60 Hobbies for Men to Add Happiness to Your Life

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Looking for some hobbies to add to your life?

Or perhaps you simply want to try out new things?

Many men are fond of exciting and thrilling hobbies. Life is often boring for them when they keep on doing the same things over and over.

In this post, we have gathered 60 hobbies for men who want to spice up their game and add happiness to their lives.

Having a hobby doesn’t just give you something to do to kill time—it can actually give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

If you want to increase your happiness and achieve your best potential, read on and see which hobby best suits your personality.

(Side note: Another positive ​way to improve your life is to read and learn something new every day. A great tool to do this is to join over 1 million others and start your day with the latest FREE, informative news from this website.)

Sports & Adventure

1. Martial Arts

Martial arts are codified forms of ancient fighting techniques. They usually come from Asian countries and are taught for a number of reasons, like self-defense and military enforcement. Some forms of martial arts include judo, jiu-jitsu, karate, and taekwondo.

Highly practical and useful, learning martial arts has a lot of benefits. You won’t just have a new hobby to pass time—you will also learn how to defend yourself.

For beginners, Udemy offers a basic course about martial arts. You can try signing up for this class while figuring out what the best style of martial arts is for you.

2. Boxing

If you are looking for a hobby that helps you lose some weight and build strong muscles, boxing might be right for you. It is a great workout, as it involves full-body exercise.

Like martial arts, boxing is a good form of self-defense. When you are knowledgeable about proper fighting techniques, you feel more confident and secure.

Here’s a comprehensive beginner’s guide you can use to start your boxing regimen.

3. Running

Running is by far the easiest hobby (and sports exercise) to start. You just need a good pair of running shoes and other running gear and you are all set.

We all know the benefits of running, both physically and mentally. So why not make it a hobby and start being healthy?

Want to start running but don’t know how to do it? Here’s an article that may help you.

4. Weightlifting and Bodybuilding

Popular hobbies amongst men, bodybuilding and weightlifting can help you stay healthy and get into shape. Register for a gym membership and look for a good trainer, and you will be confident that you are going about it properly.

Here’s a 12-week beginner guide for those who want to engage in bodybuilding, and here is a 4-week workout program for those who want to start weightlifting.

5. Car Racing

Maybe you dreamed of it when you were a child, or perhaps you can’t get enough of those car racers on TV. Or maybe you just like the intensity of driving at full speed while competing with your best bud. If that’s the case, then you might want to try car racing.

This hobby may be a little bit expensive, especially if you want to be serious about it—but if you have the time and money to pursue it, why not give it a try?

To learn more about how to engage in car racing, here’s a post from WikiHow.

6. Motorcycle Riding

Just like car racing, motorcycle riding gives you that adrenaline rush that many people crave. It’s fun, intense, challenging, and daring—just the right amount of danger.

For beginners who would like to engage in motorcycle riding and racing, here are some good tips.

7. Target Shooting

Target shooting can be intimidating and quite challenging for some, but what’s more manly than being able to properly manage guns?

If you want to engage in target shooting but do not know how, here’s a good start from The Good Men Project.

8. Hiking & Backpacking

Hiking and backpacking are hobbies you can do without training as long as your fit enough.

You don’t need to have prior experience to start hiking and backpacking. These are two hobbies you can absolutely do without training, as long as you have a basic level of fitness.

Practice your survival skills and start exploring the wilderness—invite your friends to go on a trip where you can appreciate the beauty of nature.

To start your hiking hobby, here are essential hiking tips you might want to consider.

9. Off-Roading

Off-roading is driving on unsurfaced tracks made from sand, mud, riverbeds, and rocks. This is a fun and exciting hobby if you are someone who loves the rush and a bit of danger. You just need to have the right kind of vehicle and a map of the location you plan to explore.

Here’s a basic beginner’s guide for those who want to start off-roading.

10. Rock Climbing

This hobby requires a lot of energy and physical stamina. You don’t just rely on the hardness of the rock and the quality of the rope—you also need to trust your muscles and grip strength.

For rock climbing beginners, here’s a list of tips from The Adventure Junkies.

11. Bouldering

If you enjoyed rock climbing, then you might also get hyped up by bouldering, which is technically a more extreme form of rock climbing. When we say extreme, we actually mean more dangerous, as you climb smaller rocks, but without the help of a safety rope.

For more information about bouldering and how to start it, check out this post from Mpora.

12. Snowboarding or Skiing

Skiing and snowboarding are both great winter activities. They are good hobbies and workouts for both men and women but can get a little expensive.

If you want to learn how to snowboard or ski, check this article from WikiHow.

13. Surfing

Surfing can be addictive, particularly for those who love the beach life. Once you start this hobby, you might find it difficult to quit. But no worries…there’s no reason to stop!

Want to try surfing but don’t know how to start? Here’s a beginner’s course by Tomy Atkins from Udemy.

14. Windsurfing

If you want to try a different kind of surfing, windsurfing is a water sport that is a combination of surfing and sailing. It can be a very exciting hobby, and can be practiced both in the ocean and on inland bodies of water.

Just make sure you learn the basics of windsurfing, and invite your friends to do it with you for safety purposes.

15. Fencing

Fencing is a sword-fighting technique that uses a foil (a thin, stainless steel sword). This sport develops both your physical stamina and mental focus. It is a good hobby that teaches you how to strategize.

If you would like to try fencing, you might want to read this post first.

16. Horseback Riding

This can be a pretty expensive hobby, as you need a horse to do it. Horses can be costly, and taking care of them can involve a lot of work.

We recommend checking out the nearest stable and hiring a rider to teach you. Then, you can decide if horseback riding is something that suits your tastes or not.

For information and tips about horseback riding, you can check out this post.

17. Mountain Biking

It may seem easy, especially if you already know how to bike, but mountain biking is actually an extreme sport that requires practice and expertise.

Mountain biking might be fun but it is also an extreme sport that requires practice and expertise.

Here’s a list of tips you can read to prepare yourself for the sport.

18. River Rafting or Kayaking

River rafting and kayaking are both exciting and unpredictable sports that immerse you in nature and the water.

River rafting requires great timing, physical stamina, and exceptional coordination with your raft mates. You can invite your friends who also enjoy thrilling activities to do this sport with you.

For more information about this hobby, check out this article from American Adventure.

19. Scuba Diving

Who doesn’t want to experience the beauty of the ocean and what lies underwater? Scuba diving is one of the best ways to do exactly that, which makes it a great hobby to pursue.

Check out this post to prepare for your first ever scuba diving excursion.

20. Paintballing

A hobby that gives you a rush while also allowing you to enjoy time with your friends or family, paintballing is pure fun and excitement. It’s not that dangerous, but getting hit by a paintball can hurt a bit, so you still need to prepare yourself.

Here’s a detailed and comprehensive guide for beginners.

21. Playing Chess

Want to develop your critical thinking and strategic skills? If so, then chess might be the perfect hobby for you. It doesn’t just help you pass time—it also improves your mental abilities like memory, problem-solving skills, focus, and concentration.

There’s no need to worry if you don’t know how to play chess. This guide from WikiHow will teach you. Practice makes perfect, so keep on playing.

22. Playing Pool or Billiards

Just like chess, playing pool or billiards can develop your mental abilities. In addition, these games are good ways to improve your social skills.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to playing billiards. Follow these steps and look for ways to apply what you have learned. To make the game more exciting, invite your friends for a bet—the loser pays the bill.

23. Traveling

Explore the world and meet new people from different places. Learn how cultures and languages differ from each other. Traveling can change the way you see the world, and help you appreciate life even more.

If you want to know more about traveling, visit this post and prepare for your first trip.

24. Urban Exploration

Are you fond of solving mysteries and visiting abandoned places? Or maybe historical landmarks interest you? If so, you should check out urban exploration.

There are many growing urban exploring communities out there—all you have to do is search for them (the Internet is a great place to start). You may also want to check out this post from Medium.com.

Old but Gold

25. Hunting

Prehistoric yet still relevant, hunting is a good way to make the most of your time while bonding with a buddy or your family. You can do it with your father or grandfathers, and you may also pass the same hobby on to your children and grandchildren.

It is important to note that this hobby requires a permit. Make sure you get one before exploring the wilderness.

For more information on how to start your hunting experience, here’s a guide and checklist from Nature Sports Central.

26. Spearfishing

Unlike traditional fishing, spearfishing involves going underwater to hunt for fish and catching them using a spear gun. This hobby is a fun way to take your fishing game to the next level. Of course, you still need a fishing license to do it.

Here’s a beginner’s guide to proper spearfishing, and here are some tips you can use to prepare.

27. Fly Fishing

Fly fishing is similar to traditional fishing but requires a lot of practice and patience. A special rod is used to lure the fish. It is called “fly” fishing because the bait and technique make the fish think that there is an actual fly landing on the water.

Blue Ridge Mountain has compiled a complete guide for those who want to try fly fishing.

28. Blacksmithing

Fond of swords, armors, or anything made out of metal? Blacksmithing, the ancient art of metal forging, might be the perfect hobby for you.

Blacksmithing is an ancient art of metal forging, it’s fun and only a few people know how to create art out of metal using their bare hands.

Blacksmithing is an ancient art of metal forging, it’s fun and only a few people know how to create art out of metal using their bare hands.

Only a few people know how to create beautiful pieces of art out of metal using their bare hands. Wouldn’t it be nice to join this elite group?

If you want to learn all the basics (and beyond) of blacksmithing, we suggest this article from the Art of Manliness.

29. Woodworking

Like blacksmithing, woodworking is an opportunity to shape something with your bare hands. This is a classic hobby for men who are good at working with tools and enjoy the feel of wood.

Woodworking can become more than a hobby, as some people also make a business out of it.

Here’s a wood carving course by Sharon Elliott at Udemy where you can start your woodworking experience.

30. Making Furniture or Upholstery

If you have already taken up wood carving, why not level up to making furniture and upholstery? You can learn the art of craftsmanship and create furniture using cheap materials.

Again, like woodworking, you can turn this hobby into a business once you get the hang of it. Check out more information in this post by Family Handyman.

31. Whittling

Whittling is also a form of wood carving, but more detailed. It can be a difficult hobby to master, especially since it requires a whole lot of patience. But it is doable!

With a passion to learn the skill, combined with consistent practice, this hobby can be a challenging yet satisfying activity for men.

Visit this article from Cool of the Wild to learn more about whittling.

32. Wheel Throwing

Wheel throwing is the art of creating ceramics through clay shaping (with your bare hands) on a spinning wheel. There are a lot of objects you can produce, including bowls, pots, decorations, and candlesticks.

To learn more about wheel throwing, check out this course by Trent Berning.

33. Picking Locks

These days, picking locks may longer be such a handy skill, as technology has taken security to another level. However, it is still a cool, impressive, unique skill that you might want to learn.

Learn more about the art of picking locks through this Udemy course from David La and Itay Cas.

34. Knife Making

Maybe you are more into old school stuff, like knives! If so, knife making could be a hobby for you.

Whether its a knife you want to use for cooking or one you will use for gardening, here’s a guide you can check out to study the art of knife making.

35. Stone Sculpting

If you don’t like wood, perhaps you’d be interested in working with stones or plastic? If so, you can try a different form of carving called stone sculpting.

This fun yet challenging hobby will surely give you a sense of satisfaction once you finish your first work of art. Here’s a WikiHow guide you can check out to start carving stones.

36. Wine Making and Home Brewing

If you enjoy alcohol, why not learn the art of winemaking and home brewing? We can assure you that while the process might be lengthy and time-consuming, it is worth it when you get to drink your own homemade beverages.

Here are beginner’s guides for winemaking and home brewing.

Make Money

37. Investing

Whether it’s buying stocks or starting a business, an investment is always worth it (at least if you play it right). In addition to enjoying the hobby and watching your financial skills develop, you also get to earn real money.

But investing is not just about the cash and currencies. You can also invest in yourself through other means.

38. Programming

Programming can also earn you money and make a business out of it.

If you are a computer wiz, computer-related hobbies like programming are what you need.

Once you have mastered Python, JavaScript, and other advanced computer programming software, you can make a business out of it and offer your freelance services to those in need.

Here’s a Udemy course that can help you learn basic programming.

39. Coding

Similar to programming, learning how to code is a perfect hobby for the computer geniuses out there. It takes a lot of patience and keen observation, but if you have a good eye for details, why not give it a try?

Learn how to code with this Udemy course called Coding for Beginners.

40. Graphic Design

If you are a computer wiz and also an art protégé, graphic design might be right up your alley. Show the world how good your design skills are, and start a new career while you are at it.

Here’s another Udemy course where you can start improving your graphic design skills.

41. Electronics

Perhaps the light bulb in your child’s room isn’t working, or your wife’s lamp has died. Or maybe your mom called asking you to fix the TV cables because she can’t watch her favorite TV show. Do you call an electrician?

There’s no need if you’re knowledgeable about electronics. Explore this new hobby by replacing light bulbs, then graduate to fixing desk lamps, TV cables, and other electronic gadgets that may be found in your house.

Check out this article by Oyvind Nydal Dahl of Build Electronic Circuits to get started.

42. Tattooing

If you’ve have a talent for drawing and designing, and you enjoy the aesthetic of body art, why not try a daring hobby like tattooing?

This hobby can be a little tricky and requires careful sanitation since you are using a needle. But if you practice long enough you will eventually master the art of inking people’s bodies.

Here’s a quick guide from Tattooing 101.

43. Blogging or Vlogging

If your talent lies in writing or giving advice, you can try creating a blog and advertising it to the world. Not much of a writer, but would still like to blog? You can try vlogging instead.

Many bloggers out there started it as a hobby, but became so popular that they now make money through their social media influence.

Arts & Entertainment

44. Photography and Videography

There is only one thing you need to make this hobby work: a camera. Many people are into photography and videography, and find it fun to capture all the great and beautiful memories of their friends and loved ones.

If you’d like to know more about the basics of photography and videography, check out this link.

45. Theater Acting

Perhaps you have a passion for the theater and have always wanted to become an actor. This is your chance!. Get out there and look for local theater groups you can join.

46. Podcasting

Podcasts are the new radio—and who doesn’t want to have their own radio show? It’s very easy to start a podcast—all you need is a recorder, a storyline, and a connection to the Internet.

Here’s a guide from LifeHacker about how to start your own podcast show.

47. Journaling or Writing

Writing in a journal is a good therapy for those who are having a hard time dealing with their emotions. It is believed to be one of the best stress relievers out there.

You may also try bullet journaling if you want to take a slightly different approach. This hobby is good for anyone, no matter where you are in life.

48. Magic Tricks or Card Tricks

Everyone loves magicians, and they are often the life of the party. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to impress people with your magic and card tricks?

Basic sleight of hand is a good start when it comes to magic tricks. Keep on learning, practicing, and improving, and you will eventually be able to wow even your most cynical friends.

49. Stand-Up Comedy

If you have enough jokes or anecdotes in your bag, there’s no reason to keep them there—let the world laugh with you!

If you have a talent for making people laugh, try going to bars and clubs where you can perform a stand-up comedy act.

There are tons of bars and clubs where you can perform a stand-up comedy act. Look for these places and practice your skills.

[See the top 27 funny podcasts to listen to and enjoy!]

50. Learn a New Language

Learning a new language requires a lot of time and effort, but it sure is beneficial. Not only will it help you improve your mental abilities, but it will also help you navigate and connect when you travel abroad.

There are many apps and websites that teach foreign languages. The most famous, however, is DuoLingo, for its free features.

51. Playing Electronic Music

If you are musically inclined and would like to take this hobby in a new direction, electronic music might be of interest.

Experiment with all your resources—old and new songs, complex beats, bass drops, and other musical elements.

52. Collecting Records and Vinyls

For those guys who simply love music, listening to and feeling the songs is often the best part. But for those who are into the classic, old school experience, the scent of vinyl records is priceless.

If you are one of those guys who love to enjoy their music on vintage equipment, collecting vinyl records could be the hobby for you.

Indoor Activities

53. Cooking and Grilling

Women love men who cook, so go ahead and impress your woman with how tasty your food is. And don’t just learn how to cook—make your recipe perfect, so she won’t be able to resist.

If you want to explore further, try grilling and smoking as well. Aside from the fact that grilled and smoked meat is delicious, it is also healthier than actually having to use oil and other unhealthy condiments.

Here is a beginner’s guide for those who want to try smoking meat at home like an expert.

54. Reading

Cognitively speaking, we know that reading brings a lot of benefits. But did you know that it has tons of advantages physiologically as well?

Reading is one of the most powerful hobbies, as it relaxes your body while stimulating your mind. Besides, it is practically free, so there’s no need to spend a lot of money.

55. Gardening

There are expert studies that have proven that gardening can bring mental benefits, such as reducing the risk of dementia and decreasing the chances of mental illness.

Plus, everyone loves having beautiful flowers and delicious vegetables right outside their door.

If you want to start gardening but do not know how, here’s a comprehensive guide to explore.

56. Coffee Roasting

Coffee is always better when shared with family and friends. But what makes it even more special is when you are the one who roasted it.

The National Coffee Association has published an article for coffee lovers to help them roast coffee properly. Make sure to read it and follow the steps provided.

57. Yoga or Meditation

Many people think of yoga and meditation as “feminine” hobbies, but the truth is they are for everybody. In fact, many of the original yogis and gurus were men! Both yoga and meditation are beneficial for your mind and body due to their calming and relaxing effect.

To learn more about yoga, check out this post. If you’d like to try meditation, here’s a complete guide.

58. Restoring Classic Cars

Probably one of the most rewarding hobbies for men who love driving and wrenching, restoring classic cars gives you a great sense of fulfillment. Once you are done and cruising in your cherry ride, your confidence is sure to hit a new level.

This hobby requires extensive knowledge in mechanics. Fortunately, if you are not highly skilled in this area, there are always courses and trainings that can help you learn.

For instance, you can check out this post from HoltsAuto that gives tips and advice for beginners.

59. Crossword Puzzles and Board Games

These hobbies are a great way to kill time, and they also give you a feeling of accomplishment after completion.

Moreover, studies show that answering crossword puzzles and playing board games prevents the risk of mental illnesses like dementia and Alzheimer’s.

60. Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, help others, and feel good about yourself.

If you are looking to spend time inside, you can volunteer in animal shelters or other indoor shelters that need assistance.

But you can also volunteer outdoors through community activities, university events, and other causes.

Final Words

We hope that you were able to identify which of these hobbies best fit your personality and preferences. You can choose one or many, but make sure you have enough time for each hobby you start, plus your other commitments.

Keep in mind that hobbies are meant to help you relax. If they don’t add happiness to your life, then there’s no reason to do them! Find something you love, and dive into it. You might be surprised where your new hobby takes you!

Finally, if you want another positive ​way to improve your life, then read and learn something new every day. A great tool to do this is to join over 1 million others and start your day with the latest FREE, informative news from this website.