Hobbies are a great way to make use of your free time, get creative, and blow off some steam. However, some hobbies are more expensive than others. Like golf. It’s fun, but it’s quite expensive. Thankfully there are cheap fun hobbies you can start for next to nothing.
Our guide shares a few of the best fun and inexpensive hobbies you can start today.
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Cheap Fun Hobbies You Can Start Right Now
Are you looking for a new hobby? Whether you are looking for fun hobbies for men or women, there are plenty of options to pass the time and have fun.
Below are 33 cheap fun hobbies both you and your wallet will enjoy.
1. Scrapbooking
Scrapbooking is a great way to preserve memories and photos. All you need to get started is a notebook or binder, photos, and some fun pens and decorating accessories.
2. Complete Online Surveys
Do you like to watch television at night or have spare time? You can fill up that time by completing online surveys. You won’t become rich taking surveys, but they’re a great way to monetize your free time.
Survey Junkie is one of the best survey sites to use. You can redeem earnings for cash or gift cards once you reach a $10 balance.
Read our review of Survey Junkie to see how the platform works.
3. Geocaching
Ready to finally find buried treasure? Geocaching isn’t exactly treasure hunting, but it’s pretty close.
Geocaching is similar to going on a scavenger hunt, and all you need to do to get started is download the app.
4. Brewing Beer
Are you a fan of beer? Why not try brewing your own? You can do this by starting with a homebrewing kit or taking the old-fashioned route and brewing your own from scratch.
5. Game Night
Whether you have a game night with board games or video games, it’s sure to be a hit. Choose your favorite games, settle in with some food and drinks, and get to playing.
This is one of the best cheap date night ideas for couples, and it’s fun as well.
6. Reading
Reading is one of those cheap fun hobbies that anyone can enjoy. Choose your favorite genre of books, prepare a cup of tea or coffee, and start reading. It’s really that simple. And it’s free if you use the library.
7. Hiking
If you love the outdoors, hiking may be right up your alley. Of course, you’ll have to make sure you have the gear (and food) if you want to make this an all-day thing, but even a couple of hours of fresh air is better than nothing.
8. Start a Blog
Starting a blog can be cheap or free, depending on where you decide to host it. Bluehost is one good option for hosting. They charge $2.95 per month to host your site and walk you through launching it.
Starting your own blog can hold you accountable to goals, help you improve your writing, and chronicle your life.
This is a great creative outlet for those who love to write. Check out our guide on how to start a blog for all the tools to start.
9. Writing
If you enjoy reading but want to tell your own stories, try writing. You can do it with a notebook and pen or on your computer.
And don’t worry, you don’t have to share your stories if you don’t want to.
10. Sewing
Sewing may seem old-fashioned, but trust me, it’s not. In fact, there are tons of videos and tutorials that you can find on YouTube and Google. So grab some fabric, borrow a sewing machine (or do it by hand), and get started.
11. Coding
Coding is here to stay. In this tech age, having a hobby like coding can be fun, and even make you some money. Plus, with free online courses through Udemy, you don’t have to pay a dime to learn.
12. Gardening
Got a green thumb? Try gardening.
You can even take your hobby a step further and plant some fruits and veggies for you to enjoy year-round. Gardening is one of the most fun hobbies for couples, so grab your spouse and plant a few of your favorite vegetables.
If you want fun activities for kids at home, gardening is a terrific choice. They get to be outside and learn where their food really comes from.
13. Photography
You don’t have to be a professional photographer to enjoy taking photos. And with this hobby, you can start taking photos with just your phone. Seriously.
Since most phones are great taking high-quality photos, you won’t need to spend thousands of dollars to start.
14. Cooking & Baking
If you can stand the heat, stay in the kitchen. Cooking and baking are great cheap fun hobbies. Not only can you serve up some delicious and nutritious food, but you’ll also have the chance to reduce stress, food waste, and your restaurant budget.
15. Play An Instrument
Learning a new instrument doesn’t have to be expensive. You can typically find a used instrument for under $100, and there are many free tutorials online to help you learn. The dilemma is choosing which instrument you want to learn first.
16. Dancing
Dancing is a fun and free way to get your body moving and boost your energy. Depending on the type of dancing you’re doing, you may need a partner, which means your significant other, family, or friend can join in.
17. Learn a New Language
If you’re planning a trip to a different country or have always wanted to learn a new language, then this is the hobby for you. With the blending of cultures, you’re bound to find someone with whom you can practice your new language skills.
Apps like Duolingo help you learn a new language like Spanish quickly, so you can start practicing right away.
18. Restore Your Furniture
If you love everything DIY, try restoring some old or outdated furniture you have around the house. You can paint, add contact paper, or even just stain it for a brand new look.
19. Volunteer Work
Why not do something good for your community and good for your soul? Try volunteering with an organization that focuses on causes that are important to you.
You can even volunteer with organizations like Habitat for Humanity so you can do good and learn some new skills.
If your time to volunteer is limited, try a lower-level commitment like helping at a soup kitchen or sorting clothes at a homeless shelter or walking dogs at an animal rescue. The possibilities are endless.
20. Make Candles
If you love scents and candles, why not make your own? You can buy a candle kit or try experimenting on your own with some wax and fragrance.
Once your candles are ready, light them up and enjoy the smell.
21. Paint
You don’t have to be an artist to paint. Just grab some watercolors or other paints and let inspiration hit you. And if you mess up? Just get a new sheet of paper or channel Bob Ross and make a happy little tree.
22. Calligraphy
Having beautiful handwriting takes skill, but calligraphy can be learned. There are a ton of free videos online that can teach you the basics. If you can’t find one that works for you, try buying a book from Amazon or taking a local in-person calligraphy class.
23. Try Puzzles
Sudoku, crosswords, and other puzzles keep your mind sharp and keep you from feeling bored. Plus, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to start. In fact, you can find quite a few puzzles for less at your local thrift store.
24. Bullet Journaling
Not a fan of scrapbooking but still want to record memories? Try bullet journaling. All you need is a notebook and pen.
25. Hula Hoop
Hula Hooping is great for your core and it’s fun to learn. While many of us may not be naturals, it’s still an exercise that will keep you active and having a blast.
26. Yoga
Need to destress? Try yoga. You can start with beginners poses and work your way up if you enjoy it. You can even check your local library or fitness studio to see if they have free or low-cost introductory classes.
27. Cosplay
Cosplay can get expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. There are many cosplay costumes that you can make for less. And, if you already know how to sew, you can make your own costume for half of what you’d pay.
*Related: Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Read our exhaustive guide of cheap, fun things to do this weekend that don’t cost a lot of money.*
And besides, who doesn’t love the cosplay community and their unique takes on outfits?
28. Explore Your City
Traveling can get expensive. So instead of hopping countries, try exploring your own city.
Grab a bite to eat at a place you’ve never tried. Hit up the local museum. Try out one of the nature walks or parks. Or end the day celebrating a festival or free event that many cities offer.
If you have a spouse, this is one of the more fun hobbies for couples and you get to spend quality time together.
29. Stargaze
This one might require you to go into the country a bit. But stargazing in a clearing or in the middle of nowhere is absolutely breathtaking.
The galaxy is a large and beautiful site. Cuddle under some blankets by yourself or with a loved one and take it all in.
30. Edit Wikipedia Pages
Are you a know-it-all? If you said yes, editing Wikipedia pages is for you. This hobby involves fact-checking the pages for accuracy in content and grammar, and if you find a mistake, fixing it. Because everyone needs to know the truth about Game of Thrones and how the books may end.
31. Get Some Pen Pals
Snail mail is still a thing, and so is writing to pen pals! There are even apps that help you find people to write to. For the price of postage, you can have a hobby that connects you to someone new and makes you happy every time read a new letter.
32. Color
Coloring isn’t just for kids. With adult coloring books and coloring sheets, you’re bound to find something quirky or interesting for you to color. And if you have kids, why not color together?
You color in your book and they can color in theirs. You can even switch books to see what happens. It’s a win-win for everyone.
33. Start a Book Club
Book clubs are a great way to socialize while also catching up on the newest or most popular books. Start a book club that meets whenever you want, and spend time with others who enjoy reading as much as you do.
Bottom Line
Anything that you enjoy can be turned into a cheap hobby. Love to travel? Take a quick road trip to a new city a few hours away. Love books? Go to bookstores and read for a little bit.
Love comics? Create your own. No matter what you love to do, there is a way to enjoy the fun without breaking the bank.
What other cheap fun hobbies do you enjoy in your free time? Do you like to monetize your hobbies? What’s your favorite thing to do in your spare time?
