Summer is the perfect time for teens to embark on new adventures and discover exciting hobbies that bring joy, creativity, and personal growth. With school breaks and longer days, there are endless opportunities to explore new interests and make lasting memories. Engaging in hobbies not only provides entertainment but also offers numerous benefits, such as developing new skills, expanding horizons, and fostering relaxation. From reading to baking, coding, and more, these are 7 New and Fun Hobbies to Try This Summer!
1.Outdoor Photography
Summer provides the perfect backdrop for outdoor photography, allowing teens to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and capture unforgettable moments. Whether it's the vibrant hues of a sunset, the intricate details of a flower, or the awe-inspiring landscapes of mountains and beaches, there is no shortage of subjects to explore. Outdoor photography offers a unique opportunity to connect with the natural world, fostering a sense of mindfulness and appreciation for the wonders that surround us.
Getting started with outdoor photography doesn't require expensive gear or extensive knowledge. A smartphone with a good camera can serve as an excellent entry point. However, for those looking to enhance their skills, investing in a digital camera with manual settings opens up a world of creative possibilities.
Learning the fundamentals of exposure, composition, and lighting will greatly improve the quality of photographs. Experimenting with different angles, perspectives, and focal lengths allows teens to develop their own unique style.
By engaging in outdoor photography, teens can unleash their creativity, explore their surroundings, and develop a keen eye for capturing the beauty of the world. It's a hobby that encourages them to slow down, observe their surroundings more closely, and find beauty in the little details. So grab your camera or smartphone, head outside, and let the world become your canvas as you embark on a photographic journey this summer.
2.Reading
Now for my all-time FAVORITE hobby, reading. Reading is a fantastic hobby that transports teens to different worlds, immerses them in captivating stories, and sparks their imaginations. Summer is the perfect time to indulge in a good book and let the pages come alive with unforgettable characters, intriguing plots, and thought-provoking themes.
Whether you're lounging by the pool, relaxing at the beach, or cosied up in your favourite spot at home, a book can be a gateway to adventure, romance, mystery, or self-discovery. Of course, I couldn't resist recommending some of my favourite books that I hope you'll enjoy just as much as I did.
Recommendations:
"The Inheritance Games" by Jennifer Lynn Barnes: Dive into a gripping tale of inheritance and mystery as a teenage girl named Avery is unexpectedly named in the will of a billionaire she's never met. This thrilling series is filled with puzzles, secrets, and unexpected twists that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
"The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid: Explore the glamorous and complex life of Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo. This captivating novel takes readers on a journey through love, fame, and the sacrifices one makes to achieve their dreams. It's a beautifully written story that delves deep into the complexities of human relationships. Taylor Jenkins Reid is one of the most incredible authors whom I deeply adore (and love with all my heart).
"Verity" by Colleen Hoover: For fans of suspense and thrillers, "Verity" is a gripping tale that blurs the lines between truth and fiction. This novel follows a struggling writer who uncovers a dark manuscript by a famous author and finds herself entangled in a dangerous web of secrets and lies.
"Solitaire" by Alice Oseman: This contemporary YA novel follows the life of Tori Spring (my favorite character ever), a cynical teenager who discovers a mysterious group called Solitaire at her school. As she navigates friendship, love, and the challenges of adolescence, Tori begins to question the world around her and find her own place in it. 
These recommendations offer a mix of genres, allowing teens to explore different themes, writing styles, and perspectives. So grab a cozy blanket, find a comfortable spot, and get lost in the pages of these captivating books this summer. Let your imagination run wild and discover new worlds through the power of reading.
3.Rollerblading
Rollerblading is a thrilling and exhilarating hobby that combines fitness, balance, and fun. With the warm weather of summer, it's the perfect time for teens to lace up their rollerblades and hit the streets, parks, or roller rinks. Rollerblading provides a fantastic way to get active, improve cardiovascular health, and strengthen leg muscles while enjoying the sheer joy of gliding through the world on wheels.
Before embarking on rollerblading adventures, it's important to choose the right pair of rollerblades that fit comfortably and offer proper support. Look for skates that provide a secure fit, ankle stability, and smooth-rolling wheels suitable for outdoor surfaces. Don't forget to wear protective gear such as a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards to ensure safety while skating.
For beginners, mastering the basic techniques of rollerblading is essential. Start by finding a flat, open space to practice balancing, gliding, and stopping. Learning how to maintain the proper posture, shift weight, and execute turns will help build confidence and control. As skills progress, teens can explore different terrains, such as smooth pavements, skate parks with ramps and obstacles, or scenic trails for a change of scenery.
Rollerblading is not only a physical activity but also a social one. Grab some friends or join local rollerblading groups to share the experience and make new connections. It's an opportunity to bond, challenge each other, and create lasting memories.
4.Investing
Investing is a hobby that not only has the potential to generate wealth but also offers valuable lessons in financial literacy and long-term planning. By delving into the world of investing, teens can gain a deeper understanding of how money works, learn about different investment vehicles, and develop crucial skills for managing their finances effectively. Investing provides an opportunity to grow wealth over time and make informed decisions about money.
While investing may seem intimidating at first, there are investment options available specifically tailored for teens. One popular choice is opening a custodial brokerage account with the guidance of a parent or guardian. This account allows teens to invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and other securities. Additionally, they can explore investment platforms or apps that offer user-friendly interfaces and educational resources to help teens navigate the investing landscape.
Making informed investment decisions requires conducting thorough research, staying updated on market trends, and seeking guidance from trusted sources such as financial advisors or online educational resources. Understanding concepts like asset allocation, diversification, and investment risk can empower teens to make sound investment choices aligned with their goals.
Investing as a hobby offers a unique opportunity for teens to learn about financial markets, develop critical thinking skills, and cultivate a long-term mindset. It's important to remember that investing involves risks, and seeking guidance from financial professionals or experienced investors can help navigate the complexities of the market.
5.Coding
Coding has become an increasingly popular and valuable skill in today's technology-driven world. Engaging in coding as a hobby not only opens up a world of creativity and problem-solving but also provides practical skills that can be applied across various industries. Summer is the ideal time for teens to dive into the exciting world of coding, where they can unleash their imagination and develop a solid foundation in programming.
For beginners, learning coding languages like Python, JavaScript, or HTML/CSS can be a great starting point. These languages are beginner-friendly, versatile, and widely used in web development, software engineering, and data science. Numerous online platforms, coding bootcamps, and tutorials provide interactive lessons, step-by-step guidance, and coding challenges to help teens learn at their own pace. These resources offer an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build projects, and develop problem-solving skills.
As teens progress in their coding journey, they can embark on creating their own projects. This could be a personal website, a simple game, or a mobile application. Building projects not only solidifies coding skills but also enhances creativity and fosters a sense of accomplishment. Joining coding communities, participating in hackathons, or attending coding meetups can provide opportunities to collaborate with like-minded individuals, share knowledge, and gain insights from experienced developers.
6.Gardening
Gardening is another wonderful hobby that allows teens to connect with nature and experience the joy of watching plants grow. Summer provides the perfect opportunity to get hands-on with soil, sunlight, and seeds. Gardening offers a sense of fulfillment as teens witness the transformation of a small seedling into a thriving plant, all through their dedicated care and nurturing.
Whether you have a spacious backyard or limited indoor space, there are options for gardening that suits various environments. For outdoor gardening, you can explore flowers, vegetables, or herbs that thrive in their local climate. Additionally, indoor gardening can allow you to grow plants such as succulents, herbs, or small potted flowers, even in limited spaces. Researching the specific needs and requirements of different plants helps ensure their successful growth.
Gardening as a hobby offers a multitude of benefits beyond the beauty and satisfaction of a thriving garden. It provides an opportunity to learn about the natural world, understand the importance of environmental conservation, and develop patience and responsibility. Gardening can also be a source of fresh produce, herbs, or flowers that teens can enjoy and share with family and friends.
7.Cooking and Baking
Cooking and baking are creative hobbies that allow teens to explore the world of flavours, textures, and techniques in the kitchen. Summer presents an ideal time for teens to dive into the culinary arts, try their hand at different recipes, and expand their cooking repertoire. Whether it's whipping up a delicious meal or baking delectable treats, the kitchen becomes a canvas for culinary expression and experimentation.
For beginners, starting with simple recipes is a great way to build confidence in the kitchen. You can explore easy-to-follow recipes for dishes like pasta, stir-fries, salads, or homemade pizzas. You can also delve into the world of baking by trying your hand at cookies, cupcakes, or bread.
The internet offers a wealth of recipe resources, including cooking websites and video tutorials. I, myself, have also published articles dedicated to baking if you are interested in checking them out: 10 Fall Deserts You Will LOVE!, Here Are the Tastiest Autumn Desserts You Must Try This Season, and 7 Easy Holiday Desserts to Make.
Cooking and baking as hobbies go beyond the act of preparing food. They foster creativity, develop essential life skills such as time management and organization, and promote a healthier relationship with food. By experimenting with different ingredients and flavours, teens can expand their palate, learn about different cuisines, and develop their own signature dishes.
Wrap-Up
All in all, summer is a time filled with opportunities for teens to explore new and exciting hobbies. Whether it's outdoor photography, reading books, rollerblading through the streets, investing in their financial future, coding innovative projects, tending to a garden, or honing their culinary skills in the kitchen, each hobby offers unique benefits and experiences. Engaging in these activities not only provides entertainment and personal growth but also allows teens to discover their passions, develop new skills, and create lasting memories.
So, let this summer be a season of exploration, growth, and fun. Embrace the opportunity to try something new, challenge yourself, and discover hidden talents. Whether it's pursuing a solo hobby or engaging with friends and communities who share similar interests, the summer is yours to create meaningful experiences that will have a lasting impact.
