Cheap Hobbies: 25 Affordable Ways to Spend Your Time—Not Your Money!

Cheap Hobbies: 25 Affordable Ways to Spend Your Time—Not Your Money! was originally published on The Muse, a great place to research companies and careers. Click here to search for great jobs and companies near you.

Looking for cheap hobbies that won’t break your bank account? Whether you’re saving money or simply bored with your current routine, finding fun and inexpensive ways to spend your free time is always a good idea. Hobbies aren’t just pastimes; they’re opportunities to unwind, explore your creativity, and even pick up new skills.

From solo activities to affordable hobbies—including some that can earn you money—there are countless options that are both cheap and enjoyable for college students on a tight budget, adults seeking new ways to relax at home, or anyone in search of a fresh and engaging activity.

Here’s a list of 25 cheap and easy hobbies that will add joy to your life without denting your wallet. These low-cost hobbies are fun, versatile, and perfect for those eager to explore new interests without spending much.

Your work life should be as fun as your downtime—check out these amazing open jobs on The Muse and find the perfect fit for you »

Fun and cheap hobbies for creative souls

1. Have fun with DIY projects

Whether it’s upcycling old clothes into trendy fashion pieces or turning thrift store finds into chic home decor, the possibilities are endless. Let your imagination run wild as you craft unique, personalized treasures that reflect your style and creativity.

2. Become a digital artist

Dive into the world of digital art using tools like Photoshop. Make stunning collages, digital paintings, and photo manipulations that blend imagination with technical skill. With countless online tutorials and communities, you can master techniques from basic editing to advanced visual storytelling.

3. Write on

Embrace the power of words by starting a journal, writing short stories, or crafting poems. These are inexpensive hobbies that offer a therapeutic escape, letting you express your thoughts, emotions, and ideas freely.

4. Start bullet journaling

Get organized and creative with bullet journaling. This flexible and customizable system helps you track goals, manage tasks, and express your artistic side through doodles and hand lettering. It’s a perfect blend of productivity and creativity, making daily planning a fun and inspiring activity.

5. Master your cooking skills

Cooking is a valuable life skill and a fun way to spend time. You can find tons of free recipes and tutorials online to help you learn how to cook meals for yourself, your family, and your friends. Plus, you get to enjoy the delicious rewards!

6. Doodle

Drawing is another fun and cheap hobby. Whether you prefer sketching realistic portraits or creating whimsical cartoons, there’s a style for everyone. With just a pencil and paper, you can let your imagination take the lead and bring your creative ideas to life.

7. Take up photography

Use your phone or even a second-hand camera and explore the art of photography by capturing the beauty around you. You can learn basic photography skills through plenty of free resources online. It’s a rewarding activity that lets you document moments and create stunning visual stories—one of the perfect cheap hobbies for college students during their spare time.

8. Learn to play an instrument

Pick up a new or used instrument and unleash your musical talents! There are many free online tutorials to get you started on guitar, piano, or even ukulele. Who knows? You might find yourself a new passion for life.

Free time? Hobbies for adults at home

9. Knit or crochet

Knitting and crocheting have left their grandma reputation behind—and for good reason. This low-cost hobby lets you create personalized gifts and cozy items for yourself and others, all while enjoying the relaxing rhythm of the needles. Join online communities for tips, patterns, and inspiration, and watch your skills get better and better.

10. Meditate

You can easily incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine—and finally get what all the hype is about. Use free meditation apps and online resources to create a peaceful sanctuary at home. It could be your retreat for moments of relaxation and reflection, to recharge your mind and spirit. (Think you can’t meditate? Try this.)

11. Learn a new language

Learning a new language is always welcome—for both personal growth and your career. Tools like Duolingo, Memrise, and language podcasts available on Spotify make it easy to practice anytime, anywhere. Engage with native speakers in language exchange communities, and you’ll be surprised by how quickly you pick it up!

Read this next: 7 Free Ways to Learn Another Language and Make Yourself a Stronger Candidate Than Ever

12. Yoga at home

There are so many free online tutorials to help you experience the benefits of yoga at home. Channels like Yoga with Adriene offer classes for all levels, helping you improve flexibility, strength, and relaxation. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned yogi, all you need is a mat or soft carpet to practice.

13. Preserve your memories

Don’t rely solely on social media to keep your memories—create a personalized scrapbook to record and preserve those memories for yourself. Gather your favorite photos, ticket stubs, and keepsakes, and get creative with affordable supplies like stickers, washi tape, and printable templates to design beautiful pages.

14. Create a club with your friends

Whether it’s a book club, a cooking club, or a hiking group, starting a club lets you share common interests and passions with your friends. Plan regular meetings or outings to bond over activities you all enjoy. It’s a great way to learn new skills, explore hobbies together, and build meaningful connections that can last a lifetime.

Fun, inexpensive hobbies to get some fresh air

15. Outdoor escapes

Getting some fresh air and exercise is a win-win (or even a win-win-win, since you won’t be shelling out any money). Spend your weekends exploring your local and state parks, forests, or beaches with a hike or bike ride. And don’t forget to pack a picnic to enjoy a meal surrounded by nature’s beauty.

16. Game on

Whether your tastes run toward classics (Monopoly, Scrabble), cult favorites (Catan, Dungeons & Dragons), or newer games (Crimes Against Humanity, Exploding Kittens), gather your friends for a fun game night. Board and card games are perfect for bonding and making memories without breaking your bank account. Plus, many libraries loan games, so you can try out new ones at no cost.

17. Run!

Go for a run—it’s a fun way to stay active, clear your head, and relieve stress. Plus, exploring different routes can help you find new spots in your neighborhood. Use free apps like Strava or MapMyRun to set goals and track your progress.

18. Grow your own garden

Imagine the satisfaction of growing your own herbs, vegetables, and flowers—and cooking and eating the fruits of your labor all season long. All you need to get started is some space, seeds, and basic tools. Over time, you’ll enjoy fresh, homegrown produce, saving money on groceries and adding delicious, garden-fresh ingredients to your meals.

Affordable hobbies to boost your knowledge

19. Get lost in books

Make the most of your local library. You can find your next favorite book—whether you’re into novels, biographies, and even the latest blockbuster movies—from their shelves or digital apps. Plus, libraries often host book clubs and other fun events, so you might also meet other book enthusiasts and discover still more new hobbies.

20. Watch documentaries

Sure, multiple streaming subscriptions aren’t always cheap. But do you really need them? You can watch documentaries for free on platforms like YouTube, PBS, or your local library’s digital collection. Pick a theme and enjoy your new knowledge.

21. Puzzles and sudoku

Activities like puzzles, crosswords, and Sudoku are perfect for keeping your brain sharp and can be easily taken with you for entertainment on the go. Look for puzzle books at your local bookstore or access free printable puzzles online. You can even find some free apps!

22. Visit museums and galleries

If you live in a big city, there are plenty of opportunities to explore museums and galleries. Many of them offer free or discounted admission on certain days or times, making it an affordable way to spend a day and get a break from the routine.

Cheap hobbies that make money (yes, they exist!)

23. Sell your crafts

Crafting and selling handmade items like jewelry, candles, soaps, and home décor is a rewarding and lucrative way to express your artistry and boost your income. And the best part (second only to making money): You can showcase your creations online or at local fairs—or both!

24. Become a tutor

Helping others learn a subject you’re good at is another hobby that could become a side hustle. Offer one-on-one sessions or group classes, either in-person or online, depending on what works best for you.

Find tutor jobs on The Muse

25. Show your graphic design skills

Think about freelancing as a graphic designer. If you’ve got the skills, you could offer a range of services, from logo and banners to social media graphics, marketing materials, and website design.