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
| Name | Category | Required equipment | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | Outdoor | bow, arrows, target, armguard | Intermediate |
| Astronomy | Science | telescope, star chart, red flashlight | Beginner |
| Amateur radio | Tech | transceiver, antenna, power supply, headphones | Intermediate |
| Acrylic painting | Arts & Crafts | brushes, acrylic paint, canvas, palette | Beginner |
| Aquascaping | Aquatics | aquarium, plants, substrate, lighting | Intermediate |
| Aquarium keeping | Aquatics | tank, filter, heater, test kit | Beginner |
| Apiculture | Gardening | hive boxes, beekeeping suit, smoker, hive tool | Intermediate |
| Acting | Performing | scripts, basic props, rehearsal space | Beginner |
| Airbrushing | Arts & Crafts | airbrush, compressor, paints, mask | Intermediate |
| Antiquing | Collecting | cash, measuring tape, transport | Beginner |
| Animal tracking | Outdoor | field guide, notebook, camera, boots | Intermediate |
| Axe throwing | Games | axes, target, safety gear | Beginner |
| Astrophotography | Photography | camera, telescope, tracking mount, tripod | Advanced |
| Audio editing | Tech | computer, audio interface, headphones, editing software | Intermediate |
| Aeromodelling | Hobby Craft | model kits, glue, paint, radio control | Intermediate |
| Accordion | Music | accordion, music stand, instructional book | Intermediate |
| Aikido | Fitness | uniform, mat, instructor | Intermediate |
| Alpine skiing | Outdoor | skis, boots, poles, helmet | Intermediate |
| Appliqué | Arts & Crafts | fabric, needle, thread, scissors | Beginner |
| Art journaling | Arts & Crafts | journal, pens, paints, glue | Beginner |
| Airsoft | Games | airsoft gun, eye protection, tactical gear | Beginner |
| Amigurumi | Crafts | yarn, crochet hook, stuffing, needle | Beginner |
| Aquaponics | Gardening | fish tank, grow bed, pump, plants | Intermediate |
| Animation | Arts & Tech | drawing tools, computer, animation software, tablet | Intermediate |
| Android app development | Tech | computer, development software, smartphone | Intermediate |
| Antiquarian book collecting | Collecting | booklight, gloves, storage boxes | Intermediate |
| Archery tag | Games | foam arrows, bows, protective masks | Beginner |
| Aromatherapy | Wellness | essential oils, diffuser, carrier oils | Beginner |
| Ant keeping | Collecting | formicarium, ants, substrate, food | Beginner |
| Agate hunting | Outdoor | rock hammer, field guide, safety gear | Intermediate |
| Abstract painting | Arts & Crafts | canvas, paints, brushes, palette | Beginner |
| Amateur mycology | Outdoor | field guide, knife, basket, microscope (optional) | Intermediate |
| Ashtanga yoga | Fitness | yoga mat, strap, comfortable clothing | Intermediate |
| Acrylic pouring | Arts & Crafts | acrylic paint, pouring medium, canvas, cups | Beginner |
| Animal photography | Photography | camera, zoom lens, tripod | Intermediate |
| Auto detailing | Hobby Craft | microfiber cloths, soap, polish, vacuum | Beginner |
| Auto restoration | Hobby Craft | wrenches, sandpaper, paint, parts | Advanced |
| Arrow making | Crafts | shaft material, fletching, glue, nock tool | Intermediate |
| Ancestry research | Collecting | computer, archive access, genealogy software | Beginner |
| Apple grafting | Gardening | grafting knife, rootstock, tape | Intermediate |
| Autoharp | Music | autoharp, pick, songbook | Beginner |
| Abseiling | Outdoor Adventure | rope, harness, helmet, carabiners | Advanced |
| Amateur metal detecting | Outdoor/Collecting | metal detector, headphones, digging tool | Beginner |
| Acoustic guitar | Music | guitar, tuner, picks | Beginner |
| Adult coloring | Wellness | coloring book, colored pencils, fine liners | Beginner |
| Arrowhead hunting | Collecting | field guide, digging tool, gloves | Intermediate |
| Amateur boxing | Fitness | gloves, hand wraps, heavy bag, mouthguard | Intermediate |
| Aquatint | Arts & Crafts | etching plate, rosin, acid, printing press | Advanced |
| Ambient music | Music | synthesizer or computer, headphones, DAW software | Intermediate |
| Art collecting | Collecting | storage supplies, provenance records, valuation guide | Intermediate |
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.