13 Summer Hobbies to Finally Try This Year

Summer often evokes memories of endless days filled with sunshine and freedom. However, as we grow older, the season can feel fleeting, slipping away in the blink of an eye. This is why embracing summer hobbies is essential; they help us reclaim those precious moments and make the season truly our own.

Whether you’re looking to try something new or revisit a forgotten pastime, summer is the ideal time to explore. Here are 13 hobbies to consider diving into this season:

13. Get into Film Photography

Woman with camera learning photography
Photo by Szabo Viktor

Film photography invites you to slow down and savor the moment.

With a limited number of frames, each shot becomes a deliberate choice. Start with a disposable camera or a secondhand point-and-shoot to capture summer’s fleeting beauty, and relish the anticipation of waiting for your prints.

12. Start a Junk Journal

Hands crafting in a scrapbook, displaying creativity and art with Latin script text.
Photo by Katya Wolf

Preserve summer memories in a creative and unstructured way.

A junk journal is a perfect repository for ticket stubs, postcards, and photos. It’s less formal than a scrapbook, allowing you to capture the essence of summer without any pressure for perfection.

11. Try Watercolor Painting Outdoors

An artist skillfully painting vibrant flowers using watercolor on paper, showcasing creative artistry.
Photo by Jordan Besson

Embrace the tranquility of painting in nature.

All you need is a simple watercolor set and a scenic spot. Focus on the process rather than the outcome, and let the beauty of the outdoors inspire your creativity.

10. Learn Calligraphy

Person practicing calligraphy with pen
Photo by Samir Bouaked

Discover the meditative art of beautiful writing.

Calligraphy is both relaxing and rewarding, with starter kits making it accessible to beginners. As you practice, you’ll find it a useful skill for personalizing cards and gifts.

9. Try Natural Dyeing

A detailed close-up of vibrant tie-dye fabric showcasing rainbow colors and creased texture.
Photo by Teona Swift

Explore the vibrant world of natural dyes.

Using techniques like shibori, you can transform fabrics into stunning works of art. It’s a forgiving process that lets you experiment with colors and patterns in the open air.

8. Make Your Own Jewelry

Hands crafting personalized jewelry with beads at a well-organized wooden table.
Photo by Lisett Kruusimäe

Create wearable art with your own hands.

Jewelry making combines creativity and craftsmanship, allowing you to design pieces that reflect your personal style. Start with a basic kit and let your imagination guide you.

7. Pick Up Crocheting

person holding blue and white yarn
Photo by Marina Ermakova

Join the crochet renaissance with a simple project.

Start with small items like market bags or dishcloths. Crocheting is portable and meditative, making it perfect for lazy summer afternoons.

6. Start a Garden or Grow Your Own Herbs

a person wearing gloves and gardening gloves plants in a garden
Photo by Hasan Hasanzadeh

Transform your space with greenery and flavor.

Even a small windowsill can host a thriving herb garden. With a bit of care, you’ll enjoy fresh basil, mint, and chives all summer long, elevating your culinary creations.

5. Try Foraging

woman picking fruits during daytime
Photo by Milan Seitler

Embark on a culinary adventure in your own backyard.

Start with easily identifiable plants like blackberries or dandelion greens. Foraging connects you with nature and provides fresh ingredients for your kitchen.

4. Bake with Seasonal Produce

Preparing a homemade fruit tart with fresh berries and peaches on a wooden surface, showcasing baking process.
Photo by AI25.Studio AI GENERATIVE

Celebrate summer’s bounty with delicious baked goods.

Stone fruits and berries are perfect for light, flavorful desserts. Try your hand at a peach galette or blueberry buckle to savor the taste of summer.

3. Cook Your Way Through a Cookbook

A woman in a kitchen flipping through a cookbook surrounded by fresh vegetables.
Photo by Yaroslav Shuraev

Expand your culinary repertoire one recipe at a time.

Choose a single cookbook and commit to making a few dishes each week. This focused approach introduces you to new flavors and techniques, enriching your summer dining experience.

2. Try Flower Arranging

person holding white and purple flowers in clear glass vase
Photo by Jana Heinemann

Turn grocery store blooms into stunning displays.

Flower arranging is an art that combines color, texture, and form. Experiment with different varieties and arrangements to bring beauty and fragrance into your home.

1. Press Flowers into Art

Hands with red petals over open books, surrounded by scattered flowers and petals for artistic composition.
Photo by Alina Vilchenko

Create lasting beauty from fleeting blooms.

Pressing flowers is a simple yet rewarding hobby. Capture the essence of summer’s peak blooms and transform them into frameable art pieces that preserve the season’s vibrancy.

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About the Writer

Jenny Milam

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