101 Hobbies to Start in 2022 – Listed by Types of HobbiesPin

101 Hobbies to Start in 2022 – Listed by Types of Hobbies

When I was in high school and college, I remember feeling bored. The world was wide open with possibilities of creating and recreating myself. Yet, everything good in life seemed to be ahead of me. I was always waiting for that good part.

This past year living in NYC was a challenge. Even though we feel fulfilled in our careers, we had a hard time drawing boundaries between work and life. Since travel, our hobby, became our work, it almost became impossible to distinguish where to draw the line.

101 New Hobbies to Try in 2020 - Listed by Types of HobbiesPin

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Last updated: January 4, 2022

101 Hobbies to Start in 2022 - Listed By Types of Hobbies

We also got swept up in the busyness of NYC. One day we made it a goal to put an end to our workaholism and take the evening off. After realizing we didn’t know how else to fill our time, we went right back to work.

The Benefits of Hobbies

A few reasons I want to find some new hobbies next year:

  • To play and relax – We need to find hobbies that can make us zero money and that might possibly bore everyone. haha It needs to be something that we love to do for ourselves and not for content creation, which has weirdly become a prevalent part of the current human experience. If you don’t post it, did it really happen?
  • To sharpen my mind – I have such terrible memory now and may well be on my way to having early onset Alzheimer’s (it’s in the family and it freaks me out).
  • For personal growth, enrichment and emotional health – something I’m constantly needing work on.
  • For better physical health – we already rock climb, but I think we need some activiities with cardio.

Other benefits include:

  • Learning a useful skill
  • Socializing and making new friends
  • Making extra money

Also, with our blog, you may already know we’re all about exploring our hometowns and greater backyards. We firmly believe that adventure starts within yourself by cultivating a spirit of adventure. Many of these can be done at home, and how much more local can you get? ;)

“Find three hobbies you love: one to earn money, one to stay in shape, and one that allows you to be creative.” And if there were a fourth, we’d add one to make the world a better place. Which of these would you like to do next year?

Outdoor Hobbies

  1. Hiking
Some of our friends are peak baggers (a form of collecting), where you summit a list of peaks of your choice (ie the 14ers in Colorado).
  1. Rock Climbing

It’s a great way to workout without feeling like you are. We love visiting new climbing destinations and gyms in new cities we visit. Here are some beginner climbing tips for getting started and a gift guide for climbers if you want to pick up some gear.

  1. Canyoneering

Start on a guided canyoneering trip, and read this canyoneering guide.

  1. Slacklining

Many climbers also slackline to work on their balance, but some just like slacklining.  This kit is great indoors, but this is the one we have that we set up over our pool outside.

  1. Mountaineering

Mountaineering is more technical taking hiking to the next level. Pick up your gear at REI, since they have the best return policy.

  1. Mountain Biking

Explore the outdoors on two wheels. Here are some mountain biking faves. We have some close friends who have recently gotten into this and it’s been fun to watch.

  1. Camping

Camping can be as relaxing or extreme as you want. For example, we have this budget-friendly tent for car camping and this one for backpacking. If you’re car camping, don’t forget the essentials!

  1. Glamping

If you want to experience the outdoors but need the comforts, glamping is the way to go. See our favorite glamping spot.

  1. Kayaking, Canoeing, or SUP

It lets you explore areas you can’t on foot. This was our favorite kayaking experience.

  1. Rafting

Start first by rafting with a guide. Then pick up gear when you want to take it seriously.

  1. Skiing or Snowboarding

We thought we knew what we were doing, but lessons can help so much!

  1. Scuba Diving

We finally took classes and got certified in San Diego. We’re whiskey divers now.

  1. Fishing, Crabbing, or Lobstering

Check out this great beginner fishing kit. Also, read our guide on how to go crabbing on the Oregon Coast.

More: 25 Best Hikes in the World for Your Bucket List

Rock Climbing Acadia National ParkPin

Sports Hobbies

  1. Archery

Take lessons at a local archery club.

  1. Bowling

Even if you’re not serious about bowling, pick up your own shoes (his + hers) to save money if you go more than a few times a year.

  1. Cycling

Cycling comes in different forms and is a great way to explore and challenge yourself. See cycling gear and advice.

  1. Golfing

Golfing is fun way to travel around the world. Read stuff every golfer should know.

  1. Horse Riding

You can become a full-fledged equestrian or do it for fun while traveling. We’ve done it a couple of times on trips but it’s not our favorite thing to do since it’s hard to shoot photos when you’re riding.

  1. Ice Skating

Lutz Jump, Twizzle, and Salchow Jump around the ice. Or if you’re like us, just try to learn skating backwards first. If you’re in NYC, here are the best ice skating rinks.

  1. Martial Arts or Kickboxing

I’ve been taking kickboxing on and off for 3 years. I borrow gloves but have my own hand wraps.

  1. Parkour / Ninja Warrior

Ever since Ninja Warrior became popular, gyms have popped up everywhere. You can even build a homemade course.

  1. Paintball

Some of our friends were semi-pro paintballers. There are arenas all over the world. Pick up your own paintball gun to practice at home.

  1. Running

Jacob used to run a 10k every year with his dad until his knees got worse. It’s a great way to challenge yourself physically and mentally.

  1. Skateboarding

We picked up a pennyboard to learn this year, but it’s been so hard!

  1. Surfing

Here are the best surfing beaches in California.

  1. Swimming

Swimming is the best exercise especially as you get older. It’s less stress of your joints.

  1. Join a Sports League

Join your local rec league. Jacob’s latest obsession is pickleball.

  1. Yoga

We’ve never gotten into yoga, but our yogi friends swear by these yoga mats.

More: 9 Wonderful Places to Go Ice Skating in NYC

Ice Skating NYC Central ParkPin

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Travel Hobbies

  1. Cruising

Cruising is a great way to get a taste of many different countries and cities. Best part? You don’t have to worry about transportation. Check out our ultimate cruise calendar.

  1. Learn to Fly a Plane

Check out the local airport to take lessons.

  1. Road Tripping

Road tripping is a great way to explore the area around your city and appreciate your greater backyard. To help you get started, check out our day trip guides and weekend trip guides.

  1. RVing

We loved our 3 months living in an Airstream and recommend trying it out for a season or even a week. Even if you’re not a full timer, it’s great to travel 3-4 months out of the year., or you can always rent one to try it out.

  1. Sailing

We’ve never entertained the idea of sailing full time since I get seasick, but we’re visiting some of our sailing friends this year. We’ll see if they change our minds.

More: The Ultimate RV Checklist – Everything You Need For Your First RV

Airstream RV Living Blog // localadventurer.comPin
Our Airstream Trip in Numbers - We drove over 16 thousand miles through 19 states in 3 months. See our favorite spots! // localadventurer.comPin

Traditional Arts

  1. Calligraphy

You can take classes online, in person, or pick up guide books to help you get started.

  1. Coloring

Coloring can be fun and therapeutic. We did it for a date night and colored in these beautiful travel books.

  1. Dancing

We started taking hip hop classes last year, but after a few lessons, our teacher had to leave the city. Maybe next we’ll try salsa, ballroom, belly dancing, or even pole dancing.

  1. Drawing

Whether you just want to doodle, draw anime characters, or comics, you can learn how to draw. This book is so great for people who don’t think they can draw.

  1. Musical Instrument

We both grew up playing the piano but lost a lot of what we learned. We still bring our books around with the intention to start practicing again.

  1. Painting
I’ve always wanted to learn how to paint. I took art classes when I was younger and Jacob bought me an easel so I can start again.
  1. Photography

No matter what camera you have, you can always learn how to shoot better. If you’re looking for a beginner DSLR, check out this one and also our photography tips here.

  1. Pottery

This toolset has the highest ratings.

  1. Voice Lessons

If you want to take your singing to the next level, consider getting voice lessons.

  1. Writing

Writing can come in many different forms. Join a writing group, or join NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) in November where you write a novel in a month.

  1. Writing Music

Try your hand at writing your very own music. When you’re comfortable, you can even try performing it at local open mics.

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Other Creative Hobbies

  1. Beatboxing

No extra equipment required, just some videos to get started.

  1. Blogging

We started our blog as a hobby before it became our full-time gig (how to start a blog in 5 easy steps). Check out our e-course for monetizing your blog.

  1. Engraving

There are many mediums (some advanced), but start with beginner’s kit.

  1. Graffiti Art

Street art has gotten popular over the years. Now there are classes.

  1. Graphic Design
GIMP and Inkscape are free and great for beginners. Once you get serious, you’ll want Adobe Creative Cloud to step up your game.
  1. Impersonations

I suck at impersonations, but check out our friend who’s amazing!

  1. Improv Class

It’s a great way to get over the fear of what people think.

  1. Juggling

With a little bit of practice, you can do some impressive tricks.

  1. Latte Art

Release your inner barista by whipping up some latte art. If you don’t succeed, you can sip up your messy creation. Here’s a great book for inspiration.

  1. Magic

Recently, we watched Magic for Humans. Now we need a nice deck of cards to practice our sleight of hand.

  1. Podcasting
We have a few podcaster friends. This set is all you need to get started.
  1. Puppetry
Did you know that Jacob and his brother created a kid’s puppet show? The initial plan was to learn how to puppeteer, but they quickly learned how complex it is. If you want to dabble, buy a couple of puppets or make your own if you’re feeling crafty.
  1. Videography / Filmmaking

Learn how to capture and edit videos so you can create beautiful memories of your own travels. Want smoother video? Try a gimbal.

More: How to Start a Blog in 5 Easy Steps

White Sands National Monument in New MexicoPin

Crafting Hobbies

  1. Balloon Twisting

I did not know this was a thing until one of our friends got into it before his kid’s birthday party. All it took was a basic kit and a bunch of YouTube videos.

  1. Candle Making

Learn to make candles with a DIY kit then enjoy your creations at home or give them out as gifts.

  1. Cross-Stitching / Embroidery

This is another great hobby with a ton of resources and kits so you can DIY.

  1. Flower Arranging

Have you ever tried arranging your own flowers? It’s a lot harder than it looks. If you love having fresh flowers at home, this could be the perfect hobby for you. Start with this book.

  1. Jewelry Making

I have some basic tools and have learned from friends who make and sell jewelry.

  1. Knitting / Crocheting

I go through weird intense phases where I knit and crochet all day every day.

  1. Leather Crafting

This is a great starter kit for leather crafting.

  1. Origami

Start your love for Origami with a basic kit, or nerd out with Jacob by making these crazy Star Wars ones.

  1. Scrapbooking

Scrapbooking is a great way to work on something that you’ll cherish. With so many pre-made accessories, you can easily make it your own.

  1. Sewing

This is a great practical skill that will save you money. Since I’m short, I always need to hem my pants, which adds up. This is the sewing machine I use.

  1. Soap Making

I always think of Fight Club when someone brings up of soap making, but you can make something more artisanal.

  1. Woodworking

Want to become friends with Nick Offerman? Get into woodworking so you can chat about one of his favorite hobbies. Here’s a book to get you started.

Food & Cooking Hobbies

  1. Baking

Bread, brownies, cookies, scones… oh man, my mouth is watering just from these thoughts. Start off with the Baking Bible.

  1. Brew Your Own Beer
If you love craft beers, why not try making your own? This is the kit we used.
  1. Canning / Pickling / Making Jam

Learn to can, pickle, and jam some of your favorite foods. This has over 350 recipes or you can start with my mom’s kimchi recipe.

  1. Coffee Roasting

This is another great hobby to turn one love into another. If you already love coffee, try roasting your own beans.

  1. Cooking

We’re all about easy recipes since neither of us likes cooking. Starting next year, we’ll try some Instant Pot recipes.

  1. Food Styling

I’ve always wanted to learn food styling, especially since we take so many food shots. Pick up a book or take local classes.

  1. Gardening

Apparently having plants in your home can reduce stress and improve productivity. Even with two black thumbs, I’m using Aerogarden to grow herbs, and they’re still alive!

  1. Mixology

This is perfect for those who love hosting parties. We can make an old fashion, and recently our Shaker & Spoon Cocktail Club introduced us to 3 new drink recipes from top bartenders. You can also check out the Ultimate Bar Book with 1000+ cocktail recipes.

  1. Wine Tasting
If you’ve ever wanted to become better versed in wine, try taking a wine tasting class. You can also get this book to help you learn more about wines.
Korean Dried Squid Recipe // Korean Banchan Recipes // South Korean Food Recipes.Pin
Thai Basil Chicken Recipe | Easy Thai Recipes.Pin

Games

  1. Board Games

There are endless board games out there. Our recent favorites are Guesstures and Pit.

  1. Chess

If I were to play, I’d get this chess board.

  1. Cosplaying

If you love dressing up, try cosplaying.

  1. Gaming

Lately we love playing Overcooked with friends.

  1. Poker

Have a weekly poker night or play other card games. If you’re serious, you could even join tournaments.

  1. Puzzles

Puzzles can be therapeutic. Want to see the most beautiful travel puzzles?

  1. Trivia Night

If only I had a team of professors… I used to love going to Trivia Night. Even if you don’t win, at least you learn some random useless facts.

15 Best Travel Puzzles to Work on When You're Not TravelingPin

Collecting Hobbies

  1. Astronomy

Find the closest dark sky to stargaze or attend a star party. These are the stargazing events to watch for this year.

  1. Birding

During our travels, we met so many birders. If you get into wildlife photography, these flashcards can help you with birds.

  1. Foraging

Foraging is a great hobby if you love to cook. This book will help you identify, harvest, and prepare edible plants.

  1. Get a New Pet

I wouldn’t say we collect pets, but we love our two cats. We recently met a lot of people who love breeding fish.

More: 15 Incredible Weekend Trips from Las Vegas

Stargazing at Joshua Tree National Park // localadventurer.com

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Enrichment & Miscellaneous

  1. Book Club

This is a great way to do something social and help you reach your reading goals.

  1. Geneology
Start off by getting a DNA test and see how much of your genealogy you can track.
  1. Home Improvement

If you spend a lot of time at home, this is a great way to personalize your space.

  1. Keep a Bullet Journal

Bullet journaling is a nice way to keep records of your day-to-day without the pressure of writing. This is my latest hobby and I’ve really been enjoying it. After doing a bunch of research, I decided to use this bullet journal and picked up these pens and markers (they don’t bleed through the paper).

  1. Learn a New Language

Learn a new language with Rosetta Stone. I’ve tried Italian and now want to learn Spanish. How about you?

  1. Learn How to Code

You can learn to code or design websites.

  1. Learn Sign Language

These Youtube videos can help you get started.

  1. Learn to Write with Non-Dominate Hand

I’ve always wanted to be ambidextrous. Practice writing or daily tasks with your non-dominate hand.

  1. Meditation

I started using a meditation app to help me sleep. It’s become a great habit that I’ll continue next year.

  1. Minimalism / Declutter

We started regularly decluttering after we started moving every year. It’s been incredibly freeing. I love that Marie Kondo-ing is a thing. Here’s a great documentary to check out if you’re interested in minimalism.

  1. Public Speaking
We’ve talked about joining Toastmasters to get over my fear of public speaking.
  1. Volunteering

Pick something you care about and find a way to get involved with a local organization.

Favorite Quotes on Hobbies

If you need a few more words of motivation to pick up a hobby next year, here are some more quotes I loved.

  • “I can never read all the books I want; be all the people I want and live all the lives I want. I can never train myself in all the skills I want. And why do I want? I want to live and feel all the shades, tones and variations of mental and physical experience possible in my life. And I am horribly limited.” – Sylvia Plath
  • “Legendary innovators like Franklin, Snow, and Darwin all possess some common intellectual qualities—a certain quickness of mind, unbounded curiosity—but they also share one other defining attribute. They have a lot of hobbies.” – Steven Johnson
  • Always find time for things that make you happy to be alive. – Unknown

Do you have any hobbies? What types of hobbies have you had in the past? 

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Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, which is one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found both near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in NYC.

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This Post Has 2 Comments

  1. Stone Connell

    24 Oct 2019 Reply

    Hey so I’m not sure if you can see what I’ve checked or whatever but I’d just like yalls opinions and or help finding stuff to do around me I’m from San Antonio I have 0 friends up here I Just started college and work but I mean after I’ve finished my day there I’m kinda stuck laying in bed playing games and I’d rather get out and do stuff but for the majority of the time I’m broke or I just can’t think creatively

    1. jacob

      25 Oct 2019 Reply

      You should check out meetup.com to see what events are going on! Great way to meet people with similar interest.

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