What are some non-electronic hobbies I can start for under $100?

[Brawndo]

The way my summer job works I work 3 days on and have 4 off. I was dismayed today when I looked back and realized I spent basically all my days off playing video games and watching movies. Other than that, I also read and go to the gym occasionally.

The problem is, almost every activity I want to start doing or get back into requires a good investment in equipment to get started: airsoft, archery, dirt bikes, kayaking, horseback riding, krav maga lessons, etc. Even things that seem deceptively simple on the surface, like fishing and mountain biking, are not when I do some research about all the stuff you need.

 

[TornadoFive]

Most hobbies will have some sort of basic entry-level stuff and equipment. Try out a few things, look for clubs where you live, that kind of thing. My guess is, they'll have some basic stuff you could do quite cheaply, or free, to see if you're interested. Then take it from there.

Other than that, it all depends on what you personally like to do.

 

[Togs]

Meh you've already said the best ones- reading and walking/running.

 

[Gxas]

The way my summer job works I work 3 days on and have 4 off. I was dismayed today when I looked back and realized I spent basically all my days off playing video games and watching movies. Other than that, I also read and go to the gym occasionally.

The problem is, almost every activity I want to start doing or get back into requires a good investment in equipment to get started: airsoft, archery, dirt bikes, kayaking, horseback riding, krav maga lessons, etc. Even things that seem deceptively simple on the surface, like fishing and mountain biking, are not when I do some research about all the stuff you need.

I was looking for the same kind of thing. I've finally decided on buying some wood, probably osage orange, and carving myself a working longbow.

Fairly cheap, and a good use of any free time I might run into.

There's always finding a group for DnD too.

 

[AgentBJ09]

Pen and paper role-playing would be my first suggestion. You can buy rulebooks for cheap online, and a few systems can work with just one book, though even with 2 or 3, you'll be spending less than $100.

Some systems -

New World of Darkness
Mutants and Masterminds
Scion: Hero
Basic Role-playing - BRP

 

[noxymoron19]

Get really really good at origami. Making card houses or stacking dominoes?

 

[thylasos]

Painting, reading, D&D, knitting, cross-stitch, writing short stories...

Basic carpentry?

The list goes on, I'm sure. But I'm very tired.

 

[Jon Etheridge]

I enjoy hiking. Not sure what part of the world you live in but if you're near some good woods or mountains with trails that is always some good cheap fun with friends.

 

[darkfire613]

Find a group of friends and buy Settlers of Catan. If you get four people together, you can all pitch in and get the base game for only around $10 each. My friends and I got together weekly last summer to play Catan, and we had an absolute blast.

 

[Johnnyallstar]

Whittling. All you need is a good pocket knife and a piece of wood from the forest.

Edit: Thanks to thaluikhain for catching my very silly misspell

 

[William MacKay]

reading, writing, drawing (you could even start a comic/webcomic series), tabletop gaming.

 

[Thaluikhain]

Widdling. All you need is a good pocket knife and a piece of wood from the forest.

I think you mean "whittling". Widdling is generally slang for urination.

 

[nekoali]

Start up cost of $100 or total spent? Knitting is a great way to spend time, and in the end you are producing something useful if you want. You can get a couple of sets of needles, some skeins of yarn and a basic instruction and project book for less than $20-30. The same for things like needlepoint or sketching/drawing materials. The longer you are into them though, the more you will spend. But the start up costs are quite minimal.

 

[Johnnyallstar]

Widdling. All you need is a good pocket knife and a piece of wood from the forest.

I think you mean "whittling". Widdling is generally slang for urination.

Ah yes, you are correct. I'm in the middle of a heat wave and feeling rather sluggish today.

 

[Raddra]

Card games. The traditional kind, that is. Things like MTG are huge moneysinks.

 

[pirate64]

Now don't dismiss this straight away --- hiking...... no really, find trails, moors, public footpaths, coastal paths (if you live near the coast) and spend a day walking. I find it's a good way to use up a day plus whilst doing so you can do some photography (if you want and this could become another hobby as well). Also if you plan your routes to take you into towns and villages along he way you never know what you may find. The number of places I would otherwise have never been to are now some of my favourite places after just at first passing through and picking up some lunch. also it can be a great time to reflect and try to work things out in your head or to do the opposite and take your mind off things.

 

[Neverhoodian]

Apples to Apples. You can get it for about $20-$30 at any number of major department stores. Invite a bunch of friends over and bask in the inevitable hilarity that follows.

 

[Spandexpanda]

Start trying to draw - Paper and pencils are cheap. It's also a life skill and you can impress people if you practice enough, maybe even get paid to do it.

 

[Farseer Lolotea]

Tabletop games (although those can get a bit expensive).

Swimming (if you've got access).

Drawing.

Sculpture (if you can find an inexpensive medium).

 

[Dags90]

like fishing and mountain biking, are not when I do some research about all the stuff you need.

Fishing can be reasonably done. It's important to remember that there are things you need and things that are nice to have in a hobby. When you're starting out, start with the bare bones basics. Then make investments over time as you can afford/want. Fishing and kayaking can be had for around $100 if you start with previously owned or cheap equipment.

You could also enrich yourself by taking a first aid/CPR course if you haven't already.