This list includes 31 Hobbies that start with N, from “N scale model railroading” to “Nunchaku”. They include hands-on crafts, physical skills, and collecting activities useful for leisure, learning, and community building.
Hobbies that start with N are recreational pursuits whose names begin with the letter N and cover many interests. Some trace to long traditions—like nunchaku in martial arts—or to modern maker culture, such as N scale modeling.
Below you’ll find the table with Hobby, Required equipment, Difficulty, and Benefits.
Hobby: The activity name, so you can quickly scan options and pick ones that interest you.
Required equipment: Key tools and supplies needed, giving you a quick sense of start-up cost and prep.
Difficulty: One-word skill tier (Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced) to help you judge whether you can start now.
Benefits: Short list of typical outcomes, so you see practical gains like fitness, creativity, or community.
Hobbies that start with N
| Hobby | Typical Equipment | Difficulty | Time Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nail art | nail polish, brushes, files, base/top coat | Beginner | 0.5–1 hrs/session |
| Napkin folding | cloth napkins, starch spray, ironing board, folding guide | Beginner | 0.5–1 hrs/session |
| N scale model railroading | N-scale tracks, locomotives, power pack, scenery materials | Intermediate | 2–6 hrs/week |
| Nature photography | camera, lens, tripod, memory card | Intermediate | 2–5 hrs/week |
| Nature journaling | journal, pencils, watercolor set, field guide | Beginner | 1–3 hrs/week |
| Nature walking | sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, water bottle | Beginner | 1–5 hrs/week |
| Natural dyeing | natural dyes (plants), fabric, mordant, pots | Intermediate | 2–4 hrs/session |
| Needle felting | felting needles, wool roving, foam pad, felting mat | Beginner | 0.5–2 hrs/session |
| Needlepoint | canvas, tapestry needles, embroidery floss, hoop | Beginner | 1–4 hrs/week |
| Needlework | sewing needles, thread, fabric, scissors | Beginner | 1–4 hrs/week |
| Netball | sports shoes, netball, comfortable clothing | Beginner | 1–4 hrs/week |
| Night hiking | headlamp, hiking boots, map, layers | Intermediate | 1–4 hrs/session |
| Night photography | camera, tripod, remote shutter, flashlight | Advanced | 1–4 hrs/session |
| Night fishing | rod, bait/lures, headlamp, tackle box | Intermediate | 2–6 hrs/session |
| Nordic walking | Nordic walking poles, walking shoes, breathable clothing | Beginner | 1–3 hrs/week |
| Nordic skiing | cross-country skis, poles, boots, wax | Intermediate | 1–4 hrs/session |
| Novel writing | computer or notebook, writing software, reference books | Intermediate | 2–8 hrs/week |
| Novel reading | books or e-reader, reading light, bookmarks | Beginner | 2–10 hrs/week |
| Numismatics | coin holders, magnifier, reference guide, gloves | Beginner | 1–3 hrs/week |
| Nonogram puzzles | pencil, eraser, puzzle book or app, ruler | Beginner | 0.5–1 hrs/session |
| Nunchaku | practice nunchaku (foam), safety pads, instructional guide | Intermediate | 0.5–2 hrs/session |
| Necklace making | beads, stringing wire, pliers, clasps | Beginner | 1–3 hrs/session |
| Natural history collecting | field bag, specimen bags, field guide, magnifier | Beginner | 1–4 hrs/week |
| Newspaper collage | old newspapers, glue, scissors, backing board | Beginner | 0.5–2 hrs/session |
| Neon sign making | glass tubing, transformers, electrodes, safety gear | Advanced | 3–10 hrs/session |
| Netsuke carving | wood or ivory substitute, carving tools, sandpaper | Advanced | 2–6 hrs/week |
| Navigation | compass, map, protractor, training materials | Intermediate | 0.5–3 hrs/session |
| Night sky observation | binoculars or telescope, star chart, red flashlight | Beginner | 1–3 hrs/session |
| Natural soap making | oils, lye or melt-and-pour base, molds, safety gear | Intermediate | 1–3 hrs/session |
| Native plant gardening | native seeds/plants, soil, trowel, mulch | Beginner | 1–5 hrs/week |
| Nature conservation volunteering | gloves, litter bags, basic tools, sturdy boots | Beginner | 1–4 hrs/week |
Descriptions
Nail art
Decorating fingernails with polish, decals or tools; improves creativity and fine motor skills, social sharing. Accessible at home with basic supplies and beginner tutorials.
Napkin folding
Creative tableware folding for events or décor; boosts patience and presentation skills. Cheap materials and easy patterns make it beginner-friendly.
N scale model railroading
Building miniature train layouts in N scale; teaches planning, wiring, and modeling. Space and some tools needed; good for detailed hobbyists.
Nature photography
Capturing landscapes, wildlife, plants; improves observation and composition skills, gets you outdoors. Accessible with phone or basic camera; variable travel needs.
Nature journaling
Sketching observations, notes, and specimens from nature; boosts observation, mindfulness, and learning. Low-cost, portable, and welcoming to all skill levels.
Nature walking
Leisurely walks focused on observing flora/fauna; promotes fitness, stress relief, and curiosity. Very accessible, minimal gear and entry barriers.
Natural dyeing
Using plant-based dyes to color textiles; encourages creativity and sustainable craft. Requires safety steps for mordants and heat source.
Needle felting
Shaping wool into figures or decorations with barbed needles; improves dexterity and creativity. Low-cost supplies, safe with care for needle handling.
Needlepoint
Stitching decorative patterns on mesh canvas; relaxing and improves concentration. Affordable starter kits and adaptable projects for beginners.
Needlework
General hand-sewing and embroidery crafts; builds fine motor skills and practical mending abilities. Accessible with basic tools and easy beginner patterns.
Netball
Team court sport focused on passing and shooting; improves fitness, teamwork, and agility. Widely played in clubs; suitable for many ages.
Night hiking
Hiking after dark to experience nocturnal wildlife and atmosphere; increases navigation skills and adventure. Requires safety planning and good lighting.
Night photography
Photographing low-light scenes, cityscapes, or stars; sharpens technical camera skills and creativity. Requires specialized settings and stable equipment.
Night fishing
Fishing after dark for species active at night; calming and rewarding for catches. Needs local knowledge and safety precautions.
Nordic walking
Fitness walking using poles to work upper body and cardio; boosts endurance and posture. Simple technique to learn and low-impact.
Nordic skiing
Cross-country skiing for fitness and scenery; excellent cardio and full-body workout. Requires snow access and basic technique training.
Novel writing
Crafting long-form fiction; develops storytelling, discipline, and creative thinking. Accessible at home; writers’ groups and prompts help beginners.
Novel reading
Reading long-form fiction for enjoyment and learning; improves empathy, vocabulary, and relaxation. Widely accessible through libraries and digital options.
Numismatics
Collecting and studying coins and currency; educational and potentially investment-oriented. Accessible start-up with inexpensive coins and reference resources.
Nonogram puzzles
Logic grid puzzles (Picross) that reveal images; improves logic and focus. Easy to start with books or apps, suitable for short sessions.
Nunchaku
Training with two-stick martial tool for coordination and rhythm; improves reflexes and discipline. Start with foam trainers and safety guidance.
Necklace making
Designing and assembling necklaces; fosters creativity and fine-motor skills. Starter kits are affordable and accessible to beginners.
Natural history collecting
Collecting rocks, shells, plants, or insects for study and display; encourages learning and outdoor exploration. Check local rules on collecting and ethics.
Newspaper collage
Creating art or journals from newspaper clippings; boosts creativity and recycling. Very low-cost and suitable for beginners and kids.
Neon sign making
Crafting illuminated signs with neon gas and glasswork; offers striking art and technical skills. Requires training, specialized tools, and safety precautions.
Netsuke carving
Carving small Japanese-style figurines; hones fine carving, design, and historical appreciation. Demands fine tools, patience, and practice.
Navigation
Learning map-and-compass skills for orienteering and outdoor travel; improves spatial awareness and safety. Practiceable in parks; no electronics required.
Night sky observation
Observing stars, planets, and meteors; promotes wonder, astronomy learning, and relaxation. Accessible from darker areas and with beginner equipment.
Natural soap making
Crafting handmade soaps with natural ingredients; creative and practical with scent and skin-care benefits. Follow safety guidelines when working with lye.
Native plant gardening
Growing local plant species to support biodiversity; benefits pollinators and reduces maintenance. Adaptable to small spaces and community projects.
Nature conservation volunteering
Volunteering for habitat restoration, surveys, or cleanups; rewarding, social, and impactful. Accessible through local groups; physical demands vary by task.