Fun hobbies and activities don’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, many of the most enjoyable pastimes cost very little or are free.
Simply going for a neighbourhood stroll solo, with friends, or as a couple is a great way to enjoy an outing without spending money. You can do this daily, changing up your route for variety. Along the way, you can stop in cafés and look out for daily specials, providing a place to meet up with friends and play board games or catchup.
Many fun games are available online, including free racing games, solitaire, Sudoku, puzzles, and mahjong. Some free games even allow you to build your own character and go on little adventures.
Many hobbies are simply a way to stay entertained and have some fun, just like if you claim casino promo codes in the US and explore the latest online games.
You can also find inspirational videos to help renovate your kitchen or choose the perfect colour schemes for various rooms. Meanwhile, green thumbs can also pick up insider tips and ideas for their gardens or indoor plants.
Wherever your interests lie, here are 15 low-cost hobbies you can try solo or with friends:
- Hiking: Hiking is a popular pastime for a reason. Not only is it free, but it is also a great way to explore new places and get outside the city if you live in an urban area. Additionally, some steeper trails offer a great workout for improving overall fitness.
- Learn a new language: Whether you’ve thought about backpacking across South America, moving to a non-English speaking country, or simply want to pick up a new skill, learning a new language is a great hobby that you can do for free. There are quite a few free online apps (like Duolingo) that will help you improve your skills through fun games.
- Photography: Thanks to modern smartphones, shutterbugs can snap and edit photos without even touching a “real” camera. People share videos on social media explaining how to capture the best images, providing a smorgasbord of handy tips for amateurs looking to up their game.
- Dancing: People can dance with friends anywhere for free. Some groups organize free public dances, while studios may offer free classes for people looking to dip their toes into a new style of dancing.
- Birdwatching: Birdwatching is a great year-round activity, since new fowl move into the region seasonally. Several free online guides show different bird species and how to identify them, or you can also take out a library book.
- Reading: Reading is a great solo activity that people can enjoy for free with a library card. It can also be a fun social activity if you join a weekly or monthly book club, where members read the same novel and then get together to discuss it.
- Weightlifting: A gym membership doesn’t have to cost much money. Community centres have low monthly fees, while some gyms lower costs for members who sign up for longer contracts.
- Drawing: A paper and a pencil won’t set artists back as much as many other art supplies, although many paints don’t cost significant money. Additionally, fledgling artists can find online tutorials to help them hone their skills or learn new styles.
- Meditation: Learning to meditate can offer many health benefits, including lower blood pressure, improved focus, stronger immunity, reduced stress levels, and better sleep. People can learn more about different meditation styles by taking classes or watching online tutorials. Many podcasts also offer guided meditations to start days on a calm, positive note, or to ease stress after a hectic workday.
- Camping: Forget the expensive vacation. Hiking is one of the best ways to escape the daily grind without breaking the bank. While you may have to invest in some equipment initially, you can use the same gear each time you camp. People get really invested in camping, finding new ways to explore unchartered terrain and brave the wilderness.
- Board games: Many people have a few board games kicking around their home. If they don’t, they may have a friend who has one (or ten). Thrift stores are also a great place to look for cheap board games, as many people may drop off old ones. These games make a fun activity for groups of friends, and you might just want to make it a weekly occurrence.
- Blogging: Do you feel passionate about something? Blogging is a great way to get your thoughts out or showcase your work. If you like travelling, cooking, playing music, or making art, you can show photos, videos, and writing in updates. This can also be a great way to meet people online with similar interests who engage in your content.
- Running: Not only does running offer a range of health benefits, but it isn’t a costly pastime. All you need is a decent pair of running shoes to prevent injuries. Running is a great solo hobby, but running groups provide a social dynamic for people looking to make friends or who need scheduled meetups for encouragement.
- Volunteering: Make a difference in your community without spending money by volunteering at a local shelter or other non-profit organization. Many places do not have enough volunteers to keep operations running smoothly and appreciate all the help they can get. Plus, the pastime is a great way to make new, likeminded friends.
- Cooking: Honing your cooking skills doesn’t have to cost a great deal of money. Since you need to eat, you can simply budget the amount you spend on groceries accordingly and buy specifically for low-cost recipes. Many influencers offer tutorials on how to cook low-cost meals that taste delicious.