11 Cheap Hobbies for Literally Any Budget

No matter your budget, there is a multitude of cheap hobbies out there that can keep you entertained for hours at a time. Here are eleven of our favorites that you will want to consider when looking for something fun to do!

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Hiking

One of the best ways to stay fit without an expensive gym membership is to use the many outdoor parks. Whether hiking in a national park or walking around your neighborhood, it’s a cheap way to stay fit, feel better, and save money.

According to the National Park Service, hiking is an ideal way to get a whole-body workout. This physical activity leads to building your overall heart health and stronger bones.

Stanford University study also found that hiking helps improve your mental health and lowers the risk of depression. As a bonus, you’ll undoubtedly get some cool photos of wildlife and nature you can share with others.

Reading

While reading may not immediately come to mind as a hobby, it is one of the few that can be completely free.

For the ultimate cost savings, you can check out books from the library. Most libraries have free e-books or audiobooks that you can access via the library system app. You can also buy books used from a thrift store or online seller if you prefer to own them.

There are so many genres and topics to choose from that you’re sure to find something you enjoy. If you need help, try looking for book lists online or asking a friend for recommendations. Make new friends with your hobby by joining a book club.

Beyond the cost savings and friendships, you’ll find that it is a lifelong hobby that will continue to help with vocabulary and communication skills as you age.

Reading may also help you live longer. According to a long-term study published in the National Library of Medicine, avid readers experienced a 20% reduction in the risk of their mortality in comparison to non-readers.

Photography

Photography is another excellent cheap hobby that works well on a budget. You don’t need a high-end camera to get started; even your smartphone can take great photos these days. You can also find free photography classes online or through your local community center.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can enter your photos in contests or sell them online as stock photography. Photography also makes great presents for friends and family.

Cooking

Cooking is not only a great way to save money on eating out, but it can also be a fun hobby in its own right. If you’re just getting started, try finding some simple recipes online.

As you get more confident in your skills, you can start experimenting with more complex dishes. You can also join a cooking club or take classes at a local cooking school.

Besides, who doesn’t love having a friend that bakes yummy treats?

Gardening

Gardening is another hobby that can save you money in the long run by providing you with fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. You can start small by growing potted plants on your balcony or windowsill. Or, if you have more space, you can create a garden in your backyard.

Gardening is a good family project since it teaches children about the responsibilities of caring for something. In addition, it can create a greater appreciation for basic things that take time to cultivate.

Community gardens are also a great option if you don’t have your own yard space. Not only will you enjoy fresh produce, but you’ll also get some exercise and fresh air while gardening.

Knitting & Crocheting

Knitting and crocheting are great hobbies for relaxing and making useful things simultaneously. If you don’t know how to knit or crochet, there are plenty of tutorial videos online, or you can take classes at your local yarn shop. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can make items for your family (or sell them).

Golf

Golf is a great hobby if you’re looking for something fun and affordable. It may surprise you that it can be a cheap hobby. You don’t need a lot of expensive equipment to get started – golf clubs are easy to find used at yard sales or online.

Golf can also be a social activity, so it’s a great way to meet new people. It is also a sport you can do your entire life, so you won’t ever outgrow it. Golf is one of the few sports you can professionally play over age 50 on the senior tour.

Another way to save is to go to the golf course in the afternoon or during off times. You’ll avoid a sunburn, plus golf courses give steep discounts if you play later in the day.

A study by the Zeenat Qureshi Stroke Institute in Minnesota tracked mortality in a group of nearly 5,900 older adults over ten years in the United States. The findings substantially concluded that individuals over 65 years old who played golf lived longer than the non-golfers. By avoiding mortality and costly medical bills, golf is even more affordable than we give it credit for.

Meditation

Meditation is one of the oldest and most beneficial activities a person can do for their mental and physical health. Meditation can be done anywhere, without equipment or unique clothing, and the practice itself is free. All you need is a few free minutes of your day to sit in quiet silence and focus on your breath.

Meditating has many benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep quality, and increasing focus and productivity. Meditation also has physical benefits, such as reducing inflammation and helping to control pain.

Fishing

Fishing is a great cheap hobby if you’re looking for something fun and relaxing. Often fishermen keep the same set of fishing rods and tackle for years. And it also stores easily without taking up a lot of room in the closet.

Fishing is also a sport you can do your entire life, so you won’t ever outgrow it. And if you get good at fishing, you might even be able to compete in local fishing tournaments or sell your catches.

Genealogy

Genealogy is an ideal hobby if you’re looking for something affordable and helpful for learning about your family history. You don’t need expensive software or even a computer to get started. The public library system allows users computer access to more extensive sources such as Ancestry.com for free. So while you may have to visit the library, you can try out your new-found hobby without any costly investments.

Genealogy can also be a social activity, so it’s a great way to meet new people. There are local chapters such as the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and other genealogy groups.

If you like detective stories, genealogists are indeed the modern-day Sherlock Holmes. You’ll often find family secrets or interesting stories you would never have learned without this critical research.

Sketching & Drawing

Drawing is one of our favorite cheap hobbies that’s both fun and relaxing. Pencil sets are very affordable to buy. Plus, you don’t need nearly as many supplies as oil painting. YouTube has hundreds of courses you can watch without paying for a class.

Cleanup is also a breeze – and your supplies easily fit in a small bag. You can easily take your set with you and get a change of scenery, so it’s truly an excellent indoor or outdoor hobby.

Cheap Hobbies

There are plenty of great cheap hobbies out there for everyone. Most importantly, stay open to new ideas, and you’re bound to find something that piques your interest.

But often, the biggest hurdle is just getting started. So the next time you’re looking for something new to do, why not give one of these cheap hobbies a try?