7 Unique Activities and Hobbies to Pick Up this Year

My mind on my hobbies and hobbies on my mind

If you’ve been thinking of picking up a new hobby or checking out an activity this year, Hong Kong is the perfect place for it! If those endless weekends of brunching, attending birthday parties and beaching (as great as they are!) aren’t exactly making you feel fulfilled, why not step outside your comfort zone and try something different? You might learn a new skill, discover a new talent or even end up making new friends.

If you have absolutely no idea where to even begin, don’t worry. We’ve got your back (as always!). We’ve picked seven unique activities and hobbies to get you started, or least give you a bit of inspiration. Go on, get out there and try something new, mama!

For mamas looking to test out their artistic side…

If you’re looking for a weekly mud bath for your hands, why not try a pottery class? For many, it’s therapeutic, calming (and respite from chasing after toddlers all day!) and a great way to release your creative energy.

There are many shops that hold pottery classes in Hong Kong, from The Pottery Workshop to Cobo Ceramic Workshop. Zen out for a couple of hours and enjoy that sense of accomplishment when you actual create something using your own two hands! An added bonus? New mugs, bowls and weird but lovable presents that you can give to your closest friends!

For those who’d like to explore other creative activities, check out The Crafties. They offer classes in multiple mediums so you can test the artistic waters under expert hands.

The Pottery Workshop, 24 Upper Station Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2525 7949, www.potteryworkshop.com.cn 

Cobo Ceramic Workshop, 1/F Fortune Court, 33 Morrison Hill Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 2525 7949, www.coboworkshop.com

For mamas who love a good handwritten note…

With all the technology around us these days, it’s rare to really take the time to write out something nice for a friend or even, yourself. But let’s face it, a hand-written card is far more meaningful than a Facebook message with lots of emojis… with this in mind, consider calligraphy as a new hobby to take up.

Calligraphy is the art of handwriting, a skill that has been valued for centuries across different cultures. Not only is it almost addictive to practice and perfect, it’s practical. You can use your new skills for special invitations, place-cards and even to make your own decorative art work.

For Chinese calligraphy lessons, try out Miss Laisee Wong. With locations in Wan Chai, Tsuen Wan and Tuen Mun, you’re sure to find the perfect after-work spot to test out your handwriting skills. For modern calligraphy, we are big fans of Kalo Make Art. Our Sassy Mama editor, Kat has been a repeat student of Kalo’s classes!

Miss Laisee Wong: For more information and to set up a lesson schedule, email: [email protected]

Kalo Make Art Studio, 18 – 20 Wyndham Street, Ivy House, Room 201, Central, Hong Kong. To book an appointment, email [email protected]

For mamas who are looking to get physical…

What releases stress, builds muscle endurance, improves mental health, strengthens your sense of balance and is just generally really fun? Kickboxing! Regarded as one of the best sports to learn with its high cardio burn and engaging nature, kickboxing is the perfect way to release pent up frustration (hands up if you have a picky eater… we’ve all been there!) and a great way to stay fit while doing so. There are some great kickboxing gyms and classes across Hong Kong, like Kickstart, Impakt, JAB and PURE Fitness, so give it a go and let off some steam!

Pure Fitness, L/3, Two IFC, 8 Finance St., Central. 8129-8000. Pure Fitness has multiple locations across Hong Kong so be sure to check out their website to find a gym nearest you!

Kickstart, 26/F, Li Dong Building, 9 Li Yuen St. East, Central. 2167 8248

For mamas who are looking for a hobby with results (and a pint!)… 

We can’t be the only ones tempted by this new hobby… brewing your own beer! There aren’t many health benefits to this particular activity, but there are definitely some serious long term money-saving benefits to acquiring this new talent. For a comprehensive 3-hour crash course on how to make your own brew, check out HK Brewcraft. Leave the kiddos at home and bring some friends with you (hello, group discount!). You’ll have serious bragging rights when you know how to make your own cold one!

HK Brewcraft, 4/F, 15 Cochrane Street, Central, Hong Kong. 5925 2739. Book on their website here or email [email protected].

For mamas who are looking to add to their life skills…

With small children at home, it’s important for you or your caregiver to be familiar with Infant CPR. In an ideal world, everyone would know basic CPR and First Aid. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case, so the more people who learn these important life-saving skills, the better! Check out St. John’s extensive course list to see the full range of courses available; from beginner’s first aid and refresher courses, to Infant and Child specific CPR, they’ve got a selection of different levels to suit what you’re looking for.

St. John Ambulance Headquarters, St. John Tower, 2 MacDonnell Road, Mid-Level, Hong Kong. 2530 8020-8024. Check out their other locations here.

For mamas who are looking to wind down…

Have you heard, mamas? Knitting is making a comeback in a big way! Long gone are the days when this activity would be associated to a boring yesteryear hobby. More and more people are picking it up (especially the chunky knit variety!) and are finding it a therapeutic break from their busy lives. So if knitting and a glass of wine sounds like the perfect evening to you, then you’re going to love Yarn in the Works. They host a variety of great workshops (for kiddos too!) and on Thursday nights from 7 – 9pm, join other fellow knitters at their weekly Knit Nights!

Yarn in the Works, 28 Pound Lane, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, yarnintheworks.com; 2915 8211

For mamas who want to grow a green thumb (pun intended!)…

We all know the struggle of finding consistently fresh fruit and veg in Hong Kong, often having to make several supermarket sweeps before finding an acceptable packet of tomatoes and less than crisp iceberg. Missing your garden back at home? Well, why not start growing your own? Rooftop Republic hosts a series of hands-on workshops throughout the year that teach the fundamentals behind growing greens in the HK heat, setting you on the path to ripe and ready urban farming. Keep your eye out for new workshops throughout the year!

www.rooftoprepublic.com