From archery to zydeco dancing, Georgians can find local outlets for learning something new.

From archery to zydeco dancing, Georgians can find local outlets for learning something new.

Make 2025 the year you learn something new. Walton Gas has you covered with trending hobby ideas from A to Z! Read on to find a new passion to pursue.

  • Archery: Explore this ancient skill as a casual hobby, competitive sport or to improve your hunting game. The Atlanta Archery Club offers lessons for beginners of all ages.
  • Bonsai Styling: Parents and their children can share in this hobby. The Atlanta Bonsai Society offers novice classes in tree styling and care to get you started.
a friendly game of chess

Many Georgia public libraries and senior centers offer opportunities to learn the game of chess.

  • Chess: Among the state’s many public libraries hosting free chess lessons is the Oconee County Public Library in Watkinsville. The monthly, Saturday afternoon Chess Club (https://oconeelibrary.org/series/chess-club/) is open to all skill levels. The Monroe-Walton County Library hosts Chess Afternoons geared to children and teens. Many senior centers also offer opportunities to learn the game.
  • Decoration crafting: Instead of paying top dollar for that cute Easter decoration or Christmas wreath, make it yourself. An inexpensive way to start is with online DIY tutorials (we like Crafting with JC (https://www.youtube.com/@CraftingWithJC) that use materials sourced at Dollar Tree.
  • E-biking: Recreation co-op REI periodically offers a free class (https://www.rei.com/events/100294/e-bike-basics-presentation?course.session.anyLocation=100.0%7E33.951935%7E-83.357567%3Bgeo_r) to help you choose the right e-bike for you.
  • Fencing: With the sport of fencing growing in Georgia, you can find clubs (https://georgia-fencing.com/find-a-club) for all ages and skill levels throughout the state.

Up your grill game by taking a workshop.

  • Grilling: Up your natural gas grilling game with a chef-led class offered at Atlanta’s Buckhead Butcher Shop.
  • Home Improvement: From how to paint a room to building a raised garden bed, the DIY digital libraries at Home Depot and Lowe’s have you covered.
  • Indoor Plant Gardening: Ideal for winter days, this online tutorial covers everything from lighting to pest control to indulge your green thumb even when it’s cold outside.
  • Jam and Jelly Making: UGA Family and Consumer Science agents in many Georgia counties provide hands-on workshops that teach DIY food preservation, including canning, freezing and/or drying of foods, as well as making jams and jellies and pickled foods. Contact your local Extension office for availability in your county.
  • Kickball: It’s not just for kids anymore! GO Kickball in Athens hosts a local co-ed kickball league for those age 21 and over of all skill levels.
  • LEGO Building: You’ve seen it on TV, so now try your hand at becoming a master LEGO builder. Many public libraries, such as Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center in Marietta, offer a club where children and families have access to supplies for building their designs. Some libraries offer adult LEGO time, too.
  • Meditation: Does the everyday have you stressed? Check out this basic explainer that explores meditation styles you can try in the comfort of your home.
Knitting and other needlecrafts are making a comeback as popular pastimes.

Knitting and other needlecrafts are making a comeback as popular pastimes.

Orienteering is a hobby the family can share.

Orienteering is a hobby the family can share.

  • Orienteering: The Georgia Orienteering Club (gaorienteering.org) hosts meets and special events at parks throughout the state. Take a look at their Beginner’s Guide (https://www.gaorienteering.org/Education/BeginnerGuide/resources.htm) for the basics about this outdoor sport of navigation that the entire family can enjoy.
  • Pollinator Stewardship: The State Botanical Garden of Georgia offers workshops (https://botgarden.uga.edu/events/) in planning and maintaining a habitat for monarch butterflies and other pollinators.
  • Quilting: Sew Sew Studio (https://www.sewsewstudio.com) in Bogart offers classes and social events for machine quilters of all skill levels.
  • Running: You don’t have to be an Olympian to enjoy running. Find people who match your pace and make new friends through the list of running clubs at Run Georgia (http://www.rungeorgia.com/clubs.html). Get started now and you’ll be ready for the AthHalf (https://athhalf.com) in October.
  • Sewing: Michael’s offers free online classes (https://www.michaels.com/classes) to learn about sewing techniques and tools from Singer pros.

Local table tennis clubs offer opportunities to learn the sport. Photo courtesy AGTTA.org

  • Table Tennis: Got hooked on table tennis during last summer’s Olympics? The Athens Georgia Table Tennis Club (ttathensga.com), which meets on Wednesday evenings and Saturdays at Aaron Heard Park & Community Center, is open to all skill levels for ages 8 years and up.
  • Urban Exploration: Enjoy a low-budget staycation with a self-guided walking tour of downtown Atlanta. Create your own sightseeing map (https://www.gpsmycity.com/gps-tour-guides/atlanta-565.html#google_vignette).
  • Videography: Gwinnett Library Learning Lab (https://www.gwinnettpl.org/learninglabs/) makerspaces offer software and equipment for creatives (ages 13+) wanting to explore videography, graphic design, photography, 3D printing and more.
  • Writing: Budding writers are welcome at the weekly creative gatherings of the Walton Writers (https://www.facebook.com/WaltonWriters) at the Monroe-Walton Center for the Arts.
  • Xingyi: Martial arts enthusiasts should check out XingYi Atlanta (https://www.facebook.com/XingYiAtlanta/?paipv=0&eav=AfYTecW2Wd2d53nS9PjlwiXYLYiWymprPR8j0EVFtkqu3GcH2jvqzOlqueFv6FH4bkk&_rdr) to connect with others interested in this Chinese form of fighting that uses coordinated movements to generate bursts of power.
  • Yoga: Explore chair yoga at free classes offered at the Jefferson Public Library (https://www.prlib.org/jefferson-calendar) on the third Saturday of the month.
  • Zydeco Dancing: The Atlanta Cajun Zydeco Association (https://aczadance.org), a nonprofit dedicated to promoting the dance, music and culture of the Cajun and Creole people of Louisiana, hosts dance parties where you learn new steps and make new friends.