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Photo-illustration by Jennifer Albarracin Moya.

40 New Hobbies to Pick Up This Year

Ever considered making pasta, arranging flowers, writing jokes, or playing guitar? If you’re looking to master a skill or start a new hobby, here are great classes around the DC area.

Written by Washingtonian Staff | Published on March 31, 2025

9 Cooking and Drink Courses to Sharpen Your Kitchen Skills in the DC Area

Master how to make the perfect paella, decorate a cake, or Italian dish.

 

6 Classes to Build Your Performance Skills in the DC Area

Learn improv, how to hit a high note, guitar, and more.

 

3 Plant Classes to Cultivate Your Inner Botanist in the DC Area

Grow your botanical knowledge with these classes.

 

6 Sport Classes in the DC Area to Level Up Your Knowledge

Take recreation to the next level with pickleball clinics, scuba certification courses, and bike repair lessons.

 

6 Dance Classes in the DC Area to Elevate Your Moves

Learn to twirl, pop, and shimmy on the dance floor–even if you have two left feet.

 

Build Your Outdoor Knowledge With These 3 Activities in the DC Area

Demystify the outdoors and get ready to explore.

 

7 Art Courses to Develop Your Creative Eye in the DC Area

From knitting sweaters to developing film, create your own masterpieces.

 

Want to Learn a New Hobby? Here’s How to Start.

Ulrich Boser, a DC education researcher and the author of Learn Better, shares some tips.

 

How 3 Washingtonians Found Their Hobby.

For these locals learning a new skill has opened their lives to a new world.


This article appears in the December 2024 issue of Washingtonian.

More: Pick Up a New Hobby
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Related

9 Cooking and Drink Courses to Sharpen Your Kitchen Skills in the DC Area

6 Classes to Build Your Performance Skills in the DC Area

3 Plant Classes to Cultivate Your Inner Botanist in the DC Area

6 Sport Classes in the DC Area to Level Up Your Knowledge

© 2026 Washingtonian Media Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
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