22 Fun Indoor Hobbies: Easy Activities You Can Start Today

Indoor hobbies are activities you can do inside your home that bring joy, help you learn new skills, and keep you busy during free time. These hobbies work great when the weather is bad, you want to stay home, or you need a break from daily stress.

Having indoor hobbies improves your mood and helps you relax. Studies show that people who do hobbies regularly feel 30% happier and less stressed. Indoor activities also save money because you don’t need to go anywhere or pay for expensive entertainment.

The best part about indoor hobbies is that you can start most of them right away with things you already have at home. Before that, Yesterday I wrote about ”15 Fun Hobbies to Do at Home” which might be a reference for you. Whether you like making things with your hands, solving puzzles, or learning new skills, there’s an indoor hobby perfect for you.

1. Reading Books

Reading is the easiest indoor hobby to start because you only need books and a comfortable place to sit. You can read fiction stories, learn new facts from non-fiction books, or explore magazines about your interests.

Examples of what to read:

• Mystery novels like Agatha Christie books
• Self-help books about personal growth
• Biographies of famous people
• Magazines about cooking, sports, or hobbies

What you need:

• Books from library or bookstore
• Good reading light
• Comfortable chair or bed
• Bookmark to save your place

Reading helps you learn new words, improves your thinking skills, and gives you interesting topics to talk about with friends.

2. Drawing and Sketching

Drawing and sketching is one of fun hobbies to do at home. Drawing lets you create art with simple tools like pencils and paper. You can draw anything you see around your house, copy pictures from magazines, or create your own imaginary characters and scenes.

Examples of things to draw:

• Your pet or family members
• Flowers or plants in your home
• Cartoon characters
• Landscapes from photos

What you need:

• Drawing pencils (2H, HB, 2B work well)
• Plain paper or sketchbook
• Eraser
• Ruler for straight lines
• Colored pencils or markers (optional)

Start by drawing simple shapes like circles and squares, then combine them to make more complex pictures.

3. Cooking and Baking

Cooking is a useful hobby that feeds your family while teaching you new skills. You can try recipes from different countries, bake sweet treats, or learn to make your favorite restaurant dishes at home.

Examples of things to make:

• Chocolate chip cookies
• Homemade pizza
• Stir-fry vegetables
• Banana bread

What you need:

• Basic cooking tools (pots, pans, measuring cups)
• Recipe books or online recipes
• Fresh ingredients from grocery store
• Oven and stovetop
• Mixing bowls and spoons

Cooking saves money on eating out and lets you control what ingredients go into your food.

4. Jigsaw Puzzles

Jigsaw puzzles challenge your brain while giving you a sense of accomplishment when you finish them. Puzzles come in different sizes, from 100 pieces for beginners to 5,000 pieces for experts.

Examples of puzzle types:

• Nature scenes with animals or landscapes
• Famous paintings or artworks
• City skylines and landmarks
• Custom puzzles made from your own photos

What you need:

• Jigsaw puzzle
• Large flat surface like table
• Good lighting
• Small containers to sort pieces
• Patience and time

Research shows that doing puzzles for 30 minutes daily improves memory and helps prevent age-related brain problems.

5. Knitting and Crocheting

Knitting and crocheting create useful items like scarves, blankets, and hats while keeping your hands busy. These crafts are relaxing and you can do them while watching TV or listening to music.

Examples of projects:

• Simple scarves for winter
• Baby blankets for gifts
• Dishcloths for kitchen use
• Cozy sweaters for family

What you need:

• Yarn in colors you like
• Knitting needles or crochet hooks
• Pattern books or online tutorials
• Scissors
• Measuring tape

Both crafts start with basic stitches that you can learn in one afternoon, then build into more complex patterns.

6. Indoor Gardening

Indoor gardening brings nature inside your home and gives you fresh herbs or vegetables to eat. You can grow plants in pots on windowsills or create a larger garden setup with grow lights.

Examples of plants to grow:

• Herbs like basil, mint, and parsley
• Small vegetables like cherry tomatoes
• Houseplants like pothos and snake plants
• Flowers like African violets

What you need:

• Plant pots with drainage holes
• Potting soil
• Seeds or small plants
• Watering can
• Grow lights (if no sunny windows)

Indoor plants clean the air in your home and studies show they reduce stress levels by 15%.

7. Writing Stories or Journals

Writing helps you express thoughts and feelings while improving your communication skills. You can write fiction stories, keep a daily journal, or start a blog about your interests.

Examples of writing projects:

• Short stories about interesting characters
• Daily journal about your experiences
• Poetry about nature or emotions
• Blog posts about your hobbies

What you need:

• Notebooks or computer
• Pens or pencils
• Quiet space to think
• Dictionary for checking words
• Ideas from your imagination or daily life

Writing for just 15 minutes each day helps organize your thoughts and reduces stress.

8. Playing Board Games

Board games provide fun entertainment for you alone or with family members. Modern board games offer many themes and difficulty levels beyond classic games like Monopoly and Scrabble.

Examples of popular games:

• Strategy games like Settlers of Catan
• Word games like Scrabble
• Card games like Uno
• Puzzle games like Sudoku books

What you need:

• Board games suitable for your family size
• Flat surface to play on
• Good lighting
• Snacks and drinks
• 1-4 hours of free time

Playing games improves problem-solving skills and creates bonding time with family and friends.

9. Learning Musical Instruments

Music brings joy and improves brain function through learning instruments like piano, guitar, or ukulele. You can start with simple songs and gradually learn more complex pieces. This one of the best creative hobbies to try at home.

Examples of beginner instruments:

• Ukulele for easy chord playing
• Keyboard for music theory basics
• Harmonica for portable music
• Recorder for simple melodies

What you need:

• Musical instrument
• Method books or online lessons
• Music stand
• Quiet practice space
• 20-30 minutes daily practice time

Learning music improves memory and mathematical skills while providing lifetime enjoyment.

10. Painting with Watercolors

Watercolor painting creates beautiful art with colors that blend and flow together naturally. This medium forgives mistakes and lets you experiment with different techniques easily.

Examples of subjects to paint:

• Simple flowers and plants
• Sunset or sunrise scenes
• Abstract color combinations
• Still life with fruits or objects

What you need:

• Watercolor paints (basic set of 12 colors)
• Watercolor paper
• Paint brushes (sizes 6, 10, 14)
• Water containers
• Paper towels for cleanup

Start with simple washes of color and gradually learn more advanced techniques like wet-on-wet and dry brush methods.

11. Photography

Photography captures memories and helps you see beauty in everyday objects around your home. You can use a smartphone camera or invest in a digital camera for better image quality.

Examples of indoor photography:

• Family portraits by windows
• Food styling for meals you cook
• Close-up photos of flowers or objects
• Pet photography during playtime

What you need:

• Camera (smartphone works fine) You can use iPhone to take photos.
• Good lighting from windows
• Interesting subjects to photograph
• Photo editing apps
• Creative eye for composition

Taking photos daily improves observation skills and creates lasting memories of important moments.

12. Origami Paper Folding

Origami transforms flat paper into 3D sculptures using only folding techniques without glue or scissors. This Japanese art form improves focus and creates decorative items for your home.

Examples of origami projects:

• Paper cranes for good luck
• Flowers for decoration
• Animals like frogs and butterflies
• Boxes for storing small items

What you need:

• Origami paper (or square paper cut from regular sheets)
• Instruction books or online tutorials
• Flat surface for folding
• Patience for precise folds
• Bone folder tool (optional)

Start with simple models and gradually attempt more complex designs as your skills improve.

13. Crossword Puzzles and Word Games

Word puzzles exercise your vocabulary and keep your mind sharp through daily mental challenges. These games come in various difficulty levels from beginner to expert.

Examples of word games:

• Daily crossword puzzles in newspapers
• Word search books
• Scrabble solo practice
• Online word games and apps

What you need:

• Puzzle books or newspapers
• Pencils with erasers
• Dictionary for checking words
• Comfortable seating
• Good lighting for reading

Doing word puzzles for 15 minutes daily can improve vocabulary and may help prevent memory problems as you age.

14. Learning New Languages

Language learning opens doors to new cultures and improves career opportunities while keeping your brain active. Modern apps make language study more fun with games and interactive lessons.

Examples of popular languages to learn:

• Spanish for travel and business
• French for culture and cuisine
• German for science and technology
• Japanese for anime and culture

What you need:

• Language learning app like Duolingo
• Notebook for writing practice
• Headphones for pronunciation
• 15-20 minutes daily study time
• Patience for gradual progress

Bilingual people show better problem-solving abilities and have lower rates of age-related cognitive decline.

15. Video Gaming

Video games provide interactive entertainment that can improve hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. Games range from simple puzzle games to complex adventure stories.

Examples of game types:

• Puzzle games like Tetris
• Adventure games with stories
• Strategy games for planning skills
• Creative games for building and design

What you need:

• Gaming device (computer, console, or smartphone)
• Games suitable for your interests
• Comfortable seating
• Good lighting to prevent eye strain
• Reasonable time limits for healthy gaming

Choose games that match your interests and skill level, and take regular breaks to rest your eyes.

16. Jewelry Making

Jewelry making creates personalized accessories and gifts while developing fine motor skills. You can start with simple beaded necklaces and advance to wire wrapping and metal work.

Examples of jewelry projects:

• Beaded bracelets with favorite colors
• Wire-wrapped stone pendants
• Earrings with interesting charms
• Friendship bracelets for gifts

What you need:

• Jewelry wire or string
• Beads, charms, and findings
• Wire cutters and pliers
• Measuring tape
• Small containers for organizing supplies

This hobby produces wearable art and can become a small business selling handmade items online.

17. Model Building

Model building develops patience and attention to detail through assembling miniature versions of cars, planes, ships, and buildings. These projects can take weeks to complete properly.

Examples of model types:

• Plastic airplane models
• Wooden ship models
• Model trains and landscapes
• Architecture models of famous buildings

What you need:

• Model kits appropriate for your skill level
• Model glue and paints
• Small brushes for detail work
• Cutting tools for removing parts
• Well-ventilated workspace

Start with simple models before attempting complex projects that require advanced techniques.

18. Calligraphy and Hand Lettering

Calligraphy creates beautiful handwriting for special occasions like wedding invitations, greeting cards, and artistic quotes. This ancient art form combines writing with visual design.

Examples of calligraphy styles:

• Modern brush lettering for casual looks
• Traditional italic for formal documents
• Gothic lettering for medieval appearance
• Asian calligraphy with brush and ink

What you need:

• Calligraphy pens or brushes
• Special paper with guidelines
• Ink in various colors
• Practice sheets with letter guides
• Steady hand and lots of patience

Practice 20 minutes daily to see significant improvement in your handwriting and artistic lettering skills.

19. Soap and Candle Making

Making soap and candles creates useful household items while learning about chemistry and fragrance blending. These crafts produce gifts and help reduce plastic packaging waste.

Examples of projects:

• Scented bar soaps with natural ingredients
• Decorative candles in unique containers
• Bath bombs with essential oils
• Liquid hand soap in pump bottles

What you need:

• Soap base or candle wax
• Essential oils for fragrance
• Molds for shaping
• Thermometer for temperature control
• Safety equipment like gloves and aprons

These hobbies require following safety instructions carefully due to hot materials and chemical reactions.

20. Embroidery and Cross-Stitch

Embroidery decorates fabric with colorful threads to create artwork, repair clothing, or personalize items. This traditional craft is experiencing a modern revival among young crafters.

Examples of embroidery projects:

• Decorative pillows with flower designs
• Personalized clothing with names or logos
• Wall art with inspirational quotes
• Repair work on damaged clothing

What you need:

• Embroidery hoops to hold fabric tight
• Colored embroidery thread
• Fabric to decorate
• Embroidery needles
• Pattern books or online designs

Start with simple stitches like running stitch and backstitch before learning more complex decorative techniques.

21. Podcasting and Audio Recording

Podcasting lets you share your thoughts and interests with people around the world while developing communication skills. You can discuss hobbies, interview friends, or tell stories.

Examples of podcast topics:

• Reviews of books, movies, or games
• Discussions about your hobbies
• Interviews with interesting people
• Educational content about your expertise

What you need:

• USB microphone for clear audio
• Headphones for monitoring sound
• Recording software like Audacity
• Quiet room with minimal echo
• Hosting service for publishing episodes

Podcast listening grows by 20% each year, creating opportunities for new content creators to find audiences.

22. Magic Tricks and Card Games

Learning magic tricks entertains friends and family while improving hand coordination and presentation skills. Magic ranges from simple card tricks to complex illusions requiring practice.

Examples of magic categories:

• Card tricks with regular playing cards
• Coin magic with everyday coins
• Rope tricks with simple materials
• Mental magic using mathematical principles

What you need:

• Deck of playing cards
• Magic instruction books or videos
• Practice mirror for rehearsing
• Props specific to chosen tricks
• Confidence for performing

Practicing magic improves memory and concentration while providing entertainment skills that last a lifetime.

Getting Started with Indoor Hobbies

Choose hobbies that match your interests and available time. Start with activities that use materials you already have at home, then invest in better equipment as your skills and enjoyment grow.

Set aside regular time for your hobbies to develop skills and maintain progress. Even 15-30 minutes daily can lead to significant improvement over time.

Connect with other hobbyists online or in local groups to share ideas, get advice, and stay motivated. Many hobbies have active communities that welcome beginners.

FAQ About Indoor Hobbies

Do indoor hobbies cost a lot of money to start?

No. Most indoor hobbies can start with basic supplies costing less than $20. Reading uses library books, drawing needs only paper and pencils, and cooking uses ingredients you already buy for meals.

Can children do these hobbies safely?

Yes. Many indoor hobbies suit children with adult supervision. Drawing, reading, simple cooking, and age-appropriate crafts help children develop skills while having fun.

How much time should I spend on hobbies each week?

Experts recommend 2-4 hours weekly for hobby activities to gain benefits without overwhelming other responsibilities. This can be broken into shorter daily sessions that fit your schedule.

Will indoor hobbies help me make friends?

Yes. Many hobbies have clubs, online communities, and local groups where you can meet people with similar interests. Crafting circles, book clubs, and gaming groups provide social opportunities.

Can hobbies help reduce stress?

Yes. Research shows that regular hobby participation reduces stress hormones by 25% and improves overall mental health through creative expression and achievement satisfaction.

Conclusion

Indoor hobbies provide endless opportunities for fun, learning, and personal growth without leaving your home. These 22 activities offer something for everyone, whether you prefer creative projects, mental challenges, or practical skills.

Starting an indoor hobby only requires choosing activities that interest you and dedicating small amounts of time regularly. Most hobbies use basic supplies you can find at home or purchase inexpensively.

Regular hobby practice improves mental health, develops useful skills, and creates satisfying achievements that boost confidence and provide talking points with friends and family. Indoor hobbies also save money compared to expensive entertainment options while offering year-round accessibility regardless of weather conditions.

The key to success with indoor hobbies is starting small, being patient with your progress, and choosing activities that genuinely bring you joy. Transform your free time into productive and enjoyable experiences that enrich your daily life and provide lasting satisfaction.