Hobbies to Try This Summer!

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Summer is the perfect time to reset your routine—and maybe pick up a new hobby along the way. With a little extra daylight and fewer academic deadlines, it’s a great season to explore interests you’ve been putting off, challenge yourself in new ways, or just have some fun outside. 

Whether you're looking to unplug and recharge, or learn something completely new, here are a few hobbies worth trying this summer. Some are active, some are creative, and a few might make you smarter by fall. 

Surfing 

If you're near the coast, surfing is one of the best ways to stay active and connect with nature. It builds strength, balance, and patience (especially when you're still figuring out how not to fall off). Plus, there’s nothing like catching a wave after a long day. No ocean? No problem—check out paddle boarding instead. 

Paddle Boarding 

Less intense than surfing but just as scenic, paddle boarding is a great way to spend time on the water. Whether you’re cruising around a lake or exploring coastal inlets, it’s a calm, low-impact workout that doubles as a mindfulness practice. 

Hiking 

You don’t need fancy gear or mountain views to enjoy hiking. Find a local trail, grab some sunscreen and snacks, and hit the path. It’s an easy way to get moving, clear your head, and soak in your surroundings. Bonus: it’s also a great way to disconnect from screens for a bit. 

Gardening 

There’s something rewarding about planting a seed and watching it grow. Whether it’s a windowsill herb garden or a full backyard setup, gardening helps with focus, stress relief, and patience. And if you grow something edible, you get snacks out of it too. 

Learning a New Language 

Summer is a great time to start building language skills—especially if you have travel plans or just want to challenge your brain. Learning a new language improves memory, increases focus, and opens the door to new cultures. With Thea, you can build personalized study kits for vocabulary, grammar, and practice questions so you can learn smarter and faster. 

Studying Philosophy 

If you’ve ever wondered what it means to live a good life, what truth really is, or whether free will exists, philosophy might be your summer hobby. You don’t need a professor—just curiosity and a willingness to think deeply. Use Thea to break down complex readings, quiz yourself on key terms, or explore summaries before diving into the big texts. 

Learning How to Cook 

If your summer diet leans a little too heavily on iced coffee and instant noodles, now’s the time to upgrade your skills. Cooking can be fun, meditative, and creative—and you get to eat the results. Use Thea to build step-by-step study kits for cooking basics, ingredient substitutions, or even the science behind different techniques. 

Photography 

You don’t need a fancy camera to start learning photography. Your phone works just fine. Try exploring your surroundings with a new eye—whether you’re on vacation or just walking through your neighborhood. Learning how to frame, light, and edit your photos helps you see the world a little differently. 

Final Thoughts 

Hobbies help you explore who you are, what excites you, and what you're capable of when you're not on a deadline. Some help you relax. Others challenge you to grow. And the best ones stick around long after summer ends. 

Whatever you’re trying out this season, Thea is here to support your learning—whether you're practicing Spanish, breaking down Aristotle, or building a study kit on cooking skills. 

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