What are some low-cost/free hobbies?

Reading (especially if you use a library, they lend out books, magazines, e books, and most memberships are free). Hiking (assuming you have a car and/or a friend with one who likes to hike too). Cooking (it's a combination of art and chemistry, plus you get to eat your treats). Boardgames (you can always go to a nearby boardgame cafe and play with the games there instead of buying the ones you want).
— Furicorn-y

Basically, computer stuff. Like programming, or studying Linux, etc. Is basically free since everyone nowadays own a computer, and can be very fun
— janniceinaccounting

Running. A lot of people complain about running because it hurts or they want the skinny bod, but that isn't what running is about. It's about relaxing and having fun, enjoying the feel of moving. It gets even better when you can run with a friend.
— drfrango69

Cooking. You'll actually end up saving money if you are currently eating out all the time.
— WenchSlayer

Sketching. It's only as expensive as the paper and pencils you use. I had a kid one time approach me on a park bench carrying a folder filled with excellent drawings he had done -- he explained that he was homeless and was drawing these to make honest money. I bought his most beautiful ones for $1.00 a piece, for a total of $10.00 which was just enough to get him something to eat and drink. I also slipped him a $20 and told him to not give up that he was an excellent artist and suggested he take advantage of the free materials and art classes the local art gallery was given, he thanked me profusely and revealed that he had told God that if he didn't sell his drawings by the end of the day that because he was starving so bad that he was going to commit suicide. This poor soul was going to the library and borrowing paper from the students doing their homework and then using the library's pencil stubs they left out for students to draw his pictures then sell them. I felt bad for him because the initiative was there and he was trying and I had to give him credit for using his talents to make an honest buck. So if he can do it being homeless then sketching has to be my choice of the answer to your question.
— Moonglower

Bird watching. All you need is a pair of $40 binoculars. It's so much fun!
— myellabella

Cross stitch Fabric typically runs $7 per piece. Thread is 0.52 a skein and hobby stores have sales on those.
— Sadimal

Geocaching. If you already have a smartphone and a pen you're all set.
— radome9

Archery has a bit of a start up cost but after that it's free. Getting the wood for the bow and arrows, and a good string, after that, you don't really need much. I built my own bow with some help from my dad, so that's why it got a bit expensive. I've used the same bow for around 2 years now and I only had to replenish my arrows twice. Definitely worth the cost.
— Fifteenandcounting

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