We all have our unique hobbies, but there’s no denying that some are a little odd, so much so that some people hide them from others. We’ve compiled a list of some of these quirky hobbies that may be familiar, or unfamiliar, to you.
Geocaching
All across the globe, there are over 3 million ‘Geocaches’ hidden, and people love searching for them. Some of them are simple hidden containers, while others involve elaborate puzzles and physical processes to unlock. It’s like a modern-day treasure hunt, which is, unfortunately, why many Geocachers keep their adventures secret.
Competitive Dog Grooming
Most people have seen competitive dog grooming on TV; it’s a real hobby that many people love, transforming their dogs into living works of art. It combines a love for animals with a flair for creativity and precision, but sadly, many competitors keep it a secret out of embarrassment.
Trainspotting
A very famous secret pastime is trainspotting, or observing and documenting trains and their models. It might seem mundane to us, but it has a surprisingly huge community of enthusiasts, especially in the UK. Head to a train bridge on a sunny day, and you’ll undoubtedly see some trainspotters.
Extreme Ironing
While it may sound unbelievable, the NYT claims that ironing clothes on mountainsides, underwater, or parachuting, otherwise known as ‘extreme ironing,’ is a genuine hobby. For some, the thrill of combining chores with extreme sports is irresistible, but only those with an open mind will understand.
Toy Traveling
Another unusual hobby that people keep secret is toy traveling, the process of sending toys on adventures worldwide and documenting their travels. It involves photographing beloved toys in exotic settings, creating a narrative of their journey. It’s a charming way to combine travel with a touch of childhood nostalgia.
Urban Exploration
For thrill-seekers, exploring abandoned buildings, or ‘urban exploration,’ is very appealing. Also known as urbex, this hobby involves documenting hidden, decaying urban landscapes, such as abandoned mansions, homes, or hospitals. The thrill lies in uncovering the stories left behind in these neglected structures, and it’s slowly becoming more popular.
Mushroom Hunting
One of the more practical hobbies on this list is mushroom hunting, which involves foraging and identifying various species of fungi. Their fascinating ecosystems enthrall many fungi enthusiasts, as the hobby requires immense knowledge and patience. Best of all, the reward is both culinary and scientific discovery.
Sandcastle Sculpting
We’re unsure why people hide their talent for sandcastle sculpting because it looks incredible. Building intricate, large-scale sandcastles isn’t just for kids, with enthusiasts of all ages using specialized tools to craft incredible sculptures, sometimes for competitions. There’s nothing uncool about that if you ask us.
Whittling
Another unusual hobby that people keep secret is whittling, but just like with sandcastle sculpting, it’s mostly considered pretty cool. Carving intricate designs and figures from wood provides a creative outlet for many, and it requires patience, skill, and a steady hand, something that most people can appreciate.
Historical Reenactments
Anyone who is obsessed with history may be interested in historical representations, where history buffs dress up in periodic attire and recreate historical events. Participants take on roles from specific eras, often forming close-knit communities. It’s a highly immersive hobby, but sadly, most people consider it to be boring.
Taxidermy
While it’s actually a surprisingly common hobby, most taxidermists hide their passion to avoid judgment from squeamish friends. Preserving and mounting animals to display in lifelike poses is certainly offputting, but it’s still an art form nonetheless. There’s an enormous amount of skill that goes into it, too.
Kite Fighting
These days, flying kites isn’t just for kids; many people love to compete in kite fighting, intentionally cutting opponents’ kite strings using kites that are specially prepared to be sharp. A lot of skill and strategy is involved, but many people write it off as ‘childish’ without truly understanding it.
Bee Keeping
In our opinion, there’s nothing to hide about beekeeping. Raising bees is a fascinating hobby, with enthusiasts having to learn about bee behavior, honey harvesting, hive management, and environmental factors. It’s a rewarding hobby that does a lot of good for our planet, yet sadly, beekeepers still hide their passion.
LARPing (Live Action Role-Playing)
Similar to historical reenactments, Immersing oneself in mythical worlds, characters, and stories through live-action role-playing is immensely popular these days. Participants create elaborate costumes, scripts, and scenarios, staying in character for entire weekends. However, not every LARP enthusiast wants to share that they dress up as trolls on weekends.
Cheese Rolling
Of all the extreme sports out there, cheese rolling is perhaps the most bizarre. It’s a British sport that involves chasing a cheese wheel down a steep hill in a chaotically dangerous race. The event has been going on for decades, yet it’s only growing more popular.
Collecting Airplane Sick Bags
Most people can agree that gathering unused airplane sick bags from various sources is a peculiar pastime. However, it’s real; collectors seek out different designs and logos, often trading with others, forming a quirky hobby that, understandably, most enthusiasts are unwilling to tell their friends about.
Soap Carving
While soap carving is certainly stranger than whittling, it’s still a creative and skillful way to spend your time. Artists craft beautiful miniature sculptures from soap bars, and best of all, they smell amazing. It’s not for everyone, but it offers a relaxing and fragrant way to pass the time.
Extreme Couponing
One of the more amusing hobbies on this list is extreme couponing, the process of clipping coupons and strategically shopping to maximize savings. People find it a thrilling challenge, dedicating hours to finding deals. It’s harmless, but enthusiasts still hide it, usually because judgmental onlookers see the hobby as cheap.
Building Miniature Models
Many people construct detailed miniature models of buildings, vehicles, and scenes, and it’s not easy. It’s a meticulous activity that requires staggering patience, precision, and a keen eye for detail. Enthusiasts often create realistic, intricate worlds on a small scale, and upon seeing one, critics will quickly see the appeal.
Dungeons and Dragons
Much like LARPing, Dungeons and Dragons is an immersive fantasy hobby that has been popular for decades. Friends will gather together to role-play through mythical adventures, and even the tiniest details are carefully thought through. It’s creative, educational, and fun, making it sad that dungeon masters hide their skills.
Collecting Hotel Do Not Disturb Signs
One of the most bizarre hobbies on this list is gathering “Do Not Disturb” signs from hotels, although it’s not as strange as collecting sick bags. For some strange reason, collectors appreciate the varied designs and the stories behind each sign. They love it, so to each their own.