6 Backyard Hobbies Anyone Can Try This Summer

Summer can be a time of long, lazy days, which is great if you have a bunch of stuff you want to catch up on. However, those long days can also lead to boredom. Beat that boredom this summer with these six backyard hobbies.

1. Curl Up With a Good Book

No one ever said that hobbies had to be physically demanding. One of the most relaxing ones that is accessible to virtually anyone is curling up with a good book. Libraries make this a particularly affordable hobby since you can borrow books for free if you return them on time.

Not everyone enjoys the feel of a physical book in their hands, which is OK because there are other options. E-books are particularly popular and environmentally friendly. Audiobooks and streaming services are another great way to enjoy books without worrying about reading them. This is a relief for people who struggle to read for myriad reasons, such as learning difficulties or physical limitations, children who haven’t learned reading skills yet, or people who have a language barrier.

2. Cool Off in the Pool

If there is a hobby that practically screams an announcement of the arrival of summer, it is the opening of backyard pools. Families have made lifelong memories gathered around these private oases. Plus, they are a great way to encourage water safety for children. If you don’t already have a pool but are thinking of adding one, talk to professional pool builders in Dallas to get some ideas on transforming your yard.

3. Tend to Garden

Starting a backyard garden could be an excellent summer hobby if you enjoy spending time in nature. Gardens can take many shapes and sizes. For example, some people enjoy large areas devoted to vegetables or specific types of flowers. Others like to use pots and later to add color and variety in spots. Somewhere in the middle of those two, raised beds provide accessible gardening solutions with limited weed interference. Here are a few suggestions in case you are still feeling lost:

• Grow flowers for outdoor beauty or as a cut arrangement in your home
• Plant trees that will eventually provide shade, fruit, or nuts to enjoy
• Have a vegetable garden that adds to your family dinner table

4. Take a Hammock Nap

Napping might not seem like a viable hobby, but anyone who has enjoyed an afternoon nap swaying in a hammock will probably argue otherwise. For starters, napping is a great way to ensure you get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each day. It can also help ease tension and stress, which can chip away at your overall health if left unchecked. Even if you don’t like traditional hammocks, there are no more stable options like hanging chairs and beds for your napping pleasure.

5. Paint With Watercolors

Take a trip back to your childhood by painting with watercolors outdoors. These paints are relatively inexpensive and can be found almost anywhere. So, go ahead and tap into some of that self-confidence young children have when they set up with a simple watercolor set. Plus, since cleaning up is so simple you don’ have to worry if you are an all-in type artist.

6. Try Nature Photography

Nature photography is more accessible than ever thanks to high-quality cameras on most smartphones. Start by snapping some pictures of flowers and plants. Since they aren’t going to fly or run out of the frame, you’ll get a chance to practice more this way. When you are ready, you can move onto more animated features.

There are plenty of hobbies you can take on in the summer. Many, like watercolors and reading, require little or no investment of money. Others, like gardening or nature photography, help connect you to the outdoors and its many benefits. However, since hobbies are supposed to be fun, the best way to find a new hobby is to try a few things and see which ones you enjoy the most.