We all have hobbies that we like to indulge in occasionally. Our hobbies generally include singing, dancing, traveling, and, at most, skydiving and other adventurous activities.
Pretty standard, right?
However, not all people find joy in the same hobbies. Some people have weird hobbies that the general public will call strange and unusual.
Starting with lock picking, people’s hobbies are not just for passing the time but symbolize the passion and uniqueness of each person’s character.
Let’s look at those weirdest hobbies existing around the world in 2023!
Here’s a List of the Top 25 Strange, Unusual, and Weird Hobbies
1. Lock Picking
Weird, right? People pick locks to feel a sense of power. They derive pleasure from knowing that there is a lock and, if they wish, they can easily crack it open. Picking locks is generally considered unethical, but we cannot ignore that it can sometimes be a great hobby and even a life-saving skill. It requires a delicate touch and a deep understanding of how locks work and can be both challenging and rewarding for those who take it up as a hobby.
Want to get started? Here are some tools which you will need in your journey of unlocking a new hobby.
2. Knife Making
This craft has been practiced for centuries, with artisans using various techniques and materials to create blades of all shapes and sizes. From the intricate designs of Japanese swords to the rugged utility of Western hunting knives, this weird knife-making hobby offers endless possibilities for creativity and craftsmanship.
It may sound dangerous, but imagine how fun it would be to carve your knife and use it daily!
If it interests you, check out this link as a one-stop destination for all your knife-making needs!
3. Puppetry Sports
It involves a team of puppeteers competing against each other in a variety of events, from choreographed dance routines to exemplary pieces of drama with dialogues and more. Puppets were a part of the culture when fewer sources of entertainment were available. Unfortunately, it lost its charm as the internet and media consumption swept the world. However, some people continue to practice puppetry to express themselves emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
Read here to know where puppetry as an art stand in a contemporary world!
4. Chainsaw Wood Carving
Take a look at how this man carves out an American woman with Eagle and Horse from a big wooden log:
It is also known as ‘whittling,’ this weird hobby is not for the fainthearted! Chainsaw carving is creating products out of raw wood using a chainsaw. Since it involves a machine that can be life-threatening, it is advisable to proceed with the utmost caution and only practice it once you have gained proficiency.
5. Ghost Hunting
It involves investigating and documenting paranormal activity to capture evidence of ghostly sightings or encounters. This weird hobby has become increasingly popular in recent years, with a growing number of people interested in exploring the unknown and seeking evidence of the supernatural. Of course, it can be the most dangerous job ever, but as a hobby, it is filled with adrenaline rushes and living on the edge. In addition, people who go ghost hunting are generally more spiritually inclined than others, making it easier for them to perceive the other dimensions of human existence.
If you plan to ghost hunt anytime soon, check out these must-haves ghost hunting gears before you embark on this new fold journey.
6. Competitive Dog Shows
Competition among dogs is as accurate as competition among humans! Dogs are placed and judged in sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting, and herding categories. Remember, the goal is not to see who has the best dog but to create a pet-loving community.
Check out this page by The Kennel Club by UK if you’re new to dog showing and want to start immediately.
7. Brewing
It is simply the process of producing one’s beer. It’s a lost art, as people in the early ages used to brew their drinks after a long day of physical labor, bringing the famous saying, tasting the fruits of their work to life. Some people continue to honor their roots and traditions by brewing regularly!
Read this ultimate beginner’s guide to start brewing beer at your home!
8. Juggling
Juggling is a fun and challenging hobby that involves manipulating objects in the air, such as balls, clubs, and rings. It requires coordination, skill, and concentration and can be a source of entertainment or exercise. It was often seen in circuses, but even there, it’s a rare sight now. Juggling is one of the rare sports that greatly enhances concentration power and keeps you physically fit. It engages both sides of your brain and improves your thinking and creative skills.
9. Astral Projection
It is pretty severe and unbelievable for many, but it is genuine! Simply put, it’s the act of having an intentional’ out-of-body experience. In this, the soul temporarily travels out of your body while your physical body stays in the same place. It is based on the idea that humans have a non-physical, spiritual body that can travel outside of the physical body and into other spiritual dimensions of existence.
10. Mobile Phone Throwing
It’s a competitive sport where contestants throw phones and are judged based on their technique and the distance covered. This hobby is deeply rooted in Finnish culture and was started by Nokia since it has the reputation of an unbreakable brick and supposedly outlasts all our smartphones. You will be shocked that mobile phone throwing has become an official sport in Finland.
11. Painting Memes
We all know someone who is super obsessed with memes, but have you ever heard of someone painting a meme and keeping it as art in their living room?
A very modern and creative hobby that involves transforming popular internet memes into physical works of art. It is a fun and lighthearted way to express one’s creativity and sense of humor while tapping into the internet’s cultural zeitgeist.
12. Collecting Sneakers
It’s an expensive hobby. It involves acquiring and curating rare and limited-edition footwear. Nevertheless, sneaker enthusiasts from all over the world actively participate in this unique and exciting subculture. There are many pull factors why people consider collecting sneakers as a hobby, like the sheer love for the design, staying up to date with the latest trends, and the need for recognition, all of which are drivers of this weird yet cool hobby.
Are you confused about how to start collecting sneakers? Read this!
13. Geocaching
It’s an advanced version of the treasure hunt, where the participants seek to discover the treasure or caches using the global positioning system (GPS). It is a hobby that keeps you physically active and develops social cohesion and cooperation among the participants.
14. Toy Voyaging
A very unusual hobby where the toys are sent across the world to see how far they can travel. It works on the underlying belief that the toys have their minds and free will. For someone who loves cuddly toys, this hobby is very nerve-wracking and accessible because their beloved toy is roaming the world rather than staying inside a cabinet.
15. Equestrianism
It refers to riding horses for a race or even as a simple hobby. It has a long-standing history, as Kings and Nobles of the earlier European nations prominently enjoyed horse riding. People in Western countries especially enjoy this weird hobby, as it requires a combination of physical and mental skills and a deep understanding and appreciation of these majestic animals.
16. Making Lamps
A perfect hobby to add a touch of warmth and coziness to your home. With few resources and a creative mind, you can design and build your one-of-a-kind lamp. It is also an efficient way to use the materials at home which would otherwise be discarded. People worldwide delve into this hobby as it involves creating functional and aesthetically pleasing lamps that reflect their style and taste.
17. Parkour
It is a physically demanding exercise that involves getting from Point A to Point B in the fastest and most efficient way possible. It gained tremendous popularity after the American TV series The Office, where Michael Scott rolls over the couch and excitedly hoots, “Parkour!” It offers endless opportunities to push yourself and explore the world around you in a whole new way.
18. Leather Tooling
It is the art of carving, stamping, and shaping leather to create belts, wallets, bags, and other accessories. This is a skill to learn if you love customized products that speak to your style. You can create leatherwork that will last for years with a few tools and some practice.
19. Collecting Unopened Coca-Cola Bottles
A record holder, John Burley, initiated this tradition of collecting Coca-Cola bottles. Coca-Cola has been a beloved symbol of American tradition, and managing it as a hobby seems obvious to some people. Enthusiasts scour antique stores, flea markets, and online marketplaces for vintage Coca-Cola bottles to build a collection that reflects the evolution and diversity of this iconic soft drink.
20. Collecting Celebrity Hair
Yes, you heard it right! We know how creepy this sounds, but people have found a way to get obsessed with their favorite celebrities and collect their hair. Even though it’s unethical, invasive, and borderline psychotic, people continue to express their love weirdly.
21. Swamp Football
It’s a sport that originated in Finland, and as the name suggests, this football is played in swamps or wet fields. It requires a particular ball designed to float on the water’s surface. This challenging and weird hobby requires players to adapt to rugged terrain and unpredictable conditions while also fostering a sense of teamwork, creativity, and sportsmanship.
It was a great hobby for outdoor enthusiasts and people who crave something unique every day.
22. Cheese Rolling
This weird hobby got traction in England, so much so that it has become a yearly event. This exciting and often chaotic event is part of the Cotswolds region’s traditional annual cheese rolling festival.
How does it work? Contestants have to roll down a boulder of cheese and chase after it, and the contestant who reaches the finish line first wins the race.
23. Baby Jumping
This weird hobby can be traced back to a Spanish festival in the 1620s. It involves men dressed as the devil leaping over rows of babies lying on mattresses in the street. People participate in huge numbers, not just for entertainment but also to ward off evil spirits. However, others find it controversial and potentially harmful to the babies involved.
Is using infants as props for entertainment ethical, or is this a form of child abuse? We leave this to you to decide.
24. Bee Keeping
While beekeeping is widespread and essential practice worldwide, it is a weird hobby due to its unconventional nature of raising and caring for buzzing insect colonies. Yet, despite their initial hesitation and fears, beekeepers worldwide report feeling a deep connection to nature and a sense of purpose in helping promote the health and well-being of the critical pollinators.
From harvesting delicious honey straight from the hive to exploring the complex social dynamics of bee colonies, beekeeping offers a unique and often unexpected window into the wonders of the natural world. As a bonus, it promotes sustainability and biodiversity in local ecosystems.
25. Wife Carrying
As the name suggests, this weird hobby turned sport involves a man carrying his female partner through a challenging obstacle course, with the winner receiving various prizes such as beer, cash, or the wife’s weight in cheese.
While this weird hobby may sound bizarre to some, it has become a popular sport in Finland, attracting participants from all walks of life. The sport requires strength, endurance, and strategy as couples navigate obstacles such as pools, steep hills, sand pits, etc., while timed and judged for style and technique.
As we’ve seen, there are plenty of weird and beautiful hobbies that people worldwide are passionate about. From collecting unopened Coca-Cola bottles to playing swamp football, these weird hobbies offer a unique way to explore the world and excitingly connect with our inner adventurists.
Are You Interested in Trying One of These Weird Hobbies? No Surprise!
While some of these hobbies may seem strange or unconventional, they each offer their own set of rewards and benefits. Whether fostering a deeper connection to nature, building new skills and knowledge, or simply having fun and enjoying life, there is something for everyone in the world of weird hobbies.
So why not try something new today? Who knows? You might discover a passion you never knew you had. These hobbies are waiting for you to explore and enjoy them.
So grab your gear, get out there, and let the adventure begin!
