If you ask me, fall is not only a season—it’s a state of mind. Even if temps are still warm (or dare I say hot), there is a mental shift that happens every year once September rolls around. Fall is about the pep in your step that comes with the start of a new school year and the sudden urge to redecorate your space and reset your routines. It’s also about embracing all things cosy, especially when it comes to leisure time. If summer hobbies are all about being outside and soaking up the sun, fall hobbies are about staying in and cosying up—regardless of the weather.

If you’re looking to switch up your downtime, or you just want to try something new (while wearing your comfiest loungewear obviously), read on for 18 cosy hobbies that are perfect to start in the fall.

1. Learn how to cook

One of the best parts of cooler weather is the warm, decadent recipes made from seasonal ingredients. Creamy soups, rich pasta, pumpkin-and-butternut squash everything—the options are endless. Crack open a fall cookbook (or scroll through our vast recipe collection) and choose a few recipes to try throughout the season. They can be as simple or as elaborate as you like, and by the time winter rolls around, you’ll hopefully have some new cooking chops to show off during the holidays.

2. Start scrapbooking

In the digital age, scrapbooking has become something of a lost art, but it’s a wonderful way to preserve memories while tapping into your creative side. Print out some of your favourite photos from 2024 and start by creating a page for each month. By next year, you’ll be grateful you took the time to create a tangible way to revisit your memories.

3. Complete an activity book

Back in the day, one of my favourite pastimes was diving into a word search, crossword, or sudoku puzzle book. Now, my routine has shifted to the daily NYT games, but nothing quite compares to the thrill of a classic activity book. If you’re looking to reduce screen time and pick up a hobby that exercises your brain—without leaving the couch—this is an excellent choice.

4. Get back into reading

Fall reading inspires comfy armchairs, soft throws, and oversized hoodies—which sounds like the perfect vibe to me. Reading is a suitable hobby for any time of year, but fall is a great time to curl up with a book, especially if you didn’t get a chance to dive into any beach reads over the summer. Not sure where to begin? Here are some cosy fall book recommendations to get you started.

5. Try jewellery making

With the charm bracelet and necklace revival in full swing, it’s the perfect time to start your jewellery project. Keep it simple with the nostalgic yarn friendship bracelets from childhood, or invest in supplies to create some truly fashion-forward pieces. You’ll pick up a fun new hobby to keep your hands busy and end up with some fabulous new accessories.

6. Play some board games

I’m all for vegging out on the couch after work, but sometimes it’s good to put away the screens, especially if you’ve spent the workday in front of a laptop. Playing board games is an ideal after-work hobby you can do by yourself or with friends, with no phones required. Monopoly, anyone?

7. Bake a new recipe

Fall is the prime time for baking. Pumpkin bread, apple pie, ginger snaps, and cider doughnuts are just a few seasonal treats that come to mind, and making them yourself is a great way to chill out. Plus, you’ll be left with delicious goodies to share with family and friends.

8. Try candle or soap-making

Some of the best hobbies you can do at home involve creating something. This time of year, why not try your hand at making candles or soap? Candle-making is a great way to upcycle jars or any pretty glass containers (thrift stores are full of them!), and homemade soap is perfect for cosy baths on chilly nights. There are tons of kits out there with all the tools you’ll need to get started! Keep your creations for yourself, or save them for the holidays to send as DIY gifts.

9. Pick up needlework

The word “needlework” might make you think of Victorian-era women in sitting rooms—or maybe just your grandma—but I’m here to tell you that this old-school hobby is worth a shot. Knitting, crocheting, embroidery, and punch needling are all great ways to keep your hands busy and create something beautiful this fall. There are so many fun patterns and prints to choose from, as well as kits that’ll help you get started. Plus, you can start making your own scarves or knit blankets for the upcoming winter season.