Pull out the Ben & Jerry’s, plop down on the couch, and set yourself on autopilot—because a Netflix binge sounds a whole lot easier than a full day of bouldering or mountain biking.
Fortunately, there are plenty of outdoor hobbies you can enjoy at home. From putting greens to pottery making, we’ve listed something for everybody.
Table of Contents:
Become a Master Griller
Set Up Camp (in the Backyard)
Host Outdoor Movie Nights
Try Your Hand at Beekeeping
Play Badminton
Practice Soccer Drills
Stargaze
Learn Woodworking
Keep Chickens
Plant a Garden
Work Out on a Stationary Bike
Practice Yoga
Meditate
Tye-Dye Clothes
Make Pottery
Host Outdoor Dinners
Build a Stock Tank Pool
Play Lawn Games
Rehab Furniture
Set Up a Putting Green
Practice Archery
Paint Watercolors
Throw a Backyard Dance Party
1. Become a Master Griller
Still perfecting that seared hanger steak or those sticky-sweet chicken thighs? Of course, grilling is one of the most obvious backyard hobbies to master—and for good reason. Conquer the flame and you’ll gain confidence, accolades, and a lifetime of seriously finger-licking good meals.
2. Set Up Camp (in the Backyard)
Let’s just be honest with each other. Camping in the great outdoors is an astounding amount of work. Is it worth it? Sometimes. But a lot of the time? Camping in the backyard is just as good. So go forth without shame! Soak up the night sky, light up the backyard fire table, and enjoy the one thing we all really go camping for—gooey s’mores.
3. Host Outdoor Movie Nights
There’s something about watching a movie outdoors that is simply more fun. Whether you have a projector screen or an old bedsheet, outdoor movie nights will make you the most popular host of the summer. Just don’t forget the drink station and popcorn (extra butter, please!)
4. Try Your Hand at Beekeeping
Ready to take your backyard hobbies outside the box? Beekeeping is a rising hobby that comes with a host of perks: get in touch with nature, improve your garden, boost the bee population, and—best of all—enjoy amazing honey (that’s as local as it gets).
5. Play Badminton
Badminton ain’t just for the old folks. This hobby is easy to get into and a great way to pass the afternoon in your own backyard. It gives you a chance to socialize with friends and family, and it’s even a total-body workout. We’re not saying you’ll come away with serious guns, but we’re pretty sure you’ll have a blast trying a new sport.
6. Practice Soccer Drills
All you need are a few orange cones and a soccer ball to work up a sweat and perfect your soccer skills. YouTube is a wealth of inspiration when you’re looking for ways to hone your talents, from dribbling to passing and shooting.
7. Stargaze
When was the last time you really took a moment to marvel at the night sky? If you’re like a lot of us—well, it’s been a while. Though sky pollution could be a thing in your city, it may only take a quick walk to the backyard to get a good look at some of the galaxy’s most stunning constellations. Bring along your Greek mythology handbook to make the night even more interesting.
8. Learn Woodworking
Woodworking is one of those skills that will come in handy for a lifetime. No need to take on a handmade dining table just yet—start small by trying your hand at a planter, shelf, or cutting board. And if you get really good? Soon you’ll have handmade furniture and decor dotting your home and yard space. Bring on the power saw!
9. Keep Chickens
If you’re one of those people who eats eggs every morning, keeping chickens in the backyard is a no-brainer. You can try your hand at homestead life and enjoy fresh eggs every day of the week. But be warned: some cities have restrictions on keeping backyard chickens, so check with your local government before you start building that coop.
10. Plant a Garden
Gardening has made a huge comeback over the past few years, but it’s not too late to jump aboard the trend. The best part about gardening is that you can try your hand at any level, from a few tomato containers to an extensive raised bed garden. Even a small patio is enough space to grow an herb garden. (And we all know fresh herbs taste 1000 times better than their dried counterparts.)
11. Work Out on a Stationary Bike
There are plenty of reasons to opt for a stationary bike over a road bike or mountain bike. Sharing the road with cars can be intimidating, and you might not have the time to hit the trails in the daylight hours. Instead, pull up the stationary bike in your own backyard. Enjoy the sights and sounds of your yard or binge-watch your favorite show on the tablet while you’re at it.
12. Practice Yoga
Whether you’re looking to gain flexibility, peace of mind, or strength, yoga is the answer. So pull up the mat on your lawn and go for it. It’s easy to find free apps and YouTube videos dedicated to at-home yoga—no expensive membership required.
13. Meditate
Feeling anxious and overwhelmed? Need a way to bring yourself into the present moment? Meditation offers a long list of mental and physical health benefits, and your backyard is the perfect atmosphere for giving it a try. Start by focusing on your breath for just a few minutes a day, then build on the practice from there.
14. Tie-Dye Clothes
You won’t look like you’re wearing a 60s costume this time around—tie-dye is back, baby! Head to the back patio and set up your own tie-dying station. You can give new life to old T-shirts, sheets, dishcloths, and more.
15. Make Pottery
One of the best things about the modern age is that you can learn almost any skill from the comfort of home—pottery included. While taking a pottery class could be helpful, there are plenty of online courses dedicated to the craft. You’ll just need a pottery wheel, clay, and a few other supplies to get started.
16. Host Outdoor Dinners
Set up the patio lights and outdoor dining set because dining al fresco is one of the best ways to pass the night with friends and family. If you’re not confident in your cooking skills, just make it a potluck dinner or arrange some charcuterie boards. The magical atmosphere will more than make up for any failed recipe experiments.
17. Build a Stock Tank Pool
No need to invest thousands of dollars on an in-ground pool. Stock tank pools aren’t just for farmers and hill folk anymore. These trending DIY projects offer an inexpensive way to cool off in the summer, and the possibilities for customizing your pool are endless. So pull up Pinterest and start planning your backyard oasis.
18. Play Lawn Games
From cornhole to bocce ball, there are plenty of lawn games to pick up as your new outdoor summer hobby. Invite friends over for drinks and a round of horseshoe—you might be surprised at how much fun you’ll have.
19. Rehab Furniture
Rehabbing old furniture is a great way to feel good about yourself. You’re saving old stuff from a landfill, you’re exercising your creativity, and you could even make a few bucks doing it. Your garage or patio is the perfect place to set up shop and start sanding, painting, and sealing.
20. Set Up a Putting Green
You can hit the golf course without leaving your home when you set up a putting green in your own backyard. Practice regularly, and your golfing friends will want to know all of your secrets when you’re on the course.
21. Practice Archery
We’re calling it—if there’s a zombie apocalypse, archery will be a coveted skill. Start practicing by setting up targets in the backyard. You’ll surely be ready to hunt down a moose if your circumstances ever call for it.
22. Paint Watercolors
Nature is one of the best sources of inspiration when it comes to creating art. So why not try your hand at watercolor in your backyard? Even if your space isn’t much to look at, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while you learn a new skill.
23. Throw a Backyard Dance Party
Queue up your playlist and hit the dance floor because the party is going down at your place. Backyard dance parties are a fun way to let loose with the ones you love—just remember to be courteous and call it quits before it gets too late. (No need to make enemies with the neighbors who aren’t as keen on those club jams from a few years ago.)
Kickstart Your Outdoor Hobbies at Home with Flow Wall
You have to hand it to us—we’ve gathered an epic list of interesting outdoor hobbies you can do at home, and now the ball is in your court. Pull yourself off the couch and get to it!
Flow Wall makes it easy to organize all of your hobby gear and supplies at home. Check out our cabinets, wall panels, bins, baskets, and more, and become that cool hobbyist you’ve always admired.
