Try One of These 125 Hobbies To Beat Boredom
Have you asked yourself recently what hobbies you have? There are so many possibilities—from crocheting to scrapbooking. But sometimes it feels like we're just in a never-ending TV binge. If you're out of TV shows and movies to marathon-watch (or rewatch) or just want to try something different, here are the best new hobby ideas to try if you're looking to learn something new.
Related: 50 Fun Things To Do by Yourself When You're Feeling Bored
125 New Hobbies To Pick Up
1. Figure Drawing
Drawing people is daunting but so much fun. There are a ton of YouTube tutorials to get you started—so you won't have to deal with the potential awkwardness of working with a nude model.
2. Line Drawing
Whether you're cartooning or doodling, this is a great place to start an artistic journey.
3. Painting
Whether it's a virtual painting class or just going along with a Bob Ross video, painting will help you feel both occupied and accomplished, as well as serve as a means of expression.
4. Coloring
Want to get an artistic release without a ton of work? Coloring can be super relaxing.
5. Sculpting
Grab some clay and make something amazing! Or just borrow your kid's Play-Doh and go to town.
6. Pottery
Channel your inner Demi Moore in Ghost and make something amazing at a pottery wheel.
7. Calligraphy
The art of lettering can be incredibly satisfying, and the focus needed makes it great for mindfulness. Another bonus? Duchess Meghan is a fan of calligraphy!
8. Origami
Create amazing folded paper art, which is both soothing for you and can be fun for your kids too. Get cool patterns and origami tips here.
9. Photography
Photography can help you see the world in a new way. That comes in handy when you're sick of just looking around your own four walls.
10. Photo Editing
There's more to life than Facetune! Photoshop can bring new life and art to photos.
11. Scrapbooking
Reminisce on the "good ole days" with some scrapbooking. It will help you look forward to making new memories as well.
12. Make Collages
Whether it's a vision board or just a bunch of photos you think are really pretty, collages can be super inspiring and also fun to make.
13. Filmmaking
Draft that script you've had in your brain for years, learn Premiere or Final Cut, or just record your dog or your kid's silliest moments on your phone.
14. Animation
Learn stop motion or graphic animation, or just make a flip book of drawings. This is an especially great option if you're sick of watching the same cartoons over and over with your little ones!
15. Woodworking
Channel your inner Nick Offerman and Ron Swanson.
16. Jewelry Making
Create your own custom pieces for yourself, family and friends, then rock 'em.
17. Tie-Dyeing
Tie-dye sweats are all over Instagram right now. Instead of spending a ton on them, make your own!
18. Basket Weaving
What's better than a hobby that gives you pretty storage?
19. Soap Making
A great craft to do with or without your kids, soap making is fun—and you can use your handmade goodies as gifts.
20. Candle Making
Make home feel a little warmer and cozier.
21. Perfume Making
Create your own signature scent.
22. Gardening
Gardening can be super-soothing. Whether you have a huge plot of land or just a few potted plants, nurturing and growing your own flowers, herbs, fruits or veggies is really rewarding. Bonus? Your place will smell heavenly!
23. Flower Arranging
Beautify your space with some floral arrangements, real or faux.
24. Scale Miniature Building
Recreate your home (or your dream home) as a dollhouse using your own creativity and these scale guides.
25. Automobile Restoration
Got an old classic whip or just want to maintain or soup up your sedan? Now's the perfect time to learn all about how to do it.
26. Model and Remote Controlled Planes
Don't have the money or the time to fly anywhere on vacation? You can still enjoy aviation.
27. Model and Remote Controlled Cars
You can race these or just decorate models to give your scale miniature dollhouse a sweet selection of rides.
28. Model and Remote Controlled Boats
Live near water? RC boats won't quite replace cruising or yachting, but they're still a great way to have safe fun at a lake or pond.
View the original article to see embedded media.
29. Model Rockets
Your kids will get a ton of fun out of model rockets, too. Just be safe!
30. Model Trains
These are timeless.
31. Theatrical Makeup and Face Painting
There are a ton of tutorials on Instagram and YouTube to help you create stage-worthy looks, be it through extreme contouring or total transformation into a tiger. Your kids will love acting as your canvas, too.
32. Special Event Makeup
Though it may be a while before you have somewhere to go when you're all dolled up, you'll look stunning when you finally get there, whether you choose a smoky eye, bold lip or both.
33. Natural Makeup
If you've always wanted to learn to contour without looking like your face was stenciled on and spray painted, now is the perfect time to practice a pretty no-makeup makeup look.
34. Playing an Instrument
Not only is music a great distraction, it can also be a form of therapy for many.
Ashthorpe 30-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar set, $46.99 on Amazon
35. Singing
You're doing it in the shower anyway, so why not tune up those pipes of yours?
36. Music Composition
You might be the next Taylor Swift or Diane Warren in terms of songwriting prowess, but you won't know until you try.
37. Garage Band
Want to make music but don't have room for an actual garage full of instruments? No sweat. GarageBand has a full library of sounds to play with!
38. Audio Production
Master audio to create not just music, but also podcasts and other content.
39. DJing
Be the most popular person at your next party by curating playlists and remixing tunes.
40. Podcasting
There is an audience for everything, so whether your thing is comedy, crime, drama, or just talking about cute animals, why not start your own right now?
41. Magic Tricks
You don't have to be at Criss Angel or Penn and Teller levels to have a good time.
Criss Angel Mind Freak Professional Magic Kit, $26.99 on Amazon
42. Sewing
DIY projects can be fun and relaxing, so why not take up sewing and make your own clothes?
View the original article to see embedded media.
43. Knitting
Create something comforting and cozy.
44. Crocheting
Great for mindfulness (and cute bags, scarves, blankets and more).
45. Cross Stitching
Embroidery and needlepoint can be so relaxing, and you can make anything you want.
Beginner Embroidery Kit, $15.99 on Amazon
46. Quilting
Get cozy with quilting! These make for great gifts as well, and patchwork quilts can really tell a story.
47. Writing
Got a short story in your head? The makings of a killer memoir? The next great true crime drama? Put it to paper!
48. Virtual Book Club
You may have more time to read, why not discuss the works? Get some friends in a video call or find a group online.
49. Comic Books and Manga
Manga is addictive, and comic books can prepare you for the next wave of blockbusters.
Comic book gift pack of 20 comics from Marvel & DC, $23.94 on Amazon
50. Role Playing Games
Dungeons and Dragons is a great way to keep busy and bond with pals.
Dungeons and Dragons Starter Set Book, $30.21 on Amazon
51. Poetry
It doesn't have to have rhyme, reason or necessarily even rhythm, as long as it's yours.
52. Journaling
Get all the stress and dreams in your mind onto paper. You'll feel so much better!
53. Blogging
Find something you're passionate about and start a blog. You can even make money this way eventually!
54. Vlogging
Prefer to be in front of a camera over writing? Understandable. Document your life, your dreams and your projects via video. You don't have to share them, but if you do, take advantage of the possible revenue!
55. Power Walking
You don't necessarily need weights for a power walk, but they can help build your, well, power. Explore your neighborhood in a speedy way!
56. Running
Ever thought of doing a Couch to 5K? What's a better time than when you're looking for a new hobby to pick up?
57. Biking
Don't forget your helmet for safety!
58. Yoga
Get fit and stay centered. There is no better time!
59. Hiking
Hiking can be quite therapeutic, as well as being a fun way to get some exercise.
60. Bird Watching
Learn to match the breed with the birds in your backyard.
Gull ID answers. How did you get on? #birdwatching #birding #idchallenge #quiz pic.twitter.com/VPDGuCU0Tb
— Bird Watching (@BirdWatchingMag) June 2, 2023
61. Hula Hooping
In addition to being nostalgic and fun, hula hooping is actually great for your abs.
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62. Hip-Hop Dance
It's always fun to bust a silly move at the clubs or at a party, but what if you could really show off? Learn some hip dances to really take your partying to the next level.
63. Zumba
Exercising can be fun, actually, especially when you incorporate something like Zumba into your routine. Maybe you'll become an expert?
64. Square and Line Dancing
Country music lovers, get your groove on!
65. Salsa Dancing
Salsa is a great and sexy way to bond with a partner, so go kill some time and get a workout in.
66. Pole Dancing
If you don't have a pole in your house (and let's be real, most weren't exactly built with them in mind), you can snag one online. There are a ton of tutorials for beginners, and be warned—this is a workout.
67. Swing Dancing
Grab a partner and get ready to impress everyone at your next outing.
68. Breakdancing
Get ready to blow some minds with your newfound breaking skills.
69. Standup Comedy
Have you ever dreamed of being a comic, able to make a whole audience laugh at your jokes and stories? Now might be a good time to craft some jokes. Rather be a spectator? No sweat: There are a ton of free, great comedy specials on YouTube or on Netflix for you to enjoy.
70. Dog Training and Walking
Spend some more time with your pet! If you haven't gotten around to training your dog, now is a great time to finally teach Fido how to fetch, or to just take him for a long, leisurely walk around your neighborhood instead of heading home right after he finishes his business.
71. Volunteering With Animals
Don't have a pet? See if your local animal shelter needs fosters or someone to walk dogs.
72. Volunteering With Seniors
Seniors are more vulnerable than almost anyone else. See if your community offers help and volunteer!
73. Volunteering With Those in Need
Food banks and shelters, among other organizations, can always use extra, whether it's fundraising or dropping off care packages.
74. Cooking
Why not give your GrubHub or UberEats account a break and whip up something that's all your own? We have so many amazing recipes for beginners!
75. Baking
Whether you like baking bread or want to dive into the world of baking cakes, don't feel the need to limit yourself—no one is ever going to turn down cookies, muffins, scones or cupcakes!
76. Cake Decorating
Did we mention cake baking? Well, how about taking that a step further and get into cake decorating?
77. Video Games
The options to choose here for video games are pretty endless. From RPGs like Final Fantasy to fighting games like Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter, plus classics like Sonic the Hedgehog, Super Mario Bros., racing games ... you're pretty destined to find at least one that you like.
78. Learn a Language
There are so many options to learn a new language, especially with so many language learning apps at your fingertips. Plus, if it's not free, lots of software and apps have deals to do so on the cheap!
?? How much can you learn in 1 month? How about 6 months, or a year?
We broke it down for you (but you *have* to practice!) https://t.co/WVwbRypyUl— Duolingo (@duolingo) June 5, 2023
79. Coding
Coding is a powerful tool, not just to stay busy and entertained, but also in job hunting.
80. Robotics
Take your coding and put it to work! Robotics is fun and women are woefully underrepresented in it as a hobby and career.
81. Chess
It's never too late to learn chess, and for many, it takes a lifetime to master—so this will be a great time-killer.
82. Board Games
Monopoly, checkers, The Game of Life and more, the possibilities are endless when it comes to board games.
83. Mah Jong
This tile game is centuries old, and there's a reason it has so much staying power: It's addictive!
84. Poker
Perfect your poker face and learn all the different ways to play poker, including five-card draw, Texas Hold 'Em, HORSE and Razz.
85. Blackjack
If poker is a bit too much to mentally handle, Blackjack may be a bit easier—you just have to get yourself close to 21!
86. Bridge
There's a reason there are so many bridge clubs in the world: The game is easy enough to learn and so much fun to play in groups.
87. Solitaire
Flying solo? Deal yourself a hand at solitaire. There are more versions of it than you realize!
88. Card Tricks
Not into actually playing cards? No sweat. Use them to learn sleight of hand card tricks!
89. Juggling
Work on your coordination and teach yourself to juggle.
90. Ping Pong
Ping pong is a great way to pass time and it's challenging!
91. Tennis, Badminton and Volleyball
If you have access to a court (or can hook up a net in your backyard), then playing volleyball, badminton and tennis can be fun ways to blow off steam.
JOOLA HIT MIT Adjustable Height Portable Badminton Net Set - Competition Multi Sport Indoor or Outdoor Net for Playing Pickleball, Kids Volleyball, Soccer Tennis, Lawn Tennis - Easy and Fast Assembly
92. Jumping Rope
Double dutch or single, jumping rope is super fun and a killer cardio workout to boot.
93. Rollerblading
Feeling the '90s nostalgia yet? Rollerblading is a great way to get out and about!
PAPAISON Adjustable Inline Skates for Kids and Adults with Full Light Up Wheels, Outdoor Roller Blades for Girls and Boys, Men and Women
94. Dominoes
Embrace basic physics in all of its splendor with dominoes.
Dominoes Set- 28 Piece Double-Six Ivory Domino Tiles Set, Classic Numbers Table Game with Wooden Carrying/Storage Case by Hey! Play! (2-4 Players) , Brown
95. Billiards
Become a pool shark in your downtime!
96. Jigsaw Puzzles
If traditional jigsaw puzzles are falling, er, flat, try a 3D version.
97. Sudoku, Crosswords, Numbrix and Word Puzzles
Sudoku, Numbrix, crosswords, word finds, the Jumble and more and great ways to exercise your brain.
98. Legos
If you're tired of stepping on these on your kid's room's floor, put them to work and build something amazing.
Lego Ideas International Space Station 21321 Toy Blocks, Present, Space, Boys, Girls, Ages 16 and Up
99. Geology
Start your own rock collection!
100. Toy Art
Collecting and posing action figures and toys is a fun way to get creative.
101. Collecting Dolls
Whether you like them for their cuteness or their creepiness, doll collecting can be a soothing, nostalgic activity.
102. Music Memorabilia Collecting
Concert tickets, merch and vintage tour posters can make for a rockin' fun hobby.
103. Movie and TV Memorabilia Collecting
Movie posters, cutouts and merchandise can inspire screening parties at home and keep you happy.
104. Collecting Stamps
Not only is stamp collecting a soothing activity, it will also help support the Postal Service!
105. Vinyl Collecting
Whether you love music, standup comedy or just the aesthetics of the sleeves, a vinyl collection will impress guests whenever they come over.
106. Trivia
Show off your smarts, whether it's themed (think Golden Girls, sports, music) or general.
107. Beer Brewing
Why venture out to the store when you can start a home brewery in your kitchen or garage?
Craft A Brew - Oktoberfest Ale - Beer Making Kit - Make Your Own Craft Beer - Complete Equipment and Supplies - Starter Home Brewing Kit - 1 Gallon
108. Wine Making
If you live in the right climate, growing and fermenting your own grapes for wine making can be a rewarding hobby in more ways than one.
Home Brew Ohio Upgraded 1 Gallon Wine From Fruit Kit - Includes Mini Auto-Siphon
109. Wine Tasting
Learn to spot the actual differences between, say, cabernet, pinot noir and Boone's Farm with a wine tasting.
110. Cheese Tasting
Get some cheese to go with your wine!
111. Liquor Distilling
Who needs bars when you can make your own?
Personalized Rum Making Kit (100) - Create Your Own Spiced Rum - The Outlaw Kit from Skeeter's Reserve Outlaw Gear - MADE BY American Oak Barrel - (Oak, Black Hoops, 2 Liter)
112. Tequila Tasting
Grab some salt, lounge out in your backyard and sip away with some tequila tasting.
Thoughtfully Cocktails, Tequila Tasting Gift Set, Includes Wooden Flight Board, Knife, 4 Shot Glasses, 4 Flavored Salts & More (Contains NO Alcohol)
113. Scotch and Whiskey Tasting
Finally learn the difference (and maybe enjoy some bourbon and rye, too).
114. Cigar Rolling
To go with your whiskey, or enjoy on their own.
115. Coffee Roasting
Get your java fix at home by roasting your own coffee beans.
JIAWANSHUN Coffee Roaster Machine 500g Electric Coffee Bean Roaster for Home Use 0-240℃ Temperature Adjustment 1200W Non-stick Pot 110V US Plug
116. Tea Drinking
Prefer your caffeine without coffee? Tea is having a moment.
117. Star Gazing
Start with the Big Dipper, then expand.
118. Prayer
Getting in touch with your spiritual side can help keep you grounded, healthy and happy during turbulent times like right now.
119. Astrology
Sure, you know your sun sign—but what about your ascendant, moon sign, Mars, Venus? They can all make a difference! Make a birth chart (here's a great, free, easy option) and learn why sometimes you feel more Leo even though your birthday is in Scorpio.
120. Genealogy
Climb your family tree while you're all at it!
AncestryDNA: Genetic Ethnicity Test, Ethnicity Estimate, AncestryDNA Test Kit…
121. Letter Writing
Whether you have a pen pal club or you just want to leave a kind note in a neighbor's mailbox, writing letters feels good for the sender and the recipient.
122. Massage
Take your comfort into your own hands—literally—by learning how to massage.
123. Meditation
Mindfulness and being present are great ways to cope work-related stress and the anxiety that just comes with life sometimes.
124. Reiki
This Japanese form of "energy healing" comes with much less risk than most alternative medicine practices, and it's relatively easy to learn at home. Just please note that this does not in any way substitute for actual medical help!
125. Tarot Card Reading
Get insightful and learn to give yourself (and loved ones) a fun tarot card reading. You'll find great options with these 20 tarot card decks for beginners.
Dionysus Classic Design Tarot Cards Deck with Guidebook
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