hobby

/ˈhɒ.bi/noun

Something a person does for pleasure in their free time.

Example sentence

“Painting is her favorite hobby on weekends.”

You 'take up' a hobby when you start one. 'Pastime' is a close synonym with a slightly more old-fashioned feel.

Related words

fitnessThe quality of being suitable or right for a particular purpose.championSomeone who keeps winning a competition or contest.workoutA session of physical exercise.scoreThe number of points, goals, or runs each side has in a game or competition.marathonA long-distance running race covering 42.195 kilometres, or about 26 miles.matchAn organized sporting contest between opponents, such as a football game, a boxing bout, or a game of cricket.