Are you a parent wanting to find hobbies for teens or a teen looking to develop new passions?
If so, here are 25 hobbies for teens you’re both going to love.
These hobbies boost creativity, help with problem-solving skills, and can encourage social connections with other like-minded teens. And while some of these hobbies are inexpensive to start, others will require a small or medium investment.
But most importantly? Hobbies are fun, and your teen is going to love finding one!
Here are twenty-five of the best hobbies for teens that they are bound to love.
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1. Chess
Chess is a classic! Besides being one of the oldest games in the world, it is also a great hobby to sharpen their minds. Furthermore, it’s a fabulous way to meet new friends and socialize.
Here’s what you will need if you want to get into this hobby:
- A chessboard with chess pieces and instructions
You can buy a beginning chess set like this one for under $12, and it comes with instructions.
2. Playing Video Games
Most children and teens today play video games of some sort. For example, video games are on their cell phones, gaming consoles, or PCs.
Let’s talk about what you will need if you want to get into this hobby:
- A video console
- Games
- Accessories (ie monitor, controllers, gaming keyboard)
Some of these games can be rather addictive, so if you’re worried about your teen choosing games over homework, you may need to put some restrictions in place!
3. Running
If your teen is into fitness, they may enjoy running as a hobby. It is a great way to stay fit, and running sharpens their minds. Most importantly, running is one of the best exercises before heading to school and taking on the day.
Here’s what you need if you want to get into this hobby:
- Running shorts or leggings
- Outdoor running jacket
- Running Shoes
- Water bottle
- A Fitbit or step tracker
Start slowly at first, then build up to running your first mile. Over time, you’ll be running further and further, and soon you’ll be signing up for races and ultimately a marathon!!
4. Swimming
Swimming is yet another fun form of exercise that your teen would probably enjoy. Additionally, this hobby is relatively inexpensive (assuming you already have access to a pool or can pay for a membership to one).
Here’s what you will need if you want to get into this hobby:
- Bathing suit
- Earplugs (optional)
- Goggles (optional)
Swimming not only helps build strength, but it also keeps you fit and toned. Swimming laps are also a great way to let off steam and help you focus!
5. Drawing
If your teen loves to doodle, then drawing could be a good option for them. Drawing is a great way to express yourself in addition to learning a new skill that you can use forever.
Here’s what you will need if you want to get into this hobby:
- Paper
- Pens
- Pencils
You can also pick up a robust beginner’s drawing kit like this 17-piece drawing kit for under $8.00 or a more comprehensive one like this 26-piece drawing set for less than $20.
6. Reading
Let’s face it – you can’t find a much better hobby than reading. Not only is it a great way to leave the stresses of the real world behind, but it’s a way to enjoy a whole new fantastical world.
If you love stories and reading, then this hobby is going to be the perfect hobby for you. And if you’re not a reader per se but love stories – then check out Audible.com. They have a free trial membership.
Let’s talk about what you will need if you want to get into this hobby:
- Books
- Audiobooks
- Kindle or similar reading device and a Kindle membership
And let’s not forget the good old library! Your teen can find lots of great books, and libraries also often have programs for teens that promote even more reading.
7. Dancing
If your teen enjoys being active, then dancing may be a fun hobby for them. Dancing is excellent not only for fitness but also as a way of self-expression.
If your teen has their heart set on becoming a professional dancer, then they will probably need to take classes. Or they can keep dancing and improve their natural skills for free!
Let’s talk about what you will need if you want to get into this hobby:
- Dancing shoes
- Classes – in-person and on-line
8. Photography
If you are on the lookout for a fun hobby, then taking photos and uploading them on Instagram may be the perfect hobby for you.
Best of all, if they are successful, this can be an excellent way to make money.
Let’s talk about what you will need if you want to get into this hobby:
- Camera or a cell phone with a good camera
Start with an inexpensive camera or just use your cell phone so you can learn the basics about light and composition. When your teen has mastered these concepts, then you can graduate to a more sophisticated camera like a DSLR.
WARNING: This can become a costly hobby! So if you’re just starting, I highly recommend starting with your cell phone or this vlogging camera for less than $125.
9. Cooking
Cooking can be a fun escape from the real world. But the best thing about this hobby is the fact that it may end up giving you the skills to become a professional chef.
Here’s what you will need if you want to get into this hobby:
- Food ingredients
- Stove or an oven
- Cookware and utensils
Learn the basics and the cooking world can literally become your oyster! It’s important to develop excellent knife and chopping skills, so start with an inexpensive yet quality set like this 3-piece high carbon knives made in Germany for under $30.
Also important is to teach your teen the safety rules when using knives! Above all, the best part of your teen learning how to cook is to give you a break from being the only chef in the house!
10. Woodwork
If your teen is interested in wood work, then why not set them up with a little workstation and the right tools?
Woodworking is a fun hobby that can result in a set of skills that could make money if they make stuff that can be sold.
Let’s talk about what you will need if you want to get into this hobby:
- Wood
- Woodworking Tools
- Workbench
You can get them a decent beginner’s woodcarving set for under $40 or this more extravagant woodcarving set with power tools for under $750.
11. Knitting
Knitting may seem old school but it sure can be a relaxing and rewarding hobby to take on. If your teen is crafty, then knitting may be a good hobby for them to pick up.
Check out what you will need if you want to get into this hobby:
- Yarn
- Knitting Needles (see also ‘Best Knitting Needle Sets On the Market‘)
- Yarn Bag
This beginning knitting kit has everything you need to get started, including various sets of knitting needles, yarn, and a detailed instruction book, and it’s less than $30.
12. Birdwatching
Birdwatching may not be the first choice for a hobby. But, if your teen loves the outdoors and animals, then this hobby may be just what they need.
It is a great way to enjoy the beauty of nature while allowing them to learn and appreciate the surrounding creatures.
Let’s talk about what you will need if you want to get into this hobby:
- Binoculars
At some point, you’ll also want to invest in some type of bird identification book. These vary depending on which region you reside in. But here’s a good overall birdwatching starter book for under $20 that explains the behaviours and habits of certain species.
13. Martial Arts
There is more to martial arts than simply punching or kicking other people. It is a great way to get fit and gain mindfulness.
Let’s talk about what you will need if you want to get into this hobby:
- Classes
- Appropriate Clothing
Martial arts are a great way to teach your teen the physical and mental skills they need to be confident as well as safe. And there are so many varieties, including judo, karate, taekwondo, and kung fu.
14. Belly Dancing
This is a great form of dancing that can be enjoyed at any time of day as long as you have a little music and a gorgeous headscarf. Best of all this is a great form of fitness.
Let’s talk about what you will need if you want to get into this hobby:
- Classes
- Appropriate Clothing
You can find classes on line, on DVD’s, and even some restaurants offer them.
15. Pottery
Pottery is a fun and relaxing hobby that is bound to be a perfect fit for those of you that enjoy making things of your own.
Here’s what you will need if you want to get into this hobby:
- Classes
- Pottery tools
- Clay
Pottery can be a relatively inexpensive hobby to get into if you have access to a kiln. Clay is cheap, and you can hand build your pieces. But if your teen wants to pursue this hobby, look into investing in a ceramics kiln and a pottery wheel.
If you have a local ceramics store, you may be able to take classes there and use their kilns and supplies.
16. Painting
Painting is relaxing and a fun way to express your inner thoughts. Which is why this hobby is a great fit for your teens.
Let’s talk about what you will need if you want to get into this hobby:
- Easel
- Paint
- Paintbrushes
There are many different types of paint, including oils, watercolors, gouache, and acrylics. Each type of paint has it’s own nuances, plusses and minuses.
As a long-time artist, I started with oil painting when I was 10, then learned watercolors before moving to gouache and acrylics. I highly recommend finding some paintings you’re really drawn to and finding out what type of paint is being used. Then you can buy a beginner’s set of that particular medium before investing in everything at once.
I highly recommend buying quality paints in the primary colors and mix your own colors. You’ll not only learn how to blend the colors you want, but your work will look more polished from the start. Plus the better paints contain more pigments and less fillers, which means your colors will be clearer and brighter.
Here are some good beginning paint sets for each medium I described: oils, acrylics, watercolors, and gouache.
17. Playing a Musical Instrument
This hobby can take a while to learn but once your teen has mastered their instrument of choice, they are going to have a skill for life!
Let’s talk about what you will need if you want to get into this hobby:
- Instrument of Choice
- Lessons
Some people will be able to pick up an instrument and begin playing it without learning the basics. But most will need to learn how to read music at some point, so I highly recommend finding a good teacher or even take some online classes. YouTube is also a great place to learn!
18. Picking Up A New Language
If your teen loves the thrill of learning new things and traveling, then a new language could certainly be a fun hobby for them.
Let’s talk about what you will need if you want to get into this hobby:
- Classes
The best way to learn a new language is by learning from a native speaker of that particular language. And if you don’t have someone who can do that, then classes are the next best way.
If possible, take an online class so you can hear how the words are pronounced properly. This is faster than trying to learn from a book, and your teacher is likely to be a native speaker.
19. Writing Fan Fiction
Fan fiction is a great way to pass the time and enjoy seeing your favorite characters again and again even if you have finished with a story.
Let’s talk about what you will need if you want to get into this hobby:
- Computer
With fan fiction, you are writing alternative endings, plots, and scenes based on a genre already produced or published. In other words, you’re taking a popular book, movie, comic book, play, or even s TV show and changing it to include your own ending or changing the characters or even altering its plot!
It’s a popular social pastime and can be wildly entertaining, and there are online boards you can share these ideas. You can even “co-produce” a fan fiction story with someone else (though you have to be careful about actually publishing one due to potential copyright issues!)
20. Camping
If your teen loves camping, then this hobby is going to be right up their alley. Camping is a fun hobby in addition to being an excellent way to enjoy the great outdoors.
Let’s talk about what you will need if you want to get into this hobby:
- Tent
- Camping Equipment
Find a favorite campground or put on a backpack and pack your way into the wilderness. Camping is a great way to appreciate Mother Nature and is also a great way to learn essential survival skills.
21. Writing Movie Reviews
If your teen loves watching movies, then writing movie reviews is perfect for them. Moreover, If they’re good at it, they may even make money!
Let’s talk about what you will need if you want to get into this hobby:
- Computer
One of the best ways for your teen to get published is through writing a blog or starting their own YouTube channel and establishing a following. Both of these methods can be monetized via affiliate ads and even sponsorships.
So encourage their personalities to shine and pick a platform they feel comfortable with. The biggest cost of this hobby will be the cost of a movie ticket and popcorn!
22. Singing
If your teen has a great set of pipes, it might be time to get them into a singing class to enhance their natural talents.
Let’s talk about what you will need if you want to get into this hobby:
- Classes
Singing is often a natural talent, but it can also become a learned skill if you have a good ear for tunes and some ability. It takes lots of practice, and if they’re good at it, they can even wind up in a band and tour the world!
23. Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is a fun way to get fit while also taking on new skills.
Let’s talk about what you will need if you want to get into this hobby:
- Membership for Access to a Climbing Wall
But be sure to practice your skills in a rock climbing facility before taking on Half Dome or an outdoor mountain at one of these rock climbing destinations!
24. Calligraphy
If your teen has a deft hand at anything artistic, then this hobby is ideal for them.
Calligraphy is a fun way to express themselves and it is relatively inexpensive.
Here’s what you will need if you want to get into this hobby:
- Calligraphy Instruction Books
- Calligraphy Pens
- Paper
I taught myself calligraphy when I was 18 years old and made calligraphy flyers for real estate agents in my area for their listings. It was a great side gig, in addition to giving me lots of practice.
There are various calligraphy sets, including pens dipped directly into the ink and pen sets with cartridges.
25. Gardening
Not all teens will enjoy gardening, but it is a rewarding hobby that gives them skills they can use elsewhere.
Let’s talk about what you will need if you want to get into this hobby:
- Seeds or seedlings
- Garden space
- Fertilizer
- Gardening tools
Teaching your child or teen is a great way to make them appreciate the pride of growing their own food and flowers. It’s also a great fitness activity in addition to being a potential money maker. So if they’re enterprising, here are 20 ways to make money gardening!
Final Thoughts About Hobbies For Teens
There are so many other activities to keep teens interested and occupied – just let them try one or two and see how passionate they become.
Hobbies are also a way to develop their skills for a future career, so you’ll undoubtedly want to provide opportunities and see what they want to do.
It may take some time, but ultimately they will find something that lights up their imagination!
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