I’ve talked before about how to create new habits that can help create a healthier lifestyle, such as increasing exercise, getting more sleep, and eating more protein. But have you ever thought about the health benefits of learning a fun new skill?
Learning new things keeps our minds sharp and healthy, which is important as we age. Not only does it exercise your brain, but it’s a great way to help your mental health. Learning a new skill can give you and your child confidence, plus the added benefit of having a new hobby! Hobbies are a creative outlet for you to express yourself and help reduce stress.
Find time to study
Due to our busy schedule, it may be difficult to register for in-person classes. You might think that learning a new skill is expensive. Luckily, you can take online courses from the comfort of your own home (in your pajamas!). Some of these courses are even accessible via app, so you can learn something while you wait in your car!
I’ve put together a list of cool skills you can learn from online classes—from hobbies like crocheting, to learning a foreign language, to life skills like how to budget or change a flat tire. Find someone you like to improve your skills and have some fun!
18 Useful and Fun Online Learning Skills
There is so much information available for free or at reasonable prices that going to school to learn many skills can seem like a waste of time and money. I have taken some of these online courses with my kids over the past few years. We learned some fun skills like solving magic cubes, cooking, the basics of digital photography and how to become a better chess player.
The best part?
We have done a few of these classes together and they are a great way for families to spend time together. Each year, our plan is for the family to learn a new skill every few months.
Some of my favorite places to take online courses include Udemy, Skillshare, and Wondrium. These websites offer a large number of courses that you can take at very reasonable prices. If you don’t see something you like in this list, search for what you want to learn!
Once you find a class you want to take, all you need to do is grab some supplies (you can even order them on Amazon so you don’t have to leave your home!). Then you can gain some new useful skills.
1. How to solve the magic cube
While we were growing up, my brother learned how to solve the magic cube and eventually could do it in under a minute! I’m certainly not that fast yet, but my three oldest children and I can finally solve a basic 3×3 magic square. This great skill is a fun thing you can use to impress your loved ones!
To learn, you need a basic 3×3 Magic Cube (this is our favorite) and the 4-Day Mastering Magic Cube course.
2. Learn to draw
I have always loved drawing, but I found that teaching this skill to my children was harder than I thought. We all enjoyed taking art classes together and I learned some new skills. I was amazed at the pictures we created!
To learn, you’ll need paper and markers, a pen or pencil, and a course called “Secrets of Drawing.”
3. Learn to play an instrument
I have horrible memories of taking piano lessons with a grumpy teacher who had bad breath. I decided to try again and this time I tried to remember how to play the piano with the help of Pianoforall and the Hoffman Institute. Want to learn a different instrument like banjo, fiddle, ukulele, or something else? Check out Wondruim’s musical instrument products.
To learn, you’ll need a tool of your choice (you can probably find it on Amazon). Check out the memberships on these sites for some fun teaching.
4. How to play chess (or improve)
My grandmother taught me chess when I was a child and I have always loved it. She never let me win either. Beating her was one of the greatest achievements of my life because both my grandparents were in Mensa and she is such a lady! Now, I enjoy playing and learning with my own children.
To learn, you need a chess board and the course “Chess: From Beginner to Advanced at Breaking Speed”.
5. Basic knowledge of sewing
I have a lot of friends who wish they could sew. I am so grateful for my mom and the endless patience she taught me as a child, but for those who didn’t have the opportunity…there is still time to learn! There are some great online sewing classes out there and you can learn to sew in just a few weeks!
To learn, you’ll need a sewing machine (which we have), fabric, and the Startup Library: Sewing course.
6. How to train your dog
I know several people who joke that their dogs are just wild animals living in their homes. I realized my dog had been doing this too. They’re not mean or harmful, but they also don’t like to sit, stay, come over, or get things… let alone do anything fancier. It turns out you can train your dog at home, and it’s much easier than it looks!
To learn, you need a dog and the Science-Based Dog Training (With Affection) course.
7. How to sing
I admit I have reservations about this. This was one of my New Year’s experiments a few years ago. I love it! I’ve always wanted to improve my singing, but never had the chance to take lessons. (The course promises that anyone can sing!).
To learn, you need yourself and a “How to Sing” course.
8. Photography Master Class
I’ve always wanted to become a better photographer. If you look at my earliest blog photos, you’ll see that I did make some progress. I am excited to learn how to improve my photography skills through this course.
To learn, you’ll need a digital SLR camera and Photography Masterclass: Your Complete Guide to Photography.
9. Ways to learn faster
Learning faster is a valuable skill that everyone can use! I talk about specific speed reading tools that my kids use in this post about our favorite homeschool tools , but there are also some great online courses that can help with the process.
To learn, you need yourself and the course “Become a Super Learner 2: Learn to Read Fast and Improve Your Memory.”
10. How to draw like a pro
My kids wanted to learn how to draw, so for a few years we added it as one of the lessons in our homeschool curriculum. Not only did they learn how to paint, but they also studied Impressionism. I love their artwork and enjoy displaying it around the house.
To learn, you will need oil or acrylic paint and the course “Impressionism – Painting this Farmhouse in Oil or Acrylic Paint”.
11. Basics of music theory
Music theory is helpful in learning any instrument, and although I learned it as a child, I didn’t have the memory to teach it well. Our family is using online classes so the kids can learn and I can review!
To study, you need the course “Music Theory Comprehensive Complete!” (levels 1, 2 and 3). “
12. Learn a new language
Learning a new language is a great way to prepare for traveling abroad or simply broaden your horizons and brain. If you want to help your child learn a new language, visit Talkbox.mom. They promise you can help your family learn the language even if you don’t! Not only do they have the typical French and Spanish, but they even have Hebrew, Romanian, Korean, and more.
To learn, check out the courses on Talkbox.mom and get started.
13. How to create YouTube videos
Want to make money by working online? This course helps you learn how to create a YouTube channel. You’ll find everything you need to succeed, including shooting your video, writing your script, and video editing so you can take your video to the next level.
To learn, you’ll need video equipment and the YouTube Success: Script, Shoot & Edit with MKBHD course on Skillshare.
14. Teach your children life skills
Do you want to help your child learn budgeting, money management, problem solving, how to be independent, work and career skills, and more? See #LifeSkillsNow for online lessons for your child. Their classes provide your child with practical and essential skills. They even cover basic first aid, how to change a flat tire and how to arrange a bouquet.
To learn, sign up for one of these mods (or both!) at #LifeSkillsNow.
15. Learn new creative skills
Always wanted to know how to do calligraphy or origami? How about magic and card tricks? How about hip-hop or juggling for beginners? Always wanted to DIY a crochet blanket? These creative skills can be a fun outlet for you and your children to practice in your free time, and they can provide entertainment and some even provide a few laughs. You might just find a new hobby!
To study you will need any necessary supplies and search here for the course you want to study.
16. Introduction to beekeeping
Have you always wanted to keep bees? This course is a great way to learn about beekeeping. It will provide you with step-by-step guidance to build the confidence to start this new hobby. You can enjoy fresh honey and help the planet at the same time!
To learn more, check out NewBee University’s Introduction to Beekeeping.
17. Learn Graphic Design at Canva
Always wanted to learn graphic design? This is another great side hustle and way to make extra money from home! There are many online courses ranging from basics all the way up to expert level. Check out the course that teaches you Canva and you’ll save money on the software.
To learn, you’ll need a computer, a free Canva account, and the Complete Canva Course course.
18. Teach your kids to cook
We cook together as a family, and as my kids have gotten older, they’ve been able to take on some of the responsibility themselves. They took some classes to teach them the basics of cooking which was well worth it. Not only do they learn to cook for themselves, they learn how to cook healthily!
To learn, you’ll need kitchen tools, ingredients, and the Cooking Real Food for Kids online course.
There are many online classes where you and your family can learn cool skills, find new hobbies, build confidence, and spend time together! Just pick something you’ve always wanted to learn and get started.
Have you ever wanted to learn a skill but found it too difficult? Have you tried a new skill and found a new hobby that you enjoy?
