7 Indoor Hobbies for When You Don't Want to Leave the House

needlepoint embroidery canvas and string — Credit: Carolin Voelker / Getty Images

It's becoming common knowledge that hobbies come with a host of wellness benefits. In fact, recent research from Harvard Medical School indicates that having a hobby is linked with overall happiness and wellbeing. But while having one is encouraged, it shouldn't feel like a chore. A hobby isn’t a lifetime commitment, but rather a way to unwind and enjoy your downtime. Want to make the practice even more accessible? Choose an indoor hobby. You don't have to leave the house to pick up a new pastime with beneficial results—so you'll have even fewer excuses if you let it fall to the wayside!

Be it building a miniature masterpiece or fiber arts, the indoor hobbies below aim to inspire passion and boost relaxation. Give one try and if it's not your thing, just move on. No pressure!

01 of 07

Hand-Build Ceramics

Painting pottery — Credit:
Witthaya Prasongsin / Getty Images

Dabble in the art of ceramics, no studio kiln or a wheel necessary. Air-dry clay is all you need and it's suitable for both at-home and beginner use. Think about simple items you may want to use in your home or have been wanting to pick up—a new catch-all tray, for instance. Such home objects can easily be sculpted at home with simple tools, like rolling pins and crafting knives, so you can make one that is just so while picking up a new skill in the process.

To further simplify this hobby, many air-dry kits on the market come with everything you need to create a custom piece, including clay, supplies, and paint.

02 of 07

Paint-by-Numbers

You don’t have to know anything about art to start painting. Made to suit a variety of mediums (such as watercolor and acrylic), paint-by-number palettes and kits make this indoor hobby incredibly easy to pick up.

Prefer to freehand a painting hobby? Plenty of online tutorials and workbooks can help you create structure. You can also paint ceramic mugs and dishware (check thrift stores for materials) to create memorable pieces, décor, or homemade gifts.

03 of 07

LEGO Kits

A pile of colorful legos scattered on a table — Credit:
Zeyu Wang / Getty Images

If you loved building with these plastic bricks as a kid, good news: The activity is a popular hobby with grown-ups, too. LEGO offers a variety of adult-level kits, so you can tune out the world and recreate your favorite architectural builds and famous movie sets at home.

LEGO sets can be a solo hobby or fun for couples or families to build together. Don't want to pay full retail price? Local thrift stores and 'buy nothing' groups may have build kits at a discount, or for borrow or trade.

04 of 07

Calligraphy

Imagine being able to add a classic, luxurious flair to any handwritten correspondence or future dinner party place cards. With a little instruction and some quality materials, you'll be able to master the swirling, charming lettering of calligraphy.

Start by purchasing an inexpensive dip pen (where the ink comes from a separate pot) and find an online alphabet that demonstrates the order and direction of each letter's strokes. And don't forget: practice makes perfect.

05 of 07

Fiber Arts

woman hands knitting — Credit:
Esra Karakose /EyeEm / Getty Images

Knitting, crocheting, embroidery, and sewing are all textile-based hobbies that can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime. They’re a tried-and-true way to de-stress while making yourself or a loved one something truly one-of-a-kind.

To get started, find all the essential tools you'll need for embroidery here. You can also learn the basics of knitting here, as well as find some all-level patterns here.

06 of 07

Strength Training

woman exercising at home — Credit: JLco - Julia Amaral / Getty Images

Strength training has multiple health benefits for your physical and mental well-being. It's a hobby that can truly improve your quality of life, and it only takes a few minutes of dedication each day. Purchase some inexpensive hand weights or get started with the cans you likely have in your pantry.

Free fitness programs are readily available online—but if strength training isn't your thing, consider another movement-based activity. Video games like Just Dance will lead you in choreography to popular music, and handy products like slip-on tap shoes and accompanying mats make it possible to learn specific dance styles at home without in-person instruction.

07 of 07

Fermentation and Pickling

Looking down on jar of pickles — Credit:
Westend61 / Getty Images

There’s a reason sourdough starters became so popular during the lockdowns of 2020. Fermentation is a simple indoor hobby with delicious results. Maintaining a sourdough starter and baking with your natural leavening is a great place to start—but if you've been there, done that, try your hand at pickling and beer brewing. (You can learn here.)

These skills result in a fridge packed with delicious and nutritious homemade goods. Bonus: Start collecting jars from thrift stores, and your homemade ferments will be good enough to gift.