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Hobbies and Leisure

More Than Just Free Time: Helping Students Talk About What They Love to Do

What do your students love to do when they’re not studying? Whether it’s photography, hiking, drawing, or simply relaxing with a book, everyone has something they enjoy, and that’s exactly why hobbies and leisure vocabulary is a perfect fit for the classroom.

Talking about pastimes and interests helps learners connect with each other, share experiences, and build confidence using English in a personal way. Words like leisure, recreation, enjoyment, and relaxation give students a way to describe how they spend their time outside of work or school. This vocabulary also helps them express their personality and passions, two things that are often hard to convey when limited by language skills.

Beyond basic conversation, this set opens the door to more advanced, expressive terms like endeavor, pursuit, and passion. These words are great for lessons that stretch students’ descriptive abilities and spark meaningful discussions. Whether they’re writing about their favorite pastime or discussing how hobbies support mental health, students benefit from the range of expression this topic offers.

Including specific examples, such as hiking, fishing, photography, cooking, or pastry making, gives students practical vocabulary they can use in real life. Whether they’re signing up for a local class, chatting with new friends, or reading about someone else’s hobby online, these are the words they’ll need. Activities like tenting, horticulture, or brushwork may even introduce new interests!

This topic also naturally encourages speaking practice. Students love talking about what they enjoy. By tapping into that enthusiasm, you can create engaging lessons that feel less like work and more like fun.

Now is the time to add the “Hobbies and Leisure” pack. It’s a topic that inspires creativity, sparks connection, and reminds students that learning English can be part of their favorite way to spend the day.

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PackVocabTypeDefinitionUsageImage
21GolfNounA game where players hit a ball into holes using clubs.He plays golf with his friends on the weekend.
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21BowlingNounA game where you roll a ball to knock down pins.We went bowling with friends last night.
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21SwimmingNounMoving through water using arms and legs.We go swimming every Saturday at the pool.
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21AthleticsNounSports that include running, jumping, and throwing.Athletics help children stay strong and active.
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21TravelingNounGoing to new places for fun or work.She loves traveling to different countries.
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21HikingNounWalking long distances in the countryside.We went hiking in the forest last Saturday.
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21FitnessNounBeing healthy and strong through exercise.He goes to the gym to improve his fitness.
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21CyclingNounRiding a bicycle for sport or fun.He goes cycling in the countryside every weekend.
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21RunningNounMoving quickly on foot for sport or exercise.He goes running every morning.
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21SurfingNounRiding waves on a board in the ocean.She learned surfing during her beach holiday.
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21JoggingNounRunning slowly for exercise.Jogging in the morning helps him feel fresh.
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21CampingNounSleeping in a tent outdoors for fun.They went camping by the lake last weekend.
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21YogaNounSlow body movements and breathing to improve health and calm.She does yoga every morning to feel relaxed.
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21ClimbingNounGoing up steep places like rocks or walls.Climbing can be a fun and challenging outdoor activity.
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21RecreationNounFun activities you do when not working.Swimming is a good form of recreation.
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21SkateboardingNounRiding and doing tricks on a skateboard.They skateboard at the park after school.
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21RollerbladingNounMoving on shoes with wheels in a line.Rollerblading near the park is one of her hobbies.
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21Solo SportsNounSports done alone, not in a team.He enjoys solo sports like swimming and cycling.
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21Martial ArtsNounFighting sports like karate and judo used for defense or fitness.Martial arts help build strength and discipline.
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21Horseback RidingNounRiding horses for fun or sport.Horseback riding is a fun way to enjoy nature.
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22MusicNounSounds made with instruments or voices for people to enjoy.She listens to music when she studies.
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22MoviesNounStories shown as moving pictures on a screen.They watched a funny movie last night.
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22DancingNounMoving your body to music, usually with steps.They go dancing together every weekend.
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22ReadingNounLooking at and understanding written words.Reading helps me learn new words.
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22EntertainmentNounSomething that gives people fun or enjoyment.Watching movies is a popular form of entertainment.
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22BalletNounA kind of dance that uses careful and graceful movements.She takes ballet classes every Saturday.
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22FictionNounStories about things or people that are not real.She enjoys reading fiction before bed.
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22SingingNounMaking music with your voice.She loves singing in the school choir.
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22WritingNounMaking words on paper to express ideas.She spends her free time writing stories.
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22Magic TricksNounSmall acts of magic or illusion to entertain people.He loves showing magic tricks to his friends.
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22BrushworkNounThe way paint is put on with a brush in a painting.Her brushwork gives the painting a soft, dreamlike feel.
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22Web SeriesNounA show made of episodes watched online.She watches a new web series every weekend.
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22Radio ListeningNounEnjoying music or programs by hearing them on the radio.Radio listening helps him stay updated while driving.
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22Makeup ArtistryNounThe skill of using makeup to change or improve someone’s appearance.She works in makeup artistry and often helps actors get ready.
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23Video GamesNounElectronic games played on a screen.My brother plays video games after school.
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23DartsNounA game where you throw small, pointed objects at a round target.They play darts every Friday night.
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23PuzzlesNounGames or problems that make you think to solve them.She likes doing puzzles in her free time.
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23Card GamesNounGames played using special cards.He learned many card games from his grandfather.
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23Board GamesNounGames played on a board with pieces.They play board games together every weekend.
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23CrosswordNounA word puzzle where you write answers based on clues.He does a crossword puzzle with his coffee every morning.
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23CollectingNounKeeping many similar things as a hobby.She enjoys collecting old coins from different countries.
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23SudokuNounA number game where you fill a grid with digits 1 to 9.Sudoku helps keep her mind sharp in the morning.
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23Model TrainsNounBuilding and running small toy trains and tracks.He builds model trains with great care and detail.
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23Puzzle-makingNounThe activity of creating puzzles for others to solve.She spends her free time puzzle-making for a game magazine.
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23Puzzle-solvingNounFinding answers to puzzles using thinking and logic.Puzzle-solving is a fun way to keep your mind sharp.
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23Model PaintingNounColoring small models like cars or figures for fun.Model painting takes patience and attention to detail.
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23Model BuildingNounMaking small copies of real things, like cars or planes.Model building helps him relax after work.
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23MiniaturesNounVery small, detailed models or figures.She paints miniatures as a relaxing weekend activity.
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23Stamp CollectingNounThe hobby of finding and saving postage stamps.Stamp collecting teaches him about history and countries.
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23Antique CollectionNounThe hobby of collecting valuable old items.Antique collection helps him learn about the past.
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24CookingNounMaking food by mixing and heating ingredients.He enjoys cooking dinner for his family.
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24SewingNounUsing needle and thread to make or fix clothes.She enjoys sewing her own shirts and dresses.
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24DrawingNounMaking pictures with a pencil, pen, or other tools.He spends time drawing animals and buildings.
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24DIYNounMaking or fixing things at home by yourself.He learned DIY skills to fix the kitchen sink.
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24CraftNounA hobby of making things by hand.He makes paper flowers as a fun craft.
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24BakingNounCooking and decorating foods like pies and tarts.She loves baking fruit pastries and other desserts.
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24OrigamiNounThe art of folding paper into shapes and figures.She learned to make paper animals with origami.
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24CarvingVerbCutting and shaping wood or another material into a design.He spends his weekends carving small animals out of wood.
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24PotteryNounObjects made from clay that have been shaped and baked, such as bowls or vases.She made a new vase in her pottery class.
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24SketchingNounMaking quick drawings, often without many details.He enjoys sketching animals in his notebook.
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24PhotographyNounTaking pictures using a camera.She enjoys photography and often takes pictures of nature.
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24Letter WritingNounThe activity of writing personal messages on paper.He enjoys letter writing to keep in touch with old friends.
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24Language LearningNounStudying how to understand and speak a new language.Language learning can help you travel and meet new people.
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24BeadingNounMaking jewelry or decorations by threading small beads.Beading is her favorite weekend activity.
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24KnittingNounMaking cloth by looping yarn with two needles.She enjoys knitting scarves during the winter.
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24SculptingNounMaking art by carving or shaping materials like clay or stone.Sculpting helps her express her creativity.
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24CarpentryNounThe skill of making objects out of wood.He started learning carpentry to make simple furniture.
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24CrochetingNounMaking fabric using yarn and a hooked needle.Crocheting helps her relax after work.
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24EmbroideryNounDecorating fabric by sewing patterns with thread.She does embroidery to make her clothes more unique.
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24WoodworkingNounThe hobby of building things using wood.He took up woodworking and made his own bookshelves.
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24ScrapbookingNounMaking decorated books with photos and memories.Scrapbooking is a creative way to remember special times.
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24Candle MakingNounCreating candles using wax, color, and scent.Candle making lets you design your own home decorations.
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24JournalingNounWriting personal thoughts or events in a journal.Journaling helps her relax and think more clearly.
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24CalligraphyNounDecorative and artistic handwriting.He learned calligraphy to write beautiful wedding cards.
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24Home BrewingNounMaking beer at home as a hobby.He started home brewing to try new beer flavors.
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24Costume DesignNounThe skill of creating clothing for actors in plays or films.She won an award for her costume design in the school play.
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24Car RestorationNounFixing and improving old cars to look like new.He does car restoration as a hobby on the weekends.
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25FishingNounTrying to catch fish for fun or food.He goes fishing with his grandfather on Sundays.
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25AquariumsNounTanks where people keep fish and water plants.She has two aquariums with colorful fish at home.
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25Volunteer WorkNounHelping others without getting paid.He does volunteer work at the animal shelter.
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25AstronomyNounThe study of stars, planets, and space.Astronomy is his favorite subject to read about at night.
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25StargazingNounLooking at stars in the night sky for fun or interest.Stargazing is best in places far from city lights.
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25HorticultureNounThe practice of growing and caring for plants.Horticulture helps people grow food and make gardens beautiful.
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25BirdwatchingNounLooking at birds in nature as a hobby.They go birdwatching every weekend in the forest.
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25CanningNounPreserving food by sealing it in jars.She learned canning to save fruit from her garden.
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25GeocachingNounUsing GPS to find hidden containers outdoors.They tried geocaching and found a small box under a tree.
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208InterestNounA feeling of wanting to learn or know more about something.She has a strong interest in drawing.
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208EnjoymentNounA feeling of having fun or pleasure.He gets a lot of enjoyment from painting.
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208RelaxationNounA time when you rest and feel calm.She listens to music for relaxation.
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208UndressVerbTo take off clothes.He undressed and put on his pajamas after getting home from work.
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208PotluckNounA meal where each guest brings food to share.We had a potluck at work and everyone brought something different.
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208LeisureNounTime when you are not working and can relax.She enjoys gardening in her leisure time.
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208PastimeNounA hobby or activity done for fun in free time.Reading is a quiet and relaxing pastime.
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208PassionNounA strong love or interest in something.She has a passion for playing the violin.
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208EnthusiastNounA person who really enjoys an activity or topic.He is a music enthusiast who goes to concerts often.
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208InactivityNounThe state of not doing anything.Too much inactivity can make you feel tired and unhealthy.
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208ReflectionNounThinking deeply about something.He sat in reflection before making his choice.
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208PursuitNounAn activity you enjoy doing regularly.She enjoys painting as a personal pursuit.
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208EndeavorNounA serious effort to do something difficult.Outdoor endeavors like hiking and cycling are popular among adventurers.
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208MindfulnessNounFocusing your attention on the present moment.Mindfulness helps him stay calm and focused.
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More Vocab Packs

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Feelings and Emotions

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Culture and Traditions

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Tech and Gadgets

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