No matter your budget, there are tons of hobbies you can try to keep you entertained!
There are plenty of great, cheap hobbies out there for everyone. Most importantly, stay open to new ideas, and you’re bound to find something that piques your interest.
But often, the biggest hurdle is just getting started. So the next time you’re looking for something new to do, why not give one of these cheap hobbies a try?
Here are ten of our favorites that you will want to consider when looking for something fun to do!
Hiking
One of the best ways to stay fit without an expensive gym membership is to use the many outdoor parks. Whether hiking in a national park or walking around your neighborhood, it’s a cheap way to stay fit, feel better, and save money.
According to the National Park Service, hiking is an ideal way to get a whole-body workout. This physical activity leads to building your overall heart health and stronger bones.
Stanford University study also found that hiking helps improve your mental health and lowers the risk of depression. As a bonus, you’ll undoubtedly get some cool photos of wildlife and nature you can share with others.
Reading
While reading may not immediately come to mind as a hobby, it is one of the few that can be completely free.
For the ultimate cost savings, you can check out books from the library. Most libraries have free e-books or audiobooks that you can access via the library system app. You can also buy books used from a thrift store or online seller if you prefer to own them.
There are so many genres and topics to choose from that you’re sure to find something you enjoy. If you need help, try looking for book lists online or asking a friend for recommendations. Make new friends with your hobby by joining a book club.
Beyond the cost savings and friendships, you’ll find that it is a lifelong hobby that will continue to help with vocabulary and communication skills as you age.
Reading may also help you live longer. According to a long-term study published in the National Library of Medicine, avid readers experienced a 20% reduction in the risk of their mortality in comparison to non-readers.
Photography
Photography is another excellent, cheap hobby that works well on a budget. You don’t need a high-end camera to get started; even your smartphone can take great photos these days. You can also find free photography classes online or through your local community center.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can enter your photos in contests or sell them online as stock photography. Photography also makes great presents for friends and family.
Cooking
Cooking is not only a great way to save money on eating out, but it can also be a fun hobby in its own right. If you’re just getting started, try finding some simple recipes online.
As you get more confident in your skills, you can start experimenting with more complex dishes. You can also join a cooking club or take classes at a local cooking school.
Besides, who doesn’t love having a friend who bakes yummy treats?
Gardening
Gardening is another hobby that can save you money in the long run by providing you with fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. You can start small by growing potted plants on your balcony or windowsill. Or, if you have more space, you can create a garden in your backyard.
Gardening is a good family project since it teaches children about the responsibilities of caring for something. In addition, it can create a greater appreciation for basic things that take time to cultivate.
Community gardens are also a great option if you don’t have your own yard space. Not only will you enjoy fresh produce, but you’ll also get some exercise and fresh air while gardening.
Knitting & Crocheting
Knitting and crocheting are great hobbies for relaxing and making useful things simultaneously. If you don’t know how to knit or crochet, there are plenty of tutorial videos online, or you can take classes at your local yarn shop. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can make items for your family (or sell them).
Meditation
Meditation is one of the oldest and most beneficial activities a person can do for their mental and physical health. Meditation can be done anywhere, without equipment or unique clothing, and the practice itself is free. All you need is a few free minutes of your day to sit in quiet silence and focus on your breath.
Meditating has many benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep quality, and increasing focus and productivity. Meditation also has physical benefits, such as reducing inflammation and helping to control pain.
Fishing
Fishing is a great, cheap hobby if you’re looking for something fun and relaxing. Often, fishermen keep the same set of fishing rods and tackle for years. And it also stores easily without taking up a lot of room in the closet.
Fishing is also a sport you can do your entire life, so you won’t ever outgrow it. And if you get good at fishing, you might even be able to compete in local fishing tournaments or sell your catches.
Genealogy
Genealogy is an ideal hobby if you’re looking for something affordable and helpful for learning about your family history. You don’t need expensive software or even a computer to get started. The public library system allows users computer access to more extensive sources, such as Ancestry.com, for free. So while you may have to visit the library, you can try out your newfound hobby without any costly investments.
Genealogy can also be a social activity, so it’s a great way to meet new people. There are local chapters such as the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and other genealogy groups.
If you like detective stories, genealogists are indeed the modern-day Sherlock Holmes. You’ll often find family secrets or interesting stories you would never have learned without this critical research.
Sketching & Drawing
Drawing is one of our favorite cheap hobbies that’s both fun and relaxing. Pencil sets are very affordable. Plus, you don’t need nearly as many supplies as oil painting. YouTube has hundreds of courses you can watch for free.
Cleanup is also a breeze, and your supplies fit easily into a small bag. You can easily take your set with you for a change of scenery, making it truly an excellent indoor or outdoor hobby.
