The new year is here, and with it comes the annual tradition of making resolutions we’re only kind of excited about. Eat more veggies. Save more money. Organize the junk drawer. Yawn.
What if, this year, your resolution was all about learning something new and different? Sure, you could pick up knitting or start learning the guitar—and we’re not knocking those classics—but why not branch out into something a little more unexpected? Something like making your own honey with your new backyard apiary or learning the tango (yes, you could be that person at weddings).
This list is for anyone ready to take the road less traveled. Let’s dive into seven hobbies (plus some additional honorable mentions) that’ll have you saying, “I didn’t know that was a thing, but I’m in!”
1. WOODTURNING
Woodturning is a craft that involves spinning a piece of wood on a lathe and using tools to shape it into anything—bowls, vases, pens, jewelry, rolling pins, magic wands, decorative art pieces, you name it! This ancient craft has been around since about 500 A.D., so you’d join a rich tradition of artisans.
For Green Bay locals, the NWTC Artisan Center has you covered. They offer woodturning classes for all skill levels—from beginners to intermediate and advanced crafters ready to tackle more specific projects. Classes are offered year-round. Take a look at the schedule and register for classes here.
2. BEEKEEPING
Beekeeping, or apiculture, is the art of maintaining and caring for bee colonies. While it might sound like a niche hobby, it’s gaining popularity for good reason. Beekeepers get to connect with nature, support their local environment, and, of course, enjoy the sweet reward of their hard work—honey.
Buzz on into this fascinating world with an intro class presented by the Brown County Beekeepers Association on January 18th on NWTC’s campus. This group of dedicated beekeepers has more than a century of history in the area and are the Green Bay experts on all things beekeeping.
Want to learn more before committing? Head to the Weyers-Hilliard branch of the Brown County Library in Howard on February 10th for The Buzz on Bees. A Brown County Beekeepers Association presenter will share insights on honeybees and native bees, their importance to our ecosystem, and what you can do to help them thrive.
3. PICKLEBALL
Part ping-pong, part tennis, and part badminton, the sport of pickleball has skyrocketed in popularity over the last few years, and it’s a great activity to get into if you want to get moving more but aren’t really into the whole gym thing. You certainly don’t have to be a fitness buff to enjoy it, and it’s easy for beginners to pick up. Plus, it’s an amazing way to meet new people and become part of a community. You’ll be having so much fun chasing that ball around that you’ll forget you’re exercising.
Here are some places you can get started playing pickleball in the Green Bay area:
Edison Park: In the warmer months, head over to Edison Park on the city’s east side and enjoy a game on one of the 10 pickleball courts.
Western Racquet & Fitness Club: Featuring 8 indoor courts at its sister location in De Pere, Western Racquet has something for every level of player, whether you want a membership, a punch card, or just to drop in for a casual game.
East Side YMCA: With 3 indoor courts, the YMCA is the spot for tournaments and events geared toward all levels of players. (Membership is required.)
Green Bay Tennis Club: This venue has open play times throughout the week and options for both members and non-members, with punch cards and memberships available.
The Picklr: Opening February 2025, this brand-new members-only pickleball club will feature 7 courts and offer coaching, lessons, leagues, tournaments, drop-in play, and court reservations.
4. FORAGING
Foraging is the age-old practice of searching for and collecting wild plants, herbs, and fungi for food and medicine. Kind of like grocery shopping, but the aisles are the great outdoors! Foraging is an opportunity to connect more deeply with the land, learn about native ecosystems, and discover the abundance of edible and medicinal treasures hiding in plain sight.
Plus, foraging fosters a sense of mindfulness and appreciation for the environment—a perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of modern life!
In Green Bay, Inspired North is the go-to resource for anyone looking to dive into the world of foraging. Founded by ethnobotanist and herbalist Crystal Brown, Inspired North offers classes and outdoor experiences designed to help you build confidence in identifying, harvesting, and preparing wild foods. Winter sessions are focused on how to process and use foraged herbs and plants, and spring, summer, and fall classes take you into Green Bay’s parks and beyond to identify and gather. Learn more on their website.
5. ASTRONOMY
If you’ve ever looked up at the night sky and felt a mix of awe and curiosity, astronomy might just be the hobby for you! Hobbyist astronomers explore the universe by stargazing, visiting observatories, learning about celestial events, and dabbling in astrophotography. It’s a hobby that combines science, wonder, and the thrill of discovery!
The Neville Public Museum Astronomy Club (NPMAS) is an excellent way to dive into this celestial pastime. With a mission to connect amateur astronomers, NPMAS offers resources, events, and community support to help enthusiasts of all levels explore the night sky.
Membership includes access to loaner telescopes, a library of astronomy resources, tons of events, and observation nights throughout the year. One major perk is access to the Parmentier Observatory in Brillion on designated nights, where you get to experience the wonders of the night sky using the state-of-the-art 30” classical Cassegrain telescope with a 6” Astrophysics refractor (don’t worry, we don’t know what that means either, but we can’t wait to find out)!
Learn more about meetings and events and sign up on the Neville’s website. Meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month from 6:30pm – 8:30pm and are open to the public.
6. BALLROOM DANCING
Channel your inner Patrick Swayze or Jennifer Grey a la Dirty Dancing and become the ballroom star you’ve always imagined!
Known as “partnership dancing,” ballroom dancing involves two people moving together in harmony, whether it’s an elegant waltz or a fiery cha-cha. With tons of different styles to learn—samba, hustle, swing, tango, and more—there’s something for everyone. Time to groove right out of that corner and hit the dance floor!
If you like a group setting, try Green Bay Ballroom. They offer group classes tailored to all skill levels, from absolute beginners to seasoned dancers. You’ll start with the basics and work your way through their programs, building confidence as you go. They also offer specialized classes focused on specific dances like the rumba, hustle, and cha-cha.
For more personalized instruction, consider private lessons at Fred Astaire Studios or Studio 303, where professional instructors will help you master the moves at your own pace.
7. GENEALOGY RESEARCH
Do you know who your ancestors were? Humble dairy farmers? German immigrants? Fur trappers? Secret agents? Genealogy research is your ticket to uncovering all those hidden stories, helping you connect with your past in a way that can be both surprising and inspiring. If you’ve ever felt a bit curious about your family tree, now’s the perfect time to dig into some local resources that can guide you on your journey.
In Green Bay, there are several excellent places to explore your family’s history and uncover new stories you can bring to the next family reunion:
Brown County Library’s Local History and Genealogy Department: Since 1974, this department has been the go-to place for genealogy enthusiasts. With over 10,000 print volumes and 4,400 reels of microfilm, it’s a feast for anyone looking to trace their roots. Whether you’re looking for family records or regional history, this is a great place to start.
UW-Green Bay’s Archival Collections: These collections include original manuscripts and government records, including pre-1907 birth, marriage, and death records, citizenship/naturalization records, court records, probate records, tax rolls, and much more. They also have many online searchable indexes so you can start your investigations right in the comfort of your own home.
De Pere Historical Society: The White Pillars Museum in De Pere houses the society’s Museum Archive & Research System, which is available to members and the general public by appointment. Here you can access a range of documents, including newspapers, maps, ledgers, and photographs.
The Diocese of Green Bay: If your ancestors were part of the Catholic community in Northeastern Wisconsin, the Diocese has a wealth of sacramental records (baptisms, marriages, burials) dating back to the 1830s. In addition to these, you can find membership records, church histories, and anniversary booklets that can help fill in the gaps in your family’s religious history in the region.
THE LIST NEVER ENDS!
There are so many hobbies to do in Green Bay, that the list never really ends. Here are a few “bonus” hobbies you may want to try this year!
Birdwatching: Green Bay is a hot spot for birdwatching because of the diversity of habitats. See hundreds of species throughout the area at places like Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve, Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, Cofrin Memorial Arboretum, the Fox River Trail, and the Ken Euers Nature Area.
Ship-watching: Yes, that’s right. Green Bay has a robust community of ship watchers who love tracking, identifying, and observing the vessels that come into port. Each ship has unique features, history, and stories, so this is a great hobby for history buffs. Check out the Port of Green Bay’s Facebook page and ship tracking page for more info.
Tabletop Gaming: Dungeons & Dragons, Pokemon, Magic, Settlers of Catan, Wingspan—there’s a big world of tabletop games waiting for you. Check out the Green Bay Gamers subreddit for board game meetups and Gnome Games for regular events.
Cave Restoration: The volunteers from the Wisconsin Speleological Society have a mission; to restore the natural beauty of one of the largest caves at Marbiel Caves (just 25 minutes outside the city). Join volunteers in the warmer months and help excavate the cave named “New Hope.” Learn more here.
