7 Fun and Affordable Hobbies to Get You Out of the House

October 16, 2018

A lot of us don't get out of the house nearly as much as we should. We find all kinds of excuses and end up just curled up with a video game or in front of the television. So, how can we get ourselves out of the house and have fun, without breaking the bank.

1. 1. Camping

      Camping doesn't have to be expensive or something you need to save up for a full-scale vacation. Some campsites are expensive, but do you really need wi-fi or a restaurant? If you just want a place to set up your tent, then you can check databases of low cost or free campsites at USCampgrounds.info and Boondocking.org.

   2. Kite Flying

      Serious kite flying is not just for kids. Pick a day when the wind is neither too strong nor too light and when it is not rainy. Start with an easy kite and work up to the acrobatic sports kites. Then find a local kite festival and show off (don't get your lines tangled, though). Another way to step up is to try and make your own kite. Even if the results are unintentionally hilarious, you may end up with something fun to post to YouTube.

   3. Frisbeeing and Disc Golf

      Kids and dogs will always enjoy time spent frisbeeing in the park. If you want to go to the next level, consider taking up disc golf. It's kind of like golf, except you throw a frisbee instead of hitting a ball and aim for a target on the ground.

   4. Free Concerts

      Free concerts and other cultural events are a great way to get out of the house. You can even take a picnic. Check local papers and websites for free events. National Geographic also has a great list. Depending on where you are, you can find art walks, art shows, concerts, plays, outdoor movie screenings, etc.

   5. Yoga

      Taking up yoga can get you to a studio, but it is even better if you can find classes that take place outside when the weather allows for it. Being in nature, or at least a park, can make the mental benefits of yoga stronger. You'll also get more flexible and fit.

   6. Bird Watching

      A cheap pair of field glasses and a good location are all you need to take up a hobby that can end up addictive. You will also need a notebook to write down your sightings and a field guide (or app on your phone). Note that putting out a feeder is kind of cheating, although often the only way to see some birds, such as hummingbirds. If you do feed birds, always put out appropriate food.

   7. Photography

      If you enjoy taking pictures, why not take it to the next level? These days, you can take pretty good photos with a smartphone and only need an expensive camera if you start to get serious. If you get good, you can even make a bit of money on the side and possibly pay for any gear you do buy.

   8. Geocaching

      You might have heard of geocaching - a kind of high-tech treasure hunt with a GPS device. You don't need to buy a separate device unless you find yourself routinely chasing off into places where your phone can't get a signal and thus can't download the map when you hit the edge. You just need to download a geocaching app. To be a good player, consider putting out your own cache. A piece of paper in a small container is sufficient.

Having a hobby or a plan will help you get out of the house, and make getting out of the house a lot more fun. You can make a commitment to yourself to engage in your hobby regularly and gain all the benefits of moving around without spending a huge amount of money.

Sources:

https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2015/07/21/4-ways-to-find-free-and-cheap-camping-sites

http://www.nationalkitemonth.org/how-to-fly-a-kite/