New Hobbies to Safely Get Into This Summer

Summer is just around the corner, which means you might be looking for fun things to do on your own, or with friends and family. Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, last summer felt pretty different for most people! With some restrictions easing, it’s understandable to want to try something new and exciting this year.  

Even though vaccine numbers are on the rise, COVID hasn’t just disappeared. It’s okay if you don’t feel completely comfortable in large crowds or enclosed spaces with others. There are plenty of hobbies you can try that can either be done on your own or safely socially distanced from others. 

Hobbies allow you to de-stress and can promote better overall health. They can give you the escape you need so you can stay focused in other areas of your life. 

The good news? Times are changing. This summer, you don’t have to fall back on old hobbies you’ve enjoyed in the past. If you’re looking for something new to try this summer, let’s cover a few fun options that will allow you to cut loose and have fun while staying safe. 

Trying Something New Outside

It’s easy to feel safe outside and at a distance from others. It’s where some people still feel most comfortable in light of the pandemic. Thankfully, summer is the perfect time to explore an outdoor hobby. If there’s something you’re already interested in, go for it and have fun! For some people, that might be hiking, swimming, cycling, playing a sport. 

But, if you’re looking for something a little more unique, there are plenty of outdoor hobbies that you may not have tried before. 

Something you can do solo or get the family involved in is metal detecting. It’s a great way to play “treasure hunter” on vacation and can be done almost anywhere. Of course, you’ll need to invest in a metal detector, but when you start using it, you’ll enjoy hours of fun and intrigue. You never know what you might dig up!

Other unique outdoor options that can be done on your own include: 

• Horseback riding
• Archery
• Climbing
• Geocaching
• Bird watching
• Skateboarding

Don’t be afraid to try a few different things until you find a hobby you absolutely love. You might also discover that you can enjoy your alone time and make the most of it, rather than feeling isolated and lonely. Spending time outside in any way will benefit your mental health. It can also boost your energy levels and improve your physical health, too. 

Going to Extremes

Looking for more of a thrill this summer? After the year we’ve all been through, that’s understandable. Thankfully, there are plenty of hobbies that can fulfill your “need for speed” – or at least, your desire to try something a little more extreme. 

While you might not want to be a Top Gun pilot just yet, if you love flying or just the idea of air travel, why not get in the cockpit yourself? Getting a pilot’s license takes time and quite a bit of effort. After all, every time you go up in the air, there are lives in your hands – even if it’s just your own. But, with the right training and licensing, you can learn the ropes quickly. If you end up loving it, you can even turn a flying hobby into a career path. 

There are several types of pilot licenses to consider: 

• Sport
• Recreational
• Private
• Commercial
• Airline transport

Getting your sport or recreational license will allow you to fly yourself and enjoy your new hobby. If you want to fly others or consider a career in the airline industry, additional licenses are needed. 

If you want a thrill but prefer keeping your feet on the ground, consider playing paintball with friends. It’s a great form of physical activity, it will get your adrenaline pumping, and by joining a team or tournament, you’ll have something to continuously look forward to. Plus, because there’s so much protective gear involved in paintball, you’ll be covered from head to toe so you can remain safe. 

Anything from bungee jumping to white water rafting can give you an adrenaline rush. Think about what you might be comfortable doing. How far are you willing to push yourself and your boundaries? This might be the summer where you determine you’re an adrenaline junkie. Remember, your safety should always be your top priority. If you’re considering a hobby that might be dangerous, work with a professional first to know what to expect. 

Unleashing Your Inner Child

Playing tends to come naturally for kids. But, studies have shown that play can be just as important and beneficial for adults. It can release endorphins, reduce stress, and even stimulate creativity. Whether you’re in a rut in your life and need an escape or you just want to boost your mood, unleashing your inner child can help. 

Think about some of the hobbies you were interested in as a child. Try picking them up again, or trying something similar. Whatever you decide on, make sure it has an aspect of “play” to it. For some, that might be playing video games. For others, it could include RC car racing – and even joining tournaments. 

Playing games with others is another effective way to feel like a kid again while trying something new. Two-player games like ping-pong, air hockey, or even board games are all fantastic ways to boost your creativity and allow yourself to have fun. Consider it a form of self-care. It can help you to prevent burnout while appreciating the simpler, happier things in life. 

One of the best things about playing is that you can get your kids involved in your new hobby, too. If they’re on a summer break from school, starting a fun activity together is a great way for you to stay connected through the summer. 

Everyone deserves a little fun this summer. But, it’s also important that you feel safe, no matter what you’re doing. Keep these hobbies in mind if you’re looking for something new. You could discover something that you love doing for years to come.