oil, and pour it into an old jar.
Soap making
Crafts & DIY · $$
Making colorful, scented bars of soap at home.
First step: Start with a melt-and-pour soap base, which doesn't require handling lye.
Jewelry making
Crafts & DIY · $
Making necklaces, earrings, and bracelets from beads, wire, or metal.
First step: Make a beaded bracelet on stretch cord, then try simple wire loops.
Card making
Crafts & DIY · $
Making handmade greeting cards with paper, stamps, and stickers.
First step: Make cards for the next three birthdays on your calendar.
Leathercraft
Crafts & DIY · $$
Cutting, stitching, and tooling leather into wallets, belts, and bags.
First step: Start with a simple card-holder kit that includes pre-punched pieces.
Macramé
Crafts & DIY · $
Knotting cord into wall hangings, plant hangers, and decor.
First step: Learn the square knot and make a small plant hanger.
Furniture upcycling
Crafts & DIY · $$
Giving old furniture new life with paint, new hardware, and repairs.
First step: Find a cheap secondhand chair or side table and repaint it.
Resin art
Crafts & DIY · $$
Pouring epoxy resin into coasters, jewelry, and glossy art pieces.
First step: Make coasters with a beginner kit, wearing gloves in a well-ventilated room.
Stained glass
Crafts & DIY · $$$
Cutting and soldering colored glass into glowing panels and suncatchers.
First step: Take an introductory class, since cutting glass and soldering need safety training.
Learning guitar
Music & performing · $$
Playing chords and songs on an acoustic or electric guitar.
First step: Learn four chords, G, C, D, and E minor, and you can play along to hundreds of songs.
Playing piano
Music & performing · $$$
Learning songs and music reading on piano or keyboard.
First step: Start on an affordable 61-key keyboard with a free beginner app or video course.
Singing
Music & performing · $
Training your voice, solo or with others.
First step: Warm up with simple scales every day and record yourself singing one song a week.
DJing
Music & performing · $$
Mixing tracks together for parties and dance floors.
First step: Download free DJ software and practice blending two songs at the same tempo.
Music production
Music & performing · $$
Making beats and songs on a computer.
First step: Make a simple beat in a free app like GarageBand or BandLab.
Songwriting
Music & performing · $
Writing lyrics and melodies for your own songs.
First step: Write new lyrics to a melody you already know, then try writing your own tune.
Beekeeping
Outdoors & nature · $$$
Keeping honeybee colonies for honey and pollination.
First step: Join a local beekeeping club and help an experienced beekeeper before buying a hive.
Baking
Food & drink · $
Making cakes, cookies, muffins, and pastries.
First step: Bake a simple batch of cookies or a loaf of banana bread.
Bread baking
Food & drink · $
Making bread from flour, water, salt, and yeast or sourdough.
First step: Try a no-knead bread recipe that needs just four ingredients.
Cake decorating
Food & drink · $$
Piping, frosting, and sculpting cakes into edible art.
First step: Learn to frost a smooth cake and pipe a simple border.
Coding
Learning & tech · $
Building websites, apps, and games with code.
First step: Build a simple web page with free beginner HTML and CSS lessons.
3D printing
Learning & tech · $$$
Designing and printing objects layer by layer.
First step: Use a printer at a library or makerspace, and design a keychain in free software like Tinkercad.
Drone flying
Learning & tech · $$$
Flying camera drones for aerial photos and video.
First step: Learn your local drone rules, then practice with a small, inexpensive drone.
Trading cards
Collecting · $$
Collecting and trading sports cards or game cards like Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering.
First step: Pick one sport or game and set yourself a monthly budget.
Antique hunting
Collecting · $$
Hunting for vintage treasures at flea markets and estate sales.
First step: Visit a flea market and look for just one type of item, like old cameras or postcards.
Thrifting
Collecting · $
Hunting for unique clothes and finds at secondhand stores.
First step: Visit three thrift shops with a small budget and a list of what you're looking for.
Tutoring and mentoring
Community · $
Helping kids or adults learn and grow.
First step: Volunteer with a local literacy or homework-help program.
Indoor hobbies that don't need much space or money, ideal for apartments and rainy days.
High-energy hobbies for fitness and fun. There are also 50 hobbies you can do outdoors.
Hobbies that work for children with the right supervision, and that families can enjoy together.
The full list, with cost, setting, social style, energy, and how to start.
| Hobby | Category | Cost | Style | How to start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DrawingSketching with pencil and paper, from quick doodles to realistic portraits. | Art & creative | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Draw one object in your home every day for a week, using a cheap sketchbook and a pencil. |
| Watercolor paintingPainting with transparent, water-based paints for soft, glowing color. | Art & creative | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Buy a small student paint set and practice color swatches and simple skies before painting scenes. |
| Acrylic paintingBold, fast-drying paint that works on canvas, wood, and almost anything else. | Art & creative | $$ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Start with red, yellow, blue, and white, and copy a simple landscape from a beginner tutorial. |
| Oil paintingThe rich, slow-drying medium of the old masters. | Art & creative | $$$ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Take a beginner class, or get a starter kit with odorless solvent and a few small canvas panels. |
| Digital illustrationDrawing and painting on a tablet or computer with apps like Procreate or Krita. | Art & creative | $$$ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Try the free app Krita on a computer, or use a tablet you already own, before buying new gear. |
| Urban sketchingDrawing street scenes and buildings on location, often with a local sketching group. | Art & creative | $ | Outdoor · Solo or group · Moderate | Take a pocket sketchbook and a pen to a café and draw what you see for 15 minutes. |
| CalligraphyThe art of beautiful handwriting with a broad-edge or pointed pen. | Art & creative | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Get a beginner calligraphy pen and practice the basic strokes before writing whole letters. |
| Hand letteringDrawing decorative letters with brush pens for cards, journals, and signs. | Art & creative | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Practice thin upstrokes and thick downstrokes with a single brush pen. |
| PhotographyCapturing the world through a lens, from landscapes to street portraits. | Art & creative | $$ | Indoor or outdoor · Solo · Moderate | Use your phone camera and shoot one theme a week, like shadows, reflections, or the color red. |
| Film photographyShooting with film cameras for a slower, more deliberate kind of photography. | Art & creative | $$ | Indoor or outdoor · Solo · Moderate | Pick up a secondhand point-and-shoot film camera and one roll of color film. |
| Graphic designCombining type, color, and images into posters, logos, and layouts. | Art & creative | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Redesign the poster for your favorite movie using a free tool like Canva or Figma. |
| AnimationBringing drawings or objects to life, frame by frame. | Art & creative | $$ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Make a two-second flipbook, or a short stop-motion clip with a free phone app. |
| Clay sculptingModeling figures and objects from air-dry or polymer clay. | Art & creative | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Buy a block of air-dry clay and sculpt a small animal or a trinket bowl. |
| PotteryShaping clay by hand or on a wheel, then glazing and firing it in a kiln. | Art & creative | $$$ | Indoor · Group · Moderate | Book a beginner wheel-throwing class at a local pottery studio. |
| CollageCutting and gluing paper, photos, and found images into new pictures. | Art & creative | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Collect old magazines and make one collage around a single color or mood. |
| Creative writingWriting short stories, novels, and poetry. | Art & creative | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Write a 500-word story from a random prompt, without stopping to edit. |
| BloggingWriting online about a topic you love and building an audience. | Art & creative | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Start a free blog and publish one post about something you know well. |
| PodcastingRecording audio shows about anything from true crime to gardening. | Art & creative | $$ | Indoor · Solo or group · Relaxing | Record a 10-minute episode on your phone about a topic you could talk about for hours. |
| Video makingFilming and editing videos to share online. | Art & creative | $$ | Indoor or outdoor · Solo or group · Relaxing | Film and edit a 60-second video on your phone with a free editing app. |
| KnittingTurning yarn into scarves, hats, and sweaters with two needles. | Crafts & DIY | $ | Indoor · Solo or group · Relaxing | Learn the knit stitch from a video and make a simple scarf in chunky yarn. |
| CrochetMaking blankets, toys, and clothes from yarn with a single hook. | Crafts & DIY | $ | Indoor · Solo or group · Relaxing | Learn the chain and single crochet stitches, then make a coaster or a granny square. |
| EmbroideryDecorating fabric with colorful stitched designs. | Crafts & DIY | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Get a hoop, embroidery floss, and a printed beginner pattern, and learn three basic stitches. |
| Cross-stitchStitching pictures from tiny X-shaped stitches on gridded fabric. | Crafts & DIY | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Start with a small beginner kit that includes the pattern, fabric, and thread. |
| SewingMaking and mending clothes, bags, and home items by hand or machine. | Crafts & DIY | $$ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Hand-sew a simple tote bag, or learn to sew on a button and fix a hem. |
| QuiltingPiecing fabric together into warm, patterned quilts. | Crafts & DIY | $$ | Indoor · Solo or group · Relaxing | Make a small patchwork pillow cover from fabric squares before trying a full quilt. |
| WoodworkingBuilding furniture, boxes, and shelves from wood. | Crafts & DIY | $$$ | Indoor · Solo · Moderate | Build a simple box or shelf with hand tools, or join a community woodshop. |
| WhittlingCarving small figures and spoons from wood with a knife. | Crafts & DIY | $ | Indoor or outdoor · Solo · Relaxing | Buy a carving knife, a cut-resistant glove, and a block of basswood, and carve a simple spoon. |
| Candle makingPouring scented candles from wax, wicks, and fragrance oils. | Crafts & DIY | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Melt soy wax, add a wick and a few drops of fragrance oil, and pour it into an old jar. |
| Soap makingMaking colorful, scented bars of soap at home. | Crafts & DIY | $$ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Start with a melt-and-pour soap base, which doesn't require handling lye. |
| Jewelry makingMaking necklaces, earrings, and bracelets from beads, wire, or metal. | Crafts & DIY | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Make a beaded bracelet on stretch cord, then try simple wire loops. |
| OrigamiFolding a single sheet of paper into animals, flowers, and shapes. | Crafts & DIY | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Fold a paper crane, the classic first model, from a square sheet of paper. |
| ScrapbookingArranging photos, tickets, and notes into decorated memory books. | Crafts & DIY | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Print ten photos from one trip or event and build a two-page spread. |
| Card makingMaking handmade greeting cards with paper, stamps, and stickers. | Crafts & DIY | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Make cards for the next three birthdays on your calendar. |
| Model buildingAssembling and painting scale models of planes, ships, and cars. | Crafts & DIY | $$ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Choose a beginner snap-together kit that doesn't need glue or paint. |
| Miniature paintingPainting tiny figures for tabletop games or display. | Crafts & DIY | $$ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Buy a starter set with a few miniatures, paints, and a fine brush. |
| LeathercraftCutting, stitching, and tooling leather into wallets, belts, and bags. | Crafts & DIY | $$ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Start with a simple card-holder kit that includes pre-punched pieces. |
| MacraméKnotting cord into wall hangings, plant hangers, and decor. | Crafts & DIY | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Learn the square knot and make a small plant hanger. |
| Furniture upcyclingGiving old furniture new life with paint, new hardware, and repairs. | Crafts & DIY | $$ | Indoor · Solo · Moderate | Find a cheap secondhand chair or side table and repaint it. |
| Resin artPouring epoxy resin into coasters, jewelry, and glossy art pieces. | Crafts & DIY | $$ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Make coasters with a beginner kit, wearing gloves in a well-ventilated room. |
| Stained glassCutting and soldering colored glass into glowing panels and suncatchers. | Crafts & DIY | $$$ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Take an introductory class, since cutting glass and soldering need safety training. |
| BookbindingMaking your own notebooks and journals by hand. | Crafts & DIY | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Make a simple stitched notebook with folded paper, thread, and a needle. |
| Lego buildingBuilding creative models and huge sets from plastic bricks. | Crafts & DIY | $$ | Indoor · Solo or group · Relaxing | Build a set you love, then try designing your own model from loose bricks. |
| CosplayDesigning and building costumes of fictional characters to wear at events. | Crafts & DIY | $$ | Indoor · Group · Moderate | Pick a simple character and put a costume together from thrifted clothes. |
| BlacksmithingForging hot metal into hooks, knives, and tools. | Crafts & DIY | $$$ | Indoor · Group · Active | Book an introductory forging class at a blacksmith's shop or makerspace. |
| Learning guitarPlaying chords and songs on an acoustic or electric guitar. | Music & performing | $$ | Indoor · Solo or group · Relaxing | Learn four chords, G, C, D, and E minor, and you can play along to hundreds of songs. |
| Playing pianoLearning songs and music reading on piano or keyboard. | Music & performing | $$$ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Start on an affordable 61-key keyboard with a free beginner app or video course. |
| UkuleleA small, four-string instrument that's one of the easiest to learn. | Music & performing | $ | Indoor · Solo or group · Relaxing | Learn the C, A minor, F, and G chords and strum along to a simple song. |
| SingingTraining your voice, solo or with others. | Music & performing | $ | Indoor · Solo or group · Relaxing | Warm up with simple scales every day and record yourself singing one song a week. |
| Choir singingSinging in harmony with a group, from community choirs to gospel. | Music & performing | $ | Indoor · Group · Relaxing | Find a community choir that doesn't require an audition. |
| DrummingKeeping the beat on a drum kit, a practice pad, or hand drums. | Music & performing | $$ | Indoor · Solo or group · Moderate | Practice basic rhythms on a practice pad with sticks before buying a drum kit. |
| DJingMixing tracks together for parties and dance floors. | Music & performing | $$ | Indoor · Solo or group · Relaxing | Download free DJ software and practice blending two songs at the same tempo. |
| Music productionMaking beats and songs on a computer. | Music & performing | $$ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Make a simple beat in a free app like GarageBand or BandLab. |
| SongwritingWriting lyrics and melodies for your own songs. | Music & performing | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Write new lyrics to a melody you already know, then try writing your own tune. |
| ViolinPlaying the violin, from classical music to folk fiddle. | Music & performing | $$ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Rent a violin and take a few lessons to learn posture and bowing. |
| KaraokeSinging your favorite songs with friends to a backing track. | Music & performing | $ | Indoor · Group · Relaxing | Host a karaoke night at home using free lyric videos. |
| Community theaterActing in plays and musicals with a local theater group. | Music & performing | $ | Indoor · Group · Moderate | Audition for a community theater show, or volunteer backstage first. |
| Improv comedyMaking up scenes on the spot with other performers. | Music & performing | $$ | Indoor · Group · Moderate | Take a beginner improv class, where no experience is needed. |
| Stand-up comedyWriting jokes and performing them at open-mic nights. | Music & performing | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Write five minutes of material and sign up for an open mic. |
| Magic tricksLearning card tricks and sleight of hand to amaze friends. | Music & performing | $ | Indoor · Solo or group · Relaxing | Learn one card trick until it's perfect before moving on to the next. |
| JugglingKeeping three or more balls in the air. | Music & performing | $ | Indoor or outdoor · Solo · Moderate | Start with one ball, then two, then practice the three-ball cascade. |
| HikingWalking trails through forests, mountains, and parks. | Outdoors & nature | $ | Outdoor · Solo or group · Moderate | Pick an easy trail under 5 km near you, and bring water and a snack. |
| CampingSleeping outdoors in a tent, from campgrounds to the backcountry. | Outdoors & nature | $$ | Outdoor · Group · Moderate | Borrow gear and spend one night at a campground with toilets and running water. |
| BackpackingMulti-day hikes carrying everything you need on your back. | Outdoors & nature | $$$ | Outdoor · Solo or group · Active | Do one overnight trip on a popular trail before planning longer ones. |
| BirdwatchingSpotting and identifying birds in your backyard, local park, or farther afield. | Outdoors & nature | $ | Outdoor · Solo or group · Relaxing | Download a free bird ID app like Merlin and note every bird you see this week. |
| GardeningGrowing flowers, herbs, fruit, and vegetables. | Outdoors & nature | $ | Outdoor · Solo · Moderate | Grow easy herbs like basil and mint in pots on a sunny windowsill or balcony. |
| ForagingFinding wild edible plants, berries, and mushrooms. | Outdoors & nature | $ | Outdoor · Solo or group · Moderate | Join a guided foraging walk, and never eat anything you can't identify with certainty. |
| GeocachingA worldwide treasure hunt for hidden containers using GPS. | Outdoors & nature | $ | Outdoor · Solo or group · Moderate | Download the official app and find the easiest cache near your home. |
| FishingCatching fish from a riverbank, pier, or boat. | Outdoors & nature | $$ | Outdoor · Solo or group · Relaxing | Check your local fishing license rules and try a simple rod at a stocked lake. |
| KayakingPaddling a small boat on lakes, rivers, or the sea. | Outdoors & nature | $$$ | Outdoor · Solo or group · Active | Rent a kayak for an hour on a calm lake, and always wear a life jacket. |
| StargazingWatching planets, stars, and meteor showers. | Outdoors & nature | $ | Outdoor · Solo or group · Relaxing | Use a free sky map app on a clear night away from city lights. |
| BeekeepingKeeping honeybee colonies for honey and pollination. | Outdoors & nature | $$$ | Outdoor · Solo · Moderate | Join a local beekeeping club and help an experienced beekeeper before buying a hive. |
| Nature journalingSketching and writing notes about the plants, animals, and weather you see. | Outdoors & nature | $ | Outdoor · Solo · Relaxing | Visit the same spot once a week and record what has changed. |
| Metal detectingSearching beaches and fields for buried coins and relics. | Outdoors & nature | $$ | Outdoor · Solo · Moderate | Get an entry-level detector and learn your local rules, since many places require permission. |
| SailingHarnessing the wind to sail small boats or yachts. | Outdoors & nature | $$$ | Outdoor · Group · Moderate | Take a beginner course at a local sailing club. |
| Houseplant careGrowing and caring for indoor plants, from pothos to fiddle-leaf figs. | Outdoors & nature | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Start with hard-to-kill plants like a snake plant or a pothos. |
| BonsaiGrowing and shaping miniature trees in pots. | Outdoors & nature | $$ | Indoor or outdoor · Solo · Relaxing | Buy a hardy starter tree, like a juniper or ficus, and learn basic pruning. |
| Aquarium keepingKeeping fish and aquatic plants in a home aquarium. | Outdoors & nature | $$ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Learn about the nitrogen cycle and set up your tank a few weeks before adding fish. |
| Horse ridingRiding and caring for horses. | Outdoors & nature | $$$ | Outdoor · Solo or group · Moderate | Book a beginner lesson at a riding school. |
| RunningRunning for fitness, fun, or races. | Sports & fitness | $ | Outdoor · Solo or group · Active | Try a couch-to-5K plan that mixes running and walking. |
| YogaPoses, breathing, and stretching for strength, flexibility, and calm. | Sports & fitness | $ | Indoor · Solo or group · Relaxing | Follow a free 20-minute beginner video three times this week. |
| PilatesControlled exercises that strengthen your core and improve posture. | Sports & fitness | $ | Indoor · Solo or group · Moderate | Try a beginner mat Pilates video at home. |
| Strength trainingLifting weights or using your body weight to get stronger. | Sports & fitness | $$ | Indoor · Solo or group · Active | Learn the squat, push-up, and row with good form, using body weight first. |
| SwimmingSwimming laps or open water for fitness and fun. | Sports & fitness | $$ | Indoor or outdoor · Solo or group · Active | Swim lengths at a local pool, resting as needed, or take adult lessons if you're unsure. |
| Martial artsLearning self-defense and discipline through karate, judo, taekwondo, or jiu-jitsu. | Sports & fitness | $$ | Indoor · Group · Active | Try a free trial class at a local dojo or gym. |
| BoxingPunching technique, footwork, and serious cardio. | Sports & fitness | $$ | Indoor · Group · Active | Join a beginner boxing fitness class before trying any sparring. |
| DancingMoving to music, from salsa and swing to hip-hop and ballet. | Sports & fitness | $ | Indoor · Group · Moderate | Take a drop-in beginner class in a style you love. |
| PickleballA fast-growing paddle sport that mixes tennis, badminton, and table tennis. | Sports & fitness | $ | Outdoor · Group · Moderate | Borrow paddles and join open play at a local court. |
| TennisHitting a ball over a net with a racket, in singles or doubles. | Sports & fitness | $$ | Outdoor · Group · Active | Take a group lesson to learn the forehand, backhand, and serve. |
| Table tennisFast rallies across a small table. | Sports & fitness | $ | Indoor · Group · Moderate | Play at a community center or anywhere with a public table. |
| Disc golfThrowing flying discs into metal baskets around a course, like golf. | Sports & fitness | $ | Outdoor · Solo or group · Moderate | Buy one mid-range disc and play a free public course. |
| GolfHitting a small ball into a series of holes in as few strokes as possible. | Sports & fitness | $$$ | Outdoor · Solo or group · Moderate | Hit a bucket of balls at a driving range before playing a full course. |
| Rock climbingClimbing walls and boulders indoors or on real rock outside. | Sports & fitness | $$$ | Indoor or outdoor · Group · Active | Try bouldering at an indoor climbing gym, where you can rent shoes. |
| CyclingRiding a bike for fitness, commuting, or exploring. | Sports & fitness | $$ | Outdoor · Solo or group · Active | Plan a 10 km ride on a quiet path or protected bike lane. |
| SurfingRiding ocean waves on a board. | Sports & fitness | $$$ | Outdoor · Solo or group · Active | Book a lesson with a surf school, which usually provides a board and wetsuit. |
| Skiing and snowboardingGliding down snowy mountains. | Sports & fitness | $$$ | Outdoor · Solo or group · Active | Take a beginner lesson package that includes equipment rental. |
| SkateboardingRolling, carving, and learning tricks on a board. | Sports & fitness | $$ | Outdoor · Solo or group · Active | Learn to push and balance on a smooth, flat surface, wearing a helmet. |
| Roller skatingGliding on skates at a rink or outdoors. | Sports & fitness | $$ | Indoor or outdoor · Solo or group · Moderate | Go to a public session at a roller rink with rental skates. |
| Ice skatingGliding on ice at a rink. | Sports & fitness | $$ | Indoor · Solo or group · Moderate | Go to a public skating session and rent skates. |
| WalkingDaily walks for health, headspace, and exploring your area. | Sports & fitness | $ | Outdoor · Solo or group · Relaxing | Walk a new route in your neighborhood for 30 minutes. |
| Jump ropeA simple, high-intensity cardio workout with a rope. | Sports & fitness | $ | Indoor or outdoor · Solo · Active | Try 10 rounds of 30 seconds jumping and 30 seconds resting. |
| ArcheryShooting arrows at a target with a bow. | Sports & fitness | $$ | Outdoor · Solo or group · Moderate | Take an introductory session at an archery range with equipment provided. |
| FencingThe Olympic sport of sword fighting. | Sports & fitness | $$$ | Indoor · Group · Active | Sign up for a beginner course at a fencing club. |
| SoccerPlaying football, the world's most popular sport, in casual games or leagues. | Sports & fitness | $ | Outdoor · Group · Active | Join a pickup game in the park or a casual adult league. |
| BasketballShooting hoops alone or playing pickup games. | Sports & fitness | $ | Indoor or outdoor · Group · Active | Practice free throws at a local court, then join a pickup game. |
| VolleyballA team sport of bumping, setting, and spiking over a net. | Sports & fitness | $ | Indoor or outdoor · Group · Active | Join a beginner league or a beach volleyball meetup. |
| ChessThe classic strategy game of kings, queens, and checkmate. | Games & puzzles | $ | Indoor · Solo or group · Relaxing | Learn how the pieces move and play against a beginner bot on a free chess app. |
| Board gamesStrategy, party, and cooperative games played around a table. | Games & puzzles | $$ | Indoor · Group · Relaxing | Try a modern gateway game like Ticket to Ride or Catan with friends. |
| Tabletop role-playing gamesTelling stories together in games like Dungeons & Dragons. | Games & puzzles | $ | Indoor · Group · Relaxing | Join a beginner-friendly game at a local game store, or play free starter rules with friends. |
| Jigsaw puzzlesFitting hundreds or thousands of pieces into one picture. | Games & puzzles | $ | Indoor · Solo or group · Relaxing | Start with a 500-piece puzzle and sort out the edge pieces first. |
| Crossword puzzlesFilling a grid with words from clever clues. | Games & puzzles | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Try the easier early-week puzzles in a daily newspaper or app. |
| SudokuLogic puzzles that fill a 9-by-9 grid with numbers. | Games & puzzles | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Start with easy puzzles and learn to scan rows, columns, and boxes. |
| Rubik's CubeSolving the famous twisty puzzle cube. | Games & puzzles | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Learn the beginner layer-by-layer method from a video tutorial. |
| Video gamesPlaying games on a console, computer, or phone. | Games & puzzles | $$ | Indoor · Solo or group · Relaxing | Try a highly rated indie game or a classic you missed. |
| Card gamesRummy, poker, bridge, and countless other games with a deck of cards. | Games & puzzles | $ | Indoor · Group · Relaxing | Learn one game, like gin rummy or cribbage, and play a few rounds with a friend. |
| Escape roomsSolving puzzles as a team to escape a themed room, usually within an hour. | Games & puzzles | $$ | Indoor · Group · Relaxing | Book a beginner-level room with three to five friends. |
| Trivia nightsAnswering quiz questions as a team at a pub, café, or online. | Games & puzzles | $ | Indoor · Group · Relaxing | Find a weekly quiz night near you and bring a team. |
| MahjongA tile game of skill, strategy, and luck, popular across Asia and beyond. | Games & puzzles | $ | Indoor · Group · Relaxing | Learn the basic rules with a free app, then play with friends. |
| BakingMaking cakes, cookies, muffins, and pastries. | Food & drink | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Bake a simple batch of cookies or a loaf of banana bread. |
| Bread bakingMaking bread from flour, water, salt, and yeast or sourdough. | Food & drink | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Try a no-knead bread recipe that needs just four ingredients. |
| Cooking world cuisinesLearning dishes from a different country each week. | Food & drink | $ | Indoor · Solo or group · Relaxing | Pick one cuisine and cook one classic dish from it this weekend. |
| Cake decoratingPiping, frosting, and sculpting cakes into edible art. | Food & drink | $$ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Learn to frost a smooth cake and pipe a simple border. |
| Home coffee brewingBrewing great coffee with a pour-over, French press, or espresso machine. | Food & drink | $$ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Get a pour-over cone and freshly roasted beans, and experiment with your coffee-to-water ratio. |
| Tea tastingExploring green, black, oolong, and herbal teas. | Food & drink | $ | Indoor · Solo or group · Relaxing | Buy small samples of four types of tea and taste them side by side. |
| FermentingMaking kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, and pickles at home. | Food & drink | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Make sauerkraut with just cabbage, salt, and a jar. |
| Cheese makingMaking fresh cheeses like ricotta, paneer, and mozzarella. | Food & drink | $$ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Make ricotta, which needs just milk, salt, and lemon juice or vinegar. |
| Barbecue and smokingLow-and-slow cooking over wood and charcoal. | Food & drink | $$ | Outdoor · Group · Relaxing | Smoke a whole chicken on a kettle grill using indirect heat. |
| Pasta makingRolling and shaping fresh pasta by hand. | Food & drink | $ | Indoor · Solo or group · Relaxing | Make fresh egg pasta with flour, eggs, and a rolling pin. |
| Learning a languageLearning to speak and understand a new language. | Learning & tech | $ | Indoor · Solo or group · Relaxing | Practice for 15 minutes a day with a free app and watch shows with subtitles in that language. |
| CodingBuilding websites, apps, and games with code. | Learning & tech | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Build a simple web page with free beginner HTML and CSS lessons. |
| AstronomyStudying planets, stars, and galaxies with binoculars or a telescope. | Learning & tech | $$ | Indoor or outdoor · Solo or group · Relaxing | Look at the Moon with binoculars, then try to spot Jupiter's four largest moons. |
| GenealogyResearching your family tree and ancestors. | Learning & tech | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Interview your oldest relatives and record names, dates, and stories. |
| ReadingGetting lost in books, from novels to history and science. | Learning & tech | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Get a library card and read 20 pages a day. |
| Public speakingBuilding confidence speaking in front of groups. | Learning & tech | $ | Indoor · Group · Relaxing | Visit a local Toastmasters club to practice in a supportive group. |
| Museum visitingExploring museums, galleries, and historic sites. | Learning & tech | $ | Indoor · Solo or group · Relaxing | Visit a local museum on a free-entry day. |
| RoboticsBuilding and programming robots from kits. | Learning & tech | $$ | Indoor · Solo or group · Relaxing | Start with a beginner robotics kit or an Arduino robot car. |
| Electronics tinkeringBuilding circuits and gadgets with kits, Arduino, or Raspberry Pi. | Learning & tech | $$ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Get an Arduino starter kit and make an LED blink. |
| 3D printingDesigning and printing objects layer by layer. | Learning & tech | $$$ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Use a printer at a library or makerspace, and design a keychain in free software like Tinkercad. |
| Amateur radioTalking to people around the world over the radio. | Learning & tech | $$ | Indoor · Solo or group · Relaxing | Study for an entry-level license and join a local radio club. |
| Sign languageLearning a sign language, like American Sign Language (ASL) or British Sign Language (BSL). | Learning & tech | $ | Indoor · Solo or group · Relaxing | Learn the alphabet and 50 everyday signs from a free online course. |
| Online coursesTaking free courses in anything from psychology to art history. | Learning & tech | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Pick one free course on a site like Coursera, edX, or Khan Academy and finish it. |
| Drone flyingFlying camera drones for aerial photos and video. | Learning & tech | $$$ | Outdoor · Solo · Relaxing | Learn your local drone rules, then practice with a small, inexpensive drone. |
| Citizen scienceHelping real research by counting birds, logging wildlife, or classifying galaxies. | Learning & tech | $ | Indoor or outdoor · Solo or group · Relaxing | Join a project on Zooniverse or iNaturalist. |
| Coin collectingCollecting coins from different countries and eras. | Collecting | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Sort the coins in your pocket by year and country, and look up any unusual ones. |
| Stamp collectingCollecting postage stamps from around the world. | Collecting | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Buy an inexpensive mixed bag of world stamps and sort them by country. |
| Vinyl recordsCollecting albums on vinyl and listening on a turntable. | Collecting | $$ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Get a basic turntable and dig through the bargain bins at secondhand record shops. |
| Trading cardsCollecting and trading sports cards or game cards like Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering. | Collecting | $$ | Indoor · Solo or group · Relaxing | Pick one sport or game and set yourself a monthly budget. |
| Rock and mineral collectingFinding and identifying rocks, crystals, and fossils. | Collecting | $ | Outdoor · Solo · Relaxing | Collect rocks from local beaches or trails, where it's allowed, and label where you found each one. |
| Antique huntingHunting for vintage treasures at flea markets and estate sales. | Collecting | $$ | Indoor or outdoor · Solo · Relaxing | Visit a flea market and look for just one type of item, like old cameras or postcards. |
| ThriftingHunting for unique clothes and finds at secondhand stores. | Collecting | $ | Indoor · Solo or group · Relaxing | Visit three thrift shops with a small budget and a list of what you're looking for. |
| VolunteeringGiving your time to a cause, from food banks to animal shelters. | Community | $ | Indoor or outdoor · Group · Moderate | Sign up for one shift at a local food bank or animal shelter. |
| Book clubReading the same book as a group and meeting to talk about it. | Community | $ | Indoor · Group · Relaxing | Join a library book club, or start one with three friends. |
| Language exchangeSwapping conversation practice with native speakers of the language you're learning. | Community | $ | Indoor · Group · Relaxing | Join a local or online language exchange meetup. |
| Community gardeningGrowing food alongside neighbors in a shared garden. | Community | $ | Outdoor · Group · Moderate | Contact a community garden near you about a plot or a volunteer day. |
| Hosting dinner partiesCooking for friends and creating memorable evenings. | Community | $$ | Indoor · Group · Relaxing | Invite four friends and cook a main dish you've practiced once. |
| Tutoring and mentoringHelping kids or adults learn and grow. | Community | $ | Indoor · Group · Relaxing | Volunteer with a local literacy or homework-help program. |
| MeditationTraining attention and calm through mindfulness practice. | Mind & wellness | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Try five minutes of guided meditation each morning with a free app. |
| JournalingWriting your thoughts, plans, and memories in a notebook. | Mind & wellness | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Write three sentences every night about your day. |
| Bullet journalingPlanning, tracking habits, and decorating a custom notebook. | Mind & wellness | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Set up a simple monthly calendar and habit tracker in a dot-grid notebook. |
| Adult coloringColoring detailed designs to relax and unwind. | Mind & wellness | $ | Indoor · Solo · Relaxing | Print free coloring pages and use colored pencils. |
| Forest bathingSlow, mindful walks in nature, inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku. | Mind & wellness | $ | Outdoor · Solo · Relaxing | Walk slowly in a park or forest for 20 minutes without your phone. |
| Tai chiSlow, flowing movements that improve balance and calm the mind. | Mind & wellness | $ | Indoor or outdoor · Solo or group · Relaxing | Join a beginner class in a park, or follow a short video routine. |
Six steps to give a hobby a fair try without wasting time or money.
Hobbies give you something to look forward to, a sense of progress, and often a community. Many people also find them a good way to switch off from work and screens.
Research backs this up. A 2023 study published in Nature Medicine looked at more than 93,000 adults aged 65 and over in 16 countries. Having a hobby was linked to better self-reported health, happiness, and life satisfaction, and fewer symptoms of depression. The study shows a link, not proof that hobbies cause these benefits.
Match the batch size to what you're doing.
| Batch size | Best for |
|---|---|
| 1 hobby | A quick decision, a weekend challenge, or breaking boredom right now |
| 3 hobbies | Comparing a few options and choosing the one that excites you most |
| 5–10 hobbies | Planning a year of new things to try, or a family activity list |
| 15 hobbies | Group brainstorms, classroom discussions, or club and event planning |
| Quiz | Personalized picks when you're not sure what you'd like, with your top 3 matches |
Built to help you actually start a hobby, not just read about one.
In 11 categories, from crafts and music to outdoor adventures.
A simple, low-cost way to try every hobby this week.
Budget, indoor or outdoor, solo or social, energy, kid-friendly, and can earn money.
6 questions, 3 personalized matches, and the reasons they fit.
Plenty of hobbies that are free or nearly free to start.
No sign-up and nothing saved. It all runs in your browser.
Who uses a random hobby generator, and why.
Find something new to do this weekend instead of scrolling.
New city, new job, retirement, or an empty nest: a new hobby can help fill your time and find your people.
Pick an activity to learn together, from cooking to geocaching.
Inspire students with clubs, after-school activities, or a "try something new" challenge.
Explore hobbies like photography, baking, and crafts that some people turn into a side hustle.
Find a hobby that gets you moving, outside, or off screens.
When to use this tool, and when something else fits better.
Lists of hundreds of hobbies are overwhelming. A few random ideas, filtered to your budget and energy, are easier to act on.
Use that for sports specifically. This covers every kind of hobby, from knitting to coding.
That gives you exercises for today's session. This helps you find an activity you'll want to keep doing.
The quiz is quick and practical: it asks about budget, setting, and energy, not your personality type.
How hobbies are labeled, and what to keep in mind.
$ means free or under about $50 to start, $$ about $50–$200 to start, and $$$ about $200 or more, or regular class fees. Prices vary by country and how far you take it.
For hobbies like climbing, foraging, kayaking, blacksmithing, or resin art, take a class or follow safety guidance. Never eat a wild plant or mushroom you can't identify with certainty.
"Can earn money" means some people sell work or services from this hobby. Most hobbyists don't, and that's fine.
Kid-friendly hobbies are suitable for children with the right supervision and age-appropriate gear.
Words you'll come across as you explore new hobbies.
An activity you do regularly in your free time for enjoyment, not for pay.
The state of being fully absorbed in an activity, described by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi.
A shared workshop with tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, and woodworking gear, often open to members.
Work done outside your main job to earn extra money, which sometimes grows out of a hobby.
A stage where progress seems to stall. It's normal and usually passes with steady practice.
Someone with many interests who enjoys switching between hobbies.
Turning old or unwanted items into something more useful or beautiful.
Members of the public helping real scientific research, like bird counts or wildlife surveys.
Paying calm, non-judgmental attention to the present moment.
A simple modern board game that introduces new players to the hobby, like Ticket to Ride.
A popular beginner running plan that builds up to running 5 kilometers over several weeks.
A screen-free hobby done with physical materials, like knitting, puzzles, or film photography.
Explore more tools in the directory.
Random sports to watch, play, or learn.
Workouts for today's training session.
Books to read next, by genre.
Plants to grow at home or in the garden.
Music genres to discover.
Careers to explore, with salaries and skills.