*Collaborative post
Wondering how you can make the summer more memorable?
Summer usually means beaches, barbecues or those long nature walks. But when was the last time you took up a summer hobby that awoke a newfound passion within you?
With long, warm days ahead and school and college holidays in full swing, finding activities to keep yourself or your children entertained can be a challenge. In most parts of the UK, you’re blessed with over 15 hours of daylight and temperatures soaring above 25°C, making it the ideal time to explore new hobbies.
While summer picnics and beach holidays are great, they’re not something you can do regularly. Plus, with the increasing frequency of heatwaves and the unpredictable UK weather (you never know when it might start raining), outdoor activities might not always be at the top of your list.
There’s a whole lot to try, whether it’s archery at Avalanche Adventure or pottery classes at Social Pottery. To help you make the most of your summer, we’ve compiled a detailed list of seven hobbies to try in 2025.
1. Cooking or Baking
Everyone who visits this popular BBQ restaurant in Nottingham can’t seem to forget their indulgent burgers. Bilmonte is another cosy nook in London that offers the best gelatos for those with a sweet tooth.
If food is something you’re passionate about, or if you’re known as the gastronome in your social circle, why not pick up cooking or baking as a hobby this summer?
Whether you’re looking for a local class, a cooking institute, or even summer workshops offered by chefs or restaurants, there are plenty of options available. You can also find cooking tutorials on YouTube, covering everything from Italian cuisine and Mediterranean dishes to barbecues and Indian curries.
With so many choices, you can easily sign up for a class that suits your taste and schedule. Many courses are also dedicated to kids, as teaching them how to cook is an important life skill, and it can also be a great bonding experience.
2. Knitting or Sewing
Knitting or sewing can be a fun and creative way to spend those long summer days. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just a hobby for grandmothers! If you’re new to these crafts, start by stocking up on quality supplies from a trusted haberdashery online.
There are many YouTube channels offering beginner-friendly tutorials on knitting, sewing, and crocheting. These videos are a great option, as they allow you to rewatch lessons as many times as needed, at no cost.
One of the best parts of learning these skills is the ability to create personalised keepsakes or handmade gifts for your loved ones. It also serves as a great bonding experience.
3. Pottery
Pottery is a great summer activity to try, especially for those who are creative and don’t mind messy activities. It also offers several benefits, such as stress relief, improved focus and motor skills.
Additionally, if you are someone who leads a sedentary lifestyle or has a desk job, you might be prone to developing tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome or even a frozen shoulder. Pottery offers a gentle way to strengthen your shoulders, hands, wrists and arms. It is also a great pain reliever, as stress and joint and muscle stiffness can lead to excruciating pain, which is remedied by pottery.
If you’re unsure, try a weekend class and have some fun while deciding if it’s something you’d like to pursue long-term.
4. Photography
During your summer holidays, have you ever come across breathtaking scenes that you wish you could capture? But when you get home, the photos just don’t do justice to what you saw? This summer hobby is the perfect way to address that challenge.
While having a professional camera helps, with the right skills, your smartphone camera can be just as effective in capturing those perfect moments. If you hone your photography skills, you could even offer your services for hire, like at your niece’s birthday, your sister’s baby shower, or your parents’ anniversary.
5. Jewellery Making
If you’re interested in jewellery design, you could consider picking up jewellery making as a hobby for the summer. By upcycling old pieces of jewellery or using materials like shells collected from the beach, you can turn sentimental, unused items into beautiful new pieces that are one-of-a-kind.
Plus, making jewellery is a creative and budget-friendly alternative to fast fashion, allowing you to enjoy trendy, custom accessories without breaking the bank.
6. Gardening
Gardening is a wonderful hobby to take up, and the best part is that you don’t need a large backyard to get started. Even those living in flats can create a kitchen garden, growing fresh herbs and keeping indoor plants.
For those with small gardens or access to allotments, you can also grow your own fruits and vegetables. Reach out to experienced growers or join online gardening communities to gather tips and insights. Start with easy-to-grow plants like tomatoes and radishes before moving on to more challenging varieties.
There’s something deeply satisfying about watching a plant grow and bear fruit, even if it’s in small quantities. This is not only a fun hobby but also helps you do your bit in contributing to the environment.
7. Dance
Dancing is a great form of cardio while also being highly entertaining. If you do not like going to a gym or running, dancing is the best option. Dancing also helps with flexibility, weight management and stronger muscles and bones. You can choose between hip hop, ballroom dancing or Latin numbers—whatever gets you moving!
Whether you want to go to a physical dance studio near you or look for online options, there are options for everyone. You can also apply for weekend-only classes or twice-per-week classes based on your summer schedule.
Final Words
Hobbies are a great way to spend your free time while expanding your creativity and stimulating your cognitive abilities. Summers are a great time to learn new skills or hobbies.
Find something you are passionate about or an activity that the entire family can do together. Sometimes, having a friend join you will motivate you to follow through while also making the experience more enjoyable.a smile to a new parent’s face.