Almost any kind of leisure activities can become a hobby. Most hobbies fall into one of the four-gerneral categories, which may overlap. They are 1) the arts,2)collecting,3) handicrafts and 4) sports & games.

1) The arts

The arts provide outlets for hobbyists with a special interest in such art forms as dancing, drama, painting, graphic arts and music. Each art forms has many separate possibilities for a hobby. For example, music maybe include singing, playing an instrument, collecting records and tapes, learning ballet, or attending concerts and operas. Painting offers the hobbyists a wide choice of materials, such as oil paints or watercolours.

2) Collecting

Collecting is probably the most widespread kind of hobby because anything can be collected. Stamps and coins are probably the most collected items. Hobbyists can also collect such things as autographs, comic books, costumes, baseball cards, buttons, dolls, hatpins, stickers and even matchbooks.

3) Handicrafts

Handicrafts attract hobbyists who can work skillfully with their hands. Many hobbyists engage in needlework activities, notably crocheting, needlepoint, knitting and sewing. Hobbyists use kits to make model airplanes, boats and trains. Using woodworking tools, they can create carvings, furniture and bowls. Other handicrafts include ceramics, metalworking, jewelry making, weaving, batik and leatherworking.

4) Games & Sports

Games and sports are popular with many hobbyists who enjoy compeitition, physical activities, and healthful exercise. Thousands of hobbyists take part in ports, such as bowling, fishing, mountain climbing, skiing and tennis. These ports give hobbyists the opportunity to display their individual skills and sportsmanship. Popular indoor games include bridge and other card games, backgammon, chess and Monopoly.

5) Other hobbies

Electronics-related hobbies are becoming increasingly popular. Many hobbyists enjoy flying model airplanes by remote control or assembling and operating ham radios. Both young people and adults have taken up computers as a hobby, frequently assembling computers from kits. Some people raise pets as a hobby. For many people, gardening and photography are rewarding hobbies.