This list includes 50 Hobbies that start with A, from “Abseiling” to “Axe throwing”. It mixes familiar, active, and creative pursuits useful for leisure, fitness, and skill-building.

Hobbies that start with A are recreational activities beginning with the letter A that you can learn and repeat. Abseiling, for example, grew from mountain rescue techniques and is now a common adventure-sport choice.

Below you’ll find the table with Hobby, Required equipment, Difficulty, and Benefits.

Hobby: The name of the activity, so you can scan options and pick what fits your interests and goals.

Required equipment: Lists the main gear (2–5 items) you need to begin each hobby, letting you budget and prepare efficiently.

Difficulty: A single-word tier (Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced) that helps you judge time and learning commitment required before you start.

Benefits: One to three concise outcomes you can expect, like fitness, creativity, socializing, or stress relief.

Hobbies that start with A

NameCategoryRequired equipmentDifficulty
ArcheryOutdoorbow, arrows, target, armguardIntermediate
AstronomySciencetelescope, star chart, red flashlightBeginner
Amateur radioTechtransceiver, antenna, power supply, headphonesIntermediate
Acrylic paintingArts & Craftsbrushes, acrylic paint, canvas, paletteBeginner
AquascapingAquaticsaquarium, plants, substrate, lightingIntermediate
Aquarium keepingAquaticstank, filter, heater, test kitBeginner
ApicultureGardeninghive boxes, beekeeping suit, smoker, hive toolIntermediate
ActingPerformingscripts, basic props, rehearsal spaceBeginner
AirbrushingArts & Craftsairbrush, compressor, paints, maskIntermediate
AntiquingCollectingcash, measuring tape, transportBeginner
Animal trackingOutdoorfield guide, notebook, camera, bootsIntermediate
Axe throwingGamesaxes, target, safety gearBeginner
AstrophotographyPhotographycamera, telescope, tracking mount, tripodAdvanced
Audio editingTechcomputer, audio interface, headphones, editing softwareIntermediate
AeromodellingHobby Craftmodel kits, glue, paint, radio controlIntermediate
AccordionMusicaccordion, music stand, instructional bookIntermediate
AikidoFitnessuniform, mat, instructorIntermediate
Alpine skiingOutdoorskis, boots, poles, helmetIntermediate
AppliquéArts & Craftsfabric, needle, thread, scissorsBeginner
Art journalingArts & Craftsjournal, pens, paints, glueBeginner
AirsoftGamesairsoft gun, eye protection, tactical gearBeginner
AmigurumiCraftsyarn, crochet hook, stuffing, needleBeginner
AquaponicsGardeningfish tank, grow bed, pump, plantsIntermediate
AnimationArts & Techdrawing tools, computer, animation software, tabletIntermediate
Android app developmentTechcomputer, development software, smartphoneIntermediate
Antiquarian book collectingCollectingbooklight, gloves, storage boxesIntermediate
Archery tagGamesfoam arrows, bows, protective masksBeginner
AromatherapyWellnessessential oils, diffuser, carrier oilsBeginner
Ant keepingCollectingformicarium, ants, substrate, foodBeginner
Agate huntingOutdoorrock hammer, field guide, safety gearIntermediate
Abstract paintingArts & Craftscanvas, paints, brushes, paletteBeginner
Amateur mycologyOutdoorfield guide, knife, basket, microscope (optional)Intermediate
Ashtanga yogaFitnessyoga mat, strap, comfortable clothingIntermediate
Acrylic pouringArts & Craftsacrylic paint, pouring medium, canvas, cupsBeginner
Animal photographyPhotographycamera, zoom lens, tripodIntermediate
Auto detailingHobby Craftmicrofiber cloths, soap, polish, vacuumBeginner
Auto restorationHobby Craftwrenches, sandpaper, paint, partsAdvanced
Arrow makingCraftsshaft material, fletching, glue, nock toolIntermediate
Ancestry researchCollectingcomputer, archive access, genealogy softwareBeginner
Apple graftingGardeninggrafting knife, rootstock, tapeIntermediate
AutoharpMusicautoharp, pick, songbookBeginner
AbseilingOutdoor Adventurerope, harness, helmet, carabinersAdvanced
Amateur metal detectingOutdoor/Collectingmetal detector, headphones, digging toolBeginner
Acoustic guitarMusicguitar, tuner, picksBeginner
Adult coloringWellnesscoloring book, colored pencils, fine linersBeginner
Arrowhead huntingCollectingfield guide, digging tool, glovesIntermediate
Amateur boxingFitnessgloves, hand wraps, heavy bag, mouthguardIntermediate
AquatintArts & Craftsetching plate, rosin, acid, printing pressAdvanced
Ambient musicMusicsynthesizer or computer, headphones, DAW softwareIntermediate
Art collectingCollectingstorage supplies, provenance records, valuation guideIntermediate

Descriptions

Archery
Shooting arrows at targets for sport or recreation, indoors or outdoors. Builds concentration and coordination. Benefits: focus, upper-body strength, patience.
Astronomy
Observing stars, planets and celestial events; great for stargazing nights and learning constellations. Benefits: curiosity, relaxation, science knowledge.
Amateur radio
Radio communication hobby connecting people locally and worldwide; includes building antennas and emergency comms. Benefits: technical skills, community, problem-solving.
Acrylic painting
Versatile, fast-drying painting medium suitable for beginners and professionals. Easy cleanup and expressive results. Benefits: creativity, stress relief, fine motor skills.
Aquascaping
Designing planted aquariums as living art; balances aesthetics and aquatic science. Benefits: creativity, patience, aquatic husbandry.
Aquarium keeping
Caring for fish and aquatic plants; teaches water chemistry and routine maintenance. Benefits: responsibility, relaxation, observation skills.
Apiculture
Keeping honey bees for pollination and honey production; requires seasonal care and safety. Benefits: ecosystem support, biology knowledge, honey.
Acting
Performing in plays, film or improv; boosts confidence and storytelling. Benefits: communication, confidence, creativity.
Airbrushing
Spray-paint technique for models, art and custom finishes; requires control and surface prep. Benefits: precision, artistic finishing, attention to detail.
Antiquing
Hunting for antiques at markets and shops; mix of research and treasure hunting. Benefits: history appreciation, bargaining skills, potential investment.
Animal tracking
Identifying tracks, scat and signs to follow wildlife movements in nature. Benefits: observation skills, nature connection, patience.
Axe throwing
Recreational target throwing at indoor or outdoor venues; social and active pastime. Benefits: coordination, stress relief, friendly competition.
Astrophotography
Photographing celestial objects; combines astronomy with advanced camera techniques and post-processing. Benefits: technical skills, stunning images, astronomy knowledge.
Audio editing
Recording and editing sound for podcasts, music or video projects. Benefits: storytelling, technical audio skills, content creation.
Aeromodelling
Building and flying scale model aircraft, from gliders to RC planes. Benefits: engineering skills, patience, aerodynamics knowledge.
Accordion
Learning and playing the accordion across folk and popular styles; portable and versatile. Benefits: coordination, musicality, cultural appreciation.
Aikido
Japanese martial art focused on redirecting force and joint control; emphasizes balance and discipline. Benefits: balance, discipline, self-defense awareness.
Alpine skiing
Downhill skiing on mountain slopes; seasonal hobby for thrill-seekers and fitness lovers. Benefits: cardiovascular fitness, coordination, outdoor enjoyment.
Appliqué
Sewing decorative fabric pieces onto textiles for quilts and clothing. Benefits: creativity, fine motor skills, textile reuse.
Art journaling
Combining drawing, paint and writing in a personal journal to explore ideas and emotions. Benefits: self-expression, creativity, stress relief.
Airsoft
Team-based simulated combat using replica firearms; emphasizes tactics and teamwork. Benefits: strategy, teamwork, physical activity.
Amigurumi
Crocheting small stuffed toys and characters, popular among crafters for gifts. Benefits: creativity, fine motor skills, gift making.
Aquaponics
Hybrid system combining fish rearing and hydroponic plant cultivation in a closed loop. Benefits: sustainable produce, biology learning, efficient gardening.
Animation
Creating moving images by hand or digitally for films, shorts or web content. Benefits: storytelling, digital skills, creativity.
Android app development
Building apps for Android devices as a creative coding hobby; includes UI and logic design. Benefits: coding skills, problem-solving, portfolio building.
Antiquarian book collecting
Searching, preserving and researching rare books and first editions for pleasure or investment. Benefits: historical knowledge, archival care, aesthetic enjoyment.
Archery tag
Team dodgeball-style game using safe foam-tipped arrows; fun and active group hobby. Benefits: teamwork, agility, strategy.
Aromatherapy
Blending and using plant-based scents for relaxation and home wellness. Benefits: relaxation, mood support, creative blending.
Ant keeping
Observing ant colony behavior in a formicarium; educational and low-maintenance. Benefits: observation, biology interest, patience.
Agate hunting
Searching beaches and riverbeds for agates and minerals; a geology-focused treasure hunt. Benefits: geology knowledge, outdoor exploration, discovery.
Abstract painting
Nonrepresentational painting focusing on color, texture and form for expressive art. Benefits: emotional expression, experimentation, creativity.
Amateur mycology
Studying and responsibly foraging fungi; combines outdoor exploration with identification skills. Benefits: nature literacy, culinary finds, scientific curiosity.
Ashtanga yoga
Structured, breath-linked yoga series focusing on strength, flexibility and discipline. Benefits: flexibility, strength, stress reduction.
Acrylic pouring
Fluid-paint technique producing colorful abstract patterns; forgiving and fun for beginners. Benefits: creative play, satisfying results, relaxation.
Animal photography
Capturing pets or wildlife; improves observation and technical camera control. Benefits: patience, photography skills, nature connection.
Auto detailing
Cleaning and restoring a vehicle’s appearance for pride and hobby satisfaction. Benefits: attention to detail, hands-on work, aesthetic results.
Auto restoration
Restoring classic cars mechanically and cosmetically; long-term, hands-on craftsmanship. Benefits: mechanical skill, problem-solving, sense of accomplishment.
Arrow making
Crafting arrows by hand for archery or display; combines woodworking and precision. Benefits: craftsmanship, precision, archery knowledge.
Ancestry research
Tracing family history through records and archives to build family trees. Benefits: personal history, research skills, family connection.
Apple grafting
Propagating apple varieties by grafting scions onto rootstock to grow desired trees. Benefits: horticulture skills, fruit variety control, hands-on gardening.
Autoharp
Playing chorded zither used in folk music for easy accompaniment. Benefits: musical accompaniment, rhythm skills, enjoyable learning.
Abseiling
Controlled descent down cliffs or structures; requires training and safety awareness. Benefits: confidence, physical fitness, adventure.
Amateur metal detecting
Searching fields and beaches for buried coins, relics and metal artifacts. Benefits: treasure hunting, history interest, outdoor activity.
Acoustic guitar
Learning to play a versatile instrument for songwriting and performance. Benefits: musicality, coordination, stress relief.
Adult coloring
Coloring detailed designs for mindfulness and relaxation; popular stress-relief hobby. Benefits: stress relief, focus, creativity.
Arrowhead hunting
Searching for prehistoric stone tools on land and riverbeds; involves identification and ethics. Benefits: history interest, outdoor exploration, discovery.
Amateur boxing
Training in boxing techniques for fitness and sport in nonprofessional settings. Benefits: cardio fitness, discipline, self-confidence.
Aquatint
Printmaking technique producing tonal areas in intaglio prints; requires studio equipment. Benefits: printmaking skill, artistic control, unique prints.
Ambient music
Composing atmospheric, meditative music focusing on texture and mood. Benefits: creativity, sound design skills, relaxation.
Art collecting
Building a curated collection of artworks for enjoyment, study or investment. Benefits: aesthetic appreciation, cultural knowledge, potential investment.
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