Much of the world is under strict quarantine due to the COVID pandemic. For many of us, we have more time on our hands than we know what to do with.
But on a positive note, there has never been a better time to learn about and discover a new hobby. Even if you can’t do all of these hobbies yet because, you know, #socialdistancing and all, you can learn about them and commit to doing it when the quarantine is over.
Here are 20+ ideas for hobbies to fill your time.
Outdoor Hobbies
1) Running or Walking
What’s not to love about getting outdoors and seeing your local neighborhood? Fortunately for us, too, walking or running is a socially distant activity. Simply leave room when encountering others on the side walk.
Best of all, all you need to get started is some comfortable clothes and tennis shoes, making it one cheap hobby.
2) Gardening
Gardening is a great hobby – it allows you to get outdoors, it’s great exercise, it’s affordable, and you can learn something about each plant.
And if you don’t have a garden, it’s not a problem. You can start enjoy gardening by planting a few house plants and keeping them in your apartment.
3) Hiking
If you are craving an escape from the city or suburbs, then hiking is an excellent hobby. There are tons of state parks that offer hiking trails, no matter if you are a novice or expert hiker.
If you’re just getting into hiking, start with some gentle trails. As you get more into it, you may want to consider buying some basic hiking gear, such as boots, safety supplies, and a backpack.
4) Geocaching
Do you like scavenger hunts? Then you will love geocaching.
There are millions of geocaches hidden around the world. A geocache is basically a small box of inexpensive treasures. You can download a geocaching app and use GPS to find geocaches near you. Happy searching!
5) Camping
Camping is the perfect summertime hobby. For those looking to disconnect and get away to nature, you really can’t go wrong.
The best thing about camping is it can be as comfortable or rugged as you like. If you aren’t so sure about sleeping on the ground, you can always look at renting a camper or staying in a cabin. Or, if you’re truly ready to embrace the outdoors, you can load up your belongings in a backpack and sling a hammock in the woods.
6) Canoeing or Kayaking
Whether you live near a river or a lake, you can take advantage of canoeing or kayaking.
For around $50, you can rent a canoe for the afternoon and get in a killer workout while enjoying the peace of the water.
Hobbies that Can Make Money
7) Blogging
Of course, we had to mention blogging! Blogging is truly a fun way to make money. You get to write about a topic that matters to you, you can share your insight and knowledge, and you get to meet a ton of people all over the world.
Starting a blog is easy – you can follow this guide to get started.
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8) Writing
Onto my personal favorite hobby – writing.
Freelance writing is the perfect hobby (in my not so humble opinion!) It allows you to work with clients to create informational and engaging content, all from the comfort of your own home.
Freelance writing is near and dear to me, as it allowed me to pay off all of my student loans. Not too bad for something I truly enjoy doing.
It’s also worth noting that you can write as a hobby without the intention of making money doing it. There is nothing wrong with keeping a journal, writing stories, or even blogging simply because you like to do it.
9) Selling Printables
Printables are a file you create for others to purchase. Once someone purchases it, they simply download the file and print it off in their own home.
Not only are printables fun to sell, but they are super fun to create. You can use really any program, including free ones like Canva, to create downloadable printables on your computer.
10) Flipping Furniture
Flipping furniture might sound like an arduous task, but it can be a pretty simple way to make money if you do it right.
To flip furniture, you score sites like Craigslist and Facebook to find beat up old furniture for a steal. You then bring it home, fix it up, repaint it, and make it look new. Then, you resell it for a much higher cost than you bought it for.
11) Coding
Learning how to code is fun, and sites like Codeacademy will teach you how to code for free.
Once you become a skilled coder, you can find online coding gigs and earn money from home.
Hobbies that Educate You
12) Take a Course
Thanks to the internet, you can learn just about anything. Take a course through sites like Udemy, or simply watch how-to videos on YouTube.
13) Learn an Instrument
There’s such a wide variety of instruments that you aren’t limited in what you can learn. From piano to guitar and from trumpet to drums, you can teach yourself on any instrument that interests you.
YouTube is a great resource for free lessons while you are stuck at home. And if you don’t have any instruments, you can search your local Facebook Marketplace to find a cheap and used one.
14) Reading
Even if your local library is closed due to COVID, you can still find plenty of ways to read books.
First, check out your library’s website. They often have free subscriptions to apps like Libby, which gives you unrestricted access to thousands of audio books and e-books. Some libraries are also offering curbside, no-contact, pickup. Finally you can always buy books on Amazon, like DC’s Student Loan Solution.
Artistic Hobbies
15) Coloring
People who haven’t tried it might roll their eyes at adult coloring books, but coloring can be a great way for adults to relax and release stress. In fact, some of the best-selling books on Amazon are adult coloring books. There are some that may surprise or shock you, such as the best-selling Calm the F*ck Down coloring book.
16) Photography
Photography is a fascinating hobby to learn. Not only do you get to learn about taking the perfect photo, but you can learn how to master editing software.
Don’t have a fancy camera? No problem. Nowadays, many people do photography right from their smartphones.
17) Crocheting
Crocheting requires minimal materials, and is an easy hobby to start. All you need is a hook, some yarn, and a little patience. Start with learning something simple, like a scarf, and you can then work your way up to more advanced items.
Food and Beverage Hobbies
18) Cooking and Baking
Since you are likely eating most of your meals at home anyway due to quarantine, why not start learning how to cook or bake?
Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. Start off with some simple recipes, and master the technique. You’ll be on your way to becoming a gourmet chef in no time.
19) Mixology
Interested in beer, wine, and spirits? Practice mixing up the perfect cocktail at home.
For recipes and inspiration, check out Liquor.com. This website will help you pick and choose your spirits, plus walk you through how to create some pretty tasty drinks.
More Popular Hobby Ideas
20) Traveling
Though traveling is limited during quarantine, that doesn’t mean you should stop planning your travels.
Create a list of every place you want to go, and start researching! Now is a great time to plan your upcoming trips.
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21) Volunteering
What better hobby than to serve others?
Find a cause you care about and volunteer your time. Whether you want to help at the food bank, local schools, animal shelters, or something else, there are thousands of opportunities to volunteer.
22) Home Projects
If you rent or have an apartment or condo you may be limited in this hobby, but if you own a home why not spend your free time fixing up your house? You can start small by painting or taking on other low-pressure house projects, but the sky is the limit.
What did we miss? What is your hobby?
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I Always loved read and it helped and still helping during Covid-19, luckily I have a giant terrace and a private garden so I canspend time outside without problems, however lovely list and for me helped a lot: reading, cooking, writing on my blog