Wake up early, go to school, and then go home. It’s 3PM. What now? As a teenager, you are likely to have a lot of free time that you wish to use towards something. However, you are left clueless as to what that something may actually be.
That’s where having a hobby comes in. Hobbies are a great way to utilize your time towards something that you enjoy and/or are passionate about.
What actually is a hobby? A hobby is a voluntary activity that you frequently do in your leisure time. It is one that you enjoy and do consistently. Personally, my hobbies are something that I look forward to and am excited about.
Why should you actually have a hobby? For starters, you are challenging yourself by trying something new. This can help to build discipline and you allow yourself to grow in the process.
Hobbies are a new opportunity to learn and do something that you wouldn’t have tried before. Additionally, hobbies are a great way to improve your mental health, by relieving stress, improving your mood, and strengthening your self-esteem.
In this article, we will go over 15 fun hobbies for teenagers and young individuals to try. Remember that you are not restrained to one hobby and can enjoy multiple at a time.
Music
Pop, Rap, Country, R&B, Rock, etc. Whatever pleases you, music is a great hobby to pursue. Music is an universal language that everyone can relish in. It evokes emotions through its melody, harmony, and lyrics to tell stories to the listener.
Music can lead to new friendships among those who have similar tastes, or who love discussing music and its intricacies. Engaging in music opens up a world of creativity and self-expression.
The great thing about music is that it can be done simultaneously with other activities. In fact, as I am writing this I am listening to my favorite playlist. What’s great about music is that it can actually help you study, according to Healthline.
Sports or Exercise
You may already participate in high school sports. That’s great! Sports offer an avenue for self-discovery, and essential life skills.
However, sports are not limited to just high school teams. You can take part in local teams or clubs, your local recreation center, or just have fun playing them with friends. My friends and I would always enjoy a round of golf when we could and had a blast in doing so.
Exercise does not have to stop at sports. You can pursue working out by yourself or with friends. Weightlifting, going to do cardio, or hiking are just some examples of exercise that everyone can do. Try out a gym membership and see if it is for you. I am still glad to this day that I decided to get a gym membership, as it helped me grow physically and mentally.
An Entrepreneurial Pursuit
Earning money as a teenager is a great way to get ahead of others and propel yourself farther in life. The benefits of entrepreneurship extend beyond money, as they can teach you valuable lessons such as financial literacy and the complexities of business.
For teenagers, starting a business may be out of reach (but is doable and encouraged), so trying out a side hustle to start may be a great introduction to the field.
Side hustles are an amazing way for teenagers to unlock their entrepreneurial spirit. Not to mention they are an amazing way to earn money. It is a chance to turn hobbies and skills into tangible results.
There are many side hustles to try out. These can include:
- Lawncare – Mowing, Weed-whacking, Weeding. It may not be fun, but it is one of the most well-paying and rewarding side hustles out there.
- Blogging – Hey! That’s what you’re reading right now! Blogging is great for those that enjoy writing and expressing their ideas.
- Tutoring – For those that feel they are smart and can teach others their own knowledge, this one is for you.
- Creating a YouTube Channel – YouTube has more than 2.7 BILLION active users on their platform. Yes, billion with a B. YouTube is great for those pursuing content creation.
- Babysitting – If you are fond of kids, then babysitting is for you.
- Reselling – Sell your old junk that you want to get rid of. Or, buy your own goods to sell.
- Part-Time Job – This is a great way to get work experience while also earning some extra cash.
- Cleaning Houses – Cleaning windows, power-washing, etc. People love their house to be clean but are too lazy to do it themselves. That’s where you come in.
You are not limited to these side hustles listed above. Get creative, experiment, and see what works for you.
Community Service/Volunteering
Community service is about civic responsibility and empathy, and reflects a person who is full of compassion. It is a great way to give back to your community. Not to mention that it looks great on college applications. Get in contact with local organizations to see what potential volunteer opportunities you can be apart of.
Learning a Language
Learning a language is a great way for teenagers to expand their horizons. Not only will you be able to communicate with new people, but you will have a newfound understanding of other cultures. Whether undertaken for academic, professional, or personal reasons, language learning is a transformative endeavor that enriches both the mind and the soul.
Apps such as Duolingo or Babbel are great for language-learning at home or on the go. There are other ways to learn a language, such as getting tutored and consuming media in other languages. You can also talk to others that speak the language you desire to learn.
Cooking
Learning independent skills such as cooking are great to establish yourself as a free-spirited and bold individual. It is an activity that requires creativity and experimentation. Even something as simple as learning a few recipes can evoke a sense of accomplishment and respect among family and peers.
Perfecting an existing recipe or introducing new elements into your cooking are just some ways that cooking can become something that have people asking for your recipe or for a meal.
An Outdoor Hobby
In today’s day and age, we are bound to the confines of our comfortable homes. Having an outdoor hobby is crucial so that you enjoy the wonders of the outdoors while pursuing something you love. Popular outdoor hobbies include hiking, photography (more on this later), fishing, and camping.
An outdoor hobby will typically cause you to get active. As discussed before, this is great! On top of that, exercising outdoors reaps more benefits that the comfortable confines of a building. The benefits include relaxation, sun exposure (vitamin D), a boosted immune system, and more!
Reading
Reading is something I wish I had done more as a young individual. It is something that I was always told to pursue but pushed off. However. when I came across a book that I thoroughly enjoyed, I was delighted to discover a new world of literature to explore.
I have read many books since, both for entertainment and information, and cherish the hobby that I continuously indulge in. I always tell people that it is not that they don’t like reading, but that they haven’t found a book that they’ll enjoy.
Reading is an activity that opens pathways to new knowledge, personal growth, and imagination. It contains numerous benefits, such as increasing brain connectivity, reduced stress, and improved sleep. Reading also enhances one’s vocabulary and comprehension, which goes without saying.
Chess
This is one of my favorites, and something that I picked up in high school. My friends and I were searching for new games to play when we were bored, and came across chess. It started as a friendly competition but soon turned into highly-competitive games.
Chess is a game that incorporates strategical tactics and intellectual thinking. It is a game that has been around for more than 1500 years, and is still popular to this day. Try it out and see if it is something that you are interested in.
Coding
If you are a tech-savvy person, then coding might be something that interests you. From software development to app creation, coding is a versatile hobby that has a lot to offer. At its heart, coding is about problem-solving and advancement in the technological field.
One of the things that I find remarkable about it is its capacity for creativity and innovation. Users are only limited to their imagination. Another thing worth mentioning is that coding is a high-income skill that has lots of demand in the market.
Collecting
Everyone has had a collecting phase. Sports/Pokémon cards, coins, stamps, comics, shoes, records, etc. Whatever it is, I am sure you have collected something in your life. I know I did (cards, and a lot of them). This hobby is closely correlated to passion, and is driven by internal ardor and interest in a certain category, theme, or subject.
What’s great about collecting is that often times a group of collectors will be driven together and collaborate, connected by similar interests. Collectors are naturally curious and enjoy the thrill of discovery. In some cases, collecting might even fetch you some cash.
Photography
Photography is a great way to freeze time and tell stories through visual imagery. With new and emerging technologies, photography is easier than ever. No longer are you required to buy an expensive camera to take breathtaking pictures.
Phones in particular are easily accessible and give people access to high-quality photo taking. Capturing the moment is a great way to create memories and cherish the moment even further. Similarly, capturing the world around you allows you to express your interests and explore the world.
Learn an Instrument
We talked about listening to music earlier, but what about playing it?
Learning to play an instrument is a journey that builds discipline and a deep connection with music. What may start out as a scramble of notes can turn into a harmonious melody by the user. Learning an instrument is an activity that requires both patience and practice. However, once mastered, it is something that is extremely rewarding.
Thrifting
Thrifting is a thrill-seeking adventure that involves finding diamonds in the rough. It is typically when something looks for valuable items or personal cravings amidst a secondary market. Thrifting is a great introduction to new fashion while staying at a relatively low cost. Exploring thrift shops, flea markets, and vintage stores becomes a journey of unexpected discovery, where unused items find joy in a new owner. Thrifting goes beyond the thrill of the adventure and embodies a mindset and reimagines style while also reducing waste.
Investing
The earlier you start, the better. Investing, either by yourself or with the help of a parent/guardian, lays the foundation for financial growth and security in the future. It is the best way for teenagers to utilize their money and set themselves up for the future. Embracing the power of compound interest can lead to substantial returns. Additionally, it is something that can teach numerous lessons pertaining to money and financial literacy.
Forbes explains why investing is crucial for teenagers.
Thank you for reading this post. I am sure that if you made it this far, that you enjoyed it (or at least I hope so). If you did, check out our other posts.