When you were a kid, spending time making model airplanes, playing sports, or listening to music were no-brainers. These days, as a busy parent and professional, you might feel pursuing a hobby is indulgent when you have so many other responsibilities. But research shows that active leisure promotes the state of flow, helps you structure your time, fosters new social connections, helps you better cope with stress, and makes you a more interesting person. Whether you’ve already explored hobby ideas for men, or you want to try something new, you’ll find plenty in our list to motivate you to take action.
61 Of the Best Hobbies For Men
It’s easy to get into the routine of working all day and then coming home and crashing in front of the TV, but when you take the time to nurture your interests, you will find your spare time is much more rewarding. Check out these manly hobbies that should pique your interest.
Most Popular Hobbies for Men
Here are some cool hobbies for men that have been popular for years. There’s something to be said about an activity that’s stood the text of time.
1. Fishing
Having some bonding time with a good friend while you enjoy the great outdoors is a relaxing way to spend your free time. Whether you are catching a lot of fish or just going out for the company and the opportunity to enjoy nature, fishing is a popular hobby among men of all ages.
2. Golfing
This is another hobby men enjoy both for the sport and the camaraderie and peace they experience outside on the golf course. Part science, part mental strength, part superstition, and part sport, golf is the “thinking sportsman’s” game. It’s something you can practice on your own to improve your skills or enjoy as a social activity. Either way, it can come in handy to be familiar with this popular hobby.
3. Coaching
Being a positive and supportive coach can have a huge impact on kids. It is both rewarding and valuable to be able to provide young athletes with the skills they need to play their sport of choice while also teaching them about sportsmanship and teambuilding. To be a coach, you don’t have to be an expert at the sport. You only need to have an interest in sports and in being a positive role model for children.
4. Brewing Beer at Home
Maybe you want to try being creative and make a better beer than what you can find at your local bar. Or you just prefer to make things yourself, brewing beer at home requires patience, knowledge, and a bit of science. The process can take up to six weeks from the initial fermenting process to actually drinking the beer. Beer lovers turn to homebrewing to save money, create their own unique brews, and become part of a practice that dates back to ancient civilizations. Once you develop your brewing skills, you’ll enjoy your favorite beers sporting your personal label.
5. Fantasy Sports
Fantasy sports are extremely competitive and very addictive. From the comfort of your own computer, you can compete against other people to accumulate stats within your chosen sport. There are public leagues that you can join, or you can start your own in sports like football, golf, soccer, and even professional wrestling.
6. Chess
Chess combines a high level of planning and strategy with experience and mental sharpness. While it may look confusing to learn, it is easy to get the hang of the game, and it gives you the opportunity to make the most satisfying move of all time: the checkmate.
7. Being a Mentor
Mentoring is a socially responsible and rewarding hobby that men can adopt. As a mentor, you work with an organization to give younger people the guidance, support, and friendship that they need. You help people increase their chances of being successful in school and in almost any other aspect of their life, even if it is just by giving them the confidence they need by being a good role model.
8. Martial Arts
Learning the skill of martial arts is practical and will give you a great workout. It also provides you with mental stimulation because it requires high levels of concentration and strategy to beat your opponent. However, your “opponents” will also make up a tight-knit community. Training with the same group on a regular basis will help you develop social bonds with other men as well. You’ll also be able to center your mind in a way that is at the fundamental level of every martial art discipline.
9. Hiking
Hiking is a great form of exercise that doesn’t require you to learn a new skill. This simple hobby allows you to experience nature and explore places that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to access. Hiking can also be a fun social hobby if you go as a group. You can find some amazing hiking trails in every state in the U.S. and around the world.
10. Running
Running is an easy hobby to start that provides a multitude of mental and physical health benefits. Running burns calories and helps fight heart disease and other chronic illnesses. It also improves muscle strength and boosts your immune system. Running can help reduce stress and reduce your risk of depression.
Hobbies That Make Money
What if you could monetize mens’ hobbies? Doing what you love and getting paid for it? That’s a match made in heaven. At the very least, you can fund the cost of your hobby.
11. Woodworking
This classic hobby lets you be creative while also making something practical. Woodworking can be turned into a side business if you learn to build things that people need, such as cabinets or interior furnishings.
12. Investing
Investing might seem complicated, but it isn’t as bad as you probably think. It is always a good idea to learn how to invest, and once you do, you can make money by investing in stocks or real estate. You’ll find that learning how to manage your money may be more important than how much you make. Don’t worry about social security or retirement, but instead learn to invest your money and let compounded interest multiply your riches.
13. Graphic Design
Lots of people are starting their own businesses these days and need help with their branding. Learning graphic design is a relevant skill that can be used in almost any business that you go into. It is also one of those skills that are highly sought after, so it may make you more valuable to potential employers in the future.
14. Coding
Computer coding is another skill that isn’t as complicated as it might seem. Once you learn to code computers, you can write computer programs to help simplify people’s jobs, develop apps, and create your own games. Not only will knowing how to code computers make you an essential part of any company but also it can make you a hero to friends and family having computer problems. Being able to make the digital world your personal playground will open up a lot of doors for you.
15. Photography
It is easy to start a photography hobby, but it takes a lot of practice to master. However, once you figure out lighting and timing and are able to capture the perfect pictures, you can charge a hefty fee to capture other people’s happy moments for them. Photography also corresponds nicely with any other hobbies or interests you have because you can photograph just about anything under the sun.
16. Landscaping
Good landscaping involves a lot more than cutting the grass, and there are business opportunities all around you. Start practicing on your own yard and learn a few landscaping skills and then use them to make other people’s yards beautiful as well.
17. Refinishing Furniture
Refinishing furniture is a great way to use your creativity as well as your tools. Upcycle some old pieces of furniture, learn to recover couches and turn some great antique finds into modern pieces that are appealing for people to buy. Use your hands to make old furniture new again and then you can turn around and sell it and make a great profit.
18. Blogging
Starting a blog is an effective way to make some money while sharing your thoughts with the world. If you have a passion about something or feel like you are an expert on a specific topic, start a blog and join the blogging community to meet other people around the world who share your interests.
19. Create a YouTube Channel
Similarly, if you have a particular skill that you think you could teach other people, you can start a “how to” YouTube channel. Or, if you are funny or perform something really well, you can start a channel where you perform on camera and people around the world can watch you.
20. Metal Detecting
This hobby is all about the thrill of the hunt. You can then sell anything valuable that you find, while also having fun learning how to use a metal detector.
Indoor Hobbies for Men
Looking for some at-home hobbies for men? There are plenty of fun activities guys can enjoy without leaving the house. Or maybe you’re fine going out, but you want an indoor activity. Either way, we’ve got you covered.
21. Cooking
Especially if you are picking up a new healthy habit, cooking is a great hobby. You can experiment in your kitchen with all kinds of flavors and know exactly what is going into your meals. It is also instantly rewarding because as soon as you are done, you have a delicious meal to eat. Some men love to cook because it is a self-sustaining activity. Using only fresh ingredients, fire, and utensils, you can create your body’s fuel, and that’s pretty cool. Creating art that you can eat is the most rewarding kind.
22. Ballroom Dancing
Most women want a man who can dance, which makes ballroom dancing an attractive hobby. This fun hobby is both active and social and there are a lot of varieties of styles. You can learn the foxtrot, tango, or waltz by watching videos online or taking a ballroom dancing class. Having prowess on the dance floor will enhance your natural rhythm, balance, and muscle flexibility. Most athletes are actually very talented dancers because the skills that they learn on the field translate to the ballroom floor.
23. Yoga
Yoga is not just for women. This ancient tradition will help you calm your mind and relax your body. It is a form of meditation that allows you to get some physical exercise while you are doing it. The good thing about yoga is that once you get the hang of it, you can practice it on your own. Everyone who works for a living needs a bit of relaxation, and doing yoga will help increase your energy, give you more stamina, and increase your awareness. Even if you can’t find that “Zen place” that people talk about, you’ll still be able to find peace by learning how to calm your turbulent thoughts.
24. Genealogy
Do you know about your ancestry? If you want to know about your family’s history, there are many resources out there today that can help you. Go to a local library or get on your computer to start researching. You can begin to create a family tree so you have a visual representation of your family as you uncover information.
25. Magic
Everyone loves to see a little magic done at parties. Doing magic is a powerful skill that can help you make a memorable first impression, and there are a lot of different types of tricks to learn. Once you develop a few skills, you can amaze your friends and family by providing this entertainment in social situations.
26. Playing Pool
Pool is a great hobby because it is simple to learn. However, it requires a lot of practice and skill to get good, so you can play for hours and it will never get old. Pool also provides men with a social outlet by creating a fun and laid-back atmosphere.
27. Painting
Painting is challenging, but practicing painting and working on your artistic skills, is a great way to relax. It’s meditative to recreate a beautiful scene or portrait on a blank canvas or to simply mix colors together and create an abstract work of art. Even if you don’t feel you’re good at painting, the act of doing it is relaxing, and you only need a few supplies to get started.
28. Weight Lifting
You may not want to get to the bodybuilder level, but lifting weights is a popular hobby for guys. It is a powerful way to get in shape and stay healthy. Take the time to learn about proper techniques before getting started. Not only will this help you build muscle more effectively, but it will also help prevent you from getting injured when you are lifting weights. Lifting weights improperly can result in injury, so you want to make sure to either meet with a trainer before you start or do a good amount of research online.
29. Become a History Buff
A lot of people have that one topic that they love to talk about. Do you know what yours is? If not, studying history and being able to talk about it is a really valuable and interesting skill. By studying history, you will learn lessons that have been taught in the past and moved on through generations and you will learn a lot of interesting facts that can help you carry on conversations easily. While you might think history is boring, once you pick up a history book, chances are, you will be hooked.
30. Play the Guitar
Learning to play the guitar is a skill that will give you and the people in your life a lot of enjoyment. Guitars are relatively cheap compared to other instruments and it is easy to start learning a few basic chords. Once you get the hang of it, you can gather your family around and all sing together. There are a lot of online resources that can help you get started.
Cheap Hobbies To Pick Up For Men
These free or cheap hobbies for men mean you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy some leisure-time fun. 40 Hobbies For Women To Strengthen Your Brain And Body 75 Of The Best Hobbies For Couples Who Want To Have Fun 50 Of The Most Interesting Hobbies This Year
31. Reading
Whether you enjoy a good novel or a self-improvement book, this is an underappreciated hobby that can truly benefit anyone. Reading allows you to physically relax while you engage your mind and connect with great thinkers and writers who can expose you to new ideas. Reading expands your knowledge and vocabulary, lets you escape into a different world (if you choose fiction), improves your memory, and alleviates stress.
32. Journaling
Journaling is an effective way to reduce stress as well. Start a gratitude journal where you list the things you are grateful for each day or just write a reflective journal about what is going on in your life. Doing this will help you get your thoughts down on paper and out of your head, which can release tension and lighten your mood. Journaling is a great way to unwind and express yourself.
33. Origami
Origami is especially impressive to other people because it is so intricate, and it looks so pretty once you finish. Doing origami will help improve your hand-eye coordination and keep your mind engaged while relaxing your body. Origami also makes a great gift for friends.
34. Volunteering
There is nothing better you can do with your free time than help other people. There are a ton of organizations in every city that need volunteers, so you could probably find an opportunity to commit to a place in your area that holds your interest or is close to your heart in some way. Making a difference in your community will be rewarding and it may even help you live a more grateful life.
35. Crossword Puzzles
Crossword puzzles are challenging and a good way to test your knowledge. They will keep you mentally engaged for hours and once you are done, you will feel a great sense of accomplishment. Find some crossword puzzles that are created around something you are interested in, such as sports or history.
36. Camping
Many people have lost touch with nature these days, so taking up camping is a good way to reconnect. Being in nature will improve your physical and mental well-being and allow you to break away from your everyday routine. Sitting around a campfire is an inexpensive way to get away, and it will allow you to use your outdoorsman skills and spend some time with the people you love without modern day distractions.
37. Geocaching
If you love the thrill of a good treasure hunt, you will enjoy geocaching. People worldwide hide objects in all different types of places and leave the coordinates online for other people to find. All you need is a GPS device to then go out and find these hidden treasures around your city. This is a great hobby if you want to get out of the house and explore whatever town you are in, whether it is your hometown or not.
38. Learn a Foreign Language
This hobby is especially useful. It can help you tremendously while you are traveling abroad. It may come in handy in your everyday life if you come across a person from another country whose language you do not speak. Learning a foreign language will greatly increase the number of people in the world that you are able to communicate with. Learning a new language is hard and time-consuming, but as long as you are consistent in your practice with your new language, you will be able to speak and understand it with ease in no time.
39. Survival Prepping
Whether or not the end of the world is nearing, natural disasters can happen at any time. Depending on where you live, your home could be just one hurricane, fire, tornado, or earthquake away from destruction. Being prepared will also help you become ready for life’s smaller catastrophes.
40. Archaeology
In addition to learning about human history and civilizations, you can assist in the protection of the cultural resources as an archaeological hobby. Digging in the ground isn’t the only aspect of archaeology. You can local and regional clubs, ready and study about ancient civilizations, and collect artifacts that you discover.
Hobbies for Men Over 50
Ok, so you may not be able to keep up with the twenty-somethings like you once did, but there are plenty of fun hobbies for older men that can keep you mentally and physically active. Take a look!
41. Beekeeping
Raising bees might seem like a scary proposition. After all, that’s at least sixty thousand stingers you’re putting in your garden. Once you get the hang of it though, being a beekeeper is pretty cool. Not only will people ask you for tips on how not to get stung by bees, you’ll also have a free source of honey.
42. Birdwatching
You don’t have to be an ornithologist to enjoy birdwatching. Just seeing birds taking flight, and marveling at the formations their flocks make, is awesome enough. Also, if you happen to discover a new species during your birdwatching trips, you’re going to get the scientific community buzzing for a while.
43. Vinyl Record Collecting
The young ones may not appreciate vinyl records anymore, but you might. Nothing beats the experience of playing a record on a gramophone, and letting the music transport you back in time. If you’re lucky, you might get a rare vinyl that’d be worth a fortune years from now.
44. Watch Making
It’s one thing to buy an expensive watch, and another to make your own. Watch making can be difficult work: It requires a steady hand, an eye for detail, and lots of patience. But once the finished product is in your hands, all that blood, sweat and tears is worth it.
45. Model Ship Building
Ever dreamed of being a sailor, or of owning your own ship? If you’re no longer as adventurous as you used to be, but you still dream of sailing the high seas and smelling the salt of the ocean, model ship building might be the next best thing.
46. Growing Bonsai
Don’t let the fact that growing bonsai is a centuries-old practice put you off. Chances are, there won’t be any robe-wearing monks looking over your shoulder, pointing out everything you’re doing wrong. There are plenty of ways to grow bonsai, and you can always start with the easier techniques before moving on to more elaborate forms.
47. Model Airplanes
Whether you’re fascinated by airplanes in general, or you just need a reminder of blue skies in your living room, building model airplanes can be a great hobby. For one, it’s fun to look up info on how precisely airplanes need to be built in order to even lift off the ground.
48. Sailing
Not content with building model ships? Why not sail on one? Unless you happen to have a terrible case of seasickness, few things are more exhilarating than being on an open boat and feeling the cool air on your face. As long as you let a more experienced sailor tag along in the beginning, you don’t have to worry about anything.
49. Coin Collecting
Coins say a lot about the countries and cultures they were minted in. Some of them tell stories about heroes and kings, while others showcase a people’s pride in their national symbol. Whatever your reason for wanting to collect coins, you’re sure to end up with a fascinating narrative told by pieces of valuable round metals.
50. Playing Bridge
So far, most of the hobbies for men listed above are things you can do on your own. If you’re looking for an intellectually challenging game that your friends can join, look no further than bridge. All you need to play the game are 52 cards, 4 players, and a whole lot of good humor to pass around.
51. Playing Pickleball
No, you won’t be throwing pickles over a net, but you might get in a pickle if you don’t try one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. Like tennis, Pickleball is a game that involves hitting a ball over a net, but rather than using a racket, you’ll whack the ball with a wooden or composite paddle. The game combines aspects of badminton, ping-pong, and tennis and can be played with two or four players. The rules are most similar to those for ping-pong, but the court is about the size of a badminton court.
Fun Hobbies for Men
We’d say that all of these hobbies for guys are fun, but fun is in the mind of the participant. Take a look at the activities for men below to see which ones you’d rank as the most enjoyable. Did you find some hobbies for men that work for you? Not only is bowling a hobby but also it’s a good form of exercise — although the fitness benefits may be erased with a pitcher of beer and a few slices of pizza. Once you’ve improved your bowling skills, there are bowling leagues in almost every city where you can compete and even win money.
53. Dungeons and Dragons
If you’ve been paying attention, Dungeons and Dragons have been launched back into the pop culture zeitgeist with shows like Stranger Things. People from all over the world are reintroducing themselves to this incredibly fun role-playing game. The campaigns can last several hours and even several days. This game is a great way to gather with friends and expand your imagination like it’s 1983. Now that we are in the twenty-first century, you can even play Dungeons and Dragons online!
54. Acapella
Do you love singing in the shower or crooning along with the radio on your work commute? Consider joining a local acapella group or form one with a group of music-loving friends. This is a creative way to express your musical talents, as it requires you to recompose your favorite songs with just your voices. Using your new talents, you can serenade your loved ones or even offer your services for live shows or weddings. Between rehearsals and shows, your new hobby may become your new obsession.
55. Knife/Axe Throwing
Do you have a good right (or left) arm? New bars are cropping up where you can throw axes with one hand and hold a beer with the other. Although the combination of axes and alcohol sounds dangerous, it’s generally safe and can be a great way to let off steam and work on your hand-eye coordination. Being able to throw a knife also can be a great survival skill for long-term hikes and camping trips. If you aren’t a huge fan of the big outdoors, you could use your new skills as your next party trick. Practicing hitting your mark can also be incredibly meditative and a good way to work on your focus.
56. Paintball
Speaking of letting off steam, paintball is another great hobby for men who enjoy their hobbies with a burst of adrenaline. Paintball combines the intellectual components of military strategy and the physical elements of games like ManHunt. And like bowling, you may be able to find a paintball league to compete for cash prizes or medals. The experience of being hit by a paintball can be shocking at first, but the game is safe with the right gear and precautions.
57. Restoring Cars
If you enjoy a hobby that doesn’t require lots of physical exertion, car restoration might be an enjoyable way to spend time. Collecting vintage cars can be rewarding for those with a keen aesthetic eye. Many men study and admire vintage automobiles, but not everyone can put a car together. You don’t have to be a professional mechanic to learn. There are many tutorials for fixing cars on YouTube. It’s a great hobby for those who love to reap the rewards of their hard work. There’s nothing quite like cruising down the highway in a stunning vintage car you worked on yourself.
58. Podcasting
Do you have a story to tell? Is there a topic you know a lot about that you want to teach the world? Whether you break down your favorite television show or interview your best friends, there’s no limit to the options for your podcast. With a microphone, a computer, and a pair of headphones, you can begin recording! After you’ve recorded your thoughts, use editing software to put together an episode, or even hire an editor to work for you. As your audience grows, you’ll be connected to a community that shares a common interest.
59. Lego Builds
Just because you aren’t a kid anymore doesn’t mean you can’t build with blocks. Think of it like miniature architecture rather than a kid’s activity. Find some inspiration by checking out the reality competition show Lego Masters!
60. Bouldering
If you love the outdoors and staying fit, bouldering is an excellent hobby to challenge you. Similar to rock climbing, bouldering requires you to use your own strength to climb massive rock structures. If you live in an urban area, or if you need to stay indoors, there are many rock climbing and bouldering gyms to train in. Bouldering can be done almost anywhere and can add a whole new level of fun for hiking adventures. You’ll impress all of your friends with your new climbing abilities.
61. Fencing
Get your dueling on like it’s 1656 and you’re a French nobleman with a grudge. Fencing is an age-old sport steeped in tradition. It requires strategy, agility, and perseverance. This hobby is similar to sword fighting, except the swords for fencing are incredibly thin and lack a sharp edge. Fencing is a great way to get exercise and make new friends. With the right equipment, it can even be done at home. Just make sure you stay safe and take the right precautions. As soon as the clock hits 5:00 p.m. on a Friday, you may just want to go home, crash on the sofa, and never get up. When you have free time on your hands, you often don’t know what to do with it. This list of hobbies for men gives you plenty of options and reasons to get off the couch for a fun, educational, or exciting new adventure. A long weekend or a summer break is a great time to pick up a new hobby and expand your horizons. The more you learn, the more fulfilled and accomplished you feel. Finding a new hobby expands you and makes you a more interesting person — and you will pick up skills and memories for life.
