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38 Hobbies for Teens (& How To Get Started)

Updated February 7, 2025

Help us compile the ultimate list of the best hobbies for teens, with ideas for fun things for teenagers to do (and tips for getting started), as recommended by fellow parents.

From creative outlets for teens, to fun ways to stay active, practical life skills and more, these indoor and outdoor activities for teens will capture their imagination, ignite a passion, perhaps even jumpstart an entrepreneurial venture or job opportunity.

Creative Hobbies for Teens

Many hobbies are creative in nature, providing an opportunity to make, build or create something new. Music, art, cooking, jewelry-making and coding are examples of creative hobbies that are enjoyed by many young people. Drawing, painting and photography are popular hobbies for artistic teens, and "granny" hobbies like crocheting, knitting and quilting are also enjoying a resurgence.

A good tutorial video can really make all the difference in helping to jump start some of these creative hobbies, so if you know of a good one, please be sure to share it as a review below!

Hobbies for Teens at Home

Many creative hobbies are perfect for teens to tackle at home, so they can be especially great hobbies for introverted teens, or anyone looking for a relaxing activity to reduce stress or enjoy some peace and calm in an otherwise busy life. Other indoor hobbies for teens can include reading, solving puzzles, baking, or learning an instrument.

Outdoor Hobbies for Teens

On the other hand, extroverted teens or teens looking to make new friends with shared interested might want to consider hobbies that will take them out of the house and into the world! That could be through a fitness or sports team, hiking or rock climbing, even doing volunteer work in the community. Or, teens looking to spend time outside in nature can enjoy activities like gardening, running, skating or biking.

Fun Hobbies for Teenagers

There are so many fun hobbies for teenagers to try that will get them off of their phones and learning new skills, staying active, and exercising their creativity.

Recommend any hobbies that your own teens have loved for us to add to the list, and if any particular websites, YouTube channels, materials or other resources helped them get started, please share those tips with fellow parents by adding your review!

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Yoga

Yoga is a wonderful way for kids, teens and adults alike to stay fit, engage in a relaxing activity and practice mindfulness all rolled into one. Best of all, it's a hobby that can be shared with others when you join a studio, or practiced independently, for those who might prefer doing workout videos at home.

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Skating

Whether it's ice skating, roller skating or roller blading, these can all be both indoor and outdoor hobbies for teens that will help keep them active all year round.

Samir Bouaked on Unsplash

Calligraphy

So much of our life is spent on computers that there is something really appealing about taking the time to use pen, paper and the skill of our hands to write beautifully. All you really need are some nice calligraphy pens, and perhaps a book to make it easier to learn and practice the technique, and teens and tweens can dive right in to learning this ancient art.

Rachel on Unsplash

Rock Climbing

This active hobby for teens can be enjoyed indoors and out, and is a great way to develop strength and physical fitness. Plus, it's fun! If your teen gets really into it, they can join local programs to climb competitively, and it is a hobby they can carry into adulthood.

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Engage in Citizen Research

The Zooniverse platform allows non-scientists to participate in real scientific research across a wide variety of disciplines, with tasks that can include charting stars and galaxies, monitoring animals in the wild, or deciphering ancient texts. Minors will need to sign up with a parent's consent and email address, but teens can dive into their interests from home while advancing scientific research across the world. Volunteers are generally asked to answer simple questions about documents, images and/or videos provided through the platform to help scientists further evaluate the data.

Ursula Castillo on Unsplash

Knitting

Alexandra F. said: Thanks to the many step-by-step video tutorials available for free online, this relaxing activity is easier than ever for even a total beginner to pick up on their own. My tween, teen and I have been learning using the free patterns and tutorials on PurlSoho, but any time we get stuck a quick search on Google or YouTube helps to set us straight! I especially love the variety of knitting patterns and designs which make it easy to find practical and beautiful handmade gift ideas anytime of year.

Sjoerd Verhelst on Unsplash

BMX Biking

For big kids who are natural daredevils, BMX biking offers a great outlet for trying out tricks big and small, depending on their comfort level (and yours). It's a wonderful outdoor hobby for teens that will also keep them active, and which they can enjoy just as easily on their own as well as with other bike-loving friends.

Photo by charlesdeluvio on Unsplash

Balloon Twisting

This creative hobby for teens can also lead to a great side gig making balloon animals for children's birthday parties.

Alexandra F. said: My daughter learned to make balloon animals for her little brother's birthday party, and all the kids loved it! My dad had a small "how to" book that she used to learn some basic skills the same afternoon of the party, and I was impressed by how quickly she was able to produce pretty great balloon animals with very little practice.