Category - Hobbies
At Least One Hobby From This List Will Change Your Life
It’s important—we say mandatory—to nurture interests outside of work. Hobbies keep us on our toes (sometimes literally), energize our body, mind, and spirit, and stoke our lives with that all-important feeling of balance and play. The problem is there may actually be too many hobbies to choose from. When it comes to hobbies for adults, and specifically the best hobbies for men, the list is long—and potentially overwhelming.
“When your hobbies get in the way of your work, that’s okay,” Steve Martin once quipped. “But when your hobbies get in the way of themselves, well…”
We get it. Choosing new hobbies to try from so many options these days can be a challenge. But it’s a worthy one, and so what if you make a “mistake” and pick up the wrong one? Just put it down and give something else a whirl. If golf or bowling isn't your bag, there are only 73 other interesting options in our lineup below to try out.
From kayaking to cooking, running to rock climbing, pickleball to puzzles, fishing to fantasy football, and everything in between, here we highlight the 75 best hobbies for men. There's something here for everyone.
Golf

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Golf takes a minute to learn, a lifetime to master, and maybe a few good lessons to get totally hooked on. Combining competition, socialization, and often betting into a four-hour span, golf checks just about every extracurricular box. It's a great way to connect with others in a beautiful setting.
Fishing

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Fishing has been one of the most popular pastimes for men since men and fish began coexisting. Right up there with hunting and golf, fishing should come with a highly addictive label. Try lure or fly fishing. Either way, as they say, “the tug is the drug.” You can’t catch just one.
Camping

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For many men, hobbies are a way to escape everyday life, and camping is a literal expression of that. You get to go into the quiet woods, pitch a tent, and just be alone. You can camp with friends, too. Either way, it's a great escape for men looking to relax in nature.
Running

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Running has to be the easiest hobby to try—at least equipment-wise. Just lace up a pair of running shoes and you're gone. Running can help reduce stress and get you in better shape. While not for everyone, men who enjoy running can delve into the world of 5Ks, marathons, and ultra running.
Guitar

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It seems like all men pick up the guitar at some point in their lives to try and strum at least a few chords. Electric or acoustic, either option is a great musical hobby to stick with. Classical guitar is another great option.
Cycling

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Cycling is one of the most popular hobbies to try—and before you invest too much on your wheels, you can always rent one to see if it appeals. There are a variety of bicycles to choose from, including e-bikes, these days. Regardless of how far or fast you decide to ride, it’s a healthy hobby for men.
Cooking

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Among the most practical hobbies to try, cooking is nourishing on all levels. You're able to feed yourself and your loved ones while exploring a new skill.
Kayaking

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If you’ve ever looked at a river and felt the pull to race down it, then kayaking is the hobby for you. If you're just learning, start with some low-key flat water or a pool first.
Volunteering

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Giving back to those in need is always as rewarding for ourselves as it is for others. Deliver meals to the hungry, build a new domicile with a nonprofit like Habitat for Humanity, or coach a kid’s sports team. There’s no wrong way to do this one.
Billiards

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Playing billiards, or pool, is a fun pastime for men. This can involve buying your own table or going to a billiards hall to play a little eight-ball.
Rock Climbing

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Whether you live in the mountains or the city, rock climbing opportunities are everywhere. With more rock climbing gyms than ever before, men can pick up this healthy hobby and work on their bouldering skills before eventually taking it to El Capitan or Joshua Tree.
Whiskey

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The world of whiskey has exploded in popularity in recent years, and it can make a fun (and tasty) hobby for guys. Trying different whiskeys, collecting bottles, and traveling to distilleries are all on the agenda. There are entire clubs and bars dedicated to whiskey for men looking to expand their palette.
Skiing

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If you live in a snowy climate and are looking for a hobby in the winter, skiing is the ultimate high-octane option. Backcountry skiing takes it to another level. To flatten the slope and keep the heart rate up, try cross-country skiing.
Volleyball

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Volleyball is a great sport for men who like to compete in team sports. There are tons of clubs and co-ed volleyball leagues where men can play volleyball regardless of skill, age, or even fitness level.
Chess

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For the thinker on the list, chess is another hobby that can take a lifetime to master. It’s easy to learn and often there are chess clubs or groups that men can join to have someone to test their chess strategy against.
Home Brewing

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Craft beer fans may find home brewing to be their hobby of choice. There are tons of home brewing kits available online or at local stores to help aspiring brewers start making their own craft beers.
Poker

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Be it a friendly $5 poker game with the boys or a $5,000 buy-in Texas Hold'em tournament in Vegas, poker is a classic hobby for men. It's a great way to socialize and enjoy a brew while also requiring plenty of skill and strategy.
Travel

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Whether exploring your own backyard or flying around the globe to a new country, travel never gets old. No matter where you go, exploring new places and inevitably meeting new people along the way is guaranteed to expand your horizons.
Painting

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You don’t have to be Monet to paint. Heck, you don’t even have to be good at it. Painting is a wonderfully creative and therapeutic outlet to express yourself without any judgments. It's one of the easier hobbies to get into—and who knows, it may just lead to your own little masterpiece.
Basketball

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Basketball draws a huge crowd of guys, many of whom think they're better players than they are. That means that you actually don't have to be a superstar to fit right in. Any local gym or YMCA is full of men looking for a pick-up game of hoops. This may be about the easiest team sports hobby to break into.
Darts

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More than just a bar game, darts are a low-cost hobby that can easily go in a garage or spare room. Better yet, it lends itself to hanging out with friends and enjoying a beer or two.
Fantasy Football

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When it comes to sports, fantasy football is a great hobby for NFL fans. From draft day to the championship, having a fantasy team to manage every fall makes the games on Sunday a little more interesting—and your friends a little more competitive.
Puzzling

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Puzzles are a great way to pass the time and exercise the mind all at once. From old-school jigsaw puzzles to an array of the newest phone puzzles like Wordle and Connections, you'll never run out of them. Our favorite is still a good crossword that hits that sufficiently challenging sweet spot without being totally impossible.
Weight Lifting

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If you naturally gravitate to the free weights section in the gym, maybe it's time to take your weightlifting endeavors to the "hobby" level. From deadlifts to squats, it's a healthy hobby for any guy—providing you don't overdo it, while exercising some caution and know-how.
National Park Touring

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There are 63 National Parks in the United States. They cover 30 states and two U.S. territories, which means exploring these natural gems could take a year or a lifetime. Checking these parks off the list is a great way to witness the best the U.S. has to offer.
Coffee Roasting

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When it comes to new hobbies to try, coffee roasting is one of the more delicious options. Home roasting is relatively low-cost to get into. It may take some practice to perfect the perfect cup of joe, but that's all part of it.
Bowling

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A good, old-fashioned bowling league is a classic hobby for men. Like Fred and Barney, it gets you out of the house and enjoying some Cactus Coolers with your buds.
Flying

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Yes, there's a serious investment of money and time with this one, but if you've always dreamed of flying, it's doable and probably well worth it. When it comes to travel, of course, it can open a lot of doors, too.
Coding

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If you're already doing this for work, then we might nudge you toward an outdoor hobby. But if learning code in the off-hours sounds appealing, here's a hobby that can turn into a valuable skill. If you like learning new things and working on computers, then coding could be the perfect fit.
Car Restoring

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Hovering over an old car in the garage isn't for everyone. But for car guys with some mechanical ability who are fans of vintage vehicles, is there anything better? Sure, it may take weeks or months or years, but that final product—a sweetly restored classic car—is worth it.
Yoga

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Get your flow on with yoga as a relaxing hobby. This is a great low-impact hobby to help develop flexibility and core strength. You can join a class or just do it at home or in a park.
Tennis

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Tennis is a fun sport for anyone to pick up at any age, and you can make it as light or competitive as you want. There are probably public courts closer to you than you think, so all you need is a racket, a few tennis balls, and a friendly opponent. An hour or two of tennis is also a great full-body work out.
Geocaching

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Geocaching is done by using GPS devices to find hidden objects all over the world. It’s sort of like a real-world scavenger hunt with technology. Just go online to find a geocache game near you.
Woodworking

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If you somehow missed this class in high school, now could be the time to see if woodworking is a hobby for you. It's a great lifetime skill to develop, and can result in some unique pieces.
Pickleball

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The pickleball craze is still in full swing, so if you haven't tried it yet, what are you waiting for? People of all ages are enjoying this sport (there are tons of young players too) and the proliferation of pickleball facilities makes it easier than ever to get into the game.
Photography

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These days, cameras are as ubiquitous as the phone in your pocket. Investing in a higher-end camera though will likely take your photos and interest in photography to new levels. There's a reason purists are still gravitating to film photography and developing their work in a darkroom.
Target Shooting

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Target shooting, as made popular by the recent Olympics, is a fun and challenging hobby to pick up. There’s also skeet shooting for those who prefer shotguns to pistols.
Video Games

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With all the gaming systems and video games available today, playing video games is a popular hobby for men of all ages. There’s a game for every interest out there now beyond just Duck Hunt.
Birding

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Avian life is everywhere, so you can pick up birding literally in your backyard. This hobby just requires learning to identify them. If you want to get binoculars to make it easier that can help, but even that isn't required.
Martial Arts

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Those karate and taekwondo classes aren't just for kids. Here's another hobby that's easy to start and could take a lifetime to master depending on how far your want to go. It's also a good workout and way to meet other people.
Boxing

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Boxing is a great hobby for men looking to get a workout and blow off some steam. There are various boxing clubs, gyms, and classes available for guys looking to explore this sport.
Gardening

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When it comes to good hobbies for men, gardening is a great option. It involves working with your hands in the soil to produce food or flowers. Either way, it’s a win-win.
Beekeeping

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When you think of cool hobbies, beekeeping may not make the top of the list—but that doesn't mean it's not cool. Beekeeping is a fun way to cultivate your own honey while helping the bee population thrive and survive.
Stamp Collecting

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Even in today’s world of emails and texts, stamp collecting remains a popular hobby. There are still rare and valuable stamps out there for collectors to hunt for.
Motorcycling

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If you've got the need for speed, motorcycling is probably for you. From dirt bikes to classic Harleys, there’s a whole world of motorcycle collecting and riding to explore—and of course plenty of leather apparel to go with it.
Fly Tying

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While this hobby is fishing adjacent, fly tying is a hobby unto itself. Even if you don’t fish, it can be a lot of fun to tie up some creative fly patterns to share with friends or sell. If you're into fly fishing, this hobby will save you money in the long run.
Cigars

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Many men enjoy a good cigar after a long day, and for those who want to explore this world as a hobby, it's truly never-ending. Like fine whiskies and wines, there are a huge variety of cigars out there to try and to learn about. There are also some great cigar bars and clubs for prospective cigar hobbyists.
Pottery

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Once you get past the jokes about that scene from Ghost, you'll probably find that working with clay feels good—even if it's just your own hands on the potter's wheel. This can be a very relaxing hobby for men to explore their artistic side—and practical, as you get some functional pottery out of it.
Vinyl Records

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Music lovers looking to take their audio experience to the next level should look into vinyl record collecting. This audiophile hobby combines collecting old or new records with building out a hi-fi record-playing system. The vinyl world has seen huge resurgence in recent years, so you'll have plenty of material to work with.
Wine Tasting

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From wine tasting to collecting bottles to touring vineyards, this is a hobby that can get expensive quickly. But even budget wine drinkers can enjoy this hobby on a more moderate level. There's a whole movement dedicated toward finding the finest wines at the best prices.
Archery

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This growing sport uses a bow to shoot arrows at a target. Think darts on a bigger scale. It's a fun, niche hobby that can tie into other hobbies on the list, like hunting.
Swimming

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Swimming is probably the greatest low-impact, full-body conditioner, and so it makes for one of the healthiest hobbies available. Pool, lake, or open water, there's a variety of ways to get into swimming. You don't have to be a kid to take a lesson to improve upon your swim strokes, as well as pick up your speed and stamina in the water.
Films

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If you’ve always loved watching movies, then becoming a true cinephile is a natural transition. From old classic films to new Academy Award winners, there’s no end of quality films to watch, read about, and talk about with friends.
Podcasting

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It seems as if podcasting is one of the more popular hobbies for adults these days, with new ones popping up every day. Invest in some audio equipment and hone your subject matter, and here's a fun and easy way to share some of your knowledge with the world.
Writing

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On the hobbies list, we clearly have a bias towards writing, but that’s not to say it’s not a great hobby to try. Whether you're writing the next great American novel or a blog on your favorite food trucks, it’s always a handy skill to have.
BBQ

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For the most delicious hobby on the list, try investing in a new smoker or grill and delving into the limitless world of barbecue. Yes, you'll be tinkering with temperatures and types of wood and pellets—but with a beer in hand and gorgeous food on the grill. Is there a more enjoyable pastime than that?
Investing

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This hobby involves investing a bit of money in the stock market and then, rather than sitting back and watching, actively day trading to try to grow those funds. Highly addictive to investor types, it does require some self-control and keeping one eye on the market at all times
Drag Racing

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If you're an adrenaline junkie, then this may be the hobby for you. Drag racing tracks are all over the country and provide a high-speed race elimination series for men. This is a hobby that combines octane and speed.
Drawing

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One of the more creative hobbies, drawing can be done by taking a class, watching online tutorials, or just teaching yourself how to draw. Either way, tapping into your hidden drawing skills may surprise you.
Ping Pong

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Ping pong, or table tennis, is a relatively easy hobby to pick up. It’s a fun and social game that anyone at any skill level can play. It just takes up a bit of space in the garage or man cave.
Hunting

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From tracking big game to ducks, hunting combines a love of the outdoors with an age-old skill that humans have been engaged in forever. A lifestyle hobby for many men, it can also put some tasty meat on the table.
Surfing

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Catching a wave takes a moment to accomplish and a lifetime to master. Surfing is a hobby that will test your patience and also provide some relaxing time floating in the ocean. If you live near a coast—or a wave pool—it's an easy hobby to get hooked on.
Drone Pilot

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While regulations around flying drones have become more stringent in recent years, operating one is a skill that has drawn many virtual pilots into a world of its own. A drone can provide a bird's eye view of terrain and is a fun hobby to get great photos and videos.
Watch Collecting

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With more spectacular vintage watches out there than ever before, this hobby can get expensive quickly. If you've got the funds to support collecting standout timepieces, there's no classier pursuit.
Skateboarding

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Skateboarding is a versatile hobby for men looking to work on balance and core strength. Men can use skateboarding simply for transportation or, for the daring, tricks and jumps in a skate park.
Genealogy

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One of the more sleuth-like hobbies on the list, getting into genealogy can uncover your family tree and teach you about yourself. Looking into where your ancestors came from can become a passionate, educational, and even emotional pursuit—leading to some surprises and possibly far flung travel to visit your roots.
Formula 1 Racing

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For those who follow F1 races, this can be more than just a hobby. Watching them on TV is just the appetizer. There are also all the Netflix docs on the various drivers, and a surge of worldwide circuits to visit in person—including a pair of recently opened ones in the U.S., in Vegas and Miami.
Shoes

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Whether it’s waiting in line for the new Jordans to drop or exploring online for a rare pair of Tom Fords, collecting kicks is a serious kick for sneaker heads.
Journaling

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For men in search of a more introspective hobby, journaling is a perfect way to get your thoughts and feelings down on paper. This is a fun hobby for writers and thinkers.
Soccer

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Playing the beautiful game is one of the easiest hobbies to pick up. Whether it's just a casual game at the park or an organized club team, soccer is a hobby that combines great exercise, socializing, and healthy competition.
Sports Betting

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With the legalization and rise of sports betting apps, placing bets on your favorite team is a way to make watching the game more exciting. If you're taking it to the next level, you'll want to exercise caution, restraint, and extra know-how when turning sports betting into a poker-like hobby. But if you know how to play the game, there's no better time.
Ballpark Hopping

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For the true baseball fan, attending a game at each of the 30 Major League Baseball stadiums is a worthy sports hobby. In addition to seeing some great ball, you also get to explore 30 different cities throughout the country.
Pipe Appreciation

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What’s more manly than smoking a pipe? If cigars aren’t cool enough for you, the world of collecting and smoking pipes is a great hobby for men.
RVing

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Driving across the country in a recreational vehicle, or RV, is a perfect hobby for men looking to pass the time and do some real exploring. RVs come in all shapes and sizes and open up a world of new places to check out.
Salsa Dancing

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The two biggest excuses you can’t use when trying to step around taking a salsa class are that you’re a lousy dancer and you don’t have a (willing) partner to take the class with. Basic salsa steps are so gorgeously simple that truly anyone can do them. Plus, this is one dance class you don’t need to take with a partner. In fact, you’ll meet more fellow salsa dancers if you go solo. If you’ve never taken a dance class, and never thought you would, salsa will be your “green eggs and ham” moment. Give it a try. We bet you’ll love it.