6 Best Timeless Hobbies

Back to Simple Things in Life

Words by Bethany Wales

The demands of juggling a job and a family can make it tricky to carve out personal time. These timeless hobbies can help to escape the rat race, stay active, and savor more of that precious leisure time.

1 Kite Flying
Sometimes all that’s needed to lift spirits is a piece of string, a fabric sail, and a windy day. Kite flying has been around for centuries and provides a soothing combination of fresh air, exercise, and whimsy. Its more recent popularity continues today just as it has for decades.

2 Bread Making
Is there any smell more delicious than a handmade loaf turning golden in the oven? Homemade bread is immensely healthier than its store-bought cousins, and the making and baking process has proven therapeutic benefits. It might sound complex, but to get started in this hobby, many simple options are available, including no-yeast soda bread, skillet focaccia, and bubbling sourdough.

3 Roller Skating
Roller skating is not only a fantastic, low impact workout but also just down right fun! Suitable for all ages, this energetic pastime is a great way to get active as a family and offers plenty of opportunities to meet new people. Looking to burn some stress? Then check out a roller derby session at Pan Am’s Roller Derby track. It looks aggressive, but with the right safety gear, skating is a relatively injury-free sport.
Pan Am’s Roller Derby Track,
301 Chicon St.

4 Foraging
Texas has an abundant wild harvest, with prickly pears, mulberries, and tart mustang grapes all readily available. Foraging is a wonderful way to fill the pantry with seasonal goodies and a unique way to reconnect with nature. Grab a basket and an identification guide (in the form of a book or an app), then take a stroll through one of East Austin’s abundant greenbelts or trails along Walnut Creek. It’s amazing what edible treats can be found along the way.

5 Stargazing
Texas ranks number four in the world on the International Dark-Sky Association’s best places to stargaze, with around 2,000 stars visible to the naked eye. Stargazing apps, like Sky Guide and Google Sky Map, make mapping the night sky simple. Many new constellations fill the sky like distant, glittering sparklers in the night. So escape the city lights, and drive 30 minutes east to Elgin which is well-known for its clear dark skies.

6 Skateboarding
Forget what you think you know about skateboarding. Skateboarding is familiar to everyone. But this entertaining hobby is not only about flips and tricks, it’s also a fun way to cruise around town. Skating is great for adults and kids, an affordable hobby, and offers plenty of room for progression. If you’re feeling gutsy and more adventurous, Patterson Park has a mini ramp near their parking lot, and there’s also a shady playground, covered pavilion, and neighborhood pool.
Patterson Neighborhood Park
4200 Brookview Rd.