Philadelphia, PA - Philly is one of the best cities in the US for starting hobbies and pastimes. There are countless options; most are relatively inexpensive and easy to get to. You can also enjoy many groups to get the community and the support needed to start a new hobby. This article will go over some of the best hobbies out there. We’ve tried to provide options for everyone, so the hobbies on our list include ideas for those who are outgoing and enjoy physical activity, as well as some for those who don’t.
Bike Groups
Philly is a great city for bikers, and anyone who’s always behind the wheel can tell you that it’s usually the fastest way to get around. Riding a bike is also great exercise and is much better for the environment.
It’s much more fun when done in a group, and there are more than a few of them to choose from and join. These groups will give you a push when you feel like you’re not up for a ride. Some of the best groups include Bicycle Coalition, Women Bike PHL, or a regional team.
Bowling
Bowling isn’t always the hobby that comes to mind when you think about the exciting things to do on a Saturday night. However, there’s recently been a vibe shift in bowling alleys and the types of customers they are trying to attract. There’s a more mature vibe, especially since bowling alleys serve alcohol these days.
It’s a great way to meet new people, especially if you join a local league and set up a team of your own or are paired with an already existing one. If you’re lucky, you may even move up and play against other teams from the state.
Sports Betting and Casinos
Sports betting and casino games no longer require a big trip to one of the states that allow it. Most of the experience is available online, and with the use of cryptocurrencies, it’s easy to wager at establishments based abroad.
Anyone can sign up for an account and win jackpots with Bitcoin if they are lucky enough. The casinos offer both games of skill and games of luck. These include dice games, slots, roulette, blackjacks, and poker tournaments. Blockchain technology behind crypto payments is a guarantee the odds are fair and payments are automated.
Photography
Photography is a creative hobby that anyone can get into. At first, it’s enough to use your phone, but it’s also relatively easy to get the equipment, which brings things up a notch in terms of professionalism. Philadelphia Photo Center is a great place to start and get lessons. It works regardless of how good you are with a camera and is suited for beginners.
A great thing about this hobby is that it can become a creative outlet and a side hustle that can generate revenue on its own. At the same time, photography can remain just a hobby and a chance to get to know the city by finding great places to take photos.
Running
Exercise isn’t always like an exciting hobby, but anyone who runs on a regular basis will tell you that it has huge benefits both physically and in terms of well-being. A great thing about running is that you can start small and, as you get better, really put your body to the test.
There are many groups dedicated to creating a community of runners. These are great as a support for when things get hard (and they may at first), but also a fun way to socialize and meet new and like-minded people.
Learn to Play an Instrument
Creative hobbies such as playing an instrument or composing are usually among the most rewarding. If you have a bit of talent, it’s easy to pick up the basics, and then it’s time to get creative and start writing music of your own.
Swift Lessons are a great place to start the lessons in a group class. The program takes about five weeks, which is fine for beginners, and there are classes on instruments beyond guitars (even though guitars and ukuleles are the easiest to pick up).
Learning to Dance
Continuing with a theme of hobbies that are creative outlets, dance has always been one of the most popular. Koresh Dance Company has classes for adults. The ambiance is pleasant and welcoming, so there’s no need to worry if you’re no good – most of those taking the class aren’t, at least at first.
It’s also a great hobby to start with your partner. Dancing together is a great experience, especially as you both learn and gradually get better at it. The lessons available include many different styles and influences, such as jazz, ballet, and hip-hop.
Comedy Improvisation
Getting up on the stage and having an improv act can be one of the most fun or the most stressful experiences you’ll ever have. It’s an especially fun hobby for those who have a problem with public speaking and aren’t comfortable in front of crowds.
The best attitude to take is to accept that you won’t be any good at it since most who try aren’t and that the fun is making a fool of yourself in public. You’ll be surprised at how creative it can get. Classes at Philly Improv Theater even have free intro workshops for beginners.
Learning How to Cook
Learning how to cook is an amazing hobby with surprising benefits. First of all, the experience itself is fun and surprisingly challenging. In the long run, it saves money since learning how to make a restaurant-quality meal on your own saves a ton on dining out. Cooking is also very creative; you can create your own recipes once you get the basics.
Tons of Philly restaurants have classes taught by the chefs themselves, and the Restaurant School also offers courses for beginners.
Sports
If it’s been a while since you’ve played a sport, joining a local amateur team can be a great hobby. It’s a way to meet new people, and it’s a great exercise. Football, kickball, tennis, ultimate Frisbee, and many other sports are all available. Philadelphia Sports Leagues has got you covered for all of these.
It’s important to pace yourself with these since it’s pretty easy to get injured if you haven’t played a sport for a long time. Keep in mind that it’s about the experience and the people, and try not to be too competitive right away.
To Sum Things Up
There are many great options for starting a new hobby in Philly. The city has something to offer for almost everyone, and there are many teams, schools, and groups to join if you need a community to help you get into a new hobby. Most of these are inexpensive and oriented towards both beginners and those with some experience.
There’s also nothing stopping you from starting a few hobbies at once and mixing things up with both creative and physical hobbies. One of the best things about starting a new hobby is meeting new people with the same interests.
